A diffuser component, a system and methods for floor displacement ventilation

A diffuser component, a system and methods for floor displacement ventilation

TECHNICAL FIELD

Invention relate to displacement ventilation and air heat transfer in rooms.

BACKGROUND ART

Displacement ventilation is an air ventilation technology where fresh cool air is provided into a space at low velocity, typically at a lower region of the space. Buoyancy forces ensure that the provided cool air gathers near the bottom of the space. Around heat sources, such as a person, the provided fresh cool air may be carried up via thermal plumes. Displacement ventilation is effective at delivering fresh air to occupants and removing many of the contaminants associated with heat sources, while creating a comfortable environment. Furthermore, the fresh cool air carried via thermal plumes provides an efficient heat transfer from said heat sources. Displacement ventilation is an attractive option in low-energy houses, such as passive wooden houses.

A problem with existing displacement ventilation solutions is the required equipment occupying a large volume. Another problem relates to air ducts supplying air requiring large dimensions. Furthermore, existing displacement ventilation solutions often have problems providing sufficient cooling in rooms with high cooling loads.

There is a demand for new solutions to provide displacement ventilation in rooms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to provide improved diffuser components for floor ventilation.

This has in accordance with the present disclosure been achieved by means of a system for floor displacement ventilation. The system comprises a floor covering and a diffuser layer. The diffuser layer comprises a plurality of connected protrusions. Each protrusion comprises an upper base, a lower base and a lateral surface connecting the upper base and the lower base. For each protrusion, a surface area of the lower base is larger than a surface area of the upper base. A first plurality of the upper bases are arranged substantially in an upper plane of the plurality of connected protrusions. The plurality of connected protrusions are treated with an aqueous solution of sodium silicate to increase load bearing

545 285 capacity. The floor covering is arranged against the diffuser layer at said upper plane, thereby forming a volume between the floor covering and the plurality of connected protrusions of the diffuser layer that defines a plurality of interconnected air passages extending to a periphery of the diffuser layer. The diffuser layer comprises an air inlet, wherein the air inlet connects to said plurality of interconnected air passages. The system is configured to, upon providing air flowing into said plurality of interconnected air passages via said air inlet, provide air flow exiting the system at the periphery of the diffuser layer.

This has the advantage of allowing large quantities of air to be provided to a room as the diffuser layer may cause even distribution of air flow to periphery of the diffuser layer, and placing diffuser functionality in the floor may allow for a significantly larger diffuser area compared to a diffuser comprised in a wall. This further has the advantage of allowing floor displacement ventilation by utilizing cool air travelling from said periphery to above the floor covering. This further has the advantage of allowing high air flow velocities via the air inlet without generating undesirable sounds in the space above the floor covering. This further has the advantage of allowing the plurality of connected protrusions to provide noise reduction in at least part of the range of human hearing.

In some embodiments, the system comprises air-guiding elements configured to lead the air flow exiting the periphery of the diffuser layer into a space above said floor covering.

This has the advantage of allowing further controlling how air flow exiting the periphery of the diffuser layer reaches the space above the floor covering.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a subfloor, wherein the diffuser layer is arranged on top of the subfloor.

This has the advantage of allowing simultaneous installation of subfloor, diffuser layer and floor covering. This further has the advantage of allowing the system to be designed around air ducts and other parts to be at least partially comprised in the subfloor.

In some embodiments, at least part of the upper bases are substantially in an lower plane of the plurality of connected protrusions, and wherein the subfloor is arranged against the diffuser layer at said lower plane, thereby forming a volume between the plurality of connected protrusions of the diffuser layer and the subfloor that defines a second plurality of interconnected air passages extending to the periphery of the diffuser layer.

This has the advantage of providing an additional plurality of interconnected air passages allowing for air flow both above and below the plurality of connected protrusions.

545 285

In some embodiments, the plurality of connected protrusions are treated with an aqueous solution of sodium silicate to increase load-bearing capacity.

This has the advantage of allowing desirable diffuser structures and/or materials that typically are too weak for use as load-bearing elements in floors, such as moulded biomass fibre shell structures, to be utilized in floor arrangements.

The present disclosure further relates to a method for floor displacement ventilation. The method comprises

- providing a floor covering arranged on top of a diffuser layer in a room comprising a subfloor and walls, wherein the diffuser layer comprises a plurality of connected protrusions, • wherein each protrusion comprises an upper base, a lower base and a lateral surface connecting the upper base and the lower base, • wherein for each protrusion a surface area of the lower base is larger than a surface area of the upper base, • wherein a first plurality of the upper bases are arranged substantially in an upper plane of the plurality of connected protrusions, • wherein the plurality of connected protrusions (101) are treated with an aqueous solution of sodium silicate to increase load bearing capacity, wherein the diffuser layer is arranged on top of the subfloor, wherein a volume between the floor covering and the plurality of connected protrusions of the diffuser layer defines a plurality of interconnected air passages extending to the periphery of the diffuser layer, and wherein there is a gap between a perimeter of the floor covering and the walls;

- providing an air inlet, wherein the air inlet connects to said plurality of interconnected air passages; and

- providing an air flow into said plurality of interconnected air passages via said air inlet, whereby air flow exits the periphery of the diffuser layer and flows up above the floor covering via said gap.

In some embodiments, providing the air flow into said plurality of interconnected air passages comprises providing the air flow via said gap with a temperature below the average room air temperature.

This has the advantage of allowing floor displacement ventilation to be provided to a room with a high rate of air flow as the diffusor layer distributes the air flow along the periphery of the diffusor layer and air reaches the room from around along the walls.

545 285

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. la-c shows schematically a diffuser component for floor ventilation arrangements.

Fig. 2a-b depicts schematically a system for floor displacement ventilation.

Fig. 3 depicts schematically a method for floor displacement ventilation.

Fig. 4 depicts schematically a method for producing a diffuser component for floor ventilation arrangements.

Fig. 5 illustrates a diffuser component with protrusions in both directions for floor ventilation arrangements.

Fig. 6 illustrates a diffuser component for floor ventilation arrangements in a room.

Fig. 7 illustrates a system for floor displacement ventilation comprising an air inlet in a room.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the figures, same reference numerals refer to same parts, concepts, and/or elements. Consequently, what will be said regarding a reference numeral in one figure applies equally well to the same reference numeral in other figures unless not explicitly stated otherwise.

Fig. la-c shows schematically a diffuser component 100 for floor ventilation arrangements. Fig. la is a top-down view of the component 100. Fig. lb is a side view of the component 100. Fig. lc is a side view of the component 100 arranged against a planar object 150 to form a plurality of interconnected air passages 110. It is to be understood that the schematically depictions are not to scale, furthermore the protrusions of the component 100 may vary in both number and shape.

Fig. la shows a top-down view of an example diffuser component 100 for floor ventilation arrangements. The component 100 comprises a plurality of connected protrusions 101. In the example component in fig. la-c the protrusions are frustum shaped. Each protrusion 101 comprise an upper base 102 and a lower base 103. The protrusions 101 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the component 100. In fig. la the upper bases 102 of the protrusions 101 extends upwards towards the viewer.

The term protrusion relates to part with a shape extending out from the surrounding surface or object plane. Typically, the protrusion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the

545 285 surface or object plane, such as extending upwards and/or downwards from the planar component in a horizontal orientation. The term protrusion as used herein relates to parts of the component that resemble frustum shapes, such as the protrusions that form an egg cart or egg tray.

The term frustum relates to a cone or a pyramid with an upper part cut off by a plane parallel to its base. The surface of a frustum consists of a lower base, an upper base and a lateral surface connecting the bases, wherein the surface area of the lower base is larger than the surface area of the upper base.

The term upper base relates to the base of the frustum shaped protrusion with the smaller surface area. The term upper in upper base relates to its position in relation to other parts of said frustum shaped protrusion, thus an upper base may be oriented downwards in relation to the component or the environment. Correspondingly, the term upper base relates to the base of a protrusion with the smaller surface area. Typically, the upper base of a protrusion is the base furthest away from the centre of gravity of the protrusion.

The term lower base relates to the base of the frustum shaped protrusion with the larger surface area. The term lower in lower base relates to its position in relation to other parts in said frustum shaped protrusion, thus a lower base may be oriented upwards. An example frustum shaped protrusion may have an open lower base, with no material covering the surface of the lower base. Correspondingly, the term lower base relates to the base of a protrusion with the larger surface area. Typically, the lower base of a protrusion is the base closest to the centre of gravity of the protrusion.

The term diffuser relates to an object arranged to distribute or disrupt air flow passing through or near the object. Typically, the diffuser is configured to have air flow enter the diffuser at a high flow velocity through an inlet area and have said air flow exit the diffuser at a significantly lower flow velocity across a larger area.

In some examples, the component 100 consists of the plurality of connected protrusions 101.

In some examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 has a convex hull with a planar sheet shape. It is to be understood that for example sheets of wavy sound absorbing foam has a convex hull with a planar sheet shape.

In some examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 are interconnected and/or interlocked. In some examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 are arranged in a tessellated pattern, such as a chessboard pattern.

In some examples, the component 100 has a length and a width that are significantly larger than the height. In some examples, a convex hull of the component 100 has a planar sheet shape.

545 285

In some examples, said protrusions 101 comprise an upper base 102, a lower base 103 and a lateral surface connecting said upper base 102 and lower base 103. In some of these examples, the lower base 103 is open and the protrusion 101 is an open shape, such as an open truncated cone that lacks material in the lower base except at the lower base circumference.

In some examples, the component 100 comprises a plurality of connected protrusion 101, wherein each protrusion 101 has an upper base 102, a lower base 103 and a lateral surface connecting the perimeter of the upper base 102 and the perimeter of the lower base 103, and wherein for each protrusion the surface area of the lower base 103 is larger than the surface area of the upper base 102. In some of these examples, the lower base 103 is open.

In some examples, said protrusions 101 are frustum shaped and/or substantially frustum shaped.

In some examples, said component 100 comprises a plurality of connected frustum shaped protrusions 101, wherein at least part of said protrusions 101 have an open lower base 103. In some of these examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 have open lower bases 103.

In some examples, said component 100 comprises a plurality of connected protrusion 101, wherein said protrusions 101 are solid protrusions 101 and/or hollow protrusions 101.

Fig. lb shows a side view of the example diffuser component 100. Note that the side view of the component 100 from a direction perpendicular to a side of said component 100 results in a view of the first row of frustum shaped protrusions 101, wherein said first row of protrusions 101 blocks the view of the second to fifth rows of protrusions 101.

The surfaces of the upper bases 102 of the connected protrusions 101 are substantially in an upper plane 121 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101. In this example, the surfaces of the lower bases 103 of the connected protrusions 101 are substantially in a lower plane 122 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101. In the example component 100, the upper plane 121 and the lower plane 122 are parallel. In fig. lb the upper and lower planes 121,122 are depicted at positions shifted slightly away from the component 100 in order to improve readability.

Note that lower plane 122 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101 typically relates to a plane touching the lowest parts of the component 100 and therefore does not necessarily touch the lower bases 103 of the protrusions 101. In some examples of the component 100 each of the plurality of protrusions are arranged either upwards or downwards, such that the upper bases 102 of the upwards pointing protrusions 101 are in the upper plane 121 and the upper bases 102 of the downwards

545 285 pointing protrusions 101 are in the lower plane 122, with the lower bases 103 of protrusions between said planes 121,122.

In some examples, the component 100 comprises a shell and/or a Monocoque structure. In some examples, the protrusions 101 are shell and/or a Monocoque structures. In some examples, the component 100 is a shell and/or a Monocoque structure. In some of these examples, the protrusions 101 are hollow and have open lower bases 103.

The term Monocoque structure relates to a structure in which loads are supported by the structures skin or shell. For example, an egg carton or an eggshell are Monocoque structures. Typically, a Monocoque structure consists of a layer of material with a layer thickness significantly thinner than the structure dimensions, such as the body of an aluminium beverage can.

In some examples the plurality of protrusions 101 are in the shape of circular frustums, square frustums, triangular frustums, and/or hexagonal frustums.

In some examples, at least part of the lower bases 103 are open, such as the base of an open cone. In some of these examples, the lower bases 103 are open.

In some examples, the component 100 comprises at least fifty protrusions 101 per square meter. In some of these examples the component comprises at least one hundred, at least two hundred, at least three hundred, at least four hundred, at least five hundred, at least seven hundred, or at least one thousand protrusions 101 per square meter.

In some examples, the plurality of protrusions 101 are distributed evenly over the component 100.

In some examples, the distance between the upper base 102 and the lower base 103 of each protrusion 101 is 5 mm to 200 mm. In some of these examples, said distance is 10 mm to 100 mm, 20 mm to 60 mm, or 40 mm to 50 mm.

In some examples, the height of the component 100 is 5 mm to 200 mm. In some of these examples, the height is 10 mm to 100 mm, or 20 mm to 60 mm.

In some examples, the component 100 comprises or is a moulded structure. In some of these examples, the component 100 comprises a structure of moulded biomass fibres, such as a structure of moulded cellulose fibres.

In some examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 consist of moulded biomass fibres.

545 285

In some examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 weighs 200 grams/m². In some of these examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 weighs at least 400, at least 600, at least 800, or at least 1 000 grams/m². It is to be understood that the area in weight per area relates to the area of the footprint of the plurality of connected protrusions 101.

Biomass fibres may be obtained from recycled paper or cardboard or virgin plant materials, such as wood fibres waste, straw (wheat or other cereals) or with annual plants. Biomass fibres may be transformed into fibre paste for moulding in a purely mechanical process, without the use of any chemicals.

In some examples, the component 100 is comprised in a planar layer consisting of a plurality of interconnected components 100. In some of these examples, the components 100 of the planar layer are in substantially the same plane, such as each component 100 having an upper plane 121 in substantially the same plane of the planar layer.

In some examples, the component 100 is comprised in a planar layer consisting of a plurality of interconnected components 100, wherein the plurality of component 100 are connected by attachment means. In some of these examples, the attachment means comprise glue, tape, or staples.

In some examples, the surface of the component 100 is sodium silicate treated. In some of these examples the surface of the component 100 is treated with an aqueous solution comprising (Νθ2θ)_χ·(SiO2)_v, wherein each of the numbers x and y is an integer of one or more.

In some examples, surface treating the component 100 with sodium silicate until the load-bearing properties of the component 100 and/or the protrusions 101 significantly increases. In examples of the component 100 intended for use as a load-bearing part of a floor arrangement it is typically of interest to surface treat the component 100 to better handle compressive forces substantially perpendicular to the upper plane 121 and/or the lower plane 122.

In some examples, surface treating the component 100 with sodium silicate until the load-bearing properties of the component 100 and/or the protrusions 101 increase by at least 50%. In some of these examples, treating the component 100 until the load-bearing properties increase by at least 100%, at least 150%, or at least 200%.

In some examples, the component 100 is surface treated with sodium silicate until the structural rigidity of the component 100 and/or the protrusions 101 significantly increases.

545 285

The term sodium silicate treated relates to treatments utilizing an aqueous solution comprising sodium oxide, Na2O, and silicon dioxide, S1O2. In some examples and contexts, such solutions are called water glass.

In some examples, the surface of the component 100 is sodium silicate treated utilizing dip-coating, drop casting, and/or spray coating.

In some of examples, the component 100 is sodium silicate treated at least two times. In some examples, the component 100 is drop cast at least two times in sodium silicate solution.

In some examples, the component 100 consists of moulded biomass fibres treated with an aqueous solution comprising (Na2O)_x-(SiO2)_v, wherein each of the numbers x and y is an integer of one or more. In some of these examples, the component 100 rigidity and load-bearing properties are significantly increased by said treatment. Combining connected protrusions 101 of moulded biomass fibres with sodium silicate treatment allows the aqueous solution comprising (Na2O)_x-(SiO2)_v to infuse the protrusions 101, whereby load-bearing properties are significantly increased.

In some examples, the sodium silicate treated component 100 is non-flexible.

In some examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 of the sodium silicate treated component 100 weighs at least 200 grams/m². In some of these examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 weighs at least 400, at least 600, at least 800, or at least 1 000 grams/m².

In some examples, the component 100 is configured as a spacer between a first substantially planar surface at the lower plane 122 and a second substantially planar surface at the upper plane 121. In some of these examples, said second substantially planar surface is part of a floor and the component 100 is further configured to function as a load-bearing part of said floor.

In some examples, the component 100 is configured to substantially retain its shape upon application of compressive forces from a first substantially planar surface at the lower plane 122 and a second substantially planar surface at the upper plane 121, wherein the forces are perpendicular to the planes 121,122, in opposite direction, and at least 2000 N/m². In some of these examples, the forces are at least 4 000 N/m², at least 8 000 N/m², at least 16 000 N/m², at least 36 000 N/m², or at least 64 000 N/m².

In some examples, the component 100 is configured as an underlayment arranged to be between a subfloor and a floor covering.

545 285

Fig. lc shows a side view of the example component 100 with a planar sheet shaped object 150 resting upon said component 100. The planar sheet shaped object 150 has substantially the same a footprint as the component 100. The upper base 102 of each protrusion 101 is in contact with the planar sheet shaped object 150.

The resulting volume between the plurality of connected protrusions 101 and the bottom surface of the planar sheet shaped object 150 forms a plurality of interconnected air passages 110. Note that the interconnected air passages 110 visible from the side view in fig. lc, seen in the column direction of the protrusions 101, are interconnected via the corresponding spaces between the rows of protrusions 101. Said interconnected air passages 110 connect to the environment via the sides of the component 100. If an air flow is forced through the plurality of interconnected air passages 110, either from a side or from an inlet arranged inside, the component 100 may function as a diffuser leading air flow towards the unblocked periphery of the component 100.

In some examples, the component 100 comprises at least one planar object 150 arranged at the upper plane 121 and/or the lower plane 122 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101. In some examples, the component 100 comprises at least one planar object 150 arranged at the upper plane 121 and/or the lower plane 122 of the component 100. Typically, the upper plane 121 and/or the lower plane 122 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101 and the component 100 coincide in space. It is to be understood that for example a component 100 comprising a planar sheet shaped object 150 arranged at the upper plane 121 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101 may have an upper plane of the component 100 at the top of said planar sheet shaped object 150 that does not coincide with the upper plane 121 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101.

In some examples, the component 100 is a monocoque structure comprising a sodium silicate surface treated structure of moulded biomass fibre. Use of such a component 100 as a lightweight spacer and diffuser in floor ventilation arrangement may provide a plurality of interconnected air passages 110 for ventilation, and provide load-bearing in a direction perpendicular to the upper plane 121 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101, as well as noise reduction.

In some examples of the component 100, the volume per area of the plurality of interconnected air passages 110 between the lateral surfaces of the protrusions 101 and the upper plane 121 is 0.005 to 0.2 m³/m². In some of these examples, volume per area is 0.01 to 0.1 m³/m², or 0.02 to 0.05 m³/m². For components 100 with simple geometries, the volume per area may be approximately the average distance between the component surface and the upper plane 121.

545 285

In some examples, the component 100 is arranged to, upon the upper base 102 of protrusions 101 being in contact with a substantially planar surface at the upper planer 121, form a plurality of interconnected air passages 110.

In some examples, the component 100 comprises a plurality connected protrusions 101, wherein a first part of the protrusions 101 are arranged with the upper bases 102 in the upper plane 121 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101, and wherein a second part of the protrusions 101 are arranged with the upper bases 102 in the lower plane 122 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101. In some of these examples, the component 101 is arranged to, upon the upper bases 102 of the second part of the protrusions 101 being in contact with a substantially planar surface at the lower base 122, form a corresponding plurality of interconnected air passages (not shown).

In some examples, the first part of the protrusions 101 and the second part of the protrusions 101 are, at least locally, oriented in opposite directions.

In some examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 comprise an alternating pattern of protrusions 101 with the upper bases 102 in the upper plane 121 and protrusions 101 with the upper bases 102 in the lower plane 122, such as a chess board pattern with white and black squares corresponding to upward and downward protrusions 101 respectively. In some examples, the plurality of connected protrusions 101 has substantially an equal number of protrusions 101 with the upper bases 102 in the upper plane 121 and protrusions 101 with the upper bases 102 in the lower plane 122.

In some examples, the component 100 comprises a plurality of connected protrusions 101, wherein approximately a first half of the protrusions are arranged with their upper base 102 in the upper plane 121 and the second half of the protrusions flipped with their upper base 102 in the lower plane 122, stacked between two planar objects may form a first plurality of interconnected air passages 110 between the component 100 and the upper plane 121, and a second plurality of interconnected air passages (not shown) between the component 100 and the lower plane 122.

In some examples, the component 100 further comprises a substantially planar sheet arranged at the upper bases 102 of at least a first part of the protrusions 101, whereby a plurality of interconnected air passages 110 is formed between the plurality of connected protrusions 101 and the planar sheet.

In some of these examples, the component 100 further comprises a second substantially planar sheet arranged at the upper bases 102 of a second part of the protrusions 101, whereby a second plurality of interconnected air passages 110 is formed between the plurality of connected protrusions 101 and the second planar sheet.

545 285

In some examples, the component 100 further comprises a planar sheet shaped object 150 arranged at the upper bases 102 of at least a first part of the protrusions 101. In some of these examples, a plurality of components is arranged at the planar sheet shaped object 150. In some of these examples, the planar sheet shaped object 150 is a flexible planar sheet shaped object. Attaching multiple components 100 to a flexible planar sheet shaped object may facilitate transport and positioning said components 100 on a surface, furthermore components 100 attached to flexible planar sheet shaped objects may make smaller component sizes more viable.

In some examples, the planar sheet shaped object 150 is a flexible polymer sheet and/or a flexible woven sheet.

In fig. la-c, the component 100 may be describes as a planar structure oriented in an XY-plane, with the protrusions 101 extending in the Z-direction. Fig. la corresponds to a XY-perspective, and fig. lb-c corresponds to a XZ-perspective. The upper plane 102 and lower plane 103 are XY-planes. The surface of the upper bases 102 and the lower bases 103 are arranged in the upper plane 102 and the lower plane 103 respectively. The planar sheet shaped object 150 arranged at the plurality of connected protrusions 101 is planar structure oriented in an XY-plane. The plurality of interconnected air passages 110 substantially extend in an XY-plane towards the periphery of stack of the plurality of connected protrusions 101 and the planar sheet shaped object 150.

Fig. 2a-b depicts schematically an example system 200 for floor displacement ventilation. Fig. 2a illustrates a side view of the system 200 in a room. Fig. 2b illustrates a top-down view of the system 200 in a room with the topmost layer of the system 200, the floor covering 250, omitted. It is to be understood that the schematically depictions are not to scale, and the typical number of protrusions per area would, for a normal room, far exceed the number of protrusion depicted.

Fig. 2a shows the system 200 comprising a floor covering 250 and a diffuser layer 210. The diffuser layer 210 comprises a plurality of connected protrusions 101. The bottom of the floor covering 250 is arranged against the top of the diffuser layer 210, forming a plurality of interconnected air passages 110 extending to the periphery of the diffuser layer 210.

The diffuser layer 210 may comprise the diffuser component 100 described in relation to fig. la-c, or a plurality of said components 100. The diffuser layer 210 may be the diffuser component 100 described in relation to fig. la-c, or a plurality of said components 100. In the example, system 200 in fig. 2a-b the diffuser layer 210 comprises said component 100.

In the example shown in fig. 2a-b, the diffuser layer 210 comprises a plurality of connected protrusions 101, wherein the protrusions 101 extend in the same direction substantially perpendicular

545 285 to a plane of the diffuser layer 210, and wherein each protrusion 101 comprise an upper base 102, a lower base, and a lateral surface connecting said bases. For each protrusion 101, the surface area of the lower base 103 is larger than the surface area of the upper base 102.

Fig. 2b shows the system 200 from a top-down view with the floor covering 250 omitted. The diffuser layer 210 comprises an air inlet 230, wherein the air inlet 230 connects to the said plurality of interconnected air passages 110.

The system 200 is configured to, upon air flowing from the air inlet 230 into said plurality of interconnected air passages 110, generate air flow exiting the periphery of the diffuser layer 210.

The term periphery of the diffuser layer relates to the exits of the plurality of interconnected air passages at the edge of the stack forming said plurality of interconnected air passages. For a stack of the diffuser layer and the floor covering the periphery of the diffuser layer may be an edge of the stack where the diffuser layer ends, the floor covering ends, or as in fig. 2a-b, both end. For the system oriented in an XY-plane, the XY-projections of the floor covering perimeter, the diffuser layer perimeter, and the periphery of the diffuser layer are typically substantially the same.

It is to be understood that the system 200 typically is used while arranged on a surface or a subfloor 220 limiting the air flow downwards, whereby the diffuser layer 210 may be designed accordingly, such as having less stringent requirements to restrict air flow between the upper side and the lower side of the plurality of connected protrusions 101.

In some examples, the diffuser layer 210 consists of the plurality of connected protrusions 101, and an air inlet 230.

In some examples, the air inlet 230 comprises a cone diffuser.

In some examples, the air inlet 230 is arranged to connect to a first plurality of interconnected air passages 110 and/or a second plurality of interconnected air passages (not shown), wherein said first plurality of interconnected air passages 110 is between the floor covering 250 and the diffuser layer 210, and wherein said second plurality of interconnected air passages are on the other side of the diffuser layer 210 than the floor covering 250.

In some examples, the air inlet 230 is arranged to connect to the plurality of interconnected air passages 110 at an interior of said plurality of interconnected air passages 110.

In a preferred example of the system 200 that comprises one air inlet 230, the air inlet 230 is arranged in a central region of the diffuser layer 210. A centrally arranged air inlet 230 typically results in an

545 285 even distribution of air flow exiting the unblocked periphery of the diffuser layer 210. Utilizing a plurality of connected protrusion 101 with hexagonal frustum shape arranged in a hexagonal pattern may further results in a more even distribution of air flow exiting periphery of the diffuser layer 210, compared to corresponding protrusions 101 with square frustum shape arranged in a square pattern.

Fig. 2a-b depict the system 200 arranged in a room. The system 200 is arranged on top of a subfloor 220 of the room. Walls 260 of the room surround the perimeter of the floor covering 250, wherein there is a gap 270 between said perimeter and the walls 260.

Air flowing from the inlet 230 causes an air flow towards the periphery of the diffuser layer 210, and said air flow at the periphery may travel up above the floor covering 250 via said gap 270. Generated air flow at the periphery of the diffuser layer 210 with a temperature below an average room air temperature that is guided into the volume directly above the floor covering 250 may provide displacement ventilation in the room.

The expression providing the air flow with a temperature below average room air temperature is to be understood as the air flow upon exiting the periphery of the diffuser layer and/or reaching the space above the floor covering via the gap having a lower temperature than the average room air temperature.

The term floor displacement ventilation relates to an room air distribution strategy where air enters a room at a low velocity into a region near floor level and exits from a region higher up, usually at ceiling height. Typically, floor displacement ventilation provides cool air at the floor level that is passively transported upwards around warm objects, such as a person.

For a system 200 arranged in a room on a subfloor 220 surrounded by walls 260, such as the example system in fig. 2a-b, the air flow exiting the system 200 at the periphery of the diffuser layer 210 is typically hindered from passing through the subfloor 220 and the walls 260, thereby the air flow is guided towards the space above the floor covering 250. Furthermore, arrangements for air flow exiting rooms are typically located above the floor coverings 250.

The term subfloor relates to a foundation for a floor in a building or room. Herein the term subfloor is more generally used to describe a layer of the floor arranged below the diffuser layer during use of the diffuser layer.

The term floor covering relates to the top layer of flooring. Herein the term floor covering is more generally used to describe a layer of the floor arranged above the diffuser layer during use of the diffuser layer.

545 285

The term diffuser layer relates to a layer arranged to distribute or disrupt air flow passing through the diffuser layer towards its edges. During use, the diffuser layer is typically arranged between the subfloor and floor covering. Typically, the diffuser layer is configured to have air flow enter the diffuser layer at a high flow velocity through an inlet area and have said air flow exit the diffuser layer at a significantly lower flow velocity across a larger area.

The term air inlet relates to an air flow exiting of an air flow duct and entering a room. Typically, a ventilation air inlet provides pressurised air exiting a ventilation ductwork into a room in a plurality of directions, such as radially.

In some examples, the system 200 further comprises ducts (not shown) connected to the air inlet 230. In some of these examples, said ducts extend to an edge of the floor covering 250 or the diffuser layer 210, and connect to ducts of a separate arrangement configured to provide air flow to the air inlet 230.

In some examples, the system 200 further comprises a planar sheet (not shown) arranged at the bottom of the diffuser layer 210, wherein a second plurality of interconnected air passages are formed between the diffuser layer 210 and the planar sheet, and wherein the planar sheet is configured to be arranged against the subfloor 220.

In some examples, the system 200 further comprises the subfloor 220. In some of these examples, the subfloor 220 comprises ducts (not shown) connected to the air inlet 230.

In some examples, the system 200 is configured to guide air flow entering the plurality of interconnected air passages 110 via the air inlet 230 to exit at every interface between the plurality of interconnected air passages 110 and the periphery of the diffuser layer 210. It is to be understood that the example system 200 as such guides air flow to every exit of the plurality of interconnected air passages at the periphery, as using the system 200 in a room typically entails obstructing at least part of the periphery.

In some examples, the system 200 further comprises at least one part of a wall 260 and/or part attachable to a wall 260. In some examples, said part is configured to lead air flow exiting the periphery of the diffuser layer 210 to a space above said floor covering 250.

It is to be understood that a space above said floor covering is a space on a side of the floor covering that is opposite to the side of the floor covering arranged at the diffuser layer, such that said space when a typical example of the system is arranged in a room is above the floor covering.

In some examples, the system 200 comprises air-guiding elements 280 configured to guide the air flow exiting the periphery of the diffuser layer 210 into the volume above said floor covering 250. Typically,

545 285 at least part of such air-guiding elements 280 are pre-existing parts of an arrangement the system 200 is installed into, such as parts of a room of a building comprising walls 260 and/or subfloors 220.

In some examples, the air-guiding elements 280 comprise floor plinths. In some of these examples, all gaps 270 are covered with floor plinths.

In some examples, the system 200 is arranged to interface with floor plinths at the walls 260. In some of these examples, the system 200 comprises said floor plinths. In some examples said floor plinths are arranged to guide air flow exiting the periphery of the diffuser layer 210 to a space above said floor covering 250 via said gaps 270. In some examples, said floor plinths are arranged at or above the gaps 270.

Utilizing air-guiding elements 280, such as floor plinths, configured to guide air flow in a direction parallel to the surface of the floor covering 250 may improve the displacement ventilation. From a practical perspective, such floor plinths may hide or cover the gap 270 between the floor covering 250 and the walls 260 while still allowing air flow to travel via said gaps.

In some examples of the system 200, the air inlet 230 is arranged at a side or corner of the stack of the diffuser layer 210 and the floor covering 250. In some of these examples, the system 200 is configured to, upon providing air flowing into said plurality of interconnected air passages 110 via the air inlet 230, provide air flow exiting the system 200 at the periphery of the diffuser layer 210 at all sides except the side of the air inlet 230. Arranging the air inlet 230 at a side or a corner of the system may be preferable when two systems (side) or four systems (corner) share the same air inlet 230, whereby a plurality of rooms may be ventilated with one air inlet 230.

The system in fig. 2a-b may de described as a structure oriented in a XY-plane, with the protrusions 101 of the plurality of connected protrusions 101 extending in the Z-direction. Fig. 2a corresponds to a XZperspective, and fig. 2b corresponds to a XY-perspective. The floor covering 250, the diffuser layer 210, and the plurality of connected protrusions 101 are oriented in XY-planes. The subfloor 220 is oriented in a XY-plane, with two walls oriented in ZX-planes and two walls oriented in ZY-planes. Air flow from the air inlet 230 to the periphery of the diffuser layer 210 is substantially in an XY-plane, and air flow through the gaps 270 is substantially in the Z-direction.

In some examples, the floor covering 250 and the diffuser layer 210 and/or the plurality of connected protrusions 101 are oriented in parallel XY-planes. In some of these examples, the floor covering 250 and the diffuser layer 210 are arranged with the floor covering 250 stacked on top of the diffuser layer 210.

545 285

In some examples, the floor covering 250 completely overlaps the diffuser layer 210 and/or the diffuser layer 210 completely overlaps the floor covering 250 in an XY perspective corresponding to a plane of the orientation of the system 200. In some examples, the floor covering 250 and the diffuser layer 210 have substantially the same footprint, and the floor covering 250 and the diffuser layer 210 substantially completely overlap.

Fig. 3 depicts schematically a method for floor displacement ventilation. The method comprises - providing 310 a floor covering on top of a diffuser layer in a room comprising a subfloor and walls, wherein the diffuser layer is on top of the subfloor, wherein a volume between the floor covering and the diffuser layer defines a plurality of interconnected air passages extending to the periphery of the diffuser layer, and wherein there is a gap between a perimeter of the floor covering and the walls; - providing 320 an air inlet, wherein the air inlet connects to said plurality of interconnected air passages; and

- providing 330 an air flow into said plurality of interconnected air passages via said air inlet, whereby air flow exits the periphery of the diffuser layer and flows up above the floor covering via said gap.

In some examples the method, providing 330 an air flow into said plurality of interconnected air passages comprises providing an air flow with a temperature below the average room air temperature.

In some examples, providing 310 the floor covering on top of the diffuser layer in a room, wherein the diffuser layer comprises a plurality of connected protrusions, wherein the protrusions extend in the same direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the diffuser layer, and wherein each protrusion comprises an upper base, a lower base, and a lateral surface connecting said bases. In some of these examples, the floor covering is arranged against at least a part of said upper bases and the plurality of interconnected air passages is defined by a volume between the plurality of connected protrusions and the floor covering.

Fig. 4 depicts schematically a non-claimed method for producing a diffuser component for floor ventilation arrangements. The method 400 comprising - providing 410 biomass fibres;

- moulding 420 the biomass fibres into a component, wherein the component comprises a plurality of connected hollow protrusions, wherein the protrusions extend in directions substantially perpendicular to a plane of the component, and wherein each protrusion comprise an upper base, a lower base, and a lateral surface connecting said bases; and

- treating 430 the surface of the component with sodium silicate, whereby load-bearing properties of the component are significantly increased.

545 285

In some examples, the method 400 comprises moulding 420 the biomass fibres into a component, wherein the component comprises a first plurality of the upper bases are arranged substantially in an upper plane of the plurality of connected protrusions, and wherein for each protrusion a surface area of the lower base is larger than a surface area of the upper base. In some of these examples, a second plurality of the upper bases are arranged substantially in a lower plane of the plurality of connected protrusions.

In some examples, component treated component is configured to substantially retain its shape upon application of compressive forces from a first substantially planar surface at the lower plane and a second substantially planar surface at the upper plane, wherein the forces are perpendicular to the planes, in opposite direction, and at least 1 000 N/m². In some of these examples, the forces are at least 2 000 N/m², at least 4 000 N/m², at least 8 000 N/m², at least 16 000 N/m², or at least 32 000 N/m².

In some examples, the method 400 further comprises joining 440 a plurality of treated components to form a diffuser layer.

In some examples, the method 400 further comprises providing 450 floor covering, wherein the treated component or the plurality of joined treated components is arranged at the bottom of said floor covering.

In some examples, the method 400 further comprises providing at least one planar object arranged at the upper plane and/or the lower plane of the treated component or the plurality of joined treated components. In some of these examples, the at least one planar object is a flexible planar object, such as a flexible polymer sheet.

Fig. 5 illustrates a part of a diffuser component 100 with protrusions ΙΟΓ,ΙΟΙ in both directions for floor ventilation arrangements. In the example component of fig. la-c the protrusions 100 are oriented in the same direction with the upper bases 102 facing the same direction. Fig. 5 shows part of an example component 100 comprising a plurality of connected protrusions 101',101 with substantially half of the protrusions 101' having upper bases 102 facing in a first direction and substantially half of the protrusions 101 having upper bases 102 facing in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second directions are opposite. In the example of fig. 5 the protrusions alternate direction in a chessboard pattern, however, other repeating patterns or non-repeating patterns may be used.

Components 100 comprising protrusions in two opposite directions may, if placed between two planar objects, define a first plurality of interconnected air passages on a first side of the plurality of

545 285 connected protrusions, and a second plurality of interconnected air passages on a second side of the plurality of connected protrusions.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example diffuser component 100 for floor ventilation arrangements in a room. The component comprises a plurality of connected protrusions. The example component 100 may be the diffuser component 100 with protrusions in both directions that is partially depicted in fig. 5. The room comprises a subfloor 220 and a plurality of walls 260. The example component 100 is arranged on top of the subfloor 220, whereby the upper bases 102 facing downwards are in contact with the subfloor 220. The volume between the subfloor 220 and the plurality of connected protrusions of the component 100 defines a first plurality of interconnected air passages.

Placing a planar object on top of the component 100 so that the upper bases 102 facing upwards are in contact with the object, results in a volume between the component 100 and said object that defines a second plurality of interconnected air passages.

Providing air flow at an edge of the plurality of interconnected air passages, or into the interior of the plurality of interconnected air passages may result in evenly distributed air flow along the periphery of the component 100.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example system 200 for floor displacement ventilation comprising an air inlet in a room. The room comprises a subfloor (not shown) and four walls 260. The example system 200 comprises a diffuser layer 210 arranged upon the subfloor, and a floor covering 250 arranged upon the diffuser layer 210. In fig. 7, a section of the floor covering 250 is omitted to provide a view of the diffuser layer 210. The diffuser layer 210 comprises a plurality of connected protrusions, wherein the upper bases 102 of substantially half the protrusions are facing upwards and substantially half the protrusions are facing downwards. The diffuser layer 210 further comprises an air inlet 230 located at the centre of the system 200, wherein the air inlet 230 is arranged to radially provide air flow into the plurality of interconnected air passages between the diffuser layer 210 and the floor covering 250. The floor covering 250 is arranged so that a gap is formed between the walls 260 and the floor covering 250.

The example system 200 is arranged to, upon air flow entering the plurality of interconnected air passages via the air inlet 230, provide even distribution of air flow along the periphery of the diffuser layer 210 and guide said air flow at said periphery via said gaps to a volume above the floor covering 250.