Method for controlling the air temperature in a room and wall element for controlling the air temperature in a room

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing room air temperature control methods do not effectively provide a high level of comfort through displacement ventilation, as they lack control over air flow patterns and energy efficiency, especially in occupied zones.

Innovation Solution

A method and wall element design that routes air through a heat exchanger and adjusts flow patterns based on volume flow, transitioning between source and mixed air flows to ensure displacement ventilation in occupied zones, with air outlets strategically positioned for efficient air distribution and mixing with room air, reducing drafts and enhancing comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If air is supplied through conventional methods, then cooling effect is achieved, but displacement ventilation is not present in occupied zones resulting in low comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort levelVSAvoidair flow control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall element is divided into multiple air outlets positioned at different heights and locations (front wall, end walls, head part) to create segmented air discharge points. This segmentation enables different air flows to serve different functions: displacement ventilation through front outlets and mixing/induction through end wall outlets, thereby achieving both comfort and cooling effect without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mixed air flow from end wall outlets that acts as a mediator between the cooled air from the heat exchanger and the room air. This mixed air flow induces room air to mix with the cooled air, creating a transition zone that enhances displacement ventilation in the occupied zone while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If volume flow is increased to improve cooling performance, then cooling capacity increases, but flow pattern changes from displacement to mixed air flow reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its flow pattern based on volume flow requirements. At low volume flows, displacement ventilation dominates through front wall outlets. At high volume flows, mixed air flow from end wall outlets becomes prominent, creating induction effects that maintain energy efficiency. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize between cooling capacity and energy efficiency automatically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow pattern parameters (displacement vs. mixed air flow) based on the volume flow parameter. By adjusting the proportion of air discharged through different outlets and changing the flow characteristics, the system maintains optimal energy efficiency across different cooling capacity requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If air outlets discharge air horizontally, then air distribution is simplified, but drafts occur in occupied zones reducing comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution simplicityVSAvoiddrafts in occupied zone
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds vertical dimension to air discharge by positioning outlets at different heights and directing air flows both horizontally and vertically. Front wall outlets discharge air horizontally for displacement ventilation, while head part outlets discharge air vertically upwards to form mixing zones above the occupied zone, eliminating drafts at occupant level while maintaining distribution effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The method and wall element design achieve a high level of comfort and energy efficiency by ensuring displacement ventilation in occupied zones, reducing air speed and temperature gradients, and preventing drafts, while allowing for individual adjustments in fan speed and cooling effect to meet specific comfort needs.

Implementation Method 1

Air supplied by the air supply of the wall element passes through the heat exchanger of the wall element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

it mixes - as already mentioned - with the warm room air and thereby reduces the air speed and also its undertemperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulent mixing: Turbulence

Implementation Method 3

displacement ventilation is always present in a occupied zone of the room in front of the wall element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDisplacement ventilation: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP1970637B1Method for controlling the air temperature in a room and wall element for controlling the air temperature in a room
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 LTG AG
  • EP1970637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1970637B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1970637B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves guiding air supply of a wall element (2) through a heat exchanger (10) of the wall element to an air outlet of the wall element and is brought into a room (1). A part of air supply flow is changed into upward directed air flow depending on the volume flow of the air supply such that a displacement ventilation is provided in a residential area of the room. An independent claim is also included for a ventilation wall element, which is formed as a freestanding or mounting element.