APPARATUS FOR COOLING A BUILDING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for cooling a building by means of liquid to be fed through the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0002] A solution is known where the temperature of a space is controlled with an element arranged in it. The element comprises a channel for circulating liquid through the element. If there is a need to heat the space, hot liquid is fed to the inlet opening of the channel of the element, which liquid, when flowing in the channel, heats at least part of the element, controlling thus the temperature of the space via the element towards the temperature of the liquid, i.e. heating the space. From the outlet opening of the element, the liquid returns along pipe systems to the apparatus, where it is reheated before it is fed to the element again. Correspondingly, if there is a need to cool a space, cold liquid is fed to the channel of the element, by means of which the temperature of the element and the space can be decreased. From the outlet opening of the element, the liquid is returned to the cooling apparatus, which recools the liquid before it is fed to the element again.

[0003] An element of the above type may be arranged on the ceiling of a space, for example. The element may also comprise a flow opening for an air flow, in which case the temperature of the air flow flowing through the flow opening is controlled by means of the liquid flowing in the channel of the element. Implemented like this, the temperature control in the space can be made comfortable for living.

[0004] A problem with the above known solution is the dimensioning of the element. In order to achieve sufficient cooling in all conditions, the element must be dimensioned fairly large. This means that also the liquid circulation must be dimensioned large to guarantee a sufficient effect. The result is thus a relatively large element and, in addition, a space-consuming pipe system with which a sufficient amount of liquid can be fed into the element and removed out of the element. A large element and pipe-system increase the apparatus costs, in addition to which they require rather a large amount of space in a building, which reduces the area that can be actually utilized in the building.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the invention is to solve the above problem and to provide a solution with which a building can be cooled efficiently while minimizing the apparatus costs and the spaces required by pipe systems. This object is achieved with a solution according to independent claim 1.

[0006] In the invention, in addition to a ceiling element to be arranged in the space, also an embedded element to be arranged in a floor structure or wall structure is utilized in the cooling of a building. The term "embedded element" refers to a cooling or heating element installed inside a wall structure or floor structure to cool or heat the wall or floor. The ceiling element and the embedded element of the same space or abutting spaces being chained to the same liquid circulation in such a way that the liquid exiting the outlet opening of one of the elements is fed to the inlet opening of the other provides a solution where a larger amount than before of the cooling potential of the liquid to be circulated can be utilized. This enables the ceiling element for the space to be dimensioned smaller than in known solutions because the element does not have to be solely responsible for achieving the desired temperature in the whole space in all conditions. Owing to a smaller element, also the required liquid amount is reduced, whereby the pipe system can be dimensioned smaller than before. This results in savings in the apparatus costs, and the space required by the pipe system is also reduced.

[0007] Preferred embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention become apparent from the attached dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail by way of example, referring to the attached drawings, of which:

Figure 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a fifth preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention; and

Figure 6 illustrates a sixth preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE EMBODIMENT

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention. In the following, the embodiment of Figure 1 is described, assuming at first that a space 30 needs to be cooled. The space 30 may be formed of an individual room or alternatively a larger space, such as an open-plan office or a lounge.

[0010] An element 1 shown in Figure 1 is a ceiling element arranged in connection with intermediate ceiling elements 2. Cold liquid is fed from a cooling apparatus of the building, separate from the shown space 30, via a pipe system 3 to an inlet opening 4 of the element. The term "cold liquid" refers to liquid intended for cooling, the temperature of which is typically 10 to 20 ⁰ C. In an exemplary case, the temperature of the liquid may be 18 ⁰ C, for example. From the inlet opening 4, the cold liquid moves on into a channel 5 of the element 1 and, circulating in the channel, cools at least part of the ceiling element 1. In this example, the ceiling element 1 is provided with a flow opening 6, through which an air flow can be fed from the element 1 into the space. The liquid circulating in the channel 5 cools this air flow before the air flow ends up in the space from the flow opening 6. Neither the air flow nor the flow opening are, however, necessary for the invention but the ceiling element may also serve as a cooler, from which the cooling brought about by the flowing liquid radiates into the space without generation of an air flow.

[0011] An air flow may be generated in such a way that the element 1 is connected to the building's ventilation system, which feeds, via a pipe 7, fresh air into the space through the flow opening. Alternatively, internal air circulation of the space may be involved, in which case the element 1 may comprise a fan as well as a suction opening through which the fan sucks air from the space and feeds it, after the cooling, back to the space through the flow opening 6.

[0012] Deviating from the case of Figure 1 , the air flow flowing through the flow opening may also be a secondary flow. In such a case, the fresh air flow of the ventilation system of the building into the space generates

through the element a secondary flow, the temperature of which is controlled (heated or cooled) in the element by means of liquid flowing in the channel before the secondary flow ends up in the space via the flow opening in the element. For instance elements arranged on the ceiling for cooling the air in the space always cause a secondary flow. Secondary air refers to air of the space which induces through the element and is cooled or heated up by the element.

[0013] During the circulation in the channel 5, the liquid having heated up slightly (a few degrees) is removed via an outlet opening 8 into a feed pipe system 9. In the prior art solutions, this feed pipe system 9 returns the liquid to the cooling apparatus of the building for recooling. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , by contrast, this feed pipe system 9 feeds the liquid returning from the ceiling element 1 to the embedded element of the same space 30. In this example, the embedded element is specifically a floor element 11 arranged in the floor structure 10, the liquid being fed to the inlet opening 12 of the floor element.

[0014] The floor element 11 comprises a channel 13, through which the liquid flows, cooling the floor element 11 and the floor structure 10 surrounding the floor element before exiting the floor element via an outlet opening 14. The liquid exiting via the outlet opening 14 is led via a pipe system 15 to the cooling apparatus of the building for recooling. The floor element 11 can be, in practice, implemented with prior art solutions, for example by arranging at a desired point in the floor structure a winding plastic pipe through which the liquid is fed.

[0015] Owing to the floor element 11 , a desired part of the floor in the space can be cooled or heated, depending on the temperature of the liquid used. In respect of heating, the point for which floor heating is typically wished for is located at the outer wall and particularly at a window 18. Thus, a sufficient heating effect can be directed precisely at this point by means of the floor-heating element 11. Owing to the floor element 11 , the ceiling element 1 does not have to be dimensioned so large that it would provide the required temperature (cooling or heating) at a particular point also on the floor level. Owing to the floor element, the required cooling or heating is achieved with a relatively low capacity.

[0016] The apparatus of Figure 1 also comprises a thermostat 16 and a control unit 17. The control unit 17 may be integrated in the element 1 , as shown in Figure 1 , or alternatively a control unit separate from the element

1 can be used. In the case of Figure 1 , the control unit 17 comprises for instance a valve for throttling the liquid circulation as well as an electronic unit which, on the basis of the set value of the thermostat 16 and the measured temperature values, controls the flow-throttling valve to throttle the liquid circulation and thus to control the temperature. Hence, both the liquid circulation of the element 1 and the liquid circulation of the floor element 11 are throttled.

[0017] The control unit 17 may further control other devices arranged in connection with the element 1. Such devices may include a fan or illuminators, for example.

[0018] If there is a need to heat the space shown in Figure 1 , this takes place in the way described above with the exception that instead of cold liquid it is hot liquid that is circulated in the pipe systems shown. It is feasible that the circulation of hot liquid is implemented with the same pipes as the cold-liquid circulation. Alternatively, the element 1 , floor element 11 and/or building may have different pipe systems and channels for hot and cold liquids.

[0019] Above it has been presented, by way of example, that the ceiling element 1 is arranged specifically in connection with an intermediate ceiling. This is, however, only an example. In accordance with the invention, it is also feasible that the element is a ceiling element which is merely attached to the ceiling without being in connection with an intermediate ceiling (an intermediate ceiling is not necessary for the invention).

[0020] It is feasible that the direction of liquid flow is opposite to what is shown by arrows in connection with the pipe systems in Figure 1. In this case as well, the ceiling element 1 and the floor element 11 are chained, i.e. arranged in the same liquid circulation. However, the floor element 11 is here first in the direction of liquid circulation and only after that comes the ceiling element 1 arranged in the space.

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of Figure 2 corresponds to a great extent to the embodiment of Figure 1 , due to which the embodiment of Figure 2 will now be explained mainly by bringing forth differences between the embodiments.

[0022] In the embodiment of Figure 2, the apparatus comprises at least one valve 20 and a bypass pipe 21. Thus, the valve 20 and the bypass pipe 21 allow the liquid flow through the floor element 11 to be interrupted while the liquid flow through the ceiling element 1 continues. One alternative to achieve this is to use a three-way valve as the valve 20, positioned in the feed

pipe system 9 between the outlet opening 8 of the element 1 and the inlet opening 12 of the floor element 11 to interrupt the flow path to the inlet opening 12 of the floor element and to feed, instead, the liquid flow via the bypass pipe 21 to the return pipe 15.

[0023] The embodiment of Figure 2 is preferable if it is desirable to enable the use of the ceiling element 1 positioned in the space 30 without simultaneous use of the floor element 11. One option is that the control unit 17 controls the valve 20 in such a way that only the ceiling element 1 is in use as long as a portion of the heating or cooling capacity of the apparatus which is below a given limit value (e.g. below 70%) is in use. Not until the limit value is exceeded will the floor element switch on to contribute to the heating or cooling of the space.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of Figure 3 corresponds to a great extent to the embodiment of Figure 2, due to which the embodiment of Figure 3 will now be described mainly by bringing forth differences between the embodiments.

[0025] The embodiment of Figure 3 deviates from the embodiment of Figure 2 in that the direction of liquid circulation is opposite. Thus, in the direction of liquid circulation, the floor element 11 ' is before the ceiling element 1 ' arranged in the space 30.

[0026] Due to the deviating direction of liquid circulation, the valve 20 and the bypass pipe system 21 , via which the liquid flow can be interrupted in the floor element 11 ' while the liquid flow continues in the ceiling element 1 ', are located in different places than in Figure 2. In the case of Figure 3, the three-way valve is arranged in the pipe 15 before the inlet opening 12 of the floor element 11 '. The bypass pipe 21 , in turn, controls the flow from the inlet pipe into the feed pipe system 9 between the floor element 11 ' and the ceiling element 1 ' when the control unit 17 has closed the flow to the floor element 11 ' with the three-way valve.

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of Figure 4 corresponds to a great extent to the embodiment of Figure 1 , due to which the embodiment of Figure 4 will now be described mainly by bringing forth differences between the embodiments.

[0028] Figure 4 shows four abutting spaces 31 to 34. In this example, the abutting spaces 31 to 34 are spaces on floors located on top of each other in a block of flats. Deviating from the embodiment of Figure 1 , liquid is

not circulated between the ceiling element 1 and the floor element 11 of the same space but between the ceiling element 1 and the floor element 11 of different spaces. It is seen from Figure 4 that this may be implemented by combining the outlet opening 8 of the ceiling element 1 of the first space 31 by means of the feed pipe system 9 with the inlet opening 12 of the floor element 11 of the second space 32 abutting on the first space and located above it. This simplifies the implementation of the feed pipe system 9 because there is no longer a need to extend the feed pipe system between the floor and the ceiling of the same space but it is sufficient that it extends from the ceiling element 1 of the first space 31 located lower to the floor element 11 of the second space 32 located higher.

[0029] Deviating from Figure 4, the flow direction may be opposite, in other words from the floor element 11 of the second space 32 to the ceiling element 1 of the first space 31.

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates a fifth preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention. The embodiment of Figure 5 corresponds to a great extent to the embodiment of Figure 4, due to which it will now be described mainly by bringing forth differences between the embodiments.

[0031] In the embodiment of Figure 5, the feed pipe system 9 combining the ceiling element 1 of a first space 35 with the floor element 11 of a second space 36 comprises three-way valves 37 and 38 with which thermostats 16' of the first and the second space, respectively, can control the liquid flow to achieve the set temperature.

[0032] The thermostat 16' in the first space 35 controls the flow to the floor element 11 of the first space 35 by means of the valve 38 as well as the flow to the ceiling element 1 of the first space 35 by means of the valve 37. For instance when, in cooling, the temperature in the first space 35 is too low, the flow from the valve 38 to the floor element 11 of the first space 35 is throttled while the flow from the valve 38 to the return pipe 15 increases. Simultaneously, the flow from the valve 37 to the ceiling element 1 of the first space 35 is throttled while the flow from the valve 37 towards the floor element of the second space 36 increases. Thus, controlling the temperature in the first space 35 and in the second space 36, respectively, can be realized independently of each other.

[0033] Figure 6 illustrates a sixth preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention. The embodiment of Figure 6 corresponds to a

great extent to the embodiment of Figure 4, due to which the embodiment of Figure 6 will now be described mainly by bringing forth differences between the embodiments.

[0034] In the case of Figure 6, the embedded element is, deviating form the preceding embodiments, a wall element 11 ' arranged in a wall structure 39. Thus, the wall 39 is cooled or heated by means of this wall element 11 '. Deviating from a conventional wall radiator, the wall element is arranged completely inside the wall 39.

[0035] In the embodiment of Figure 6, the wall element is arranged in the partition wall 39. Deviating from this, it is feasible that the wall element 11 " is arranged in an exterior wall.

[0036] Deviating from Figure 6, thermostats and valves corresponding to those described with reference to the embodiment of Figure 5 may be utilized for controlling the flow in connection with the wall element 11 ". It is also feasible that the flow direction is opposite to that in Figure 6. In other words, the embedded element 11 " may, as described with reference to Figure 3, be located before the ceiling element 1.

[0037] It is to be understood that the above description and the related figures are only intended to illustrate the present invention. Different variations and modifications of the inventions will be obvious to a person skilled in the art without any deviation from the scope of the invention.