Key information

Title
A snow barrier for a ventilation system and a method of using same
Application number
20211256
Case type
National
Status
31.10.2024 Ikke betalt årsavgift
Filed
19.10.2021
Priority
28.01.2021 NO 20210107
Effective date
19.10.2021
Publicly available
29.07.2022
Applicant
WIDE INDUSTRIER AS (NO)
Owner
WIDE INDUSTRIER AS (NO)
Inventor
Kristine Degnes (NO)
Agent
HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS (NO)
Granted
19.12.2022
Patent number
346761

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.
A snow barrier (1) and a method for at least reducing snow particles from being sucked through a ventilation duct, the snow barrier (1) comprises a filter element (3) movable between an active, snow blocking position, and a passive, retracted position, the snow barrier (1) further comprises: - a structure (5) for holding the filter element (3) within a portion of the duct; and - an actuator (10) for bringing the filter element (3) between its active and passive positions within the duct (5).

Publications

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Documents

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Date
 Date Doc. No. Process Case number In/Out Journal description To/from
 15.05.2025 09-01 Saksbehandling 20211256(346761) UT PT Opphørt Patent - for ikke betalt årsavgift (3311) HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 02.03.2025 08-01 Saksbehandling 20211256(346761) UT PT Påminnelse om ikke betalt årsavgift (3329) (PT20211256) HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 07.09.2023 07-01 Saksbehandling 20211256(346761) UT PT Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317) (PT20211256) HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 21.12.2022 06-01 Saksbehandling 20211256(346761) UT PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20211256)
28.09.2022 05-01 Saksbehandling 20211256 UT Intention to grant HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 17.06.2022 04-05 Saksbehandling 20211256 INN P29846NO01_Response_Office_Action_ HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 17.06.2022 04-04 Saksbehandling 20211256 INN P29846NO01_Norsk_oversettelse_av_patentkrav HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 17.06.2022 04-03 Saksbehandling 20211256 INN P29846NO01_Description_and_claims_for_publication_CLEAN HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 17.06.2022 04-02 Saksbehandling 20211256 INN P29846NO01_Description_and_claims_for_publication MARKUP HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 17.06.2022 04-01 Saksbehandling 20211256 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 19.05.2022 03-02 Saksbehandling 20211256 UT PT report 07:07:07
19.05.2022 03-01 Saksbehandling 20211256 UT 20211256_1576512_PT 08 Eng HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 20.10.2021 02-01 Saksbehandling 20211256 UT Infobrev til oppfinner HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 19.10.2021 01-04 Saksbehandling 20211256 INN P29846NO01_Prio_with_Prio_forfiling HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 19.10.2021 01-03 Saksbehandling 20211256 INN P29846NO01 General Power of Attorney HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 19.10.2021 01-02 Saksbehandling 20211256 INN P29846NO01 figs sheets 1-5 HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 19.10.2021 01-01 Saksbehandling 20211256 INN Søknadsskjema Patent HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content. Description
A SNOW BARRIER FOR A VENTILATION SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF USING SAMEThe present disclosure is related to a filter device for a ventilation system. More particularly the disclosure is related to a snow barrier for a ventilation system and a method of using same.A ventilation system discussed in this document is a system for intentionally introducing outdoor air into the interior of a building. A main purpose of ventilation is to control indoor air quality by diluting and displacing indoor pollutants, to control indoor temperature, humidity, and air motion to benefit thermal comfort, satisfaction with other aspects of indoor environment, or other objectives.The intentional introduction of outdoor air is usually categorized as either mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, or a mixture thereof. The present disclosure is related to mechanical ventilation where outdoor air is flown into a building by means of at least one fan. The at least one fan is preferably a supply fan urging air into the building but may alternatively or additionally be an exhaust fan which draws air out of the building and thereby cause equal ventilation flow into a building.An inlet of a ventilation duct is normally provided with a louvre providing a rough filter for preventing objects, as well as animals and birds, from entering the ventilation duct. Another important purpose of a louvre is to stop rain from entering the ventilation duct. Although being capable of preventing substantially all precipitation in liquid form from entering the ventilation duct, experience shows that a louvre is not capable of preventing no more than up to 60-70% of snow crystals or snowflakes from entering the ventilation duct. Snow crystals or snowflakes will hereinafter be denoted snow particles. The lighter the snow particles, the more snow particles may pass the louvre.Snow particles entering a ventilation duct will melt. Water in a ventilation duct is highly undesirable since it may induce corrosion of the duct. A further negative effect is that any filters for reducing dust, pollen, and other particles from entering the interior of the building, will be wet. Thus, snow particles entering the ventilation duct will result in a reduced lifetime of the duct itself, and in higher operating costs because the filters of the duct will have to be replaced more frequently. However, the most important negative effect resulting from water in a ventilation duct, is the risk of mould infestation, and mould spores entering the interior of the building. Mould spores may cause serious health problems and health damages.A known measure for reducing the amount or number of snow particles entering a ventilation duct, it to provide a louvre and a portion of the ventilation duct having an oversized cross-sectional area as compared with the rest of the ventilation system. In some designs, the oversized louvre is arranged in a box or housing arranged on an outside wall of a building. The purpose of the oversized cross-sectional area is to generate a very low air velocity through the louvre, thereby facilitating gravity fall of the snow particles upstream the louvre, instead of the snow particles being “sucked” through the louvre and into the ventilation duct. However, experiences show that an oversized louvre and subsequent portion of the ventilation duct is not sufficiently effective. Further, an oversized louvre and subsequent portion of the ventilation duct is space demanding and may be aesthetically unattractive. As an alternative to providing a louvre having an oversized crosssectional area, it is known to provide only a portion of the ventilation duct immediately downstream of the louvre with an oversized cross-sectional area as compared with the rest of the ventilation system. This is known as an intake chamber. An idea of an intake chamber in a ventilation system is to allow settling of snow particles passing through the louvre while the snow particles being in the chamber and drain water resulting from snow particles being melted therein. However, also this alternative has proven not to be sufficiently effective, while at the same time being space demanding.Publication JP 2004308937 A discloses a U-formed ventilation duct comprising a solid, hanging baffle plate for forming an obstruction for a flowing air. The hanging baffle plate is preferably coated with a fluororesin material having a small frictional resistance, so that snow particles colliding with the baffle plate falls by gravity along the plate and onto a heating means in a bottom portion of the U-shaped channel.Publication WO 2004097307 A discloses an apparatus and method for controlling louver blades of an outdoor unit which can improve efficiency of the outdoor unit according to a state of the louver blades and peripheral conditions.Publication CN 209672561 U discloses an angle-adjustable ventilation device for buildings. The device includes a ventilation frame, a louver, and an adjustment component. A number of louvers are installed in the ventilation frame, and the adjustment component is connected with the louver to drive the louver.Publication KR 20200071349 A discloses an air intake for a ventilation system. The air intake comprises a passively operated filter configured to pivot when being subject to a blockage.The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art.The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.The invention is related to a snow barrier in a ventilation system.The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a snow barrier for reducing the amount of snow particles being sucked through a ventilation duct, the snow barrier comprises a filter element movable between an active, snow blocking position, and a passive, retracted position, wherein the snow barrier comprises:- a structure for holding the filter element within a portion of the ventilation duct; and - an actuator for moving the filter element between its active and passive positions within the structure.When being in its active position, the filter element is configured for preventing snow particles carried by an air flow from passing through the filter element. Thus, the filter element is configured for filtering out snow particles from the air being sucked into the duct of a ventilation system any snow particles entering the ventilation duct together with the air, are prevented from passing through the filter element.A filter element of this kind will induce a pressure drop in air flowing therethrough.The effect of providing a filter element being movable between an active position and a passive position, is that the filter element may be in its active, snow particle blocking position only when needed, i.e., only when there is a risk of snow particles entering the ventilation system. Therefore, the snow barrier does not represent any obstruction to the air flow through the ventilation system when in its passive position.In one embodiment, the actuator may be a manually operated actuator controlled by an operator. In such an embodiment, the filter element may typically be brought to its active, snow-blocking position, when snow showers are likely to occur. Thus, the operator may typically activate the snow barrier based on time of year, i.e., a “calendar-controlled” activation. However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuator is an automatically controlled actuator that is operated by a control system communication with one or more sensors as will be discussed below. Therefore, the snow barrier according to the invention preferably comprising a snow removing device (20, 30) for removing snow retained by the filter element.When being in its active position, snow particles carried by the air flowing into the ventilation duct will be retained by the filter element. As air flows through the filter element, snow particles carried by the air flow will be retained by the filter element and may gradually increase a pressure drop across the filter element. To reduce or avoid such a pressure drop induced by snow particles retained by the filter element, the snow barrier is in one embodiment of the present invention provided with a snow removing device for removing snow retained by the filter element. A snow removing device is of particular interest when the snow barrier is subject to an ambient temperature, i.e., a temperature of the air at the outside of a building comprising the ventilation system wherein the snow barrier is arranged. In such a case, snow particles retained by the filter element may build up and eventually at least partially block the filter element and thereby prevent air from passing the filter element.In a preferred embodiment, the snow barrier according to the invention comprises a sensor device for issuing a signal for activating at least one of the actuator and the snow removing device. The sensor device may be in communication with a control unit.In one embodiment of the present invention, the snow removing device comprises a heating element. The heating element may for example be heating cables or perforated heating plates forming part of the filter element itself by being integrated in or attached on a surface of the filter element. An advantage of integrating or attaching the heating element to the filter element itself, is that the heating element may melt any build-up of snow while the filter element is in its active position. Thus, such a heating element may be activated once the filter element is brought to its active position. In an alternative embodiment the heating element is activated at certain time intervals while the filter element is in its active position. In still another alternative embodiment the heating element is activated in response to a pressure drop measured across the filter element exceeding a predetermined level, i.e., a set point. An advantage of the latter embodiment is related to energy consumption since the heating element is activated only when needed, the need being based on predetermined, measurable criteria.In an alternative to activating the heating element when the filter element is in its active position, the heating element may be activated when the filter element is in its passive position. This may be advantageous with respect to energy consumption required to remove snow retained by the filter element, because no air having a cooling effect passes through the filter element when being in a passive or retracted position.In an alternative embodiment the heating element is arranged separately from the filter element itself. In such an embodiment, the heating element may be arranged in a wall portion of a duct of the ventilation system configured for abutting against the filter element when the filter element is in its passive position. Thus, to melt snow particles, the filter element must in this alternative embodiment be brought from its active position to its passive position. Depending on a temperature of the heating element, snow may be melted within a relatively short period of time, typically within a few minutes. When the filter element is in its passive position for melting snow, snow particles may be carried by the air flow into the ventilation system. However, this can be avoided by arranging at least two snow barriers in series, as will be discussed below.A heating element arranged in a wall portion of a duct of the ventilation system, is typically configured for being activated based on input from a control system being in communication with a sensor device. The sensor device may be of the kind configured for measuring a pressure drop across the filter element when being in the active position. The heating element may for example be activated when a pressure-drop across the filter element arrives at 80% of a set point, and the filter element is brought to its passive position and thus against the heating element, when the pressure drop arrives at 100% of the set point. Thus, the heating element is heated during the time lapsed from 80% to 100% of the pressure drop set point.Alternatively, or additionally to providing a snow removing device in the form of a heating element, the snow removing device may comprise an oscillating device for oscillating the filter element. In one embodiment the oscillation device is attached to a portion of the filter element so that vibrations from the oscillation device are transferred directly to the filter element. In an alternative embodiment the oscillation device is connected to a portion of the structure carrying the filter element. The oscillation device may be activated in a similar way as discussed above as regards the heating element.Alternatively, or additionally to providing a snow removing device in the form of a heating element and/or an oscillating device, the snow removing device may comprise a knocking device configured for repeatedly knocking the filter element against a portion of the structure of the snow barrier. In one embodiment is the knocking device configured for being knocked against a recess that forms part of the structure.In one embodiment the surface area of the filter element is larger than a cross-sectional area of the duct. Increasing the surface area of the filter element has the effect of reducing a pressure drop across the filter element. As low a pressure drop as possible is desired to provide an energy economical system.Preferably, when in its passive position, at least a portion of the filter element may be housed in a recess in a portion of the structure for holding the filter element within a portion of the ventilation duct. The structure may form part of a duct for flowing air in a ventilation system. This has the effect that the filter element in its passive position may not represent an obstruction for air flowing in the duct of the ventilation system. Preferably, the recess may comprise a drain for draining melted snow, so that water from melted snow is drained out of the ventilation system.The actuator of the snow barrier may, as discussed above, be activated by a sensor for measuring a pressure drop across the filter element being in an active position.However, to allow an automatically operated initial activation of the filter element to its active position, the sensor device preferably comprises a snow sensor configured for detecting snow particles from a snow shower. Such a snow sensor is typically arranged on an outside of a building and in some applications remote from a building, i.e., upstream of the filter element. A snow sensor suitable for use in the present invention is of a type being commercially available in the marked, for example for use in activating heating cables arranged for melting snow on a ground.In a position of use in a ventilation system, it is preferred to arrange the snow barrier within a portion of a ventilation channel being between a louvre and a fan of the ventilation system. Thus, both the fan and any filters arranged downstream of the snow barrier, may be protected from snow particles.As briefly discussed above, it may in one embodiment of the invention be necessary to bring a filter element from its active position to its passive position to remove retrained snow particles from the filter element, even when snow particles are carried by the air flowing in the ventilation duct. When in the passive position, the snow particles carried by the air flowing in the ventilation duct may pass the snow barrier. To substantially avoid snow particles from passing into a portion of the ventilation system being downstream of the snow barrier, the snow barrier may comprise at least a further filter element arranged in series with the filter element, wherein each of the at filter elements are provided with an actuator. Thus, the filter elements may be activated alternatingly so that one of the at least two filter elements is in its active position when snow particles are carried by the air sucked into the ventilation system. It should be noted that both or all the filter elements may be in their active position or their passive position simultaneously.In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a ventilation system comprising a louvre arranged at an inlet of the ventilation system, a fan for flowing air through the ventilation system, and a snow barrier according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the snow barrier is arranged between the louvre and the fan.In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for reducing the amount of snow particles being sucked through a ventilation duct, the method comprising arranging a snow barrier according to the first aspect of the invention downstream of an inlet of the ventilation duct, and operating the actuator between its passive position and its active position.The method may further comprise operating the actuator based on input from a sensor device operatively connected to a control unit.The method may further comprise providing a snow removing device for removing snow retained by the filter element, and operating the snow removing device based on input from the sensor device.In a fourth aspect of the invention a snow sensor is used for controlling a position of a snow barrier according to the first aspect of the invention, in a ventilation system.In the following is described an example of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:Fig.1a shows a perspective view of a snow barrier according to the present invention, wherein a filter element is in an active, snow blocking position; Figs. 1b and 1c show the snow barrier in fig.1a seen perpendicular to and parallel with, respectively, a flow through the snow barrier;Fig.2a shows a perspective view of a snow barrier according to the present invention, wherein a filter element is in a passive, retracted position;Figs. 2b and 2c show the snow barrier in fig.2a seen perpendicular to and parallel with, respectively, a flow through the snow barrier; andFigs. 3a and 3b show a perspective view of a snow barrier according to the invention comprising two filter elements arranged in series.Any positional specifications refer to the positions that are shown in the figures.In the figures, same or corresponding elements are indicated by same reference numerals. For clarity, some elements may in some of the figures be without reference numerals. For illustrative reasons, the relative proportions of some of the elements may be somewhat distorted.In the figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates a snow barrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. The snow barrier 1 comprises a filter element 3 movable between an active, snow blocking position as shown in figures 1a to 1c, and a passive, retracted position as shown in figures 2a to 2c. The filter element 3 comprises a filter cloth or panel 4, and a frame 4’ for carrying the filter panel 4, see fig.1a. The filter panel 4 may for example comprise a filter of class G2 or G3 in the previous EN 799:2012.The filter element 3 is hingedly connected to a structure 5 which in this embodiment is a duct that in a position of use forms part of a duct of a ventilation system (not shown) wherein air flows as indicated by arrow F. For illustrative reasons, a portion of the duct 5 is shown removed in the figures. However, it should be noted that the duct 5 in the embodiment shown comprises four sides forming an endless cross-section, as indicated by dotted lines in fig.2c. The filter element 3 is configured to pivot between the position shown for example in fig.1a, to the position shown for example in fig.2a. A lower portion of the filter element 3 is operatively connected to an axle 12 operatively connected to an actuator 10 via an arm 11.The actuator 10 itself is of a type known per se. The actuator is operated by means of output from a control unit 18.To remove any snow particles retained by the filter element 3, hereinafter also denoted snow filter or simply filter 3, the snow barrier 1 is provided with snow removing device. In figures 1a to 2c, a snow removing device in the form of an oscillating device 30 is shown. The oscillating device 30 may be an oscillator commercially available in the marked and being suitable for releasing snow particles from the surface of the filter element. In a prototype of the snow barrier 1, an oscillating device oscillating at 30-60 Hz served its intended purpose. However, an oscillation device oscillating at other frequencies is also conceivable. In the embodiment shown, the oscillation device 30 is attached to a surface of the filter element 3, typically the frame 4’ of the filter element 3. For illustrative purpose, the oscillation device 30 is shown relatively extensive on the downstream side of the filter element 3. However, it should be noted that the oscillation device 30 will typically be relatively small and arranged at a periphery of the filter element 3 to represent as little obstruction as possible to the air flow through the filter element 3. Thus, the vibrations from the oscillation device 30 are transferred directly to the filter element 3. As an alternative to attaching the oscillation device 30 to the filter element 3 itself, the oscillation device 30 may be connected to a portion of the structure carrying the filter element 3. In the embodiment shown, the structure carrying the filter element 3 is a conduit or duct 5 which in a position of use of the invention, may be configured to form part of a ventilation duct of the ventilation system.The oscillation device 30 may be activated in a similar way as discussed above as regards the heating element 20.As an alternative to, or in addition to a snow removing device in the form of the oscilla tion device 30 discussed above, the snow removing device may be provided by a means of knocking device configured for repeatedly knocking the filter element 3 against a recess 22 configured for receiving the filter element 3 when in the passive, retracted position. The recess 22 forms a portion, here a bottom portion, of the support structure 5 of the snow barrier 1.In the embodiment shown in the figures, the knocking device is provided by means of the actuator 10, arm 11 and axle 12. By repeatedly lifting the filter element 3 a certain distance from its passive position and drop or force the filter element 3 in a knocking manner against the recess 22, snow retained by the filter panel 4 is released. Such a knocking process does not require the filter element 3 to be fully moved between its passive and active position. It is sufficient to execute the knocking by moving the filter element for example halfway towards its active position.The knocking process is repeated a predetermined number of times, for example 5-10 times.The snow removing device in the form of the knocking device discussed above is operated by means of output from the control unit 18 being in communication with a sensor device in a similar way as discussed above with respect to the heating element 20 and the oscillation device 30.Although it is preferred that the snow removing device in the form of a knocking device is controlled automatically by means of the control unit 18, the knocking device may in an alternative embodiment be a manually operated actuator controlled by an operator. In fig.1a, two alternative arrangements of the heating element 20 are shown. In a first alternative, the heating element 20 is in the form of heating cables shown as dotted lines in the filter element 3. In a second alternative, the heating element is in the form of heating cables 20 shown as dash-dot lines in the recess 22 configured for receiving the filter element 3 when in the passive, retracted position. It may also be conceivable to provide heating elements both in the filter element 3 and in the recess 22.The filter element 3 comprises a filter panel 4 having a corrugated or zigzagged shape. Thus, a surface area of the filter element 3 is larger than a cross-sectional area of the structure, here the duct 5, surrounding the filter element 3. A large surface area of the filter panel 4 is important with respect to reducing a pressure drop across the filter element 3.The recess 22 for receiving the filter element 3 when being in a retracted, passive position, has in the embodiment shown a shape mating with the shape of the filter panel 4 of the filter element 3, i.e., the recess 22 has a corrugated or zigzagged shape. Such a mating shape is of particular interest in an embodiment of the snow barrier 1 wherein the recess 22 itself is provided with a heating element 20. In such a configuration, the filter panel 4 of the filter element 3 abuts against a structure of the recess 22 provided with the heating element 20, and the filter panel 4 of the filter element 3 is effectively heated. In an embodiment wherein the heating element is arranged in the filter element 3 itself, the recess 22 may be formed for example as a tray having a smooth bottom portion.Independently of the shape of the recess 22, the water from melted snow collected in the recess 22 is drained by means of a drain (not shown). Preferably, the water is drained to a drainage inside the building to avoid blockage of the drain due to freezing.In the embodiment shown, the actuator 10 is controlled by a programmable control unit 18 receiving signals from a sensor device 15, for instance a snow sensor.The sensor device 15, the control unit 18, and the actuator 10 are known per se, and will therefore not be discussed in further details.The sensor device 15 issues signals to the control unit 18 at certain intervals. When snow particles are detected by the sensor device 15 in the form of a snow sensor 15, an activation signal is sent to the control unit 18 which activates the actuator 10 to bring the filter element 3 to its active position shown in fig.1a. The actuator 10 brings the filter element 3 to its passive position as shown in fig.2a when a signal of no snow is issued by the sensor device 15. The signals from the sensor device 15 may be communicated to the control unit 18 by means of a cable indicated by dotted line between items 15 and 18 in fig.1a and 2a, or the signals may be communicated wireless. In the embodiment shown in fig.1a and 2a, the control unit 18 is further configured for controlling the snow removing device in the form of the heating element 20 and/or the oscillation device 30, both of which are shown in fig.1a. The control unit 18 energized the heating element 20 and/or the oscillation device 30 based on input signals from sensors P1 and P2 (see fig.1b) that are configured to measure pressure at an upstream portion and a downstream portion, respectively, of the filter element 3. As discussed above, a heating element 20 arranged in the recess 22, may for example be energized by the control unit 18 when a pressure drop calculated from inputs from pressure sensors P1 and P2 is 80% of a pressure drop set value programmed in the control unit 18. The oscillation device 30, and/or the heating element 20 arranged in the filter element 3, may be energized by the control unit 18 when a pressure drop calculated from inputs from pressure sensors P1 and P2 is 100% of a pressure drop set value programmed in the control unit 18.In fig.3a, the snow barrier 1 comprises two filter elements 3, 3’ spaced apart in series within a structure being in the form of a duct 5. Both filter elements 3, 3’ are in their active position. In operation, two filter elements 3, 3’ being in the active position is normally not required. Therefore, fig.3a illustrates a typical situation wherein the right filter element 3’ arranged downstream of the left filter element 3 has been in its active position for a period and is due for heating for melting snow in the recess 22 provided with heating cables 20 (see fig.1a). Prior to activating the actuator 10’ (for example of the type as discussed above and shown in fig.1a and 1b) for pivoting the filter element 3’ into its passive position, the left filter element 3 has been pivoted from its passive position within its recess, to the active position as shown. Thus, this tandem arrangement of filter elements 3, 3’ allows a continuous blockage of snow particles from passing the snow barrier 1. Fig.3b shows the right filter element 3’ while being subject to heat for melting snow, while the left filter element 3 is in its active position.The snow barrier 1 shown in figures 3a and 3b may comprise a control unit, actuator, snow removing device and a sensor device as shown for example in fig.1a and 2a.From the disclosure above, it should be clear that the snow barrier according to the in vention is suitable for preventing snow particles from passing downstream of the snow barrier. By arranging the snow barrier according to the invention downstream of a louvre, and upstream of a ventilation fan and subsequent ventilation filters, any snow particles passing the louvre will no longer negatively affect a lifetime of the ventilation system itself and any filters arranged downstream of the filter element 3. Due to the filter element 3 retaining snow particles at an inlet of the ventilation system, a speed of the air passing the louvre is no longer crucial, since any snow particles carried by the air having passed a louvre at an inlet of the ventilation system will be retained by a filter element 3 being in its active position. Therefore, a size (cross sectional area) of the louvre and a subsequent duct, may have a relatively small cross-sectional area decided by design parameters of the ventilation system.It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. C l a i m s1. A snow barrier (1) for reducing the amount of snow particles being sucked through a ventilation duct, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that the snow barrier (1) comprises a filter element (3) movable between an active, snow blocking position, and a passive, retracted position, the snow barrier (1) further comprises:- a structure (5) for holding the filter element (3) within a portion of the ventilation duct; and- an actuator (10) for moving the filter element (3) between its active and passive positions within the structure (5).2. The snow barrier (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a snow removing device (20, 30) for removing snow retained by the filter element (3).3. The snow barrier (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor device (15;P1, P2) for issuing a signal for activating at least one of the actuator (10) and a snow removing device (20, 30) for removing snow retained by the filter element (3).4. The snow barrier (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the snow removing device comprises a heating element (20).5. The snow barrier (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the snow removing device comprises an oscillating device (30) for oscillating the filter element (3).6. The snow barrier (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the snow removing device comprises a knocking device configured for repeatedly knocking the filter element (3) against a portion of the structure (5) of the snow barrier (1). 7. The snow barrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface area of the filter element (3) is larger than a cross-sectional area of the duct (5).8. The snow barrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when in its passive position, at least a portion of the filter element (3) is housed in a recess (22) in a portion of the structure (5).9. The snow barrier (1) according to claim 8, wherein the recess (22) comprises a drain for draining melted snow.10. The snow barrier (1) according to claim 3, wherein the sensor device comprises a snow sensor (15) arranged upstream of the filter element (3).11. The snow barrier (1) according to claim any one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, wherein the sensor device comprises a pressure sensor (P1, P2) configured for measuring a pressure drop across the filter element (3) when in the active position.12. The snow barrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snow barrier comprises at least a further filter element (3’) arranged in series with the filter element (3), each of the filter elements (3, 3’) being provided with an actuator (10, 10’).13. A ventilation system comprising a louvre arranged at an inlet of the ventilation system, a fan for flowing air through the ventilation system, and a snow barrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snow barrier is arranged between the louvre and the fan.14. A method for reducing the amount of snow particles being sucked through a ventilation duct, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that the method comprising arranging a snow barrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 downstream of an inlet of the ventilation duct; and operating the actuator (10) between its passive and active position. 15. The method according to claim 14, comprising operating the actuator (10) based on input from a sensor device (15; P1, P2) operatively connected to a control unit (18).16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising providing a snow removing device (20, 30) for removing snow retained by the filter element (3), and operating the snow removing device (10, 20) based on input from a sensor device (15; P1, P2).17. Use of a snow sensor for controlling a position of a snow barrier (1) according to claim 1, in a ventilation system.
Claims
Patentkrav1. En snøbarriere (1) for å redusere mengden snøpartikler som suges gjennom en ventilasjonskanal, k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at snøsbarrieren (1) omfatter et filterelement (3) som kan beveges mellom en aktiv, snøblokkerende posisjon, og en passiv, tilbaketrukket posisjon, hvor snøbarrieren (1) videre omfatter:- en struktur (5) for å holde filterelementet (3) innenfor et parti av ventilasjonskanalen; og- en aktuator (10) for å bevege filterelementet (3) mellom dets aktive og passive posisjoner i strukturen (5).2. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge krav 1, videre omfattende en snøfjerningsanordning (20, 30) for fjerning av snø som er holdt tilbake av filterelementet (3).3. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge krav 1, videre omfattende en sensoranordning (15; P1, P2) for å avgi et signal for aktivering av minst én av aktuatoren (10) og en snøfjerningsanordning (20, 30) for fjerning av snø som er holdt tilbake av filterelementet (3).4. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge krav 2 eller 3, hvor snøfjerningsanordningen omfatter et varmeelement (20).5. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 4, hvor snøfjerningsanordningen omfatter en oscillerende anordning (30) for å oscillere filterelementet (3).6. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 2 til 5, hvor snøfjerningsanordningen (20, 30) omfatter en bankeanordning konfigurert for gjentatte ganger å banke filterelementet (3) mot et parti av snøbarrierens (1) struktur (5).7. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor et overflateareal av filterelementet (3) er større enn et tverrsnittsareal av kanalen (5).8. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor, når den er i sin passive posisjon, er minst et parti av filterelementet (3) plassert i en nisje (22) i et parti av strukturen (5).9. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge krav 8, hvor nisjen (22) omfatter et avløp for drenering av smeltet snø.10. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge krav 3, hvor sensoranordningen omfatter en snøsensor (15) anordnet oppstrøms for filterelementet (3).11. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene 3 til 6, hvor sensoranordningen omfatter en trykksensor (P1, P2) konfigurert for å måle et trykkfall over filterelementet (3) når det er i aktiv posisjon.12. Snøbarriere (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor snøbarrieren omfatter minst et ytterligere filterelement (3') anordnet i serie med filterelementet (3), idet hvert av filterelementene (3, 3’) er forsynt med en aktuator (10, 10').13. Ventilasjonssystem omfattende en luftinntaksrist anordnet ved et innløp av ventilasjonssystemet, en vifte for å strømme luft gjennom ventilasjonssystemet, og en snøbarriere (1) ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor snøbarrieren er anordnet mellom luftinntaksristen og viften.14. Fremgangsmåte for å redusere mengden av snøpartikler som suges gjennom en ventilasjonskanal, hvor fremgangsmåten omfatter å anordne en snøbarriere (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1 til 12 nedstrøms for et innløp til ventilasjonskanalen; og operere aktuatoren (10) mellom dens passive og aktive posisjon.15. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 14, hvor framgangsmåten omfatter å operere aktuatoren (10) basert på input fra en sensoranordning (15; P1, P2) operativt tilkoblet en kontrollenhet (18).16. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 14 eller 15, videre omfattende å tilveiebringe en snøfjerningsanordning (20, 30) for fjerning av snø som holdes tilbake av barriereelementet (3), og operasjon av snøfjerningsanordningen (10, 20) basert på input fra en sensorenhet (15; P1, P2).17. Anvendelse av en snøsensor for å styre en posisjon til en snøbarriere (1) ifølge krav 1, i et ventilasjonssystem.
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Priority

28.01.2021 NO 20210107

Patent classes

IPC classesF24F 13/10CPC classesF24F 13/10

Citations

JP 2004308937 A (A)KR 20200071349 A (A)WO 2004097307 A1 (A1)CN 209672561 U (U)

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WIDE INDUSTRIER AS
Sagveien 15 1890 RAKKESTAD NO (RAKKESTAD Municipality, Østfold county)Org. number: 967613436Inventors
Kristine Degnes
Kåenveien 403 1894 RAKKESTAD NO (RAKKESTAD Municipality, Østfold county)

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HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Org. number: 918752900

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