EP3143342A1 - Control device for a space ventilation device and method for ventilating a space - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device (6, 7) for a space ventilation device (2, 3), which serves for ventilating a space (1), wherein the control device (6, 7) is configured such that, in order to decide whether the space ventilation device (2, 3) should effect a ventilation, it is possible to take into account noise pollution (5a, 5b), caused by the ventilation, affecting persons located in the space (1), wherein there is present a device (8) for detecting noise in the surroundings of the space (1) from which air serving for ventilation originates. The invention further relates to a method for ventilating a space (1), wherein in order to decide whether the space ventilation device (2, 3) should effect a ventilation, it is possible to take into account noise pollution (5a, 5b), caused by the ventilation, affecting persons located in the space (1), wherein noise in the surroundings of the space (1) from which air serving for ventilation originates is taken into account.

Description

 Patent Application:

 Control device for a room ventilation device and method for

 Ventilation of a room

applicant:

 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft for the promotion of applied research e.V.

Technical area

The application relates to a control device for a room ventilation device and method for controlling a room ventilation device.

State of the art For ventilation of rooms come natural, z. As windows or apparent facade elements, and mechanical ventilation equipment, for. B. ventilation equipment and - systems, are used. They are operated either manually or controlled. Occasionally there are also mixed forms of these modes or only an air quality indicator, z. For example, a so-called "C02 traffic light" informs the user about the ventilation demand, so that he independently operates the natural or mechanical ventilation device In the case of fully or partially automatic operation, the opening of the window or turning on the ventilation device depends sensory detected

Room characteristics, such as Room temperature, room humidity and room air quality (Fig. 1 a). This makes demand-driven, energy-efficient ventilation possible. Ventilation is provided for certain limit values, with other limit values the ventilation is interrupted again. This control can be achieved by considering z. B. the

Extend temperature conditions outside the room. Both in the natural and in the mechanical room ventilation in semi-automatic or fully automatic manner, noises occur in the room completely independent of this control. In the case of automatically revealed windows, external noise can spread into the room and, in the case of ventilation units, the fan also radiates noise into the room (Fig. 1 b). In many cases, these sounds are unwanted and disturbing. This is especially true when they occur surprisingly and especially in need of rest room use. At the same time, however, the other room noises, eg in offices, meeting rooms and classrooms, fluctuate in a sound level range dependent on the use. In linguistic communication, for example, levels can be temporarily reached which exceed the ventilation noise even with intensive ventilation performance. In other periods, there is a quiescent level that this

Ventilation noise falls below again. In the sometimes standardized practice, therefore, this quiescent level also applies as the maximum allowable ventilation noise level. If there is an increased need for ventilation, z. B. significantly quieter and more

Air handling units are used or the ventilation units are equipped with elaborate mufflers. Incidentally, these mufflers cause a pressure loss, which in turn requires increased fan power with associated electrical power consumption. The noise reduction of the ventilation is in any case associated with a considerable effort. A problem of controlled natural and mechanical ventilation devices is thus to minimize the associated noise in the ventilated room, which can be distracting from the users. So far, the user must either accept these acoustic disturbances or they are very elaborate arrangements necessary, such. B. silencers in the ventilation equipment or on the facade openings to reduce these disturbances.

From US 2006/0042205 A1 an air filter device is known, which can be operated depending on the sound level in the room to be ventilated. It can thus be achieved to operate the air filter device only if the associated airflow noise does not disturb, since the sound level in the room is high anyway.

Object of this invention is to enable a room ventilation, in which the

Noise pollution of the user is reduced with little effort. This object is solved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

Walkthrough

To achieve the above object, an improved control device for a room ventilation device, which is used for ventilation of a room, proposed. In this case, the control device is designed such that when deciding whether the

Room ventilation device should cause ventilation, one of the ventilation

resulting noise pollution for persons in the room can be considered. It should be noted, as already mentioned above, that the ventilation can contribute in several ways to the noise pollution in the room. Sound from the environment can enter the room through an open window. In the case of ventilation with a fan fan noise may occur. To a limited extent, even with ventilation with a fan, sound from the environment can penetrate into a room. Another source of noise can be the opening and closing of the windows self-portray. As explained in the introduction, the prior art always pursues the approach of reducing the sound that enters the room through ventilation.

According to the invention, it has now been recognized that in many cases it makes more sense to take into account the noise load resulting from the room ventilation in the control of the room ventilation. This makes it possible to ventilate when the noise level does not disturb or at least not so much. It goes without saying that, of course, this is only possible with limits. It will sometimes be necessary to ventilate due to a high ventilation requirement, even if this leads to an unpleasant noise level for the people in the room. In this case, a detection device for sound in the environment, comes from the serving for ventilation air, available. Thus, a statement can be made to what extent sound from the environment will penetrate into the room through the ventilation. If the detection environment for sound in the area detects high levels of traffic noise, windows should only be opened if this is really necessary. In the context of this invention is always spoken by a control device. This is by no means to exclude that ultimately the room ventilation is regulated, so that could also be spoken by a control device.

In one embodiment of the invention, a sound detection device is present in the room. This allows the control depending on the sound detected in the room. Thus, in an already high level of noise in the room, such as playing children in a kindergarten, an additional noise pollution by ventilation will lead to no annoyance. If the kids are sleeping, one should

Noise pollution due to ventilation can be avoided. In one embodiment of the invention, an operating condition of a fan provided for ventilating the room may be taken into account. Thus, when the operating state of the fan is known, a statement can be made as to whether the sound detected in the room originates from the fan or from other sources. In order to determine the relationship between the operating state of the fan and the noise level in the room, it is possible in a secured otherwise quiet room to fan in different

Operate operating conditions and record the sound recorded in the room. Of course, also known from the manufacturer data can be used, but often do not consider the respective space sufficiently.

In one embodiment of the invention, the opening of a

Room ventilation device serving window or a facade opening controlled.

In one embodiment of the invention, the presence of persons in the room can be detected. In many cases, room ventilation systems are operated so that no operation takes place in the absence of persons, since there is no need for ventilation. But to avoid noise pollution, it may be useful to ventilate especially in the absence. It goes without saying that a window must not be opened in this way if there is a risk of break-ins. Depending on the design of the detection device for sound in the room, this detection device can also detect the presence of persons. Is the detection device so sensitive that even breathing sounds of an otherwise quiet person can be detected, eg. As in bedrooms or sick rooms, so that the presence of people in the room can be detected. In one embodiment of the invention, the sound in the environment can be determined from the time and stored data, at which time which sound is to be expected. For example, it may be known that on a workday morning, between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, there is always such a high level of noise that it is better not to ventilate. It goes without saying that this procedure can naturally lead to errors. However, this can be dispensed with a detection device for the sound in the environment or its temporary failure to be bridged.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sound in the environment may be off

Real-time information and / or derived from real-time information based forecasts of sound generating events. For example, it is possible to derive from a current flight plan whether aircraft noise is to be expected. Current flight schedules are in many cases easily interrogated on the Internet. It makes sense to create a prognosis from a requested real-time information, when noise is expected. For example, from a surveyed flight plan with the help of a forecast it can become clear that aircraft noise will occur in three minutes. Especially with a ventilation with an open window, it is advantageous to know the sound in the environment in advance in order to close the window in good time.

In this context, it should be clarified that, for example, on the Internet queriable

"Real-time information" usually includes forecasts in addition to actual measurements. Nevertheless, should be present in the usual name

"Real-time information" are recorded.

In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of locally distributed

Detecting devices for sound present in the environment, so that propagating acoustic events, in particular moving noise-generating means of transport, can be detected and a forecast of the expected sound, in particular for a plurality of rooms to be ventilated, can be created.

In particular, an urban network should be considered that captures and tracks propagating acoustic events and provides both local and temporal forecasts for individual buildings. The pursuit of an inner-city train passage or a departing aircraft can thus contribute to safely predictable acoustic control by closing the windows of affected buildings in good time at night. In addition, the individual detection devices for sound in the environment can also be used for control devices located there

Rooms are used without a forecast. For example, can be arranged along a railway line a variety of detection devices for sound in the environment, on the one hand create a forecast for the resulting from a train passage sound and thus ensure timely closure of the windows. On the other hand, the sound detection devices may also detect other sound, such as from a construction site, and, accordingly, cause the windows to close in the immediate vicinity of the construction site.

In one embodiment of the invention, an analysis of the sound can be made with regard to the subjective annoyance emanating therefrom. Since ultimately it is mainly, if not exclusively, the avoidance of subjective harassment, it makes sense not only to consider the level of the sound level, but also the resulting subjective harassment. For practical implementation, the

Recorded noise with stored noise patterns that have been evaluated by subjects are compared. In this connection should again the above-mentioned consideration of the sound occurring when opening and closing windows are reminded. In this case, the sound can also be used to mask information-containing speech signals. For example, it is possible to consciously accept the penetration of ambient sound, if less distracting conversations are perceived as a result.

In one embodiment of the invention, an intervention of users is possible, so that the room ventilation can be done according to current wishes of the user. Such a configuration increases the user's acceptance, since he does not feel at the mercy of technology. Above all, it should be noted that there may be situations in which a user high air quality or non-existent

Noise pollution is more important than usual. This can not be recognized by the technology. Only intervention by the user can compensate for this.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control device is designed to control a room ventilation device for ventilating a room of a mobile device, in particular of a vehicle. Even in vehicles high air quality with low noise is desirable.

In one embodiment of the invention, sound, in particular sound in the

Environment, as an indication of air quality of the ambient air. Thus, from high traffic noise can be generally concluded on a low air quality. When used in mobile devices, such as in vehicles, it can be seen from the analysis of the sound that you are in a tunnel in which

normally the air quality is low. Especially in this case is not necessarily the To detect sound in the environment. A tunnel is sometimes also to the sound within the vehicle, so to recognize by the detection device for sound in the room.

In one embodiment of the invention, a signal preprocessing and signal evaluation unit is provided so that control signals for the room ventilation apparatus can be provided.

As a rule, at least one directly or indirectly detecting the noise sensor with associated signal preprocessing, z. As amplifier or frequency filtering available. For this purpose, a signal evaluation module is provided which from the detected

noise-related signals and other noise-relevant data, a control signal for noise-dependent adjustment of the ventilation device generated that controls the room ventilation device directly or as an element of a higher-level room control.

The invention also relates to a method for ventilating a room, wherein in the decision whether the room ventilation device is to effect a ventilation, a noise pollution resulting from the ventilation for persons located in the room can be taken into account, wherein sound in the environment of the room, from the Aeration serving air is taken into account. Further explanations of the method are omitted since the method is already sufficiently clear from the description of the control device. The method can be carried out with a control device described above. Exemplary embodiments and further details

With the aid of the figures, further details of the invention will be presented. Show

Fig. 1 a) Schematic representation of the generation or propagation of sound through

 Ventilation equipment in naturally or mechanically ventilated rooms (prior art)

Fig. 1 b Schematic representation of the control of these ventilation devices on the

Basis of sensory recorded spatial properties, such. As air temperature, C0 ₂ content, humidity and the like (prior art)

FIG. 2 Exemplary embodiment of the acoustic control according to the invention of natural and mechanical ventilation devices for rooms on the basis of sensory detected noises, their evaluation and derivation of control signals.

FIG. 3 Exemplary embodiment of the acoustic control according to the invention of natural and mechanical ventilation devices for rooms on the basis of sensory detected noises, their evaluation in the context of further room characteristics, information and data for the superordinate derivation of control signals.

Fig. 4 Exemplary schematic representation of the time profile of the air quality in a room (a), the corresponding room ventilation (b) depending on a limit of air quality, regardless of the air quality ongoing development of user noise in the room or at the same time the maximum permissible noise level (c) as well as the

 required air quality and maximum allowable noise together resulting room ventilation (d). Before the figures are described in more detail, follow in-depth comments on the general solution. The acoustic control according to the invention takes into account three aspects required for the solution.

First, the sounds generated by the users in the room and the

Ventilation-related noises, whether as an entry from the outside through windows or from

Ventilation units in the room, separate from each other. These signals are directly, z. B. with at least one, but usually several (vibro-) acoustic sensors (sound and vibration sensor) (Fig. 2), or indirectly, for. B. based on information on Störschallerzeugern (traffic information such as data from traffic guidance or from driving and flight schedules at external sound sources and device-related

Settings for ventilation equipment) recorded and prepared for evaluation (Fig. 3). Depending on the signal source, several methods are available for separating the signals of intrinsic and noise, such as: the correlation analysis of acoustic and possibly other signals.

In the case of ventilation equipment, the noise separation can be based on the relation between the ventilation noise and the speed of the fan, expressed by a linear correlation or a type of characteristic. The resulting expected value of the ventilation noise is in the room with the means of a sound sensor, for. B. one or more microphones at representative locations, measured noise level compared, so that from the comparison can be concluded on the noise balance. If the measured noise level is above the expected value of the speed-related ventilation noise, the user noise in the room exceeds the ventilation noise. Depending on the difference, it is still possible to ventilate or increase the ventilation performance. If the measured noise level corresponds to the expected value of the ventilation noise, the ventilation (speed) is gradually reduced by a controller and the noise balance is checked until the useful noise dominates again.

For ventilation devices in the manner of windows and façade openings is used for the acoustic separation of external noise caused by ventilation and the

Interior noise a spectrally selective amplitude and correlation evaluation, as here several noise sources in space overlap. To detect the dominant noise, the noise components have to be extracted from the resulting sound. For this purpose, two sensors or signals are usually required, the z. B. by measuring positions outward and inward differentiate. These are usually microphones or vibration sensors. By way of example, the inner and outer windows of a window can be used together as direction detectors. Methodically, the sound intensity method can be used. This information and the noise amplitudes of the two sensors allow a clear assessment of the noise situation in terms of acoustic control. Alternatively, the known distance or phase difference of the sound signals in the cross-correlation function can be used to separate the noise components based on the sign of the phase difference.

In general, the sensors must be protected against eg mechanical or weather influences as well as against unconscious manipulation. Secondly, the acoustically determined control signals in conjunction with other relevant information, such as day or time, presence of users, electronically and semantically prepare, so they with other sensor signals, eg. B. resulting from room temperature, humidity and air quality, can be brought together (Fig. 3). On the basis of an integrated in the control decision model with priority rules and the like, finally, the signal for influencing the ventilation device is generated and transmitted to them. The priority rules include z. B. different time constants for acoustic interference and for the acceptable air quality. For example, a moderate excess of the C0 ₂ content for a short time can certainly be readily accepted, thereby avoiding a time-limited period of intense noise entry (Figure 4). Similarly, conversely, a moderate noise is permitted in the event of urgent air changes. From an acoustic point of view, not only level values are important but also the time-frequency characteristic of noise. A uniform, broadband traffic noise is different than z. B. strong clay or impulsive

Construction noise.

The decision model is therefore for psychoacoustically justified criteria, such as e.g. Annoyance to supplement the interference potential. In addition, in addition to the time and presence evaluation, for a predictive control and recurring

Conditions and habits are learned. These learning algorithms and pattern recognition for situational and predictive control allow the comparison of acute needs and a probable future demand situation. Thus, the controller may be provided with a scenario memory that holds for a predetermined period of time, such as the situation outside (eg, outside noise) and inside Behave or change (eg C0 ₂ content). This results in a kind of medium load curve for a specific room, which is also used to control the ventilation scenario. Both critical phases, eg with high C0 _2- Raumluftgehalt and at the same time high noise pollution, as well as harmless periods are like that

predictable, whereby a permanent comparison with the current measured values provides additional decision and control security.

Third, finally, this qualitative acoustic influence is also to be quantified or practically realized, i. a gradual change in the ventilation rate with a corresponding change, whether gradual or continuous, to link the noise balance. With ventilation units, this change can in turn be reacted with the speed. In the case of open window and façade elements, the opening area that is equally responsible for the ventilation rate and the resulting sound insulation, eg. As the tilt angle or Ausstellmaß, a gradual

Influential way. In any case, however, the acoustic control or decision-making process must be able to be influenced or "overruled" by the user. According to recent findings in the field of building automation, this control option of the user is an important prerequisite for the acceptance of such control systems.

Another option is the controlled use of ventilation noise, whether natural or mechanical, to mask information-bearing voice signals in offices and the like. Again, at least one adaptivity of the noise level is required so that the ventilation or masking noise is not too loud. However, the existing sound sensor can additionally fulfill additional detection tasks. Finally, the figures will be described in more detail. FIG. 1 shows a room 1 which, in the variants shown above, can be ventilated with a window 2, in the variants shown below with a fan 3. A vehicle 4 generates sound in the environment. Accordingly, the space 1 in Figure 1 b above the sound 5a exposed. As can be seen from FIG. 1b below, the fan 3 leads to a sound load 5b. Evident is also a control device 6, which controls the window 2 from the variables C0 ₂ - concentration, relative humidity and temperature of the room air. The control device 7, which uses the same variables, activates the fan 3.

FIG. 2 differs from FIG. 1 in that in addition detection devices 8 for the sound are present. In the variant shown above, in which the ventilation takes place with the window 2, both a detection device 8 for the sound in the room 1 as well as a detection device 8 for the sound in the environment can be seen.

In the variant shown below, in which the ventilation takes place with the fan 3, only one detection device 8 for the sound in the room 1 is present. In Figure 3 it is shown that the control device 6 in addition to the in the

Detected means 8, sound, the C0 ₂ concentration, the relative humidity and the temperature of the room air also interventions by the user, which can be excited by a C0 ₂ traffic light, taken into account. In addition, the time and timetables can be taken into account. Figures 4a to 4d show the results of the improved control. To the right, the time is plotted. Upwards, the air quality is plotted in FIG. 4a, where the air quality rises. It can be seen that air quality fluctuates around a limit shown by the dashed line.

In FIG. 4b, the ventilation and the associated ventilation noise are plotted upwards, which would result in ventilation aligned with the requirement according to FIG. 4a. In FIG. 4c, the permissible noise level resulting from the analysis of the noise level present in room 1 is plotted upward.

Taking into account the ventilation requirement according to FIG. 4 a and the permissible noise level according to FIG. 4 c, the resulting ventilation and the associated ventilation noise are shown in FIG. 4 d.

Claims

claims 1 . Control device (6, 7) for a room ventilation device (2, 3), which is used for ventilation of a room (1), wherein the control device (6, 7) is designed such that in the decision whether the room ventilation device (2, 3) a Ventilation, one of the ventilation  Noise load (5a, 5b) for persons in the room (1) can be taken into account, characterized in that a  Detection device (8) for sound in the vicinity of the room (1), comes from the serving for ventilation air, is present. 2. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that a  Detection device (8) for sound in the room (1) is present. Control device according to one of claims 1 or 2 characterized  in that an operating state of a fan (3) provided for ventilating the room (1) can be taken into account. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening of serving as a room ventilation device window or a facade opening can be controlled. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the presence of persons in the room (1) can be detected. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sound in the environment from the time and stored data, at what time which sound is to be expected, can be determined. 7. Control device according to one of the preceding claims characterized characterized in that the sound in the environment from real-time information and / or based on real-time information forecasts of sound-generating events can be won. 8. Control device according to one of the preceding claims characterized  characterized in that a plurality of locally distributed detection means (8) for sound in the environment is present, so that propagating acoustic events, in particular moving noise-generating means of transport, can be detected and a forecast of the expected sound, in particular for a plurality of spaces to be ventilated (1), can be created. 9. Control device according to one of the preceding claims characterized  characterized in that an analysis of the sound can be made in terms of the resulting subjective annoyance, wherein the sound can also be used to mask information-containing speech signals. 1 0. Control device according to one of the preceding claims characterized  characterized in that an intervention of users is possible, so that the room ventilation can be made according to current wishes of the user. 1 1. Control device according to one of the preceding claims  characterized in that the control device (6, 7) is designed, a  Room ventilation device (2, 3) for ventilation of a room (1) to control a mobile device, in particular a vehicle. 1 2. Control device according to one of the preceding claims characterized  characterized in that sound, in particular sound in the environment, can serve as an indication of air quality of the air in the environment. 1 3. Control device according to one of the preceding claims characterized  in that a unit for signal pre-processing and for  Signal evaluation is present, so that control signals for the Room ventilation device (2, 3) can be provided. 14. A method for ventilating a room (1), wherein in the decision whether the room ventilation device (2, 3) is to effect a ventilation, a noise pollution originating from the ventilation (5a, 5b) for persons in the room (1) are taken into account can, characterized in that sound in the vicinity of the space (1), from the air serving for ventilation, is taken into account. 1 5. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that a  Control device according to one of claims 1 to 13 is used.