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(11) | EP 3 880 900 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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INSULATION SYSTEM WITH A THERMALLY INSULATING SEPARATION ISOLIERSYSTEM MIT THERMISCH ISOLIERENDER TRENNUNG SYSTÈME D'ISOLATION AVEC UNE SÉPARATION THERMIQUEMENT ISOLANTE |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
[0001] The invention relates to an insulation system for insulating an interior space with respect to an exterior space, wherein use is made of a thermally insulating partition which is permeable for a gaseous through-flow medium.
[0002] From the prior art, a number of insulating systems are known which make use of a permeable partition, such as in NL7810215.
[0003] The non-prepublished WO2019/017784 describes an insulation system in which an interior space is insulated by making use of a permeable partition. The insulation system has an air flow in one direction and a heat flow in the opposite direction. Said air flow runs from the exterior space to the interior space or from the interior space to the exterior space through a number of permeable insulating walls. In embodiments, strips are placed between the insulating walls.
[0004] Non-prepublished WO2018/9098832 describes an insulation system which comprises a closed gas circuit through which a gaseous medium flows which absorbs heat from the interior space or the exterior space and feeds it back to the interior space or the exterior space via a heat exchanger. The closed gas circuit comprises a permeable insulating wall which is placed between the inner wall and outer wall and forms an inner cavity with the inner wall and forms an outer cavity with the outer wall. The gaseous medium flows counter to the direction of the heat flow. Compared to the insulation system described in WO2019/017784, this closed insulation system has the advantage that potential problems, such as condensation, accumulation of soiling, and mold growth in the insulation system may be prevented.
[0006] The invention which is described in this application is a further refinement compared to the above-described systems. The object of the invention is to provide a useful and easily installable insulation system which uses a thermally insulating partition which is permeable to a gaseous through-flow medium.
[0007] The insulation system according to the invention is configured to insulate an interior space, which interior space is separated from an exterior space by means of a wall comprising an inner wall and an outer wall with a cavity in between, wherein the insulation system comprises the following:
- a thermally insulating partition which is permeable to a gaseous through-flow medium, and
- a fan for a gaseous through-flow medium,
wherein the thermally insulating partition is configured to be arranged in the cavity in such a way between the inner wall and the outer wall, that the cavity is divided into an inner cavity and an outer cavity, wherein the inner cavity is delimited by the inner wall and the thermally insulating partition and the outer cavity is delimited by the outer wall and the thermally insulating partition, and the thermally insulating partition separates the inner cavity from the outer cavity, and
wherein the fan is configured to produce a pressure difference between the inner cavity and the outer cavity, and thus to bring about a displacement of a gaseous through-flow medium through the thermally insulating partition.
[0008] According to the invention, the thermally insulating partition comprises a serpentine-shaped part which is made from a foil, for example a transparent foil, which foil is folded to form a serpentine shape, the serpentine-shaped part comprising peaks and troughs separated from each other by means of flanks,
wherein spacers are provided in order to keep adjacent flanks of the serpentine-shaped part a mutual distance apart, and preferably make it possible to tension the serpentine-shaped part while retaining the peaks and troughs, and
wherein the flanks are closed to the gaseous through-flow medium,
and wherein perforations are arranged in the foil at the peaks and at the troughs of the serpentine-shaped part, in such a way that the serpentine-shaped part defines multiple parallel ducts which extend between the flanks of the serpentine-shaped part and which are each delimited at one end thereof by either a peak or a trough of the serpentine-shaped part, and wherein the perforations at said peak or said trough form inflow apertures or outflow apertures for the gaseous through-flow medium through the respective duct due to the effect of the pressure difference between the inner cavity and the outer cavity brought about by the fan.
[0009] The system according to the invention is capable of insulating an interior space, for example a space in a house. When the insulation system according to the invention is fitted, it may be fitted, for example, in an outer wall of the house. In this case, the inner wall, together with the thermally insulating partition, delimits the inner cavity and the outer wall, together with the thermally insulating partition, delimits the outer cavity.
[0010] The serpentine-shaped part of the thermally insulating partition is folded to form a serpentine shape, so that, in the one direction, for example the length direction, of the serpentine-shaped part, it forms a corrugation and, in the other direction, for example the width direction, of the serpentine-shaped part, it has flanks which run parallel.
[0011] The spacers impart a certain degree of sturdiness to the serpentine-shaped part of the thermally insulating partition. The spacers ensure that the flanks of the serpentine-shaped part do not collapse and touch one another in an undesired way, which would result in ducts being blocked. Furthermore, spacers may serve to ensure that the flanks of the serpentine-shaped part are not spaced apart too far if the serpentine-shaped part is, for example, stretched on account of its own weight or when the serpentine-shaped part is unfolded.
[0012] The spacers may be arranged between adjacent flanks where the spacers may, in addition, be designed as baffles. In this case, the spacers between two flanks divide the duct between these adjacent flanks into separate smaller ducts. The presence of spacers which form baffles may be advantageous for the flow through the ducts.
[0013] Alternatively or in combination with spacers between the flanks, the spacers may also be fastened across the group of peaks and/or across the group of troughs of a serpentine-shaped part, for example as bands or wires, for example directed vertically while the flanks are directed horizontally.
[0014] For example, a plastic spacer is fastened to the foil of the serpentine-shaped part by means of a heat-sealed connection.
[0016] Locally, which may not be exactly on the peak or in the trough, but also in the vicinity of the peaks and the troughs of the serpentine-shaped part, perforations are arranged on the peaks and troughs through which the gaseous through-flow medium flows on account of the pressure difference produced by the fan. This flow is substantially defined by these perforations which, in practically advantageous embodiments, have a much smaller cross-sectional area, also collectively, than the cross-sectional area of the adjoining part of the duct which is substantially defined by adjacent flanks.
[0017] For example, the perforations each have a diameter of between 0.2 and 1 millimetre or a corresponding cross-sectional area if the perforations are not round. For example, the perforations are designed to have a diameter of between 0.4 and 0.6 millimetre, for example 0.5 millimetre.
[0018] Preferably, the distance between adjacent perforations is a multiple of the diameter of every perforation.
[0019] Preferably, one or more parallel and straight rows of perforations are provided in the vicinity of a peak or a trough, for example provided by a perforation machine after the foil has been unrolled from a roll.
[0020] The foil is preferably of a type which is sealed or closed to the gaseous through-flow medium without any additional treatment, so that the perforations form the sole passage for the gaseous through-flow medium.
[0022] Optionally, the foil has one or more plastic film layers and one or more metal film layers, for example an aluminium layer, for example in order to produce a heat-reflection action.
[0023] The foil may also be a, preferably thin, metal foil which may optionally have come from a roll.
[0025] For example, in use, the pressure drop across the perforations is at least 10 times bigger than the pressure drop across the inner cavity and the outer cavity, for example at least 15 times bigger. This applies, for example, in the case of a design with a closed gas circuit as explained herein.
[0027] On the serpentine-shaped part of the thermally insulating partition, the distribution of perforations is preferably uniform across its gas-permeable surface, in particular viewed in longitudinal direction of the flanks.
[0028] The serpentine-shaped part is preferably made from a non-dimensionally stable, for example thin foil, for example made from a foil to be unrolled from a roll. For example, the foil has a thickness of between 2 µm and 200 µm.
[0029] The serpentine-shaped part is for example made from a PET film. For example, if the PET film has a thickness of 5 µm and the mutual distance between the flanks of the serpentine is for example 5 mm, then there are approximately 200 flanks per metre.
[0030] For example, the distance between adjacent flanks is between 3 and 10 millimetres, for example between 4 and 7 millimetres, for example 5 millimetres.
[0031] For example, the distance between the face with the peaks and the face with the troughs of the serpentine-shaped part is at least 3 centimetres, for example at least 5 centimetres, for example between 7 and 12 centimetres. In a practical embodiment, this distance is between 8 and 10 centimetres.
[0032] The ease with which heat moves through a permeable thermal wall counter to the direction of movement of a gaseous medium is measured by means of the Peclet number, Pe. In this case, Pe = v I p Cp/ λ, with v being the velocity of the medium at right angles to the surface of the permeable thermal wall, I being the path length through the permeable thermal wall, ρ being the density of the gaseous medium, Cp being the thermal capacity of the gaseous medium and A being the coefficient of thermal conduction of the through-flow medium.
[0033] Depending on the embodiment of the thermally insulating partition, the gaseous through-flow medium flows through the thermally insulating partition, for example at flow rates of 0.1 - 4 mm/s.
[0034] In embodiments of the invention as described here, it is configured to support a Peclet number greater than 1.
[0035] If the Peclet number is greater than 1, the conduction heat across the permeable thermal wall is blocked by means of the flow of the gaseous medium. If the gaseous medium flows from hot to cold, a heat front results which blocks an oppositely directed flux of coldness. If, however, the medium flows from cold to hot, a cold front results, which blocks an oppositely directed heat flux. At a Peclet number greater than 1, virtually no heat transfer takes place through the permeable thermal wall.
[0036] If the Peclet number is greater than 1, a superadiabatic flow occurs and a superadiabatic effect is the effect which ensures that virtually no heat transfer occurs counter to the flow direction of the gaseous medium.
[0037] If the gas flow has a Peclet number greater than 1 when it moves through the thermally insulating partition, a heat front or a cold front occurs in the thermally insulating partition and blocks a heat flow or cold flow through the thermally insulating partition. Experiments have shown that a Peclet number of 3 is sufficient to virtually completely block the heat flow or cold flow.
[0038] The superadiabatic effect may become disturbed if thermal or convective turbulence occurs in the insulation system. To this end, it is necessary for the flow to be kept laminar. Due to the large wall surface of the thermally insulating partition and the relatively small perforations in the thermally insulating partition, the flow will be mainly laminar.
[0039] Thermal turbulence may be prevented by making the through-flow medium flow mainly horizontally through horizontal narrow gaps. The gaps may be formed by the flanks of the serpentine-shaped part if these are arranged horizontally. For an optimum effect, the flanks can be placed a number of millimetres apart, for example 5 mm.
[0040] In embodiments, the thermally insulating partition is configured to be placed in the cavity in such a way that the peaks and the troughs of the serpentine-shaped part extend horizontally.
[0041] For example, the top side and the bottom side of the thermally insulating partition are provided with a securing tab which extends parallel to the peaks and troughs of the serpentine-shaped part, for securing the thermally insulating partition at the top and at the bottom in the cavity.
[0042] In addition to preventing thermal turbulence by placing the peaks and troughs of the serpentine-shaped part horizontally, this also ensures that the heat flow mainly runs parallel to the air flow. This results in improved insulation of the interior space.
[0043] In one possible embodiment, the spacers can be folded, for example by lowering or raising one end of the serpentine shape by means of a folding device. The spacers are, for example, configured to be folded double. A foldable embodiment of the spacers, in combination with a suitable foil, preferably renders the thermally insulating partition foldable. In a folded position, the flanks of the serpentine-shaped part are close, optionally on top of each other.
[0044] If the thermally insulating partition consists of a PET film with a thickness of 5 µm and with a mutual distance between the flanks of the serpentine of, for example, 5 mm, then the folded package has a thickness of 3 mm per running metre, which, at a flank width of for example 10 cm, only forms a volume of 3 litres. The thermally insulating partition with these properties having this flank width weighs 0.144 kg/m2 of insulating panel and has a specific density, in its unfolded position, of only 1.44 kg/m3. In this way, the thermally insulating partition can easily be transported in the folded position, because it is lightweight and compact.
[0045] In possible embodiments, the spacers are arranged between the flanks of the serpentine-shaped part and the spacers are U-shaped or Z-shaped or O-shaped, viewed in a direction parallel to a length direction of a duct formed between the flanks.
[0046] In possible embodiments, the insulation system is provided with a folding device configured for folding and unfolding the thermally insulating partition in the cavity. The folding and the unfolding of the thermally insulating partition takes place by moving a first and a second end of the thermally insulating partition towards each other and away from each other, respectively.
[0047] Preferably, the folding device comprises a guide for guiding the at least one end during folding and unfolding.
[0048] By folding and unfolding the thermally insulating partition, the insulating action can be activated and deactivated, depending on the user's wishes.
[0049] In one possible embodiment, the thermally insulating partition is foldable and is suspended from cords in the insulation system by means of which the thermally insulating partition can be pulled up to form a layered package or can be lowered in order to be brought into its operating position from a rest position.
[0050] In one possible embodiment, the thermally insulating partition is foldable and is suspended from cords by means of which the thermal partition can be pulled up in order to be unfolded in such a way, or can be lowered in order to be folded in such a way to form a layered package. When pulling up the system, it is brought from a rest position to an operating position and when lowering the system, it is brought from an operating position to a rest position.
[0051] In one possible embodiment, at least a part of the thermally insulating partition is transparent in order to make transmission of light through the insulation system possible. For example, a part of the thermally insulating partition is transparent and a part of the inner wall and the outer wall form a window with the thermally insulating partition placed in between. In this embodiment, the insulation system insulates an interior space with a wall which comprises a window.
[0052] In one possible embodiment, the gaseous through-flow medium is air. Compared to other gases, this has the advantage that the system is easy to install.
[0053] In one possible embodiment, the insulation system furthermore comprises a circulation duct for connecting the inner cavity to the outer cavity in such a way that the circulation duct, with the inner cavity, the outer cavity, and the interposed thermally insulating partition forms a closed gas circuit which is filled with a gaseous through-flow medium. Furthermore, the insulation system comprises a heat exchanger which is configured for exchanging heat between the gaseous through-flow medium in the closed gas circuit, on the one hand, and a flow of heat-exchange medium which is separate therefrom, on the other hand.
[0054] In this embodiment, the fan is configured to bring about circulation of the gaseous through-flow medium through the closed gas circuit.
[0055] An advantage of these embodiments is the fact that the heat, or cold, which enters the system from the interior space is recovered by a heat exchanger and thus is not lost. This heat or cold may in turn be used advantageously, for example, for heating or cooling the interior space.
[0056] In embodiments of the closed system, the gaseous through-flow medium may consist of a number of different gases. The gaseous through-flow medium may be, for example, air, argon, krypton or carbon dioxide. Due to the value of the Peclet number, the gas which is chosen to serve as the gaseous through-flow medium influences the degree of insulation of the insulation system.
[0057] The choice of gaseous through-flow medium may be made on the basis of both user requirements and economic arguments.
[0058] Depending on the gaseous through-flow medium chosen, the closed gas circuit has to be made sufficiently gas-tight.
[0059] In suitable embodiments, the insulation system according to the invention may function in a number of different ways, depending on the temperature in the interior space with respect to the exterior space, whether the system comprises an open or a closed gas circuit and the direction of circulation of the gaseous through-flow medium.
[0060] In a first option for a system with an open gas circuit, that is to say a system without closed gas circuit, the interior space is, as desired, hotter than the exterior space and ventilation air flows through the thermally insulating wall of the interior space to the exterior space. In this case, the ventilation air will cool down when it flows through the thermally insulating partition. If the Peclet number is greater than 1, a cold front will occur in the thermally insulating partition and virtually no heat will be lost to the ventilation air.
[0061] In a second option for a system with an open gas circuit, the interior space is, as desired, hotter than the exterior space and ventilation air flows through the thermally insulating wall of the exterior space to the interior space. In this case, the ventilation air will heat up when it flows through the thermally insulating partition. If the Peclet number is greater than 1, virtually no cold will enter the interior space via the ventilation air.
[0062] In a third option for a system with an open gas circuit, the interior space is, as desired, colder than the exterior space and ventilation air flows through the thermally insulating wall of the interior space to the exterior space. In this case, the ventilation air will heat up when it flows through the thermally insulating partition. If the Peclet number is greater than 1, virtually no cold will be lost to the ventilation air.
[0063] In a fourth option for a system with an open gas circuit, the interior space is, as desired, colder than the exterior space and ventilation air flows through the thermally insulating wall of the exterior space to the interior space. In this case, the ventilation air will cool down when it flows through the thermally insulating partition. If the Peclet number is greater than 1, virtually no heat will enter the interior space via the ventilation air.
[0064] In a first option for a system with a closed gas circuit, the interior space is, as desired, hotter than the exterior space and the gaseous through-flow medium flows through the thermally insulating wall of the inner cavity to the outer cavity. In this case, the gaseous through-flow medium will cool down when it flows through the thermally insulating partition. Subsequently, the cooled gaseous through-flow medium will flow to the heat exchanger where the gaseous through-flow medium extracts heat from a hot heat exchanger medium. The heated gaseous through-flow medium then flows back to the inner cavity. In this way, some of the heat is recovered and can be used for, for example, heating the interior space.
[0065] In a second option for a system with a closed gas circuit, the interior space is, as desired, hotter than the exterior space and the gaseous through-flow medium flows through the thermally insulating wall of the outer cavity to the inner cavity. In this case, the gaseous through-flow medium will heat up when it flows through the thermally insulating partition. Subsequently, the heated gaseous through-flow medium will flow to the heat exchanger where the gaseous through-flow medium extracts cold from a cold heat exchanger medium. The cooled gaseous through-flow medium subsequently flows back to the outer cavity. In this way, some of the cold which would have entered the interior is used for other purposes.
[0066] In a third option for a system with a closed gas circuit, the interior space is, as desired, colder than the exterior space and the gaseous through-flow medium flows through the thermally insulating wall of the outer cavity to the inner cavity. In this case, the gaseous through-flow medium will cool down when it flows through the thermally insulating partition. Subsequently, the cooled gaseous through-flow medium will flow to the heat exchanger where the gaseous through-flow medium extracts heat from a hot heat exchanger medium. The heated gaseous through-flow medium subsequently flows back to the outer cavity. In this way, some of the heat which would have entered the interior via the ventilation air is blocked.
[0067] In a fourth option for a system with a closed gas circuit, the interior space is, as desired, colder than the exterior space and the gaseous through-flow medium flows through the thermally insulating wall of the inner cavity to the outer cavity. In this case, the gaseous through-flow medium will heat up when it flows through the thermally insulating partition. Subsequently, the heated gaseous through-flow medium will flow to the heat exchanger where the gaseous through-flow medium extracts cold from a cold heat exchanger medium. The cooled gaseous through-flow medium subsequently flows back to the inner cavity. In this way, some of the cold is recovered and can be used for, for example, cooling the interior space.
[0068] In the closed system, the heat losses depend on the rate at which the gaseous through-flow medium flows through the thermally insulating partition and past the heat exchanger. If the rate through the thermally insulating partition is high, this results in a high Peclet number, but in that case the heat exchanger has to exchange more heat which can be used advantageously. If the rate is excessive, this is no longer the case and a needlessly large heat exchanger is required with a needless reactive power and additional reactive losses. The optimum Peclet number thus depends on the heat or the ventilation flow rate required to heat or ventilate the interior space, for example. If a lot of ventilation or heat is required, then the Peclet number is high and the conduction losses are low and vice versa. The rate of the gaseous through-flow medium, and the arrangement of the fan which is designed to bring about circulation of the gaseous through-flow medium through the closed gas circuit have to be such that the net heat loss is minimal. In combination with a suitable heat exchanger, the efficiency can be improved further.
[0069] In a possible embodiment of the closed system, the gaseous through-flow medium is carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide gas provides better insulation than if the system were filled with air and is relatively inexpensive.
[0070] In a possible embodiment, a heat exchanger is configured for exchanging heat between the gaseous through-flow medium and a stream of ventilation air which flows to or from the respective interior space and is separate therefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger extracts heat from the gaseous through-flow medium and emits it to cold ventilation air which comes from outside. In this case, the interior space will be, as desired, hotter than the exterior space and no unnecessary cold will enter the interior space via the ventilation air.
[0071] In a possible embodiment, a heat exchanger is configured for exchanging heat between the gaseous through-flow medium and a heating medium for the respective interior space. In one exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger extracts heat from the gaseous through-flow medium and emits this to water intended for the heating installation in the interior space. In this case, the interior space will, as desired, be hotter than the exterior space and less energy will be required for the heating installation in the interior space.
[0072] In a possible embodiment, the insulation system is furthermore provided with a control system for actuating, preferably automatically actuating, the fan and/or the folding device, wherein the control system is preferably provided with one or more sensors. The control system may, for example, be provided with a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the inner cavity or the outer cavity or a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the interior space, the exterior space, the inner cavity or the outer cavity. The one or more sensors provide information on the basis of which the fan and/or the folding device may be actuated.
[0073] Preferably, the flow in the insulation system is laminar, in which case the control system is able to ensure that the flow remains laminar by actuating the fan.
[0074] Actuation of the fan can have an effect on the Peclet number. The Peclet number determines the degree of insulation of the system and it may be preferable to adjust the Peclet number when there is a great temperature difference between the interior space and the exterior space with respect to the value when there is a small temperature difference in order to optimize the insulation value of the system.
[0075] In embodiments, the insulation system comprises positioning means configured to be placed in the inner cavity, between the inner wall and the thermal partition, and/or in the outer cavity, between the outer wall and the thermal partition. The positioning means position the thermal partition with respect to the inner wall and the outer wall, respectively, without blocking the flow through the ducts. The positioning means, for example, are in the form of a perforated plate, ribs or a corrugated sheet, the ribs and the corrugated sheet being arranged in such a way that the ribs and the corrugations, respectively, extend in a direction at right angles to the ducts of the thermally insulating partition.
[0076] Due to the flow of the gaseous through-flow medium through the insulation system, the thermally insulating partition may be dislocated from its ideal position. The positioning means ensure that this does not happen while simultaneously not blocking the flow.
[0077] In embodiments, the inner wall has a significant insulating effect, for example the inner wall determines more than 10% of the insulation value of the insulation system. Due to an insulating effect of the inner wall, the temperature in the inner cavity may be lower than if the inner wall were to have a less insulating effect. As a result thereof, the temperature drop across the thermally insulating wall is lower and more flowing medium has to be circulated in order to keep up the heat output and the insulation system is able to function at a higher Peclet number, i.e. at a higher flow rate of the gaseous through-flow medium, resulting in improved insulation of the insulating panel. It is possible to achieve an optimum insulation by a combination of an insulating inner wall and an insulation system according to the invention. A combined system may be advantageous, for example, in the case of a considerable temperature difference between the interior space and the exterior space.
[0078] The present disclosure also relates to a thermally insulating partition, which thermally insulating partition is permeable to a gaseous through-flow medium, for providing an insulation system according to one or more of claims 1-11.
[0080] The insulating panel may be produced at a central location in its entirety and then be transported to the interior space to be insulated. An advantage of this embodiment is that, for example, walls comprising the thermally insulating partition can be produced quickly and efficiently.
[0081] In embodiments, the insulating panel is provided with a connection opening which is in communication with the inner cavity and a connection opening which is in communication with the outer cavity. The connection openings may be used to supply and/or discharge a gaseous through-flow medium to and/or respectively from the inner cavity and the outer cavity.
[0082] By means of the connection openings, the insulating panel may be connected to, for example, an existing ventilation system.
[0083] In embodiments, the connection openings are in communication with the inner cavity or the outer cavity by means of a row of multiple discrete openings or a single elongate opening which extends along the largest part of the respective side of the inner cavity or the outer cavity.
[0084] By designing the connection openings in this way, a good distribution of the supply and/or discharge of the gaseous through-flow medium will take place.
[0085] In embodiments, the connection opening which is in communication with the inner cavity and the connection opening which is in communication with the outer cavity are in communication with the respective cavity in mutually opposite sides of the panel. For example, on the top side and the bottom side of the panel and/or the left-hand side and the right-hand side of the panel, respectively.
[0086] By placing the connection openings at mutually opposite locations, the gaseous through-flow medium will spread throughout the panel and improve the insulation value.
[0087] In embodiments, the insulating panel is provided with a folding device for folding and unfolding the thermal insulating partition in the cavity by moving a first end and a second end of the foil towards each other and away from each other, respectively. The folding device preferably comprises a guide for guiding at least one end of the thermally insulating partition during the folding and unfolding.
[0088] The folding and unfolding of the thermally insulating partition has the advantage that the insulating action of the system may be activated and deactivated.
[0089] In embodiments, the insulating panel comprises positioning means which are placed in the inner cavity, between the inner wall and the thermally insulating partition, and/or in the outer cavity, between the outer wall and the thermally insulating partition. The positioning means serve to position the thermally insulating partition with respect to the inner wall and the outer wall, respectively, without blocking the flow through of the ducts.
[0090] The positioning means are, for example, designed in the form of a perforated plate, ribs or a corrugated sheet, wherein the ribs and corrugated sheet are arranged in such a way that the ribs and the corrugations, respectively, extend in a direction at right angles to the ducts of the thermally insulating partition.
[0091] In embodiments, the positioning means are connected to the inner wall and/or the outer wall, and also function as a guide for guiding at least one end of the thermally insulating partition during the folding and unfolding.
[0092] By guiding the thermally insulating partition, the folding and unfolding will run more smoothly.
[0093] In embodiments, the positioning means are connected to the peaks and/or the troughs of the thermally insulating partition. The positioning means thus form a sandwich construction with the thermally insulating partition.
[0094] In embodiments, the positioning means are made from corrugated sheets which are arranged in such a way that the corrugations extend in a direction at right angles to the ducts of the thermally insulating partition. Near their peaks, the corrugations of the corrugated sheet are connected to the peaks and troughs of the thermally insulating partition.
[0095] In embodiments, the corrugations of the corrugated sheet are provided with perforations near their peaks, which overlap with the perforations which are arranged in the peaks or troughs of the thermally insulating partition.
[0096] In embodiments, a corrugated sheet is provided in the inner cavity and a corrugated sheet is provided in the outer cavity, wherein ducts formed by the corrugated sheet are alternately connected to a first connection opening and a second connection opening, in such a way that the corrugated sheets, in combination with the thermally insulating partition, form a first gas circuit and a second gas circuit, each provided with ducts in the inner cavity and ducts in the outer cavity, wherein the ducts of the first gas circuit are alternated with ducts of the second circuit.
[0097] In this embodiment, air in the first gas circuit of the interior space can flow to the exterior space and air in the second gas circuit can flow from the exterior space to the interior space. If, for example, the interior space is hotter than the exterior space, then in this embodiment the ventilation air in the first gas circuit is able to flow from hot to cold and the ventilation air in the second gas circuit can flow from cold to hot. By permitting heat transfer between the two gas circuits, the insulating panel can thus be provided with a heat-exchanging functionality.
[0098] In embodiments, the insulating panel is provided with a fan which is configured to bring about a pressure difference between the inner cavity and the outer cavity, and thus a displacement of a gaseous through-flow medium through the thermally insulating partition.
[0099] According to another aspect, the chamber of the insulating panel is a gas-tight chamber and the panel furthermore comprises the following:
- a circulation duct, which circulation duct is coupled to the connection openings in such a way that the circulation duct connects the inner cavity to the outer cavity and such a way that the circulation passage together with the inner cavity, the outer cavity and the interposed thermally insulating partition forms a closed gas circuit which is filled with a gaseous through-flow medium; and
- a heat exchanger which is configured to bring about a heat exchange between the gaseous through-flow medium, on the one hand, and a flow of heat exchanger medium which is separate therefrom, on the other hand, if the panel is arranged between an interior space and an exterior space.
[0100] This embodiment of the insulating panel has the advantages of the closed insulation system and of the insulating panel. It is a closed system which can be manufactured at a central location.
[0101] In one embodiment of the insulating panel, a part of the peripheral wall delimits a part of the circulation passage. In this embodiment, the part of the peripheral wall is configured as a heat exchanger.
[0102] In one embodiment, the panel is provided with a top edge and a bottom edge, which top edge and bottom edge are connected to each other by means of two lateral edges. The thermally insulating partition is arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall in such a way that the peaks and the troughs of the serpentine-shaped part extend parallel to a top edge and a bottom edge of the panel. When the panel is installed, the thermally insulating partition extends in a substantially vertical direction and the peaks and the troughs of the serpentine-shaped part extend parallel to the horizontal.
[0103] In an embodiment of the insulating panel with the top edge and bottom edge, the panel is provided with cushions which extend on the inside of the chamber and along the sides of the panel. The cushions engage with the edges of the insulating thermal partition in order thus to bring about a substantially leak-tight sealing between a side of the chamber and a side of the thermally insulating partition.
[0104] In an embodiment of the insulating panel with cushions, the cushions are inflatable cushions. In the inflated state, the cushions form a leak-tight seal with the thermally insulating partition and, in the non-inflated state, the cushions allow displacement of the thermally insulating partition along the cushions. Preferably, the cushions are inflated by the fan which is also configured to produce a pressure difference between the inner cavity and the outer cavity.
[0105] The present disclosure also relates to a building with at least one interior space, characterized in that the building is provided with an insulation system according to one of claims 1-11, panels according to claim 12. and/or with one or more insulating For example, the building is a horticultural glasshouse, in which the insulation system is arranged in the roof and/or in the lateral wall of the glasshouse. Advantageously, the walls and the insulating partition are configured to be transparent to daylight, so that daylight can enter the glasshouse. However, it may also be the case that the insulating partition is foldable and a folding device is provided. In this case, the insulating partition does not have to be transparent to daylight. More than that, it is even possible to consciously choose not to make the foldable insulating partition transparent, for example by using a metal layer in a plastic film. Consequently, it is possible to prevent, for example, undesirable light emission from a glasshouse during the evening and night which is being lit by artificial light at that moment. In addition, it is possible to decide to only activate the insulating action for the glasshouse in the evening and/or night. The invention also relates to a method for growing a plant in a glasshouse provided with an insulation system as explained herein, in particular a glasshouse provided with heating means for maintaining a heated climate in the glasshouse. It will be clear that the same idea may also be used for other buildings.
[0106] The invention also relates to a method for insulating an interior space with respect to an exterior space, characterized in that the method comprises fitting the following:
- an insulation system according to one or more of claims 1 - 11, and/or
- an insulating panel according to claim 12.
[0107] The present disclosure also relates to the use of an insulation system according to one or more of claims 1 - 11, and/or an insulating panel according to claim 12 for insulating an interior space with respect to an exterior space.
[0108] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a thermally insulating partition as described herein, characterized in that the method comprises the following:
- providing rows of perforations in the foil;
- fitting spacers between the rows of perforations and on both sides of the foil by attaching the spacers by one end to the foil:
- alternately folding the foil and attaching an opposite end of the spacers to the foil for forming and retaining the serpentine-shaped part, respectively.
[0109] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a thermally insulating partition as described herein, characterized in that the method comprises the following:
- thermoforming a foil in order to form the foil into spacers and/or reinforcement ribs;
- providing rows of perforations in the foil, for example in the foil formed by thermoforming, for example between the spacers previously formed by thermoforming and/or reinforcement ribs;
- alternately folding the foil,
- attaching the spacers.
[0110] The spacers may be attached to a flank of the serpentine-shaped part, for example by means of a heat-sealed connection if the spacer is of a suitable design, for example also made of foil, for example formed by thermoforming from the same foil.
[0111] This method for manufacturing the thermally insulating partition has the advantage that the thermally insulating partition is made from a foil and the method can easily be automated. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the serpentine shape is retained by strip-like spacers, which are welded or glued to the peaks and troughs of the serpentine-shaped part. In this case, the flanks are reinforced by reinforcement ribs which are formed by thermoforming and which are nested inside one another when the thermally insulating partition is folded together. In this position, there is no superadiabatic effect.
[0112] The reinforcement ribs are for example ridges on the flanks of the serpentine-shaped part. This has the advantage that the flanks warp less easily, as a result of which the ducts remain more clearly defined.
[0113] This method for manufacturing the thermally insulating partition has the advantage that the thermally insulating partition can be folded up more easily.
[0114] The invention will be explained below in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and an associated drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a side view in cross section of a first exemplary embodiment of an insulation system according to the invention;
Fig. 2 shows a top view in cross section of an insulation system from Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows a side view in cross section of an insulating panel with a closed gas circuit and positioning means according to the invention;
Fig. 4 shows a top view in cross section of the insulating panel with a closed gas circuit and positioning means from Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 shows a side view in cross section of an insulation system with a first gas circuit and a second gas circuit;
Fig. 6 shows a top view in cross section of the insulation system with a first gas circuit and a second gas circuit from Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 shows a first embodiment of a foil comprising spacers formed by thermoforming;
Fig. 8 shows a folded foil of the first embodiment in which the foil is folded to form a serpentine shape;
Fig. 9 shows a side view of the folded foil from Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 shows a top view of the folded foil from Fig. 8;
Fig. 11 shows a front view of a second embodiment comprising reinforcement ribs and strip-like spacers formed by thermoforming, in which the foil is folded to form a serpentine shape; and
Fig. 12 shows a side view of the second embodiment in which the foil is folded to form a serpentine shape;
Fig. 13 shows a top view of the second embodiment in which the foil is folded to form a serpentine shape;
Fig. 14 shows a side view of the second embodiment in which the foil is folded to form a serpentine shape and is folded up in a nested manner.
[0115] Incidentally, it should be noted that the figures are purely diagrammatic and not always to scale or to the same scale. In particular, some dimensions may have been exaggerated to a greater or lesser degree for the sake of clarity. Corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures.
[0116] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an insulation system according to the invention in side view.
[0117] The insulation system 1 is placed between an interior space 2 and an exterior space 3 which are delimited by a respective inner wall 5 and an outer wall 6. The insulation system comprises a thermally insulating partition 8 which is permeable to a gaseous medium and which is placed between the inner wall 5 and outer wall 6.
[0118] The thermally insulating partition 8 is placed between the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 6 in such a way that an inner cavity 10 is formed between the inner wall 5 and the thermally insulating partition 8 and an outer cavity 11 is formed between the thermally insulating partition 8 and the outer wall 6.
[0119] The insulation system 1 furthermore comprises a fan 9 which is configured for producing a pressure difference between the inner cavity 10 and the outer cavity 11. As a result thereof, a flow of the gaseous through-flow medium through the thermally insulating partition is brought about.
[0120] The thermally insulating partition 8 is made from a thin foil and is folded to form a serpentine shape. The serpentine-shaped part comprises flanks 12, peaks 13, and troughs 14.
[0121] Spacers 15 are arranged between the flanks 12, for example made from the same material as the thermally insulating partition 8. The spacers 15 are placed in such a manner that they keep the flanks 12 of the thermally insulating partition 8 separated. Preferably, the spacers 15 also ensure that the flanks 12 run sufficiently parallel when the serpentine-shaped part is tensioned.
[0122] The serpentine-shaped part defines a number of ducts 17 which are delimited by the flanks 12 and the spacers 15 and are delimited, on one side, by a peak 13 or a trough 14 of the serpentine-shaped part. A number of perforations 16 are provided in the peaks 13 and troughs 14 of the serpentine-shaped part, so that the gaseous through-flow medium can flow to the outer cavity 11 via the ducts of the inner cavity 10 or from the outer cavity 11 to the inner cavity 10. The perforations 16 form inflow apertures or outflow apertures for the respective ducts 17 when the gaseous through-flow medium flows through the duct 17.
[0123] The fan 9 which produces a pressure difference in the gaseous through-flow medium between the inner cavity 10 and the outer cavity 11, and the thermally insulating partition 8 are configured to achieve a Peclet number of more than 1 in the insulation system 1. In particular, the perforations are arranged in such a way in the through-flow surface that the flow of the gaseous through-flow medium is sufficiently laminar and quick for a superadiabatic effect to be produced.
[0124] Fig. 1 is a side view of an insulation system 1 according to the invention, in which the peaks 13 and troughs 4 of the thermally insulating partition 8 extend parallel to a horizontal line. The thermally insulating partition 8 is, for example, attached to a securing tab (not shown) from which the thermally insulating partition 8 is suspended.
[0125] The spacers 15 which are arranged between the flanks 12 of the serpentine-shaped part are shown in Fig. 1 in side view. Viewed parallel to the flow of the gaseous through-flow medium through the ducts 17, the spacers 17 are, for example, O-shaped or U-shaped.
[0126] The insulation system 1 in Fig. 1 is provided with guide 18 which, in the event of a possible folding of the thermally insulating partition 8, guide the thermally insulating partition. In this embodiment, the guide 18 is formed by the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 6.
[0127] In this embodiment, the guide 18 serves as the positioning means 22. Due to the pressure difference between the inner cavity 10 and the outer cavity 11, the thermally insulating partition 8 is under pressure to move from its intended position. The positioning means 22 are arranged in such a way that they keep the thermally insulating partition 8 separated from the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 6.
[0128] In embodiments, the inner wall 5 has a significant insulating action, for example the inner wall determines more than 10% of the insulation value of the insulation system 1.
[0130] The interior space 2 is separated from the exterior space 3 by the insulation system 1. The insulation system 1 comprises the thermally insulating partition 8 which is placed between the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 6.
[0131] The inner wall 5, together with the thermally insulating partition 8, delimits the inner cavity 10 and the outer wall, together with the thermally insulating partition 8, delimits the outer cavity 11. The thermally insulating partition 8 comprises peaks 13, troughs 14, and flanks 12. Spacers 15 are placed in the thermally insulating partition 8 in order to prevent the flanks 12 of the serpentine-shaped part from coming into contact with each other. In the embodiment from Fig. 2, the spacers 15 are O-shaped.
[0132] In the peaks 13 and troughs 14 of the serpentine-shaped part perforations 16 are arranged. The perforations, together with the flanks 12, the spacers 15, the peaks 13, and the troughs 14, form ducts 17 via which the gaseous through-flow medium flows through the thermally insulating partition 8.
[0133] Positioning means 22 are attached to the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 6 in order to prevent the thermally insulating partition 8 from coming into contact with the inner wall 5 and/or the outer wall 6.
[0134] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the gaseous through-flow medium flows from the interior space 2 through the supply 23 via the inner cavity 10 through the thermally insulating partition 8 and via the outer cavity 11 to the exterior space 3.
[0135] If, for example, the interior space 2 is, as desired, hotter is than the exterior space 3, a heat flow will result which flows from the interior space 2 to the exterior space 3. This is the third option for the open system as discussed in the introduction of the description.
[0136] The gaseous through-flow medium will heat up if it flows through the ducts 17 of the thermally insulating partition 8. Because the heat flow takes place in the opposite direction, the heat flow will encounter some resistance from the flow of the gaseous through-flow medium and, with a Peclet number greater than 1, virtually no cold will flow from the interior space 2 to the exterior space 3 via the insulation system 1.
[0137] Fig. 3 shows a side view in cross section of an insulating panel 21 with a closed gas circuit and positioning means 22 according to the invention.
[0138] The embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 3 comprises an insulating panel 21 which is placed between an interior space 2 and an exterior space 3. The insulating panel comprises an inner wall 5 and an outer wall 6 between which a thermally insulating partition 8 is placed. The thermally insulating partition 8, together with the inner wall 5, delimits an inner cavity 10 and, together with the outer wall 6, delimits an outer cavity 11.
[0139] The thermally insulating partition 8 is designed as a serpentine shape with flanks 12, peaks 13, and troughs 14. Between the flanks 12, spacers 15 are placed which prevent the flanks 12 from coming into contact with each other.
[0140] Perforations 16 are arranged in the peaks 13 and the troughs 14 of the serpentine-shaped part. The perforations 16, spacers 15, flanks 12, peaks 13, and troughs 14 of the serpentine-shaped part from ducts 17 through which a gaseous through-flow medium can flow.
[0142] The insulation system 1 furthermore comprises a fan 9 which is configured to produce a pressure difference between the inner cavity 10 and the outer cavity 11, and thus to bring about a displacement of the gaseous through-flow medium through the thermally insulating partition 8.
[0143] The insulation system 1 furthermore comprises a circulation duct 19 which connects the inner cavity 10 and the outer cavity 11 and, together with the inner cavity 10, the outer cavity 11 and the interposed thermally insulating partition 8, forms a closed gas circuit. A gaseous through-flow medium flows through the closed gas circuit.
[0144] A heat exchanger medium flows through a heat exchanger 20 and exchanges heat between the gaseous through-flow medium and the heat exchanger medium.
[0145] Corrugated sheets 22 are arranged in the insulating panel 21 for the positioning of the thermally insulating partition 8 with respect to respectively the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 6. The corrugations of the corrugated sheets 22 extend at right angles to the ducts 17 of the thermally insulating partition 8.
[0146] Fig. 4 shows a top view in cross section of the insulating panel with a closed gas circuit and positioning means from Fig. 3.
[0147] The insulating panel 21 is placed between an interior space 2 and an exterior space 3 and comprises an inner wall 5 and an outer wall 6. Between the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 6, a thermally insulating partition 8 is placed which, together with the inner wall 5, forms an inner cavity 10 and, together with the outer wall 6, forms an outer cavity 11.
[0148] The serpentine-shaped part of the thermally insulating partition 8 comprises peaks 13 and troughs 14, wherein perforations 16 are made in the foil near these peaks and troughs. The thermally insulating partition 8 forms a serpentine which comprises flanks 12 which are separated from each other by spacers 15.
[0149] The spacers 15, together with the flanks 12, peaks 13, troughs 14 and perforations 16, form ducts 17 through which a gaseous through-flow medium, for example air or optionally carbon dioxide, flows.
[0150] In the inner cavity 10 and outer cavity 11, corrugated sheets 22 are placed which serve as positioning means 22 for the serpentine-shaped part of the thermally insulating partition 8. The corrugations of this positioning corrugated sheet are arranged in such a way that the corrugations thereof extend at right angles to the peaks 13 and troughs 14 of the serpentine-shaped part.
[0151] Near their peak, the corrugations of the positioning corrugated sheets 22 are connected with the peaks 13 or the troughs 14 of the thermally insulating partition 8. In the peaks of the corrugated sheets, perforations 16 are provided which overlap with the perforations 16 of the thermally insulating partition 8.
[0152] In the embodiment from Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, it is, for example, as desired, hotter in the interior space 2 than in the exterior space 3. This is the first option for a system with a closed gas circuit as described in the introduction of the description.
[0153] The gaseous through-flow medium flows through the thermally insulating wall 8 of the inner cavity 10 to the outer cavity 11 and via the circulation duct 19, driven by the fan 9, back to the inner cavity 10.
[0154] The gaseous through-flow medium will cool down when it flows through the thermally insulating partition 8. If the gaseous through-flow medium subsequently flows through the circulation duct 19, it will extract heat in the heat exchanger 20 from the hot heat exchanger medium that flows from the interior space 2 to the exterior space 3. The cooled gaseous through-flow medium subsequently returns to the inner cavity 10.
[0155] Fig. 5 shows a side view in cross section of an insulation system with a first gas circuit and a second gas circuit.
[0156] The insulation system 1 is placed between an interior space 2 and an exterior space 3, which are delimited by a respective inner wall 5 and a respective outer wall 6. The insulation system comprises a thermal insulating partition 8 which is permeable to a gaseous medium and is placed between the inner wall 5 and tne outer wall 6 and is delimited by two positioning means 22 which are configured as corrugated sheets. A first corrugated sheet 22a is placed between the thermally insulating partition 8 and the inner wall 5 and a second corrugated sheet 22b is placed between the thermally insulating partition 8 and the outer wall 6.
[0157] The corrugated sheets 22 are at right angles to the serpentine-shaped part of the thermally insulating partition 8 as a result of which only a peak and a trough of the corrugated sheets 22 are shown in Fig. 5.
[0158] The thermally insulating partition 8 is made of a foil and is folded to form a serpentine shape. The serpentine-shaped part comprises flanks 12, peaks 13, and troughs 14. Between the flanks 12, spacers 15 are arranged which are placed such that they keep the flanks 12 of the thermally insulating partition 8 separated.
[0159] The peaks 13 of the serpentine-shaped part of the thermally insulating partition 8 are attached to the peaks of the first corrugated sheet 22a and the troughs 14 of the serpentine-shaped part of the thermally insulating partition 8 are attached to the troughs of the second corrugated sheet 22b. In the peaks 13 and the troughs 14 of the serpentine-shaped part of the thermally insulating partition 8 and of the corrugated sheets 22, perforations are provided so that the gaseous through-flow medium can flow through the corrugated sheets 22 and the thermally insulating partition 8 via the perforations.
[0160] The thermally insulating partition 8, together with the inner wall 5, forms an inner cavity 10 and, together with the outer wall 6, forms an outer cavity 11. The first corrugated sheet 22a divides the inner cavity 10 in two parts, a first inner cavity 10a and a second inner cavity 10b, which are separated from each other by the first corrugated sheet 22a. The second corrugated sheet 22b divides the outer cavity 11 in two parts, a first outer cavity 11a and a second outer cavity 11b, which are separated from each other by the second corrugated sheet 22b.
[0161] Fig. 6 shows a top view in cross section of the insulation system with a first gas circuit and a second gas circuit from Fig. 5. The corrugated sheets 22 are shown in a view at right angles to the corrugation. The first corrugated sheet 22a divides the inner cavity 10 into a first inner cavity 10a and a second inner cavity 10b. The first inner cavity is situated between the inner wall 5 and the first corrugated sheet 22a and the second inner cavity is situated between the first corrugated sheet 22a and the thermally insulating partition 8.
[0162] The second corrugated sheet 22b divides the outer cavity 11 in a first outer cavity 11a and a second outer cavity 11b. The first outer cavity 11a is situated between the thermally insulating partition 8 and the second corrugated sheet 22b and the second outer cavity 11b is situated between the second corrugated sheet 22b and the outer wall 6.
[0163] In this embodiment, two gas circuits are formed. In a first gas circuit, air flows from the exterior space 3 via the first outer cavity 11a through the thermally insulating partition 8 and via the first inner cavity 10a to the interior space 2. In a second gas circuit, air flows from the interior space 2 via the second inner cavity 10b through the thermally insulating partition 8 and via the first outer cavity 11a to the exterior space 3.
[0164] If the interior space 2 is, as desired, hotter than the exterior space 3, then air in the first gas circuit will flow from cold to hot and while it flows through the insulation system 1, it will absorb the heat from air which flows from the interior space 2 to the exterior space 3 in the second gas circuit. In this way, the insulation system 1 has a heat-exchanging action.
[0165] Fig. 7 shows a foil comprising spacers formed by thermoforming. The spacers 15 are formed from a foil 8 by using a thermoforming process. In most cases, the foil is in this case heated and then deformed over or in a mould and subsequently cooled.
[0166] In this embodiment, the spacers have a triangular shape when viewed in side view. The spacers are arranged in rows on the foil and rows alternately protrude above and below the foil. Perforations 16 are arranged in rows between the spacers 15.
[0167] Fig. 8 shows a folded foil in which the foil formed by thermoforming in the serpentine-shaped part of the thermally insulating partition 8 is folded. The spacers 15 are connected to the upper flanks 12 of the serpentine-shaped part by means of heat-sealed connection points 24. The spacers 15 are welded one below the other with a small deviation. This has the advantage that the spacers 15 are not welded to one another, but that they are attached to the flanks 12 of the serpentine-shaped part.
[0168] Fig. 9 shows a side view of the folded foil from Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 shows a top view of the folded foil from Fig. 8. The spacers 15 are formed with two pairs of welding spots 24 per spacer 15. This ensures that the spacers 15 can be welded one below the other with a small deviation in a simple way.
[0169] Fig. 11 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a serpentine-shaped part comprising reinforcement ribs 25 formed by thermoforming. The reinforcement ribs 25 are made from a foil 8 by using a deep-drawing process. In this embodiment, strip-like spacers 15 are used which are connected to the peaks and the troughs of the serpentines by means of welding or gluing. Perforations 16 are arranged in rows between the reinforcement ribs 25.
[0170] Fig. 12 shows a side view of the folded foil from Fig. 11 and Fig. 13 shows a top view of the folded foil from Fig. 11. The strip-like spacers 15 run at right angles to the flanks, preferably vertically, and are attached by connecting the peaks and troughs of the serpentine-shaped part thereto by means of welding, gluing or other methods.
[0171] Fig. 14 shows a folded foil of the second embodiment in which the reinforcement ribs 25 are nested inside one another. In this position, there is no superadiabatic effect and, when the insulation system is used as insulation for a window, the view is undisturbed when it is in this folded position.
- a thermally insulating partition (8) which is permeable to a gaseous through-flow medium, and
- a fan (9) for a gaseous through-flow medium,
wherein the thermally insulating partition (8) is configured to be arranged in the cavity in such a way between the inner wall (5) and the outer wall (6), that the cavity is divided into an inner cavity (10) and an outer cavity (11), wherein the inner cavity (10) is delimited by the inner wall (5) and the thermally insulating partition (8) and wherein the outer cavity (11) is delimited by the outer wall (6) and the thermally insulating partition (8), and wherein the thermally insulating partition (8) separates the inner cavity (10) from the outer cavity (11), and
wherein the fan (9) is configured to produce a pressure difference between the inner cavity (10) and the outer cavity (11), and thus to bring about a displacement of a gaseous through-flow medium through the thermally insulating partition (8),
characterized in that
the thermally insulating partition (8) comprises a serpentine-shaped part which is made from a foil, for example a transparent foil, for example a plastic foil which is transparent to daylight, which foil is folded to form a serpentine shape, the serpentine-shaped part comprising peaks (13) and troughs (14) separated from each other by means of flanks (12),
wherein spacers (15) are provided in order to keep adjacent flanks (12) of the serpentine-shaped part a mutual distance apart, and
wherein the flanks (12) are closed to the gaseous through-flow medium, and wherein perforations (16) are arranged in the foil at the peaks (13) and at the troughs (14) of the serpentine-shaped part, in such a way that the serpentine-shaped part defines multiple parallel ducts (17) which extend between the flanks (12) of the serpentine-shaped part and which are each delimited at one end thereof by either a peak (13) or a trough (14) of the serpentine-shaped part, and wherein the perforations (16) at said peak (13) or said trough (14) form inflow apertures or outflow apertures for the gaseous through-flow medium through the respective duct (17) due to the effect of the pressure difference between the inner cavity (10) and the outer cavity (11) brought about by the fan (9).
- a circulation duct (19,17) which connects the inner cavity (10) to the outer cavity (11) in such a way that the circulation duct (19,17), with the inner cavity (10), the outer cavity (11), and the interposed thermally insulating partition (8) forms a closed gas circuit which is filled with a gaseous through-flow medium; and
- a heat exchanger (20) which is configured to bring about a heat exchange between the gaseous through-flow medium, on the one hand, and a flow of heat exchanger medium which is separate therefrom, on the other hand, preferably wherein the heat exchanger is arranged near the circulation duct,
wherein the fan (9) is configured to bring about circulation of the gaseous through-flow medium through the closed gas circuit.- an inner wall (5), an outer wall (6), and a peripheral wall;
- a thermally insulating partition (8) which thermally insulating partition (8) is permeable to a gaseous through-flow medium and which thermally insulating partition (8) is configured to provide an insulation system (1) according to one or more of claims 1-11,
wherein the thermally insulating partition (8) is configured to be arranged in the cavity between an inner wall (5) and an outer wall (6) in such a way that the cavity is divided into an inner cavity (10) and an outer cavity (11), wherein the inner cavity (10) is delimited by the inner wall (5) and the thermally insulating partition (8) and the outer cavity (11) is delimited by the outer wall (6) and the thermally insulating partition (8), and the thermally insulating partition (8) separates the inner cavity (10) from the outer cavity (11),
wherein the thermally insulating partition (8) comprises a serpentine-shaped part that is made from a foil, for example a transparent foil, which foil is folded in a serpentine shape, the serpentine-shaped part comprising peaks (13) and troughs (14) which are separated from each other by means of flanks (12),
wherein spacers (15) are arranged to keep adjacent flanks (12) of the serpentine-shaped part a mutual distance apart, and
wherein the flanks (12) are closed to the gaseous through-flow medium, and wherein perforations (16) are made in the foil at the peaks (13) and at the troughs (14) of the serpentine-shaped part, in such a way that the serpentine-shaped part defines multiple parallel ducts (17) which extend between the flanks (12) of the serpentine-shaped part and which are each delimited at one end thereof by a peak (13) or a trough (14) of the serpentine-shaped part, and wherein the perforations (16) at said peak (13) or said trough (14) form inflow apertures or outflow apertures for the gaseous through-flow medium through the respective duct (17) due to the effect of the pressure difference between the inner cavity (10) and the outer cavity (11) brought about by the fan (9);
wherein the inner wall (5) is placed at a distance from the outer wall (6),
wherein the peripheral wall connects the inner wall (5) along a periphery thereof to the outer wall (6) along a periphery thereof,
wherein the inner wall (5), the outer wall (6) and the peripheral wall form a chamber, preferably form a gas-tight chamber,
wherein the thermally insulating partition (8) is arranged in the chamber and between the inner wall (5) and the outer wall (6), in such a way that the chamber is divided into an inner cavity (10) and an outer cavity (11), wherein the inner cavity (10) is delimited by the inner wall (5) and the thermally insulating partition (8) and the outer cavity (11) is delimited by the outer wall (6) and the thermally insulating partition (8), and the thermally insulating partition (8) separates the inner cavity (10) from the outer cavity (11).
- an insulation system (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 11, and/or
- an insulating panel (21) according to claim 12.
- providing rows of perforations (16) in a foil;
- fitting spacers (15) between the rows of perforations (16) and on both sides of the foil, for example by attaching the spacers (15) by one end to the foil:
- alternately folding the foil and attaching an opposite end of the spacers (15) to the foil.
- thermoforming a foil in order to form the foil into spacers (15) and/or reinforcement ribs (12);
- providing rows of perforations (16) in the foil, optionally in the foil previously formed by thermoforming, between the spacers (15) and/or reinforcement ribs (12);
- alternately folding over the foil and, optionally, attaching spacers (15) to the foil.
- eine thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8), die für ein gasförmiges Durchflussmedium durchlässig ist, und
- ein Gebläse (9) für ein gasförmiges Durchflussmedium, wobei die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) so konfiguriert ist, dass sie in dem Hohlraum derart zwischen der Innenwand (5) und der Außenwand (6) angeordnet ist, dass der Hohlraum in einen inneren Hohlraum (10) und einen äußeren Hohlraum (11) unterteilt ist, wobei der innere Hohlraum (10) durch die Innenwand (5) und die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) begrenzt ist und wobei der äußere Hohlraum (11) durch die Außenwand (6) und die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) begrenzt ist, und wobei die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) den inneren Hohlraum (10) von dem äußeren Hohlraum (11) trennt, und
wobei das Gebläse (9) so konfiguriert ist, dass es eine Druckdifferenz zwischen dem inneren Hohlraum (10) und dem äußeren Hohlraum (11) erzeugt und somit eine Bewegung eines gasförmigen Durchflussmediums durch die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) hindurch herbeiführt,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) ein serpentinenförmiges Element umfasst, das aus einer Folie, z.B. einer transparenten Folie, z.B. einer Kunststofffolie, die für Tageslicht transparent ist, hergestellt ist, wobei die Folie gefaltet ist, um eine Serpentinenform zu bilden, wobei das serpentinenförmige Element Spitzen (13) und Mulden (14) umfasst, die mittels Flanken (12) voneinander getrennt sind,
wobei Abstandshalter (15) bereitgestellt sind, um benachbarte Flanken (12) des serpentinenförmigen Elements in einem gegenseitigen Abstand zu halten, und
wobei die Flanken (12) gegenüber dem gasförmigen Durchflussmedium verschlossen sind, und wobei Perforationen (16) in der Folie an den Spitzen (13) und an den Mulden (14) des serpentinenförmigen Elements derart angeordnet sind, dass das serpentinenförmige Element mehrere parallele Kanäle (17) definiert, die sich zwischen den Flanken (12) des serpentinenförmigen Elements erstrecken und die jeweils an einem Ende davon entweder durch eine Spitze (13) oder eine Mulde (14) des serpentinenförmigen Elements begrenzt sind, und wobei die Perforationen (16) an der Spitze (13) oder der Mulde (14) aufgrund der Wirkung der durch das Gebläse (9) hervorgerufenen Druckdifferenz zwischen dem inneren Hohlraum (10) und dem äußeren Hohlraum (11) Einströmöffnungen oder Ausströmöffnungen für das gasförmige Durchflussmedium durch den jeweiligen Kanal (17) bilden.
- einen Zirkulationskanal (19, 17), der den inneren Hohlraum (10) mit dem äußeren Hohlraum (11) derart verbindet, dass der Zirkulationskanal (19, 17) mit dem inneren Hohlraum (10), dem äußeren Hohlraum (11) und der dazwischenliegenden thermisch isolierenden Trennwand (8) einen geschlossenen Gaskreislauf bildet, der mit einem gasförmigen Durchflussmedium gefüllt ist; und
- einen Wärmetauscher (20), der ausgebildet ist, um einen Wärmeaustausch zwischen dem gasförmigen Durchflussmedium einerseits und einem davon getrennten Strom eines Wärmetauschermediums andererseits zu bewirken, wobei vorzugsweise der Wärmetauscher in der Nähe des Zirkulationskanals angeordnet ist, wobei das Gebläse (9) ausgebildet ist, um eine Zirkulation des gasförmigen Durchflussmediums durch den geschlossenen Gaskreislauf zu bewirken.
- eine Innenwand (5), eine Außenwand (6) und eine seitliche Wand;
- eine thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8), wobei die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) für ein gasförmiges Durchflussmedium durchlässig ist und wobei die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) so konfiguriert ist, dass sie ein Isoliersystem (1) gemäß einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1-11 bereitstellt,
wobei die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) so konfiguriert ist, dass sie in dem Hohlraum zwischen einer Innenwand (5) und einer Außenwand (6) in der Weise angeordnet ist, dass der Hohlraum in einen inneren Hohlraum (10) und einen äußeren Hohlraum (11) unterteilt ist, wobei der innere Hohlraum (10) durch die Innenwand (5) und die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) und der äußere Hohlraum (11) durch die Außenwand (6) und die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) begrenzt ist, und die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) den inneren Hohlraum (10) vom äußeren Hohlraum (11) trennt,
wobei die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) ein serpentinenförmiges Element umfasst, das aus einer Folie, beispielsweise einer transparenten Folie, hergestellt ist, wobei die Folie serpentinenförmig gefaltet ist, wobei das serpentinenförmige Element Spitzen (13) und Mulden (14) umfasst, die durch Flanken (12) voneinander getrennt sind,
wobei Abstandshalter (15) angeordnet sind, um benachbarte Flanken (12) des serpentinenförmigen Elements in einem gegenseitigen Abstand zu halten, und
wobei die Flanken (12) gegenüber dem gasförmigen Durchflussmedium verschlossen sind, und wobei Perforationen (16) in der Folie an den Spitzen (13) und an den Mulden (14) des serpentinenförmigen Elements derart ausgebildet sind, dass das serpentinenförmige Element mehrere parallele Kanäle (17) definiert, die sich zwischen den Flanken (12) des serpentinenförmigen Elements erstrecken und die jeweils an einem Ende davon durch eine Spitze (13) oder eine Mulde (14) des serpentinenförmigen Elements begrenzt sind, und wobei die Perforationen (16) an der Spitze (13) oder der Mulde (14) aufgrund der Wirkung der durch das Gebläse (9) hervorgerufenen Druckdifferenz zwischen dem inneren Hohlraum (10) und dem äußeren Hohlraum (11) Einströmöffnungen oder Ausströmöffnungen für das gasförmige Durchflussmedium durch den jeweiligen Kanal (17) bilden;
wobei die Innenwand (5) in einem Abstand von der Außenwand (6) angeordnet ist,
wobei die seitliche Wand die Innenwand (5) entlang einer Seite davon mit der Außenwand (6) entlang einer Seite davon verbindet,
wobei die Innenwand (5), die Außenwand (6) und die seitliche Wand eine Kammer, vorzugsweise eine gasdichte Kammer, bilden,
wobei die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) in der Kammer und zwischen der Innenwand (5) und der Außenwand (6) so angeordnet ist, dass die Kammer in einen inneren Hohlraum (10) und einen äußeren Hohlraum (11) unterteilt ist, wobei der innere Hohlraum (10) durch die Innenwand (5) und die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) und der äußere Hohlraum (11) durch die Außenwand (6) und die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) begrenzt ist, und die thermisch isolierende Trennwand (8) den inneren Hohlraum (10) vom äußeren Hohlraum (11) trennt.
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verfahren den Einbau folgender Elemente umfasst
- ein Isoliersystem (1) gemäß einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, und/oder
- eine Isolierplatte (21) gemäß Anspruch 12.
- Bereitstellen von Perforationsreihen (16) in einer Folie;
- Anbringen von Abstandshaltern (15) zwischen den Perforationsreihen (16) und auf beiden Seiten der Folie, zum Beispiel durch Befestigen der Abstandshalter (15) an einem Ende an der Folie;
- abwechselndes Falten der Folie und Befestigen eines entgegengesetzten Endes der Abstandshalter (15) an der Folie.
- thermisches Verformen einer Folie, um die Folie zu Abstandshaltern (15) und/oder Verstärkungsrippen (12) zu formen;
- Bereitstellen von Perforationsreihen (16) in der Folie, optional in der zuvor durch thermisches Verformen geformten Folie, zwischen den Abstandshaltern (15) und/oder Verstärkungsrippen (12);
- abwechselndes Falten der Folie und, optional, Befestigen von Abstandshaltern (15) an der Folie.
- une séparation thermiquement isolante (8) qui est perméable à un milieu de circulation gazeux, et
- un ventilateur (9) pour un milieu de circulation gazeux,
dans lequel la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) est configurée pour être agencée dans la cavité de telle manière que, entre la paroi interne (5) et la paroi externe (6), la cavité est divisée en une cavité interne (10) et une cavité externe (11), dans lequel la cavité interne (10) est délimitée par la paroi interne (5) et la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) et dans lequel la cavité externe (11) est délimitée par la paroi externe (6) et la séparation thermiquement isolante (8), et dans lequel la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) sépare la cavité interne (10) de la cavité externe (11), et
dans lequel le ventilateur (9) est configuré pour produire une différence de pression entre la cavité interne (10) et la cavité externe (11), et entraîner ainsi un déplacement d'un milieu de circulation gazeux à travers la séparation thermiquement isolante (8),
caractérisé en ce que
la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) comprend une partie en forme de serpentin qui est constituée d'une feuille, par exemple une feuille transparente, par exemple une feuille de matière plastique qui est transparente à la lumière du jour, ladite feuille étant pliée pour former une forme de serpentin, la partie en forme de serpentin comprenant des pics (13) et des creux (14) séparés les uns des autres au moyen de flancs (12),
dans lequel des éléments d'espacement (15) sont disposés afin de maintenir des flancs (12) adjacents de la partie en forme de serpentin à une distance mutuelle les uns des autres, et
dans lequel les flancs (12) sont fermés au milieu de circulation gazeux, et dans lequel des perforations (16) sont agencées dans la feuille au niveau des pics (13) et au niveau des creux (14) de la partie en forme de serpentin, de telle manière que la partie en forme de serpentin définit des conduits parallèles multiples (17) qui s'étendent entre les flancs (12) de la partie en forme de serpentin et qui sont chacun délimités à une extrémité de ceux-ci par un pic (13) ou un creux (14) de la partie en forme de serpentin, et dans lequel les perforations (16) au niveau dudit pic (13) ou dudit creux (14) forment des ouvertures d'entrée ou des ouvertures de sortie pour le milieu de circulation gazeux à travers le conduit (17) respectif sous l'effet de la différence de pression entre la cavité interne (10) et la cavité externe (11) causée par le ventilateur (9).
- un conduit de circulation (19, 17) qui relie la cavité interne (10) à la cavité externe (11) de telle manière que le conduit de circulation (19, 17), avec la cavité interne (10), la cavité externe (11), et la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) intercalée forme un circuit de gaz fermé qui est rempli avec un milieu de circulation gazeux ; et
- un échangeur de chaleur (20) qui est configuré pour entraîner un échange de chaleur entre le milieu de circulation gazeux, d'une part, et un écoulement de milieu échangeur de chaleur qui est séparé de celui-ci, d'autre part, de préférence dans lequel l'échangeur de chaleur est agencé près du conduit de circulation,
dans lequel le ventilateur (9) est configuré pour entraîner la circulation du milieu de circulation gazeux à travers le circuit de gaz fermé.- une paroi interne (5), une paroi externe (6), et une paroi périphérique ;
- une séparation thermiquement isolante (8), ladite séparation thermiquement isolante (8) étant perméable à un milieu de circulation gazeux et ladite séparation thermiquement isolante (8) étant configurée pour fournir un système d'isolation (1) selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 1 à 11,
dans lequel la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) est configurée pour être agencée dans la cavité entre une paroi interne (5) et une paroi externe (6) de telle manière que la cavité est divisée en une cavité interne (10) et une cavité externe (11), dans lequel la cavité interne (10) est délimité par la paroi interne (5) et la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) et la cavité externe (11) est délimitée par la paroi externe (6) et la séparation thermiquement isolante (8), et la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) sépare la cavité interne (10) de la cavité externe (11), dans lequel la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) comprend une partie en forme de serpentin qui est constituée d'une feuille, par exemple une feuille transparente, ladite feuille étant pliée en une forme de serpentin, la partie en forme de serpentin comprenant des pics (13) et des creux (14) qui sont séparés les uns des autres autre au moyen de flancs (12),
dans lequel des éléments d'espacement (15) sont agencés pour maintenir des flancs (12) adjacents de la partie en forme de serpentin à une distance mutuelle les uns des autres, et dans lequel les flancs (12) sont fermés au milieu de circulation gazeux, et dans lequel des perforations (16) sont formées dans la feuille au niveau des pics (13) et au niveau des creux (14) de la partie en forme de serpentin, de telle manière que la partie en forme de serpentin définit des conduits parallèles multiples (17) qui s'étendent entre les flancs (12) de la partie en forme de serpentin et qui sont chacun délimités à une extrémité de ceux-ci par un pic (13) ou un creux (14) de la partie en forme de serpentin, et dans lequel les perforations (16) au niveau dudit pic (13) ou dudit creux (14) forment des ouvertures d'entrée ou des ouvertures de sortie pour le milieu de circulation gazeux à travers le conduit (17) respectif sous l'effet de la différence de pression entre la cavité interne (10) et la cavité externe (11) causée par le ventilateur (9) ;
dans lequel la paroi interne (5) est placée à une distance de la paroi externe (6),
dans lequel la paroi périphérique relie la paroi interne (5) le long d'une périphérie de celle-ci à la paroi externe (6) le long d'une périphérie de celle-ci,
dans lequel la paroi interne (5), la paroi externe (6) et la paroi périphérique forment une chambre, de préférence forment une chambre étanche aux gaz,
dans lequel la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) est agencée dans la chambre et entre la paroi interne (5) et la paroi externe (6), de telle manière que la chambre est divisée en une cavité interne (10) et une cavité externe (11), dans lequel la cavité interne (10) est délimitée par la paroi interne (5) et la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) et la cavité externe (11) est délimitée par la paroi externe (6) et la séparation thermiquement isolante (8), et la séparation thermiquement isolante (8) sépare la cavité interne (10) de la cavité externe (11).
- un système d'isolation (1) selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 1 à 11, et/ou
- un panneau isolant (21) selon la revendication 12.
- l'agencement de rangées de perforations (16) dans une feuille ;
- l'agencement d'éléments d'espacement (15) entre les rangées de perforations (16) et sur les deux côtés de la feuille, par exemple par fixation des éléments d'espacement (15) par une extrémité à la feuille :
- en alternance, le pliage de la feuille et la fixation d'une extrémité opposée des éléments d'espacement (15) à la feuille.
- thermoformage d'une feuille afin de former la feuille en éléments d'espacement (15) et/ou nervures de renforcement (12) ;
- agencement de rangées de perforations (16) dans la feuille, facultativement dans la feuille précédemment formée par thermoformage, entre les éléments d'espacement (15) et/ou nervures de renforcement (12) ;
- en alternance, repliage de la feuille et, facultativement, fixation d'éléments d'espacement (15) à la feuille.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
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Patent documents cited in the description