U.S. patent application number 09/154585 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-14 for sauna ventilation system.
Invention is credited to KOMULAINEN, JORMA.
Application Number | 20010003216 09/154585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27241672 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010003216 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOMULAINEN, JORMA |
June 14, 2001 |
SAUNA VENTILATION SYSTEM
Abstract
The subject of this invention is a sauna ventilation system
which is built into the stove (1) as a single part belonging to it.
The ventilation system includes, where required, a heat recovery
unit (4), air inlet, circulation, and outlet ducts with ventilators
(16 and 21) and air filters (22), outlet and inlet air impellers
(17), air humidifier and mixture systems (19 and 20), condensed
water removal system (12 and 14) and moisture sensor equipment (15)
and operating equipment (3). The sauna fire prevention system is
also connected to the stove, which is built into, and integrated
with the stove as a single part belonging to it. The fire
prevention system includes the fire extinguishing system (59), in
which water is directed towards the location of the fire and/or its
surrounding area by spray and/or by jet. The integrated system is
controlled by the operating, regulating and programing
equipment.
Inventors: |
KOMULAINEN, JORMA; (KUOPIO,
FI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY MADISON AND SUTRO
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
1100 NEW YORK AVENUE NW
NINTH FLOOR EAST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
200053918
|
Family ID: |
27241672 |
Appl. No.: |
09/154585 |
Filed: |
September 17, 1998 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09154585 |
Sep 17, 1998 |
|
|
|
PCT/FI97/00160 |
Mar 12, 1997 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/524 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 33/063 20130101;
A62C 37/46 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/524 |
International
Class: |
A61H 033/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 18, 1996 |
FI |
961245 |
Dec 2, 1996 |
FI |
964804 |
Nov 13, 1996 |
FI |
964541 |
Claims
1. A sauna ventilation system which is attached to a stove as a
single part belonging to it and integral to it.
2. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 1, to which belong
a heat exchanger in which incoming air (6) is arranged to be
pre-heated by extracted air (9). to the heat exchanger belong a
heat exchanger equipment, which is attached to the stove (1) as a
single part belonging to it and, by which means the average power
required by the stove (1) can be reduced.
3. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein into
the system is built an air inlet duct (5) fitted with ventilators
(16) and dampers (25), and an operating, regulating and programming
equipment (3) of said ventilators and said dampers which feeds the
incoming air for a sauna room to the lower part of the stove and
then leads it to the upper part of the stove and, from there,
further into the hot air flow above the stove (8).
4. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein into
the system is built an a outlet duct (10) fitted with ventilators
(16) and dampers (25) as well as the operating equipment (3) which
draws extracted air (9) from the sauna room from close to a floor
level and leads it further out from the sauna room.
5. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 3, wherein into
the system is built an air outlet duct (10) fitted with ventilators
(16) and dampers (25) as well as the operating equipment (3) which
draws extracted air (9) from the sauna room from close to a floor
level and leads it further out from the sauna room.
6. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the
system is equipped with inlet and/or outlet air impellers (17) for
the ventilation of the sauna room.
7. A ventilation system according to claim 3, wherein the system
includes adjustable ventilators (21) and adjustable plates, with
which the desired quantity of circulating air (20) in the sauna
will be mixed with the incoming air using the ventilators (21) and
adjustable plates, (25) as well as their operating equipment, in
order to maintain the desired humidity and temperature of the air
in the sauna (8).
8. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the
system is equipped with moisture detection equipment (15) and
control unit (3) for the automatic after-ventilation of the sauna
according to the moisture content of the sauna air.
9. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the
system is equipped with incoming air humidifying equipment (19) and
equipment (15) measuring the moisture content.
10. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein to the
system belong a heat recovery cells (4) frame, dampers (25) and air
ducts (7), which heat recovery system forms a part of the stove
frame (1).
11. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein to the
system belong a fire prevention system, which is constructed as a
single part belong to the stove (53) to the fire prevention system
belong a water spray and/or jet system (59), which is arranged to
direct moisture to a fire location which is to be extinguished
and/or its surrounding area (51), the fire prevention system it is
quipped, together with the stove (53), with a monitoring,
regulating and controlling unit (54, 58, 62, 83).
12. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 11, wherein the
system is equipped with a smoke detector system (79) to detect a
fire starting and smoke gases in the sauna room (51) and a
operating equipment (57), which prevents fresh air (72) reaching
the sauna room in the event of a fire risk and/or a fire
situation.
13. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 11, wherein into
the system is built and integral with it is a monitoring system
(54, 68, 83) for the surrounding area, which limits the temperature
of the stove (53), in addition to the normal temperature adjustment
thermostat and overheating system, in order to prevent the outbreak
of fire in combustion-sensitive material surrounding the stove
(53).
14. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein into
the system is equipped with one or several various moisture element
(28), the element is built or situated in the stove (26) as one of
its parts and the water is arranged to run along the elements
surface creating moisture in the sauna air.
15. A sauna ventilation system according to claim 14, wherein the
system includes a water catchment placed in a lower part of the
moisturising element and a water priming part, and the system is
equipped with a pump (32) and pipes (30,31) for raising water (38)
that has remained unvapourised on the surface from water catchment
trough (45) in the lower part of the moisturising element (38) to
the water priming part (37).
Description
[0001] The subject of this invention is a sauna ventilation
system.
[0002] The quality of the air in the sauna plays an important role
in creating the ideal conditions for enjoying the steam whilst
using the sauna. Control over the amount of humidity and oxygen is
an important aspect in controlling the quality of the air. Moisture
forming whilst the sauna is in use, which does pass to the drain,
is also removed by ventilation. The sauna stove is measured
according to the individual temperature and bathing conditions for
each sauna. The most common temperature range while the sauna is in
use is 50-120.degree. C. It should be possible to obtain the right
air condition and the desired temperature in a sufficiently short
period of time. To do this, the sauna stove has to have a high
power rating. This means that the peak power demand placed on the
electricity production and distribution facilities arising from the
simultaneous use of electric sauna stoves is large during, for
example, weekend sauna times. Generally, the ventilation of the
sauna and the removal of dampness has to be controlled manually,
both while the sauna is in use and whilst being aired. In addition
to this, the general air change in the sauna is regulated manually
using ventilators to dry out the dampness created during bathing
times in between sauna sessions.
[0003] Attention to safety of use and fire safety is an important
matter. The sauna stove can remain switched on as a result of a
malfunction in the equipment. Also, any materials close to the
stove may catch fire as a result of misuse. A fire in the sauna can
spread rapidly from the sauna room via the doorway or through the
ventilation ducts to other areas. It is possible to control a fire
situation with existing systems but these systems are independent
and external to the sauna stove and are not integrated within the
stove itself.
[0004] Usually the sauna is heated with a stove fuelled by
electricity or wood. There are also stoves which are fuelled by gas
and oil. At the same time, there are also stoves available on the
market which can be heated with either wood or electricity.
Electric stoves are either heat accumulator stoves, which are
constantly ready for use and equipped with thermal insulation and
ventilators that can be opened, or continuous heating stoves, which
are the more common form of electric stove.
[0005] The continuous heating electric stove is switched on before
the sauna is used and the temperature in the sauna is maintained
thermostatically at the desired level while the sauna is in use.
The stove operation can also be regulated with a timer or by remote
control. Continuous heating stoves are more common than
wood-fuelled stoves.
[0006] There are also pre-heated stoves in use which are usually
heated with combustible fuel and are heated prior to using the
sauna but must not be heated whilst the sauna is in use. Pre-heated
stoves are further divided between those with a smoke flue and
those without. A stove without a smoke flue is used with a smoke
sauna.
[0007] A problem with the continuous heating electric stove is the
large energy demand, especially during the early warming up stage.
Ventilation in an electrically heated sauna is often minimised in
order to retain the power and energy in the sauna. In particular,
saunas in swimming baths and spa baths as well as in saunas kept in
general sauna readiness, even 12 hours at a time, the stove is
continually switched on throughout the bathing period. In these
locations the efficiency of the energy consumption of the sauna is
important.
[0008] The hot air in the sauna is able to absorb a greater amount
of moisture than cold air. When the sauna ventilation is connected
directly to, for example, the ventilation ducts of other parts of
the building, the moisture condenses on the walls of the
ventilation pipes as the air cools in the long ducts. When the
pipes become damp the prospect for growth of mould within the
air-conditioning system are increased.
[0009] A sauna ventilation system, in which the extracted air warms
the incoming air by using a heat exchanger is already recognised in
publication DE 2602361. This mentions a finned tube heat exchanger
whose air extraction cell is connected to the front part of the air
outlet duct and the air intake cell between the air inlet duct and
the stove. Heat is transferred from the extracted air to the
incoming air by a water circulation pipe and pump system. The cells
are positioned independently but are connected together by the
water circulation pipe system equipped with a heat transfer fitted
with fixed or flexible connections. The air outlet channel is also
equipped with a duct impeller in this publication.
[0010] The system according to publication DE 2602361 requires
separate heat recovery and emission cells which are positioned
awkwardly in the sauna room, water pipes between the cells, and a
pump system to circulate the fluid. Water cannot stand, even
temporarily, temperatures well over 100.degree. C. in normal air
pressure. In other situations the system has to be constructed in
accordance with pressure resistance requirements. With low outdoor
temperatures the cell after the air inlet duct can freeze with an
obvious danger of water damage.
[0011] There are a number of air humidifying systems on the market.
A existing system for use in sauna is the humidifier system
presented in FI patent 831 58, which is built into the stove and in
which electricity is used to convert the water to steam in the
stove with a separate unit. In the system mentioned the steam is
fed along pipes from the lower part of the stove to the upper part
and from there out of the stove into the sauna room. A separate
water storage tank is attached to this humidifier system, from
which water is drawn to be converted into steam in the vaporiser.
The problems with this system are calcification and low humidifying
effectiveness. In addition, the system is awkward and expensive to
build in conjunction with the stove.
[0012] It is also known to locate the air humidifier system in the
sauna air inlet duct. In this system water is poured from the
storage tank in the upper section via the manually adjusted water
tap in the pipe to a vaporiser cell made, for example from fabric,
in the sauna air inlet duct below. As the air flows through the
vaporiser cell in the air inlet duct to the stove air duct or
directly into the sauna room it humidifies the sauna air at the
same time. The problem with this system is the poor steam
production due to the incoming air not being pre-heated. In
addition, there are problems in regulating the humidity of the
sauna air due to the lack of a control system.
[0013] There are generally on the market, various vaporiser tanks
which fit in the stone cavity in the stove, the shape of which
varies greatly according to the manufacturer. The latest variation
in this field is a longish water tank sunk deep into the stone
cavity, which is positioned upright in the stove stone cavity. The
water contained in the tank is vaporised by the heating source of
the stove. In this version the steam comes out of the upper section
of the tank. The difficulty with this humidifier is the small
quantity of water available for each use. The tank has to be
refilled every 15-30 minutes. In addition the tank is difficult to
place in stone cavities other than certain known types.
[0014] Various vaporiser systems which are external to the sauna
room and which bring steam into the sauna room have become known
amongst steam sauna systems. These systems are intended solely as
steam generating systems for steam saunas and are not suitable in
their present form for Finnish type saunas in which the desired
temperature is in the range 50.degree. C.-120.degree. C. These
systems are expensive to build especially for subsequent
installation.
[0015] The purpose of this invention is to improve primarily the
effectiveness of electrically-heated saunas, but also the
ventilation of other saunas, to control the air humidity both
during and after use of the sauna and to transfer heat energy from
the air extracted from the sauna to the incoming air and to
eliminate moisture. At the same time the stove power demand and the
condensation occurring in the ventilation ducts can be reduced. In
addition, it is the purpose of this invention to introduce a system
with which it is possible to prevent a fire starting in the sauna
or prevent a fire spreading, and possibly to extinguish a fire in
the sauna room as well as to switch off the heating in the event of
misuse or equipment defect. A further purpose of the invention is
to introduce a system which switches off the heating if the sauna
remains unoccupied for a pre-determined period of time after the
last user of the sauna.
[0016] The purpose of the invention is achieved with systems
possessing the characteristics presented in the appended
claims.
[0017] The air ventilation system is according to the invention
attached as a unit to the stove and integral to it. Furthermore the
incoming air is arrange to be pre-heated in the heat exchanger by
the extracted air so that the average power requirement of the
stove can be reduced. The sauna ventilation system also
advantageously includes humidifying and after sauna ventilation
equipment. The ventilation section removes the moisture in the
extracted air before it reaches the air outlet ducts. According to
the invention a fire prevention system is built into the stove as
an integral part of it and it includes a water spray and/or jet
system which is arranged so as to direct moisture towards the
location of the fire to be extinguished and/or its surrounding
area. In various arrangements of the system it is also equipped
with an automatic fire risk reduction and extinguishing function
and a system for detecting persons present in the sauna as well as
a sauna air humidifier system.
[0018] As a peripheral function of the invention, perceptions of
sound and light increase the pleasure of being in the sauna. As a
whole, it is possible with the invention to also affect the quality
of the steam and the after ventilation of the sauna as well as the
air humidity conditions. The functions improving user and fire
safety also improve user safety and reduce the possibility of
possible fires spreading to other areas.
[0019] The integrated structure of the stove, ventilation, humidity
control and fire prevention system does not essentially take up
more floor space than traditional stoves. Separate fluid pipework
and pumps for capturing and releasing heat are not required.
Neither is an independent fire prevention system required. The
integral construction makes it easy to construct a system that is
safe and easy to maintain and operate. With the system according to
the invention the sauna ventilation, humidity control and heating
all operate optimally in the desired manner. The sauna is safe to
use and the possibility of fire spreading can be reduced and a fire
extinguished.
[0020] The power requirement of the stove is reduced as a result of
the heat recovery unit according to the invention. The ventilator
heat recovery unit can be constructed, for example, such that the
power required by the stove is reduced by around 10-15%. In this
way the simultaneous electricity production capacity required by,
for example, 400 000 stoves is reduced by 280 . . . , 420 MW, if
the average stove power rating is 7 kW per stove, and none of the
stoves has a heat recovery unit and the sauna incoming air is
non-preheated external air. The heat recovery unit can also be
easily constructed to function with a 15-70% efficiency
coefficient.
[0021] Where required, a water flow sheet, fixed to the sauna wall
and/or to the stove, can be integrated with the combined stove and
ventilation system according to the invention, to humidify the air
in the sauna. The water flow sheet is divided where required into
several sections so that the water forms a vertical surface and
whose surface area can be adjusted according to humidity
requirements. The water flow sheet attached to the stove or wall
also cools the stove or wall that it is attached to. In this way,
the surface temperature of the stove can be kept low when in close
proximity to heat-sensitive surfaces. In reducing the temperature
of the wall surface the heat energy flow through the wall out of
the sauna is reduced because the wall temperature is lowered.
[0022] Similarly the water surface offers a comparative temperature
area which eases the well-being of the sauna users in high steam
temperatures. As a result of the heat radiation emitted from the
surface, the cooler and damper water surface is felt to be at a
different temperature level than other wall surfaces, possibly
constructed from wood, which are close to the temperature of the
surrounding air.
[0023] In the humidity control system according to the invention,
the water which has not been vaporised whilst running down the
surface is captured in a trough from which it is raised by a pump
back to the top of the water flow sheet. It is also possible to
connect sauna lighting to the equipment such that the light and
water form an element creating an atmospheric feel to the sauna.
Where needed the equipment can be fitted with natural sound effects
made by the water.
[0024] The system comprises a humidity control system either
integrated with the stove control, regulation and programming
system or built separately. The control system can be used to
select the sound, light and air humidity effects. The functioning
of the equipment can be formed as pre-regulated operating packages
which can be selected according to each persons bathing customs and
requirements by selecting the desired pre-programmed function.
[0025] The sauna air humidity control system according to the
invention controls the moisture content of the air according to the
requirements at a given time. The air moisture content is monitored
by a moisture sensor in the sauna connected to the regulating
system. In addition, the lighting strength can also be regulated.
The adjustable lighting is situated in a ventilated space behind
the transparent water flow sheet. The sound effects are formed by
the water circulated by the pump in the water pipes, ducts, tanks
and on the water flow sheet.
[0026] The sauna ventilation system, built as part of the stove
and/or the integrated humidity control system as well as the safety
system according to the invention are simple. The invention
improves the air flow in the sauna and pre-heats the incoming air
with the extracted air, controls the moisture conditions in the
sauna and further assists the safe use of the sauna. As a result of
the pre-selected function package the sound, light and humidity
functions can be used easily individually or suitably in a selected
combined operation.
[0027] The invention reduces the power requirement of the stove,
saves energy and provides for a sufficient level of fresh air,
regulates the uniformity of humidity during use of the sauna and
dries the sauna construction after use by ventilation and reduces
damage from rot and dampness as well as reducing dampness problems
in the ventilation system in other parts of the building. The
moisture removal properties of the system make it possible, for
example, to dry clothes after use of the sauna.
[0028] The system including the fire risk and/or fire sensor built
and integrated within the stove, the fire prevention, extinguishing
and the persons present sensor, also operates automatically, is
simple and easy to use as a result of its operating, controlling
and regulating system. This improves the effectiveness of the sauna
fire safety and prevents the occurrence of fire damage and saves
energy. In addition, the automatic systems according to the
invention improve the use of the sauna.
[0029] In the following, the invention is defined in more detail
with reference to the attached illustrations, in which;
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a vertical cross-section of a continually
heated electric, stove and the ventilation system built into it,
viewed from the side,
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a vertical cross-section of an alternative
positioning of the incoming and extracted air combination and a
heat accumulator stove, together with the ventilation system built
into it, viewed from the side,
[0032] FIG. 3 shows the humidity system of the sauna viewed from
the side and a vertical cross-section,
[0033] FIG. 4 shows the principle of the water flow sheet and its
height adjustment with its various alternatives placed vertically
on the wall and stove, viewed from in front of the wall and
stove,
[0034] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically, the location of the auxiliary
lighting, sound and moisture effect equipment.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows a vertical cross-section of a continually
heated electric stove and the fire prevention system built and
integrated within it, viewed from the side, and
[0036] FIG. 7 shows the integrated fire prevention system and its
location in the sauna room.
[0037] Shown in the systems according to FIGS. 1 & 2 are the
stove frame 1, heating element 2, the regulation and control unit
3, heat exchanger 4, air inlet duct 5, fresh air 6, side and
internal spaces 7, sauna room 8, extracted air 9, air outlet duct
10, water pipe 12, condensed moisture 13, drain well 14, moisture
sensor 15, air ventilator 16, extracted and in-coming air impellers
17, thermostat 18, humidifier equipment 19, circulating air 20,
ventilator 21, air filtering equipment 22, heat storage mass 23,
heat insulation 24 and air and water deflector sheet 25.
[0038] The upper part of the system essentially consists of the
stove frame 1, the heat storage mass 23, the heat insulation 24,
heating elements 2 and with the necessary regulating and control
units 3. The heat exchanger 4 is positioned in the lower part of
the stove. The air inlet duct 5 for the transfer of fresh air 6 is
connected from the wall to the heat exchanger, from which the air
is directed via the side and/or inner spaces 7 of the stove to the
upper part of the stove and then to the sauna room 8. The incoming
air is warmed in the heat recovery unit and the upper area of the
stove before coming out at a suitable height and mixing further
with the hot air stream in the stove and/or above the stove.
[0039] The extracted air 9 is taken from the lower part of the
sauna room into the heat recovery unit system where the air, after
having transferred its heat energy in the heat recovery unit to the
incoming air 9, is fed along the air outlet duct 10 to another
ventilation system in the building. With this system it is possible
to balance the temperature difference in the sauna between the
upper and lower parts. Moisture 13 condensed from the extracted air
from the sauna pours along the water pipe 12 straight to the sauna
room drain well 14. The thermostat 18 controls and monitors the
temperature of the stove and the hot air current leaving the stove.
The air and water deflector plate 25 directs the pouring steam
water for vaporising in the hot air flow in the sauna and with the
same equipment air is directed via the under side of the plate to
the side and inside areas 7. Where necessary, in order to balance
the temperature of the air in the sauna and its humidity and to
maintain it as desired, the incoming air is mixed suitably with the
circulating air 20. The quantity of circulating air is controlled
with the ventilators 21 and their control units.
[0040] The moisture sensors 15 control and monitor the humidity
whilst the sauna is being used and monitor the after sauna
ventilation and drying out period. Based on the moisture data, the
air humidifier 19 and circulating air equipment can be suitably
regulated whilst the sauna is in use. After the sauna has been in
use the after sauna ventilation time is suitably regulated by the
air ventilators 16 and the impeller units by means of their
operating equipment and regulating unit. The ventilation part can
be equipped with the necessary extraction and incoming air
impellers 17, if the stove's ventilation system is not connected to
the ventilation system of another part of the building but
functions as an independent ventilation area. The quantity of
circulating air, the ratio of incoming and extracted air and the
quantity of circulating air included in the incoming air can be
regulated individually according to the needs of each sauna by
altering the speed of the extracted and/or incoming air impellers
and/or by regulating the incoming and/or extracted air ventilators
and circulating air equipment. The ventilation equipment can be
fitted with air filtering equipment 22 to remove impurities from
the air before it is transferred to the stove and out of the
stove.
[0041] In a simpler solution the heat recovery unit can be omitted,
and the sauna ventilation in regulated by other equipment in a
controlled manner but heat cannot be recovered and moisture cannot
be removed before the air is led to the ventilation system of
another part of the building, or if the sauna operates as its own
ventilation area, before the air is let out.
[0042] In the system shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 there is shown a
stove 26, wall 27, water flow sheet 28, water catchment trough 29,
pipes 30 and 31 and 41 and 49, pump 32, distribution centre 33,
regulating centre 34, tank 35, lighting 36, jet 37, water 38, water
connection 39, control and programming unit 40, areas 42 and 43 and
44, water trough 45 shadows 46, sound 47, light 48 and moisture
sensor 50.
[0043] The water flow sheet 28 is fixed to the stove 26 and/or the
wall 27, Water is poured from the pipes 30 and the jet 37 along the
water flow sheet 28. The water 38 runs down the water flow sheet 28
and, at the same time, humidifies the air in the sauna. The water
38 is drawn from the tank 35 along the pipe 41 or from the water
connection 39 to the distribution centre 33. The distribution
centre 33 also receives water 38 from the water catchment trough 29
which has remained unvapourised on the water flow surface 28 and
directed by the pump 32 along the pipe 31. The humidity is
controlled by the regulating centre 34 with the sauna air moisture
sensor 50. The regulating centre 34 is controlled where necessary
with a separate control and programme unit 40. The control and
programme unit 40 is programmed beforehand with humidity levels as
programme packages which sauna users can select during, before
and/or after the sauna session. The lamp 36 lights the sauna room
through the surface 28 and the water. A shadow pattern is created
in the sauna room due to the water ripples, which varies according
to the height of the water and the thickness of the water layer.
The lighting is controlled with the regulating unit 34 and/or the
control and programme unit 40.
[0044] In FIG. 4 the water is brought to the water flow surface 28
along the pipe 30 and with the jet 37. The water flows down the
surface 28 from above as far as, for example, area 42, 43 or 44.
The larger the area of the surface 28 that is wet from the water
the more the sauna air is moistened.
[0045] In FIG. 5 the light 36 gives a living and moving light
shadow 46 through the water 38 and the water flow surface 28 into
the sauna room. When the light goes past the water 38, the light 48
is more even than when flowing through the water. Water dripping
from the distribution centre 33 and the pipe 49 into the water
spaces 45 provides the sound 47 into the sauna room. The strength
of the shadowing 46 of the lighting 36 and the light 48 can be
regulated with the control equipment 40 and 34.
[0046] In the system shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 the following reference
numbers are used: sauna 51, hot air current 52, stove frame 53,
monitoring, regulating and operating unit 54, water connection 55,
water regulation unit 56, operating equipment 57, air distribution
unit 58, jet 59 and 61, infraswitch 60, air inlet duct 62 duct 63
and 71, pipe 64, cable 65 and 66 and 67 and 69 and 73 and 78 and
84, sensor 68, air flow 70, incoming air 72, pipes 74, steam water
tank 75, heat storage mass 76, antenna 77 and 88, smoke detector
79, bench 81, mass recognition sensor 82, control centre 83, bench
frame 85, tap arrangement 86 and tilting mechanism 87.
[0047] In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 the sauna 51 fire
prevention system is built in and integrated within the stove frame
53. The stove is formed from a customary heating system, heat
storage mass 76 and the necessary monitoring, regulating and
controlling units 54 as well as the operating equipment 57 and 58.
The control unit 54 and control centre 83 monitor and guide the
sauna operating area and stove heating process controlled by the
measuring and peripheral equipment with the help of the operating
equipment 57 and the air distribution unit 58. Fire safety is
arranged with the fire prevention and extinguishing systems.
[0048] The stove monitoring, regulating and controlling centre 54
receives data about the temperature of combustion-sensitive
materials from the sensor 68 which is connected by the, cable 69 to
the centre 54. Also connected to the centre 54 by cable 67 are the
sensors 82 attached to the frame 81 of the sauna bench which detect
the mass of persons present.
[0049] The presence of persons is also monitored with the
infraswitch 60 which detects differences in temperature and
movement in the area. The infraswitch is connected by cable 65 to
the centre 54. If there is no one in the sauna 51 for the period of
time programmed into the centre 54 and 83, the centre 54 switches
off the stove heating function. Avoiding the stove being switched
on unnecessarily saves heat energy.
[0050] The smoke detectors 79 are placed in the hot air current 52
areas of the stove, for example, on the ceiling of the sauna and/or
the stove, which are also cabled with cable 66 and 80 and/or by
radio signal 77 to the centre 54.
[0051] The water connection 55 is connected to the stove 53 from
which the water regulation unit 56 of the fire prevention system
draws the water it requires.
[0052] The water regulation unit 56 is connected by cable 84 to the
centre 54. The water regulation unit 56 apportions water to the
extinguishing jets 59 along the pipework 64. The jets 59 extinguish
and/or spray water towards the location of the fire. The steam
water tank 75 in the stove is also connected by pipework 74 to the
water regulating unit 56. The steam water tank 75 acts, where
necessary, as an immediate water supply storage in the event that
water is needed for fire prevention operations but the water
pressure has dropped in the main pressurised water system and also
in the water connection 55. A tap system 86 in the steam water tank
75 automatically maintains the level of the water at a determined
height. The steam water tank can be pushed down into the frame of
the stove 53 and pulled out when the water is required with the
slide and tilt mechanism 87.
[0053] When the infraswitch 60, which detects the presence of
persons, and the mass detector sensor 82 under the sauna bench 81
on the bench frame 85, have not detected persons using the sauna
for the period of time previously programmed into the centre 54
and/or 83, the centre 54 commences to switch off the heating of the
stove 53, if the stove 53 had been previously working.
[0054] When the sensor 68 connected close to the stove 53, which is
connected by the cable 69 to the centre 54, senses the temperature
approaching close to the combustion temperature, the centre 54
switches off or lowers the temperature of the stove 53 so that the
surrounding temperature drops to a safe lever. The function of the
sensor 68 is independent of the normal temperature control and
overheating limiting system of a normal electric stove.
[0055] If the smoke detector 79 sense the stove's hot air current
52 in the area the centre 54 switches on the extinguishing system
55,56,64 and 59 and at the same time switches off the heating of
the stove 53. The fire prevention system jet 59 produces a strong
water mist and/or a water jet to the predetermined area where the
fire is assumed to be.
[0056] Data about the function of the sauna fire prevention system
is transmitted by the centre 54 along the cable 78 and/or by radio,
using cable 67 and the control unit 83 antenna 88 or by the centre
54 antenna 77 to an alarm system outside the sauna and/or to the
monitoring and control centre of the building. The warning is
transferred to the alarm system when the smoke detector 79 on the
sauna ceiling and/or in the stove 53 has sensed smoke and/or
combustion gases.
[0057] If the air inlet ducts and air outlet ducts are connected
directly to the stove 53, then the stove's 53 intake of the
incoming air 71 and the outlet of the extracted air can be
inhibited by the air distribution unit 58 whilst the fire
prevention system is in operation. In this case the effect on
heating the area surrounding the stove is reduced and possible
point of fire in the sauna does not receive now oxygen from the
ducts 71 and 63. The air flow can also be inhibited with various
closed flaps which are located directly in the sauna's air inlet
and outlet ducts.
[0058] The incoming air 72 to the stove 53 flows along the air
inlet duct 62. In addition to the normal air flow 71 during sauna
use it also possible, whilst the sauna is being used, to direct
fresh incoming air towards the occupants in the form of short
bursts along duct 63 to the jets 61.
[0059] The portions of fresh air from the jets 61 are controlled
manually from the remote control centre 83. In this way it is
possible to improve the individual conditions for the occupants
sitting by an air jet. The system protects and improves the
respective occupants well-being during the sauna time and does not
essentially disturb the conditions of other occupants it the sauna
room at the same time. With this system, if desired, the occupants
can sit in the sauna for a longer period of time and do not need to
move unnecessarily every now and again to a cooling-off area
outside the sauna room. The safety of the occupants is
increased.
[0060] The smoke detector 79 can be switched off in a fuel-burning
stove during the period when the stove is being lit. Also in this
situation, when the stove is being lit, the smoke detector 79
activates automatically in a monitoring area. In a fuel-burning
stove the heat regulation is carried out by controlling and
regulating the respective process and/or combustion process with
the operating equipment 57. The operating equipment is connected to
the centre 54 by cable 65.
[0061] The aforementioned is a descriptive presentation of a basic
alternative solution for a fire prevention system built into and
integrated within the stove for an electric stove. In addition,
consideration has been given in the text to a few essential points
concerning the characteristics in connection with a wood-heated
stove.
[0062] Each fuel system can be equipped with a smoke detector, a
surrounding area temperature sensor and a sensor detecting the
presence of occupants as well as all or just some of the other
presented systems according to each situation.
[0063] The fire prevention system can be built together with and
integrated within electric and fuel operating stoves. The stove
type can be equipped generally with existing equipment according to
the fire prevention requirements of each sauna room concerned.
[0064] All the system shown in FIGS. 1-7 can be equipped with the
aforementioned and generally known equipment or only with some of
them according to the effectiveness required from the use of the
sauna and the energy used.
[0065] The fire risk and/or fire detector, fire prevention,
extinguishing and occupant detector system, according to this
invention and built into and integrated within the stove, operate
automatically, simply and are easy to use due to the operating,
controlling and regulating system, The invention improves the fire
safety of the sauna and prevents fire damage as well as saving
energy. In addition, the automatic systems according to the
invention improve the use of the sauna and increase operating
safety.
* * * * *