U.S. patent application number 11/420263 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-30 for total heat exchanger and ventilation system using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Dong Whan CHOI, Ho Seon CHOI, Keun Hyoung CHOI, Kyung Hwan KIM.
Application Number | 20060270335 11/420263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37434080 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060270335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Kyung Hwan ; et
al. |
November 30, 2006 |
TOTAL HEAT EXCHANGER AND VENTILATION SYSTEM USING THE SAME
Abstract
A total heat exchanger having a structure capable of achieving
an enhancement in total heat efficiency, and a ventilation system
using the total heat exchanger are disclosed. The total heat
exchanger includes an air supply duct for guiding outdoor air to an
indoor space, an air discharge duct for guiding indoor air to the
outdoors, an air supply fan arranged at one side of the air supply
duct, the air supply fan sucking the outdoor air, and supplying the
sucked air to the indoor space, an air discharge fan arranged at
one side of the air discharge duct, the air discharge fan sucking
the indoor air, and discharging the sucked air to the outdoors, and
a heat exchanging element arranged at a region where the indoor air
and the outdoor air cross each other, the heat exchanging element
heat-exchanging the indoor air with the outdoor air. The heat
exchanging element has a shape causing the indoor air and the
outdoor air to flow through the heat exchanging element while
forming an acute angle with respect to each other.
Inventors: |
KIM; Kyung Hwan; (Uiwang-si,
KR) ; CHOI; Keun Hyoung; (Seoul, KR) ; CHOI;
Dong Whan; (Busan, KR) ; CHOI; Ho Seon;
(Seoul, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
20, Yoido-dong, Youngdungpo-gu,
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
37434080 |
Appl. No.: |
11/420263 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/237 ;
62/419 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 30/563 20130101;
F24F 12/006 20130101; F24F 3/147 20130101; F24F 2012/007 20130101;
Y02B 30/56 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/237 ;
062/419 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/06 20060101
F25D017/06; F24F 7/00 20060101 F24F007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 31, 2005 |
KR |
1020050046326 |
Claims
1. A total heat exchanger comprising: an air supply duct for
guiding outdoor air to an indoor space; an air discharge duct for
guiding indoor air to the outdoors; at least one air supply fan
arranged at one side of the air supply duct, the air supply fan
sucking the outdoor air, and supplying the sucked air to the indoor
space; at least one air discharge fan arranged at one side of the
air discharge duct, the air discharge fan sucking the indoor air,
and discharging the sucked air to the outdoors; and at least one
heat exchanging element arranged at a region where the indoor air
and the outdoor air cross each other, the heat exchanging element
heat-exchanging the indoor air with the outdoor air, wherein the
heat exchanging element has a shape causing the indoor air and the
outdoor air to flow through the heat exchanging element while
forming an acute angle with respect to each other.
2. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the heat
exchanging element has a cross-sectional height smaller than a
cross-sectional width of the heat exchanging element.
3. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the heat
exchanging element has a substantially-polygonal cross section.
4. The total heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the heat
exchanging element has a substantially-diamond cross section.
5. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one heat exchanging element comprises a plurality of heat
exchanging elements arranged in series in a flow direction of air
in the total heat exchanger.
6. The total heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein the heat
exchanging elements guide an air flow passing through the air
supply duct and an air flow passing through the air discharge duct
such that the air flows pass through the heat exchanging elements
in a zig-zag manner.
7. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, further
comprising: an air-discharge-side bypass passage branched from the
air discharge duct, and adapted to guide the indoor air to be
directly discharged to the outdoors by a forcible suction force of
the air discharge fan, without passing through the heat exchanging
element.
8. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, further
comprising: an air-supply-side bypass passage branched from the air
supply duct, and adapted to guide the outdoor air to be directly
discharged to the indoor space by a forcible suction force of the
air supply fan, without passing through the heat exchanging
element.
9. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, further
comprising: a filter unit arranged in the air supply duct, and
adapted to remove foreign matter contained in the outdoor air.
10. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the air
supply fan includes a rotating shaft extending perpendicularly to a
discharge direction of the outdoor air discharged to the indoor
space.
11. The total heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein the at
least one air supply fan comprises a plurality of air supply fans,
further comprising: a dual-axial motor for simultaneously driving
the air supply fans.
12. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the air
discharge fan includes a rotating shaft extending perpendicularly
to a discharge direction of the indoor air discharged to the
outdoors.
13. The total heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein the at
least one air discharge fan comprises a plurality of air discharge
fans, further comprising: a dual-axial motor for simultaneously
driving the air discharge fans.
14. The total heat exchanger according to claim 1, further
comprising: an air supply chamber for storing air discharged by the
air supply fan; and an air discharge chamber for storing air
discharged by the air discharge fan.
15. A ventilation system comprising: an air supply duct for guiding
outdoor air to an indoor space; an air discharge duct for guiding
indoor air to the outdoors; an air supply fan arranged at one side
of the air supply duct, the air supply fan sucking the outdoor air,
and supplying the sucked air to the indoor space; an air discharge
fan arranged at one side of the air discharge duct, the air
discharge fan sucking the indoor air, and discharging the sucked
air to the outdoors; a heat exchanging element arranged at a region
where the indoor air and the outdoor air cross each other, the heat
exchanging element heat-exchanging the indoor air with the outdoor
air; a first extension duct including a first diffuser for
diffusing the outdoor air supplied from the air supply duct into
the indoor space; and a second extension duct including a second
diffuser spaced apart from the first diffuser by a predetermined
distance, wherein the heat exchanging element has a shape causing
the indoor air and the outdoor air to flow through the heat
exchanging element while forming an acute angle with respect to
each other.
16. The ventilation system according to claim 15, wherein the first
extension duct further includes a lower extension duct for
connecting the air supply duct to the indoor space, and an upper
extension duct for connecting the air supply duct to the
outdoors.
17. The ventilation system according to claim 15, wherein the
second extension duct further includes a lower extension duct for
connecting the air discharge duct to the indoor space, and an upper
extension duct for connecting the air discharge duct to the
outdoors.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. P2005-46326, filed on May 31, 2005, which is hereby
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a total heat exchanger and
a ventilation system using the same, and more particularly, to a
total heat exchanger which has an improved structure so as to have
an increased heat exchange area, thereby being capable of achieving
an enhancement in total heat efficiency, and a ventilation system
using the total heat exchanger.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, air present in a confined space, for example, an
indoor space, is gradually contaminated as time passes in
accordance with repeated respiration of living beings in the indoor
space. Accordingly, it is necessary to frequently replace
contaminated air in the indoor space with fresh outdoor air. To
this end, a ventilation system using a total heat exchanger is
typically used.
[0006] In particular, various ventilation systems are used in
houses, large buildings, and factories, in order to ventilate
indoor spaces. Ventilation systems include an air supply fan for
supplying outdoor air to an indoor space, an air discharge fan for
discharging indoor air to the outdoors, and a duct for guiding the
outdoor air to the indoor space while guiding the indoor air to the
outdoors. Such a ventilation system may also include a total heat
exchanger for recovering a part of thermal energy contained in the
indoor air discharged to the outdoors.
[0007] However, the total heat exchanger has the following
problems.
[0008] First, the height of the total heat exchanger, which is
installed in the interior of a ceiling, is restricted because the
ceiling is designed to have a restricted thickness. For this
reason, the height of a heat exchanging element built in the total
heat exchanger to perform heat exchange between indoor air and
outdoor air is restricted. As a result, the heat exchange area of
the heat exchanging element is reduced, thereby causing the total
heat efficiency of the total heat exchanger to be relatively
lowered.
[0009] Second, the flow rate of air passing through the heat
exchanging element is too high to enable the heat exchanging
element to effectively perform a desired heat exchanging operation.
As a result, a degradation in the efficiency of the total heat
exchanger occurs.
[0010] Third, there is a problem in that an increase in flow
resistance occurs because the flow directions of indoor air and
outdoor air passing through the heat exchanging element are greatly
varied.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a total
heat exchanger and a ventilation system using the same that
substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and
disadvantages of the related art.
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a total
heat exchanger having an increased total heat efficiency, and a
ventilation system using the total heat exchanger.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
total heat exchanger capable of achieving a reduction in flow
resistance, and a ventilation system using the total heat
exchanger.
[0014] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0015] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a total heat exchanger comprises: an air
supply duct for guiding outdoor air to an indoor space; an air
discharge duct for guiding indoor air to the outdoors; at least one
air supply fan arranged at one side of the air supply duct, the air
supply fan sucking the outdoor air, and supplying the sucked air to
the indoor space; at least one air discharge fan arranged at one
side of the air discharge duct, the air discharge fan sucking the
indoor air, and discharging the sucked air to the outdoors; and at
least one heat exchanging element arranged at a region where the
indoor air and the outdoor air cross each other, the heat
exchanging element heat-exchanging the indoor air with the outdoor
air, wherein the heat exchanging element has a shape causing the
indoor air and the outdoor air to flow through the heat exchanging
element while forming an acute angle from each other.
[0016] The heat exchanging element may have a cross-sectional
height smaller than a cross-sectional width of the heat exchanging
element.
[0017] The heat exchanging element may have a
substantially-polygonal cross section.
[0018] The heat exchanging element may have a substantially-diamond
cross section.
[0019] The at least one heat exchanging element may comprise a
plurality of heat exchanging elements arranged in series in a flow
direction of air in the total heat exchanger.
[0020] The heat exchanging elements may guide an air flow passing
through the air supply duct and an air flow passing through the air
discharge duct such that the air flows pass through the heat
exchanging elements in a zig-zag manner.
[0021] The total heat exchanger may further comprise an
air-discharge-side bypass passage branched from the air discharge
duct, and adapted to guide the indoor air to be directly discharged
to the outdoors by a forcible suction force of the air discharge
fan, without passing through the heat exchanging element.
[0022] The total heat exchanger may further comprise an
air-supply-side bypass passage branched from the air supply duct,
and adapted to guide the outdoor air to be directly discharged to
the indoor space by a forcible suction force of the air supply fan,
without passing through the heat exchanging element.
[0023] The total heat exchanger may further comprise a filter unit
arranged in the air supply duct, and adapted to remove foreign
matter contained in the outdoor air.
[0024] The air supply fan may include a rotating shaft extending
perpendicularly to a discharge direction of the outdoor air
discharged to the indoor space.
[0025] The at least one air supply fan may comprise a plurality of
air supply fans. In this case, the total heat exchanger may further
comprise a dual-axial motor for simultaneously driving the air
supply fans.
[0026] The air discharge fan may include a rotating shaft extending
perpendicularly to a discharge direction of the indoor air
discharged to the outdoors.
[0027] The at least one air discharge fan may comprise a plurality
of air discharge fans. In this case, the total heat exchanger may
further comprise a dual-axial motor for simultaneously driving the
air discharge fans.
[0028] The total heat exchanger may further comprise an air supply
chamber for storing air discharged by the air supply fan, and an
air discharge chamber for storing air discharged by the air
discharge fan.
[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, a ventilation
system comprises: an air supply duct for guiding outdoor air to an
indoor space; an air discharge duct for guiding indoor air to the
outdoors; an air supply fan arranged at one side of the air supply
duct, the air supply fan sucking the outdoor air, and supplying the
sucked air to the indoor space; an air discharge fan arranged at
one side of the air discharge duct, the air discharge fan sucking
the indoor air, and discharging the sucked air to the outdoors; a
heat exchanging element arranged at a region where the indoor air
and the outdoor air cross each other, the heat exchanging element
heatexchanging the indoor air with the outdoor air; a first
extension duct including a first diffuser for diffusing the outdoor
air supplied from the air supply duct into the indoor space; and a
second extension duct including a second diffuser spaced apart from
the first diffuser by a predetermined distance, wherein the heat
exchanging element has a shape causing the indoor air and the
outdoor air to flow through the heat exchanging element while
forming an acute angle from each other.
[0030] The first extension duct may further include a first lower
extension duct for connecting the air supply duct to the indoor
space, and a first upper extension duct for connecting the air
supply duct to the outdoors.
[0031] The second extension duct may further include a second lower
extension duct for connecting the air discharge duct to the indoor
space, and a second upper extension duct for connecting the air
discharge duct to the outdoors.
[0032] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an inner
structure of a total heat exchanger according to a first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the heat
exchanging element shown in FIG. 1 and air flows passing through
the heat exchanging element;
[0036] FIG. 3A is a graph schematically depicting a temperature
variation depending on the flow lengths of indoor air and outdoor
air during a cooling operation for cooling an indoor space;
[0037] FIG. 3B is a graph schematically depicting a temperature
variation depending on the flow lengths of indoor air and outdoor
air during a heating operation for heating an indoor space;
[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an inner
structure of a total heat exchanger according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the heat
exchanging element shown in FIG. 4 and air flows passing through
the heat exchanging element;
[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an inner
structure of a total heat exchanger according to a third embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0041] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a ventilation system
equipped with a total heat exchanger according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0043] In FIGS. 1 to 7, solid line arrows A represent a flow of
indoor air, and broken line arrows B represent a flow of outdoor
air.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an
exemplary embodiment of a total heat exchanger according to the
present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view
illustrating a heat exchanging element shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A is
a graph schematically depicting a temperature variation depending
on the flow lengths of indoor air and outdoor air during a cooling
operation for cooling an indoor space. FIG. 3B is a graph
schematically depicting a temperature variation depending on the
flow lengths of indoor air and outdoor air during a heating
operation for heating an indoor space.
[0045] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the total heat exchanger
according to the present invention will be described with reference
to FIGS. 1 to 3B.
[0046] The total heat exchanger includes an air supply duct 10 for
guiding outdoor air to an indoor space, an air discharge duct 20
for guiding indoor air to the outdoors, and a heat exchanging
element 50a for heat-exchanging the indoor air with the outdoor
air. The total heat exchanger may further include an air supply fan
13 for sucking the outdoor air, and supplying the sucked air to the
indoor space, and an air discharge fan 23 for sucking the indoor
air, and discharging the sucked air to the outdoors.
[0047] The heat exchanging element 50a is arranged at a region
where an outdoor air flow guided by the air supply duct 10 and an
indoor air flow guided by the air discharge duct 20 cross each
other. The heat exchanging element 50a heat-exchanges the indoor
air with the outdoor air through exchange of sensible heat using a
temperature difference between the indoor air and outdoor air and
exchange of latent heat using a humidity difference between the
indoor air and outdoor air.
[0048] In detail, a first heat exchanging passage (not shown) and a
second heat exchanging passage (not shown), through which the
indoor air and outdoor air pass, respectively, are formed in the
heat exchanging element 50a. The first and second heat exchanging
passages are defined by a heat exchanging membrane (not shown)
having excellent thermal characteristics.
[0049] Accordingly, when indoor air and outdoor air, which have
temperature and humidity differences, pass through the associated
heat exchanging passages, respectively, heat exchange occurs
between the indoor air and outdoor air via the heat exchanging
membrane.
[0050] A filter (not shown) may be arranged at one side of the heat
exchanging element 50a. The filter functions to filter air to
remove foreign matter contained in the air. The filter may be
detachably coupled to the heat exchanging element 50a.
[0051] An air supply duct inlet 11 is provided at one end of the
air supply duct 10. The air supply duct inlet 11 communicates with
the outdoors. An air supply duct outlet 12 is provided at the other
end of the air supply duct 10. The air supply duct outlet 12
communicates with the indoor space. Similarly, an air discharge
duct inlet 21 is provided at one end of the air discharge duct 20.
The air discharge duct inlet 21 communicates with the indoor space.
An air discharge duct outlet 22 is provided at the other end of the
air discharge duct 20. The air discharge duct outlet 22
communicates with the outdoors.
[0052] The air supply fan 13 is arranged in the air supply duct 10,
to forcibly suck outdoor air from the outdoors, and to supply the
sucked air to the indoor space. The air discharge fan 23 is
arranged in the air discharge duct 20, to forcibly suck
contaminated air from the indoor space, and to discharge the sucked
air to the outdoors.
[0053] Both the air supply fan 12 and the air discharge fan 23 are
mounted in an air supply fan housing and an air discharge fan
housing, respectively. Motors (not shown) are arranged at the front
sides of the air supply fan housing and air discharge fan housing,
respectively.
[0054] Operation of the ventilation system configured as described
above will now be described.
[0055] When electric power is applied to the air discharge fan 23,
in order to ventilate indoor air contaminated to a certain level,
the indoor air is introduced into the air discharge duct 20 through
the air discharge duct inlet 21. The indoor air introduced in the
air discharge duct 20 flows across the heat exchanging element 50a
in a diagonal direction of the heat exchanging element 50a.
[0056] After flowing across the heat exchanging element 50a, the
indoor air is guided along the air discharge duct 20, and is then
discharged to the outdoors through the air discharge duct outlet
22. Simultaneously with the above-described flow of the indoor air,
outdoor air is introduced into the air supply duct 10 through the
air supply duct outlet 22. The outdoor air introduced in the air
supply duct 10 flows across the heat exchanging element 50a in a
diagonal direction of the heat exchanging element 50a.
[0057] After flowing across the heat exchanging element 50a, the
outdoor air is guided along the air supply duct 10, and is then
supplied to the indoor space through the air supply duct outlet 12.
The indoor air and outdoor air, which flow in the above-described
manner, heat-exchange while flowing across the heat exchanging
element 50a. Thus, the outdoor air is supplied to the indoor space
under the condition in which the outdoor air is maintained at an
appropriate temperature.
[0058] Meanwhile, the indoor air is discharged to the outdoors
mainly via two flow paths. That is, in association with a first
flow path, the air introduced into the air discharge duct 20
through the air discharge duct inlet 21 passes through a first air
discharge duct guide hole 24, and heat-exchanges with the outdoor
air introduced into the air supply duct 20 via the air supply duct
inlet 11, and is then discharged to the outdoors. On the other
hand, in association with a second flow path, the air introduced
into the air discharge duct 20 through the air discharge duct inlet
21 is directly discharged to the outdoors by the suction force of
the air discharge fan 23, without passing through the heat
exchanging element 50a.
[0059] In association with the latter case, the total heat
exchanger further includes an air-discharge-side bypass passage 26
for guiding the indoor air to be directly discharged through the
air discharge duct outlet 22. The indoor air introduced into the
air discharge duct 20 through the air discharge duct inlet 21 flows
along the air-discharge-side bypass passage 26 after passing
through a second air discharge duct guide hole 25, and is then
discharged to the outdoors. A damper may be arranged at the air
discharge duct inlet 21, in order to guide the indoor air to the
air-discharge-side bypass passage 26.
[0060] In accordance with the above-described configuration, it is
possible to reduce pressure loss caused by the heat exchanging
element by preventing the indoor air and outdoor air from passing
through the heat exchanging element when the temperature and
humidity differences between the indoor air and outdoor air is
small, as in the spring and autumn seasons. Accordingly, the load
applied to the fan can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to
achieve a reduction in power consumption, and thus, to achieve
saving of energy.
[0061] Meanwhile, the total heat efficiency of the total heat
exchanger depends on how efficiently the heat exchanging element
50a heat-exchanges the indoor air with the outdoor air. In order to
obtain a desired total heat efficiency, accordingly, it is
necessary to increase the cross-sectional area of the heat
exchanging element 50a. However, there is a restriction in
increasing the vertical length of the heat exchanging element 50a,
namely, the cross-sectional height of the heat exchanging element
50a, due to restrictions in the design of the construction in which
the total heat exchanger is installed.
[0062] Thus, the improvement in the total heat efficiency of the
heat exchanging element 50a and the minimization of the
cross-sectional height of the heat exchanging element 50a are in
opposition to each other. However, the inventor found the fact that
it is possible to increase the cross-sectional area of the heat
exchanging element 50a without increasing the cross-sectional
height of the heating exchanging element 50a, for an enhancement in
the total heat efficiency of the total heat exchanger.
[0063] In detail, in accordance with the present invention, the
heat exchanging element 50a is configured to cause indoor and
outdoor air flows passing through the heat exchanging element 50a
to form an acute angle .theta. therebetween. The heat exchanging
element 50a is also configured such that the cross-sectional width
w of the heat exchanging element 50a is larger than the
cross-sectional height h of the heat exchanging element 50a. In
this embodiment, the heat exchanging element 50a has a diamond
shape, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0064] Of course, the heat exchanging element 50a may have other
cross-sectional shapes. For example, the heat exchanging element
50a may have a curved or polygonal cross-sectional shape.
Furthermore, the heat exchanging element 50a may have a
cross-sectional shape having both a rectilinear portion and a
curved portion.
[0065] When the cross-sectional width of the heat exchanging
element 50a is larger than the cross-sectional height of the heat
exchanging element 50a, the flow length of air flowing through the
heat exchanging element 50a is increased, and the flow rate of the
air is reduced. Accordingly, the indoor air and outdoor air passing
through the heat exchanging element 50a can more efficiently
heat-exchange with each other.
[0066] In addition, when the cross-sectional width of the heat
exchanging element 50a is larger than the cross-sectional height of
the heat exchanging element 50a, the variation in the directions of
air flows passing through the air supply duct and air discharge
duct is reduced. As a result, flow resistances in the air supply
duct and air discharge duct are reduced.
[0067] Hereinafter, a variation in temperature depending on the
length of the flow path defined in the heat exchanging element
according to the present invention will be described with reference
to FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0068] In each of FIGS. 3A and 3B, "X" designates a temperature
difference between the temperature of indoor air varying depending
on the length of the flow path of a heat exchanging element, as
depicted by a graph A and the temperature of outdoor air varying
depending on the length of the flow path of the heat exchanging
element, as depicted by a graph B, in the case in which the heating
exchanging element has a conventional structure. In each of FIGS.
3A and 3B, "Y" designates a temperature difference between the
temperature of indoor air varying depending on the length of the
flow path of a heat exchanging element, as depicted by the graph A
and the temperature of outdoor air varying depending on the length
of the flow path of the heat exchanging element, as depicted by the
graph B, in the case in which the heating exchanging element has a
structure according to the present invention.
[0069] For an operation mode for cooling the indoor space, for
example, in the summer season, the temperature of indoor air to be
cooled is set to be relatively lower than the temperature of
outdoor air, as shown in FIG. 3A. The difference between the indoor
air temperature and the outdoor air temperature is reduced in
accordance with heat exchange carried out by the heat exchanging
element 50a of the total heat exchanger. The outdoor air, which has
a relatively high temperature, heat-exchanges with the indoor air,
which is discharged to the outdoors. As a result, the outdoor air
is supplied to the indoor space in a state in which the temperature
of the outdoor air has been lowered below the temperature of
outdoor air present in the outdoors.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 3A, it can be seen that, in the case of
the heat exchanging element having a cross-sectional shape
according to the present invention, more effective heat exchange is
carried out. Accordingly, it is possible to further reduce the
temperature difference between the outdoor air supplied to the
indoor space and the indoor air discharged to the outdoors, using
the heat exchanging element according to the present invention.
[0071] For an operation mode for heating the indoor space, for
example, in the winter season, the temperature of indoor air to be
heated is set to be relatively higher than the temperature of
outdoor air, as shown in FIG. 3B. Referring to FIG. 3B, it can be
seen that, in the case of the heat exchanging element having a
cross-sectional shape according to the present invention, more
effective heat exchange is carried out, as compared to the
conventional heat exchanging element.
[0072] Although the total heat exchanger according to this
embodiment has been described as being installed in the interior of
a ceiling, it may be installed at a side wall of a building.
[0073] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the total heat exchanger
according to the present invention will be described with reference
to FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0074] The basic configuration of the second embodiment of the
total heat exchanger according to the present invention is
identical to that of the first embodiment as described above. In
the second embodiment, however, the total heat exchanger includes a
plurality of heat exchanging elements 50b arranged in series in a
flow direction of air in the total heat exchanger.
[0075] As described above, there is a restriction in increasing the
cross-sectional height of a heat exchanging element due to
restrictions in the design of the construction in which the total
heat exchanger is installed. When the heat exchanging elements 50b
are arranged in series in a flow direction of air in the total heat
exchanger, it is possible to achieve an enhancement in heat
exchange efficiency without an increase in the cross-sectional
height of the heat exchanging elements 50b.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 4, air flowing in each of the air supply
duct 10 and air discharge duct 20 passes through the heat
exchanging elements 50b in a zig-zag manner. Accordingly, the total
heat exchanging area of the heat exchanging elements 50b and the
length of the path, along which air flows, are increased.
[0077] In addition, the flow velocity of the air is gradually
reduced as the air sequentially passes through the
serially-arranged heat exchanging elements 50b. Such a reduction in
flow velocity provides advantageous effects in terms of heat
exchange. As a result, it is possible to enhance the total heat
efficiency of the total heat exchanger by virtue of the increased
total heat exchanging area and the reduced air flow velocity.
[0078] Meanwhile, it is preferred that the heat exchanging elements
be detachably coupled to the total heat exchanger. By virtue of
such a detachable structure, it is possible to achieve easy
assembly and disassembly of the heat exchanging elements.
[0079] The total heat exchanger also includes an air-discharge-side
bypass passage 26. When the temperature and humidity differences
between the indoor space and the outdoors are small, as in the
spring or autumn season, indoor air is discharged to the outdoors
via the air-discharge-side bypass passage 26 without passing
through the heat exchanging elements 50b. In this case, there is no
pressure loss through the heat exchanging elements 50b.
Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the air
discharge fan, and thus, to reduce power consumption.
[0080] Although not shown, the total heat exchanger may also
include an air-supply-side bypass passage for allowing outdoor air
to be directly introduced into the indoor space. In this case, a
damper is arranged at one end of the air-supply-side bypass
passage, in order to control flow of outdoor air through the
air-supply-side bypass passage. Accordingly, when it is unnecessary
to heat-exchange indoor air with outdoor air, the outdoor air is
guided to pass through the inlet of the air supply duct, and then
to be directly introduced into the indoor space via the
air-supply-side bypass passage.
[0081] The total heat exchanger may further include a filter unit
(not shown) for filtering outdoor air flowing through the air
supply duct, to remove foreign matter contained in the outdoor air.
Accordingly, the outdoor air can be supplied to the indoor space in
a clean state after passing through the filter unit.
[0082] The filter unit includes a dust-collecting filter which has
a fiber mat structure, to collect foreign matter such as dust. The
filter unit may also include an antibiotic filter for removing
bacteria present in air, a photocatalytic collector for removing
fine dust and volatile organic compounds passing through the
filter, a deodorizing filter for deodorizing air, an anion
generator, or a combination thereof.
[0083] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the total heat exchanger
according to the present invention will be described with reference
to FIG. 6.
[0084] In accordance with this embodiment, the total heat exchanger
includes an air-supply-side fan-motor assembly 130 and an
air-discharge-side fan-motor assembly 230.
[0085] The air-supply-side fan-motor assembly 130 includes a
plurality of air supply fans 131 each having a rotating shaft
extending perpendicularly to the discharge direction of outdoor
air. similarly, the air-discharge-side fan-motor assembly 230
includes a plurality of air discharge fans 231 each having a
rotating shaft extending perpendicularly to the discharge direction
of indoor air.
[0086] The air supply fans 131 are driven by a single dual-axial
motor 132. Similarly, the air discharge fans 231 are driven by a
single dual-axial motor 232. Since the air supply fans 131 and air
discharge fans 231 are driven by the associated dual-axial motors
132 and 232, respectively, it is possible to produce an increase
amount of air flow. In the illustrated case, the total heat
exchanger includes two air supply fans 131 and two air discharge
fans 231.
[0087] The total heat exchanger also includes an air supply chamber
17 defined in the interior of the total heat exchanger at the side
of the air supply fans 131, and adapted to store air discharged by
the air supply fans 131, and an air discharge chamber 27 defined in
the interior of the total heat exchanger at the side of the air
discharge fans 231, and adapted to store air discharged by the air
discharge fans 231. As the air supply chamber 17 and air discharge
chamber 27 temporarily store air to be supplied and air to be
discharged, respectively, air can flow uniformly through the air
supply duct and air discharge duct.
[0088] Although the rotating shafts of the air supply fan 13 and
air discharge fan 23 extend in directions identical to the
discharge directions of outdoor air and indoor air, respectively,
in the above-described embodiments, the rotating shafts of the air
supply fans 131 and air discharge fans 231 extend perpendicularly
to the discharge directions of the outdoor air and indoor air,
respectively, in this embodiment.
[0089] Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of a ventilation system
according to the present invention will be described with reference
to FIG. 7.
[0090] The ventilation system according to this embodiment includes
a total heat exchanger 1000 which has the same configuration as
that of one of the above-described total heat exchangers. The
ventilation system also includes a first extension duct 500 and a
second extension duct 600. The total heat exchanger 100 is arranged
at a region where the first and second extension ducts 500 and 600
meet.
[0091] The first extension duct 500 includes a first lower
extension duct 520 for enabling the air supply duct of the total
heat exchanger 1000 to communicate with the indoor space, a first
upper extension duct 530 for enabling the air supply duct of the
total heat exchanger 1000 to communicate with the outdoors, and a
first diffuser 510 for diffusing outdoor air supplied to the indoor
space.
[0092] In detail, the first lower extension duct 520 is connected,
at one end thereof, to the air supply duct of the total heat
exchanger 1000, and is connected, at the other end thereof, to the
first diffuser 510 partially opened to the indoor space. Of course,
the first diffuser 510 may be completely opened to the indoor
space.
[0093] The second extension duct 600 includes a second lower
extension duct 620 for enabling the air discharge duct of the total
heat exchanger 1000 to communicate with the indoor space, a second
upper extension duct 630 for enabling the air discharge duct of the
total heat exchanger 1000 to communicate with the outdoors, and a
second diffuser 610 for sucking indoor air into the second
extension duct 600.
[0094] In detail, the second lower extension duct 620 is connected,
at one end thereof, to the air discharge duct of the total heat
exchanger 1000, and is connected, at the other end thereof, to the
second diffuser 610 partially opened to the indoor space. Of
course, the second diffuser 610 may be completely opened to the
indoor space.
[0095] The second extension duct 600 functions to enable the air
discharge duct of the total heat exchanger 1000 to communicate with
the indoor space, and to enable the total heat exchanger 100 to
communicate with the outdoors. The second diffuser 610 is mounted
to an end of the second extension duct 600.
[0096] As the ventilation system having the above-described
configuration uses the total heat exchanger according to the
present invention, the ventilation system can maintain a high total
heat efficiency irrespective of the design of the construction in
which the ventilation system is installed.
[0097] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *