ES2975339A1 - DEVICE FOR UNIFICATION OF TEMPERATURE IN AN ENCLOSURE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention refers to a device that can be attached to an air conditioning unit (1) in which, when the temperature sensor registers a temperature higher than a certain value, the thermostat (8) closes the second and third flaps (6, 15). and open the first and fourth hatches (5, 16) so that the cold air leaves the device through the upper grille (13) and returns to the air conditioning unit (1) through the lower air access (18) accessing through the grille lower (14), and when the temperature sensor marks a temperature lower than a certain value, the thermostat (8) closes the first and fourth hatches (5, 16) and opens the second and third hatches (6, 15) so that The hot air leaves the device through the lower grille (14) and returns to the air conditioning unit (1) through the upper air access (17), accessing through the upper grille (13). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

DEVICE FOR UNIFYING TEMPERATURE IN A ROOM

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, as expressed in the title of this specification, refers to a device for unifying the temperature in a room, which has been designed to avoid the classic temperature stratification that occurs in a room or compartment when an air conditioning unit is put into operation, where both the air outlets and returns are established in the upper area of the room.

Therefore, the object of the invention is to achieve, in the shortest possible time and with minimum energy expenditure, the optimum comfort of a room when cold air or hot air from an air conditioning unit is being applied to it.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

As is known, air conditioning systems or equipment, regardless of whether they are for cooling or heating, whether they operate in cold or hot conditions, apply air to the room through a grille located in the upper area, close to the ceiling, so that the return is also made through the upper area.

Well, as a consequence of this return air collection at the top, when the equipment is operating as a cooling system, the cold produced reaches the lower area, so the room cools more in said lower area, producing environmental stratification in the room itself, which forces the equipment to consume a high amount of energy to equalize the ambient temperature and make this stratification disappear as far as possible, that is, to achieve a comfortable environment throughout the room.

In the case where the equipment works as a heating system, the same thing happens but in reverse, that is, the hot air that is driven by the grille located at the top will first occupy the area immediately close to the ceiling, also producing stratification, although in this case more accentuated because the hot air tends to rise or, at least, remain in the upper area, so the lower area will be colder and to achieve comfort or equalize the temperature between the upper and lower areas, the air conditioning equipment must be working longer than necessary, with the consequent expenditure of energy.

As for humidity, when the air conditioning unit is working in cooling mode, the cold produced by the unit comes out at 100% humidity and reaches the lower area, so that as it heats up once it enters the room, it acquires a greater capacity to admit humidity, interacting with the elements found in the room and dehydrating them. The air conditioning unit collects the air from the upper, warmer part. It works harder to cool it, producing the evacuation of excess water from the cooling, dehydrating the air even more.

In heating mode, when the air is heated, its humidity is reduced and when it is distributed throughout the room, the air has the capacity to admit more humidity, dehydrating the surrounding elements.

Therefore, in accordance with the above, operation in cold or hot conditions requires the equipment to consume more energy to reach and maintain the desired temperature in the room, since a temperature stratification is established in the room that must be compensated to achieve the comfort of the room itself.

Obviously, the stratification will also depend on the thermal insulation of the building and the time that the equipment must remain in operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The installation object of the invention has some peculiarities based on which an optimal comfort of a room is achieved in a minimum time, with air quality and without stratification and a homogeneous humidity, both in cold operation, as well as in heat operation.

In this sense, the installation of the invention is characterized by comprising two ducts, one with an outlet corresponding to the lower part of the enclosure and another at the top.

On the other hand, it has been planned that between these ducts and the air conditioning unit itself, four motorized flaps are mounted, which are placed so that, depending on whether the air conditioning unit is set to cool or heat, they establish an exhaust air channel at the top in case of cold, and collection or return at the bottom; or, in the case of heat, they establish an exhaust air channel at the bottom and collection or return at the top.

In this way, the comfort of the room is achieved in less time, which means that the energy expenditure for the operation of the air conditioning equipment will be reduced. In other words, the energy saving compared to conventional systems that do not incorporate the installation or ducts referred to is 65% and this is due to the fact that the cold or heat that accumulates both in the lower part and in the upper part is recovered for use without allowing this energy to stratify in the room, significantly reducing the consumption produced once the desired comfort temperature has been achieved in the room itself.

The installation is applicable to replace current installations in homes, premises, shops, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, etc., that is, in all those places where ducts and split-type equipment are used for air distribution in the premises.

It is also worth mentioning that rooms or habitats with a high number of people and the installation of the invention are more beneficial, since it prevents stratification and dehydration, which is very common when that room or habitat is occupied by a high number of people with conventional systems.

Finally, the advantages obtained by applying the temperature unification device include a significant reduction in consumption, up to 65% of the air conditioning equipment, since less energy is needed to maintain the temperature because the energy from the hot air that reaches the ceiling or the cold air on the floor is redirected to the circuit. In other words, more moderate and efficient temperatures are achieved throughout the room without stratification, and closely related to the energy expenditure required at any given time.

In summary, the device of the invention is intended to be coupled to an air conditioning unit that incorporates an upper and a lower air access channel.

The device comprises a supply section, connected to the air outlet of the air conditioning unit, where a thermostat and a temperature sensor are located. It also comprises an upper duct and a lower duct, connected respectively to the supply section by means of a first trap door and a second trap door and to the room to be air conditioned by means of an upper air grille and a lower air grille.

The upper duct is connected to the upper air access channel of the air conditioning unit through a third hatch, while the lower duct is connected to a lower air access channel of the air conditioning unit through a fourth hatch.

At least one motor is connected to a trap door to be operated, so that all four trap doors could be activated by a single motor.

The thermostat is programmed to activate as many motors as are connected to the flaps depending on the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor.

With the configuration described, once the air conditioning unit starts to operate, when the temperature sensor indicates a temperature higher than a certain value, the thermostat closes the second and third flaps and opens the first and fourth flaps so that the cold air leaves the device through the upper grille and returns to the air conditioning unit through the lower air inlet by accessing through the lower grille. On the other hand, when the temperature sensor indicates a temperature lower than a certain value, the thermostat closes the first and fourth flaps and opens the second and third flaps so that the hot air leaves the device through the lower grille and returns to the air conditioning unit through the upper air inlet by accessing through the upper grille.

The device of the invention may also incorporate a humidistat, a humidity sensor and a humidifier, such that the humidistat activates the humidifier to generate humidity when the humidity sensor reaches a certain value that has been programmed in advance.

The device may comprise two motors for independent operation of the first and fourth flaps, on the one hand, and of the second and third flaps, on the other hand. In this way, simultaneous closing and opening of the first and fourth flaps and of the second and third flaps is established.

The device can also have a configuration where each flap is connected to a motor.

Finally, the device can also be configured so that the flaps are mechanically connected and driven by a single motor. In this way, when the first and fourth flaps open, the second and third flaps close and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

To complement the description that will be made below and in order to assist in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to this descriptive report, based on which the innovations and advantages of the installation object of the invention will be more easily understood.

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the device of the invention located on an air conditioning unit.

- Figure 2 represents a side section view showing a corresponding operating diagram when the air conditioning equipment is producing heat.

- Figure 3 represents a side section view showing a corresponding operating diagram when the air conditioning equipment is producing cold.

Below is a list of the references used in the figures:

1. Air conditioning equipment.

2. Upper duct.

3. Lower duct.

4. Drive section.

5. First trapdoor.

6. Second trapdoor.

7. Engine.

8. Thermostat.

9. Humidistat.

10. Temperature sensor.

11. Humidity sensor.

12. Humidifier.

13. Upper grille.

14. Lower grille.

15. Third Trapdoor.

16. Fourth trapdoor.

17. Upper access channel.

18. Lower access channel.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen in the figures referred to, the device for unifying the temperature of a room to which cold air or hot air generated by an air conditioning unit 1 is applied, comprises two independent ducts 2 and 3, an upper duct 2 and a lower duct 3, established above and below said air conditioning unit 1, specifically following a zone or impulsion section 4 onto which the air conditioning unit 1 propels the cold air or the hot air, depending on whether the operation is for cold or whether the operation is for heat. In any case, in said zone or impulsion section 4 a first flap 5 and a second flap 6 have been provided, motorized, that is, operable by means of a motor 7 associated with each of them.

The air conditioning unit 1, in addition to the air outlet area that connects to the drive section 4, comprises an upper air access channel 17 and a lower air access channel 18 through which it receives the recirculated air to re-drive it.

The device also incorporates a third flap 15 and a fourth flap 16 by means of which the air passage to the upper air access channel 17 and the lower air access channel 18 is opened or closed respectively. Like the first and second flaps 5 and 6, these flaps 15 and 16 are also motorized.

The device also has a thermostat8associated with the corresponding temperature sensor10, such that, depending on whether the air conditioning equipment1 is operating in cold or heat, it will send the signal to some or other flaps5, 6, 15 and 16 so that the motors7 act and cause the closing of some flaps5, 6, 15 and 16 and the opening of the others. The installation also incorporates a humidistat9associated with its corresponding humidity sensor11so that, depending on whether the air conditioning equipment1 is operating in cold or heat and based on humidity control, when the humidity drops below the optimal level considered, it will activate a humidifier12, to generate humidity and be able to obtain the appropriate climatic values in the room.

Specifically, if the operation of the air conditioning equipment 1 is to generate heat, then the first and fourth flaps 5 and 16 close and the second and third flaps 6 and 15 open, thereby establishing that the hot air propelled by the air conditioning equipment 1 is directed through the lower duct 3, the exit of which is provided by the lower air grill 14, while the return or collection of the hot air will be carried out from the enclosure by the upper air grill 13, will pass through the upper duct 2 to go to the upper access channel 17 from which the hot air returns again to the air conditioning equipment 1, as indicated by the arrows in figure 2.

Now, if the operation of the air conditioning equipment 1 is to generate cold air, then the second and third flaps 6 and 15 close and the first and fourth flaps 5 and 16 open, thereby establishing a channel for the cold air expelled by the air conditioning equipment 1 to be directed to the upper duct 2 whose outlet is provided by the upper air grille 13, while the return or collection of cold air will be carried out from the enclosure through the lower air grille 14, will pass through the lower duct 3 to be directed to the air conditioning equipment 1 through the lower access channel 18, as indicated by the arrows in figure 3.

In accordance with the above, and in any of the modes of operation, air stratification is avoided, thereby achieving the desired or comfort temperature very quickly, and with homogeneous humidity control, we maintain optimum air quality without harming people with lung problems, so the time and operation of the air conditioning equipment is reduced and with it the consumption or energy expenditure, being able to achieve up to 65% savings, officially certified by recognized companies, since the energy of the hot air that reaches the ceiling of the room or the energy of the cold air that reaches the floor, is redirected to the circuit of the corresponding air conditioning equipment1 generating cold or hot air.

In the preferred embodiment, it has been considered that each of the flaps 5, 6, 15 and 16 is operated by an individual motor 7. However, this does not have to be the only way. Thus, the flaps 5, 6, 15 and 16 can also be operated by a single motor 7, either through actuators, for example, or through mechanical connections that synchronize the movement of the flaps 5, 6, 15 and 16 conveniently. Another form of connection can be such that the first and fourth flaps 5 and 16, on the one hand, and the second and third flaps 6 and 15, on the other hand, are controlled by a single motor 7. In this way, one motor 7 controls the flaps 5 and 16 for operation with cold air and another motor 7 controls the flaps 6 and 15 for operation with hot air. Another form of connection may be such that the flaps 5, 6, 15 and 16 are mechanically connected and actuated by a single motor 7 so that, when the first and fourth flaps 5 and 16 open, the second and third flaps 6 and 15 close and vice versa.

Finally, it should be noted that the present invention should not be limited to the embodiment described herein. Other configurations may be made by those skilled in the art in light of the present description. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims (5)

1.- Device for the unification of temperature in a room, coupled to an air conditioning unit (1) capable of producing cold and heat, comprising an upper air access channel (17) and a lower air access channel (18), characterized in that it comprises: - a drive section (4), connected to the air outlet of the air conditioning unit (1), where a thermostat (8) and a temperature sensor (10) are located, - an upper duct (2) connected to the supply section (4) by means of a first trap door (5) and to the room to be air-conditioned by means of an upper air grille (13), - a lower duct (3) connected to the supply section (4) by means of a second trap door (6), and to the room to be air-conditioned by means of a lower air grille (14), where, - the upper duct (2) is connected to an upper air access channel (17) of the air conditioning unit (1) through a third hatch (15), - the lower duct (3) is connected to a lower air access channel (18) of the air conditioning unit (1) through a fourth hatch (16), - at least one motor (7) is connected to a hatch (5, 6, 15, 16), - the thermostat (8) is configured to act on the at least one motor (7) depending on the temperature marked by the temperature sensor (10), so that, - when the temperature sensor shows a temperature higher than a certain value, the thermostat (8) closes the second and third flaps (6, 15) and opens the first and fourth flaps (5,16) so that the cold air leaves the device through the upper grille (13) and returns to the air conditioning unit (1) through the lower air inlet (18) accessing through the lower grille (14), and - when the temperature sensor shows a temperature lower than a certain value, the thermostat (8) closes the first and fourth flaps (5,16) and opens the second and third flaps (6, 15) so that the hot air leaves the device through the lower grille (14) and returns to the air conditioning unit (1) through the upper air inlet (17) accessing through the upper grille (13). 2.- Device for unifying the temperature in a room, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a humidistat (9), a humidity sensor (11) and a humidifier (17), which is activated by the humidistat (9) based on the value measured by the humidity sensor (11). 3. - Device for the unification of the temperature in an enclosure, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two motors (7) for the independent operation of the first and fourth flaps (5, 16) and the second and third flaps (6, 15). 4. - Device for unifying the temperature in an enclosure, according to claim 1, characterized in that each flap (5, 6, 15, 16) is connected to a motor. 5. - Device for unifying the temperature in a room, according to claim 1, characterized in that the flaps (5, 6, 15, 16) are mechanically connected and driven by a single motor (7) such that, when the first and fourth flaps (5, 16) open, the second and third flaps (6, 15) close and vice versa.