Thermal installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermotechnical systems require three wall openings for installation, increasing complexity and size, which hinders efficient use and retrofitting of heat pump systems with ventilation units.

Innovation Solution

Combining the air supply and discharge ducts of both the heat pump and ventilation devices into a single duct unit, using either the air supply or discharge duct of the heat pump as a common outlet, reducing the number of wall openings to two and allowing for seamless integration of a ventilation unit into existing heat pump systems without additional openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate wall openings are provided for air supply and air discharge ducts of both devices, then airflow paths are clearly defined, but the number of wall openings increases to three, increasing installation complexity and system size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow path definitionVSAvoidnumber of wall openings
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple ducts (air supply duct of first device, air supply and discharge ducts of second device) into a single common duct unit that opens through two wall openings instead of three separate openings. This merging reduces installation complexity while maintaining functional separation through internal duct arrangement and airflow direction control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common duct unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both air supply and air discharge pathway for different devices, accommodates multiple ducts within a single structural opening, and provides a unified interface for wall penetration while maintaining separate airflow paths internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a common duct unit is used for air supply and discharge ducts, then the number of wall openings is reduced to two, simplifying installation, but the ducts are arranged close together which may cause pneumatic short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of wall openingsVSAvoidpneumatic short circuit risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests multiple ducts within the common duct unit, arranging the air supply duct and air discharge duct in a nested or closely integrated configuration. This allows space-efficient arrangement within the constrained wall opening while maintaining functional separation through proper duct positioning and sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different spatial arrangements to different sections of the ducts within the common duct unit. The air supply duct and air discharge duct are positioned at specific locations and orientations (e.g., opposite walls or at different heights) to ensure adequate separation and prevent pneumatic short circuits while maintaining the compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration simplifies installation, reduces system size, and enables efficient heat recovery and ventilation by using existing heat pump systems with minimal modifications, while maintaining airflow integrity and allowing for heat reuse during operation.

Implementation Method 1

the first device, in this case the heat pump, is used to raise heat from the air surrounding the building from a low temperature level to a higher temperature level for use in the building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat pump: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

the second device, i.e. the ventilation device, is used on the other hand for forced ventilation of the building, with fresh ambient air being sucked in via the air supply duct and used air being discharged to the environment via the air discharge duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced ventilation: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

Air thus flows into the building, both into the air supply duct of the first device and into the air supply duct of the second device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow transport: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2913597B1Thermal installation
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 VIESSMANN GRP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2913597B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2913597B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2913597B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a thermotechnical system, comprising a first device (1) designed for installation inside a building and using the ambient air of the building, with an air supply duct (1.1) opening outside the building and with an air discharge duct (1.2) opening outside the building and a second, Device (2) designed for installation in the same building and using ambient air in the building, having an air supply duct (2.1) and an air discharge duct (2.2). According to the invention, both the air supply duct (2.1) and the air discharge duct (2.2) of the second device (2) together, optionally with the air supply duct (1.1) or with the air discharge duct (1.2) of the first device (1) as outside of the Building opening channel unit are formed.