US20080000617A1

US20080000617A1 - Climate-conditioning fan and coil apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20080000617A1
Application number: US11/819,146
Authority: US
Inventors: Alejandro Cortina-Cordero
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-30
Filing date: 2007-06-25
Publication date: 2008-01-03
Also published as: EP2041497A2; MXPA06007633A; WO2008004055A2; WO2008004055A3; WO2008004055B1

Abstract

An apparatus for conditioning of air has an air inlet and an air outlet. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger, having a major longitudinal axis and having a shell through which an airflow is forced to circulate, and an exchange coil, fitted within the shell, which contains a heat exchange fluid. The heat exchange is simultaneously, parallel and longitudinal to the air transport, along the major heat exchanger's longitudinal axis. A fan, associated with a motor, produces the flow of air to be conditioned. The fan has an air inlet and an air outlet connected to the heat exchanger. At least one silencer is coupled to the entrance or to the exit of air.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) on Patent Application No. PA/a/2006/007633, filed in Mexico on Jun. 30, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to an air conditioner of the fan-and-coil type.
The present invention refers to a climate conditioning system having an electric motor associated with a fan. The fan generates an air flow passing through a heat-exchanger element in a co-linear distribution, on the same axis to which modules in the form of filters can be added for handling of particles or bacteria, dust filters, as well as in the form of elements for controlling moisture, among others.
2. Description of Background Art
The regulation or control of climate, air and moisture, by means of electric motors, can be credited to Mr. Willis H. Carrier, in 1902. The basic principle of such a system includes passing an air flow through heat exchangers, in order to achieve the desired effects on temperature and humidity within the outgoing air. The principle has been subject to different variations; for example, some systems use, as heat exchange fluid, gases that are noxious to the ozone layer, such as fluorocarbons or freons (developed by Dupont Corporation), as well as other harmful or toxic gases. In other systems, of the fan-and-coil type, the above gases have been substituted by cold- or hot-water as temperature exchange fluids to control the climate.
Equipment such as those of the “fan-and-coil” type of the background art have some drawbacks, among others: (a) excessive dimensions, (b) noise, (c) high requirements for installation and maintenance and (d) they need additional and costly components.
Conventional “fan-and-coil” equipment has large dimensions, as a general rule. Such equipment needs to be installed in a horizontal position within free spaces of some 50 cm (20 inches). Also, the installation of such systems is limited by the ancillaries for mounting, water supply and condensing water collection, and require a system of ducts and grilles to distribute air flow and for the proper operation of the systems.
The operation of systems according to the background art requires passing an abundant air flow through an almost plane arrangement narrow heat exchanger. To this end, several motors are used, working simultaneously, which generate a considerable noise level. Due to the design in the apparatus of the background art, it was not possible to use silencers, as these silencers would occupy very large dimensions, and the airflow would be considerably decreased.
Equipment according to the background art necessarily requires an installation specialist after being acquired, in order to be able to operate them, because they are not functional without the proper adjustment and manufacture, nor without special fastenings and adapters to additional elements, such as ducts and fittings.
Finally, “fan-and-coil” systems according to the background art, because of their design, have restrictions for using air-purification accessories and for separating particles or bacteria.
Fan & Coil equipment of the background art having the abovementioned drawbacks are the following:
U.S. Pat. No. 3,403,725 describes an arrangement for a “fan-and-coil” unit. According to this patent, the air conditioning equipment consists of two chambers, a first chamber where a series of fans is fitted having a common shaft, which direct air to reflecting baffles and afterwards force the air over the heat-exchange coil. The equipment shares several of the drawbacks of the background art. Both chambers cause the equipment to be bulky. Also, the use of several fans acted upon by the same motors involve high power requirements, which translates into a noisy system. Furthermore, the equipment has the drawback in that it is not possible to add accessories, for example units for air purification or air treatment.
International Patent Application No. WO 2004/061375 describes an efficient arrangement of an air conditioning system. This application describes the use of air-conditioning equipment and ducting, associated with all the drawbacks involved, regarding space requirements, and high requirements for installation and maintenance.
U.S. Patent Application US2006/0107684 assigned to LG Electronics Inc., describes an air conditioning system, whereupon there is a unit for panel ceilings to which lines of heat-exchange fluid are led. Although it occupies a space smaller than other systems, it also shares other drawbacks of the background art. The main drawback is that the apparatus provides a low-volume of conditioning. This means longer time for conditioning a given space. Also, such apparatus is noisy, because the fan's motor is exposed over the rooms on which it is installed. Foreseeably, the noise will increase when more than one unit is used, as in the case of wide halls. Also, it is not possible to add purifier units or other accessories. Furthermore, it also shares the drawback of high technical requirements for its installation and maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an objective of present invention is to provide an air-conditioning apparatus having reduced equipment volume.
Another objective of present invention is providing air-conditioning equipment, of the “fan-and-coil” type that has reduced noise characteristics.
Another objective of present invention is to provide an air-conditioning apparatus that has low requirements for its installation and maintenance.
Still another objective of present invention is providing an air conditioning assembly, of the “fan-and-coil” type, with improved heat exchange efficiency characteristics.
Still another objective of the present invention is providing climate-conditioning equipment with improved in-line conditioning characteristics, through the provision of attachable treatment modules.
Another additional objective of the present invention is providing a simplified air conditioning apparatus, whose costs are reduced.
The abovementioned characteristics are achieved by providing an air conditioning apparatus having one air inlet and one air outlet comprised of: (a) a heat exchanger having a major longitudinal axis and having a shell, within which the circulation of airflow is forced, and one exchange coil fitted within the shell, the coil having inside a heat-exchange fluid, where the heat exchange is done simultaneously, parallel and longitudinally to the airflow transport, along the major heat exchanger's longitudinal axis; (b) a fan, associated to a motor, that produces the airflow to be conditioned, said fan having one air inlet and one air outlet, connected to the heat exchanger; and (c) at least one silencer, fitted to the air inlet or to the air outlet. Also, optionally the assembly comprises (d) an air treatment module, selected among one or more of a group consisting of a filter, an humidifier, a purifier, a device for withdrawing lead, carbon monoxide or nitrogen monoxide from the air; a deodorizer, an ionizer and/or an perfumer.
The present apparatus comprises an axial distribution of tubular elements with leafs or fins, helping dissipate the temperature exchange, witch moves efficiently than the other fan and coils, which air direction is orthogonal The climate-conditioning apparatus of the present invention comprises an axial longitudinal heat exchanger, preferably consisting of a tubular element having in its interior at least one coil with longitudinal fins, that make its manufacture more efficient regarding the material and labor inputs. That is, the heat exchange apparatus of the present invention has heat exchange coefficient similar to those of the prior art heat exchangers, but it is manufactured at a much less cost.
Also, the in-line configuration of the system, that is, axial, favors the motor's noise decomposition, as well as of the noise generated by the airflow inlet and outlet.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment for an air-conditioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment for an air-conditioning assembly according to the present invention, which incorporates treatment modules;

FIG. 3 illustrates the arrangement of diffusers or fins, and exchange coil tubes' diffusers or fins, fitted inside the heat exchanger according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows an arrangement of fins, laminated sheet inserts, simple unions, and exchanger coil tubes fitted within the heat exchanger, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a laminated sheet insert, with pressing attachments;

FIG. 6 shows a vertical arrangement for the apparatus of present invention, mounted on a panel such as an entrance door;

FIG. 7 shows the airflow direction in heat exchangers according to the background art; and

FIG. 8 shows the airflow direction in heat exchangers according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar elements are identified by the same reference numerals throughout the several views. It should be noted that the Figures illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and have an illustrative but not limitative character for the present invention.
According to the present invention, air is conditioned inline, or coaxially; that is, along its path towards the outlet. This differs from the apparatus according to the background art, where the air is first conditioned and afterwards it is directed to the discharge points. According to the present invention, heat exchange in the heat exchanger is done longitudinally, that is, air maintains a longitudinal flow lengthwise to the exchanger. This is different in heat exchangers according to the background art, whereupon airflow is crosswise to the heat exchanger's coil.
According to the present invention, climate-conditioner 10 comprises an air inlet, from where air is drawn to a silencer 20 coupled with a fan 30, where the air is forced towards a heat exchanger 40, attached to the fan 30, where air is put into contact with an exchange coil, and where the air acquires the temperature conditions required. The heat exchanger is attached to an outlet, where conditioned air is finally released to a room.
The configuration is not exclusive for present invention; therefore more than one silencer can be running, and the fan can be installed at the inlet or at the outlet of the heat exchanger. Also, because of its linear or axial configuration, the system of the present invention allows an easy attachment of air-treatment modules 60, which can be fitted at the inlet, the outlet or any intermediate point within the apparatus.
According to FIG. 1, one silencer 20 is installed between the air grille 13 and the fan 30. The silencer 20 is coupled to fan 30 by means of a standardized coupling C1. Preferably, the silencer's diameter must be adequate for connecting it to the fan. Also, the silencer's diameter shall not be greater than the heat exchanger diameter.
The silencer 20 can be manufactured according any known means. A preferred silencer comprises a structure of wire coated with plastic, for example PVC or low-density polyethylene.
The silencer 20 provides a soft structure that decomposes the sound waves, attenuating them. Furthermore, the so-fabricated silencer has a double function, because besides reducing noise generated in the equipment by the airflow, it is also a connecting element for the fan to the air-inlet grille.
Preferably, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises two silencers 20, one at the air inlet and another at the air outlet from the system. However, as will be evident to one having ordinary skill in the art, more silencers can be included at intermediate parts of the apparatus.
When using such silencers, the noise in the air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention is considerably reduced. Among the apparatuses according to the background art, it is very difficult to insert a silencer.
The use of silencers 20 with flexible connection hoses results in a simple installation. In this way, no special structures are required, nor high technical requirements are needed for installing the air conditioning equipment according to the present invention.
According to FIG. 1, fan 30 is installed immediately adjacent to the silencer 20, before the heat exchanger 40. However, other embodiments can be used. For example, the fan 30 could be installed immediately after the heat exchanger 40 or also could be installed between two heat exchangers.
The fan 30 is an element well-known in the art. An example of a fan that can be used is a motor-fan, for example the Fantech FR Series Fan. The use of a fan for 5.66-16.99 m3/min (200-500 ft3/min) air volume, or more, results in reduced noise levels. A commercial axial fan is preferred, for 110 V AC, with a connection diameter equal to the heat exchanger diameter, in order to make the adaptation of both elements with a minimum of elements.
The specification of the fan model is directly related to the total system capacity. The equipment shall be one-piece, from a manufacturer having adequately certified products and parts, in order to assure the warranty for parts and service.
Even though it is not preferred, a centrifugal fan can be installed by a technician. However, the use of a centrifugal fan increases the bulk of apparatuses according to present invention.
The fan 30 is connected to a heat exchanger 40. The union of fan 30 to the heat exchanger 40 is achieved by means of a coupling C2 fitted to the discharge of fan 30.
The heat exchanger 40 comprises a tubular body or shell 42, and one exchanger coil 43. The shell 42 has two open ends, one connected to the fan 30 and the other connected to an outlet tube 15. The air flows axially within the tubular body 42, and is brought into contact with the surface of the coil 43, lengthwise to the dimension of the exchanger. A heat exchange occurs between the exchange fluid within the coil and the air outside the coil.
The tubular body performs the following main functions: (a) to provide a chamber for the heat exchange; (b) to axially transport the airflow; (c) to allow a simple connection of the fan and of the outlet air duct; and (d) to provide a condensate trap for the air.
According to the present invention, the heat exchanger is axial, having the same axis as the air fan, in such a way that the air is conditioned as it advances in the exchanger. Air circulates longitudinally, that is, parallel to the exchanger axis, without substantial changes in airflow direction.
In FIG. 7 is shown a traditional arrangement of fan-and-coil equipment according to the background art. As can be seen, an airflow, represented by the arrow and produced by a fan 30, flows perpendicularly to the heat exchanger 40, in such a way that the air contacts the coil tubes perpendicularly. The airflow is crosswise to the main length (C) of the exchanger. In FIG. 8, the configuration according to the present invention is shown. Differently than the traditional fan-and-coil arrangements, in the apparatus according to the present invention, the air flows parallel to coil tubes. That is, the air flows parallel to the longitudinal major axis (A) of the heat exchanger. In this way, the heat exchange is done simultaneously, parallel and longitudinal to the airflow transport, along the longitudinal major axis (A) of the heat exchanger.
The coil 43 includes a tube bundle substantially parallel to the shell. A heat exchange fluid flows inside the tube bundle for generating a heat loss or increase in the air.
According to FIG. 1, the coil 43 is connected by means of an inlet fitting 51 to the heat exchanger supply line 53. Once the heat transfer is done, the fluid exits the equipment through an outlet fitting 52, discharging into the heat exchange fluid line 54. The inlet and outlet accessories, 51 and 52, may include of a combination of valves, hoses, tubes, pipes or any means for connecting the heat exchanger to the heat exchanger fluid supply- and return lines.
Additionally, the tubular body 42 functions as a condensate trap. The condensates from the air are led to a discharge line (not shown). Such characteristic is not considered in the “fan-and-coil” equipments according to the background art.
According to the present invention, the tube bundle 44 of the coil 43 has a plurality of diffusers or longitudinal fins 45, for increasing the feasible contact area with the air, to the benefit of the heat transfer. In FIGS. 3 and 4 are shown the diffusers 45 of the tubes 44 from a coil 43.
The tubes 44 and the diffusers 45 are, preferably, extruded profiles in a single piece of metal having a high heat-transfer coefficient, such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, bonze or brass.
The design of the cross section of the tubes (and diffusers) allows their modular assembly with other tubes and diffusers, forming a network. They are interconnected with simple elements 46, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The tube bundle 44, with longitudinal fins 45, forms a honeycomb structure. Additionally, the installation is foreseen of a plurality of metal sheet inserts 47, longitudinally extending along the heat exchanger in the spaces defined by the fins. In FIG. 5, it is shown that the metal sheet inserts 47 can also be pressed by molds 48 in the form of gills, to increase the air contact surface and to improve therefore the heat exchange. So built, the heat exchanger according to the present invention has a heat exchange surface area of 10 m2/m (ten square meter of contact surface for each linear meter).
The longitudinal design of tubes and their cross fins allow a continuous water flow inside the tubes, with a common inlet side and one common outlet side, thus simplifying the required facilities and the space for connections and additional piping to the system, for water supply- and -drainage.
The diffusers increase the contact area, thus decreasing the required air volume, but increasing the temperature differential between the inlet- and outlet air, and achieve an increased general efficiency. However, the fins do not deviate substantially the airflow direction, as is found in the heat exchangers with baffles or cross fins. According to the present invention, the air flow is parallel to the tubes of the exchanger coil.
Preferably, the heat exchange fluid is previously chilled or heated water. However, any thermal fluid can be used. In an embodiment of the present invention, an electric device is included for heating the fluid, which could be different from water. For example, for heating systems, in an electrical embodiment, a resistance can be installed inside the shell, inside the coil, for generating in the exchange fluid the temperature required for the heat exchange towards the airflow.
The heat exchanger, and generally the complete system, comprises a thermal insulation (not illustrated). The heat exchanger is coaxially coupled with the fan 30 and to the possible treatment modules, and/or to an outlet duct, by means of connectors C2 and C3.
The apparatus according to the present invention includes a modular connection system, with standardized connectors in its ends, by means of which additional elements, accessories and air-treatment modules 60 can be added, without having to modify the basic system, therewith favoring the modular growth of the system for future applications or user needs in the future.
The above is possible, because connector C1, C2, and C3, shown in FIG. 1, as well as connector C1′, C2′, C3′, C4′, and C5′, shown in FIG. 2, are standardized, and thus the joining of the different components of the apparatus is achieved in a simple way.
Some air-treatment modules 60 can be incorporated to the apparatus according to the present invention, and they include one air filter of any type, one humidifier, one dehumidifier, one ozonizer, one purifier, one device for withdrawing lead, carbon monoxide or nitrogen monoxide from the air, one deodorizer, one ionizer and/one perfumer.
By virtue of the linear design of the apparatus according to the present invention, the required air treatment modules 60 can be incorporated in a simple manner to the system. Thus, one air conditioning module 60 can be attached at the airflow outlet endpoint, or also at any other point of the apparatus. Also, more than one module can be installed. It is preferred to install the filters at the inlet of the apparatus, while the humidifiers can be installed near the outlet.
Thus, for example, in the case of the filters, a filtering module can be included before the fan, in order to filter the air before it is cooled or heated; and afterwards a deodorizing filter of activated carbon, HEPA, etc., can be added.
The apparatus according to the present invention is specially suited for hospital facilities, where the air purification and the removal of bacteria are fundamental. The equipments according to the former technique, for hospital facilities, are utterly costly and complex. The installation of HEPA filters is particularly complex in these apparatuses. It is to be noted that there are no antecedents of a “fan-and-coil” system for hospital facilities.
According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises one module 60, which includes one filter 62, attached through the connectors C1′ and C2′ to the silencer 210 and to the fan 30, respectively. Also, the apparatus includes a second module 60, having one dehumidifier 64 connected to the exchanger 40 and to an exit silencer, by means of connectors C4′ and C5′.
The system modularity, for growing by means of accessories, allows the development of multiple extensions for achieving better efficiencies in the handling of air, as well as for special conditions due to specific use requirements, be either for humidification or dehumidification or filtering, at various quality levels, from simply the odor up to hospital requirements.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus according to the present invention has a maximum width dimension similar to that of the fan used, and thus its installation in above ceilings does not require large space nor a difference of levels or slope for the downstream equipments, because it is a linear design; even with additional elements or accessories, the system will not modify the required dimensions for its installation.
The air to be conditioned can be drawn from the room interior, in such a way that the room air is recycled, or either it can be taken as fresh air from outdoors, or in any combination of both approaches.
In the before mentioned embodiment, the air supply quantity from each source can be established by fixing a ratio between the inlet tubes' diameters (silencers) for fresh- and recycled-air. In another embodiment of the present invention, a valve is provided, to allow the user the selection of the air supply source. Such a valve is associated with a controller that is operated by the user.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the air is taken from the inside of the room. As can be appreciated from the figure, the air inlet and air outlet are each connected to a grille installed on a panel ceiling or a wall of the room. The grille has the function of preventing the entrance of mean-sized objects that could damage the fan, as well as providing a pleasant appearance to the air inlet and outlet.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present invention is shown in a horizontal position, for being installed onto the ceiling panels of a room. However, the apparatus can be installed vertically, and this vertical installation requires a more complex installation for fan-and-coil systems of the background art. According to present invention, the visible installation is possible, in phases subsequent to the smoothing of a building.
In FIG. 6, a vertical panel 90 is shown, as a door connected to a frame through hinges. In such configuration, the apparatus according to the present invention 10 is vertically installed, as a discrete door, for its maintenance. When opening the door, the apparatus appears attached to the door, ready for its maintenance.
By virtue of the use of a silencer, the apparatus according to the present invention drastically reduces the noise generated, relative to other ‘fan-and-coil’ apparatuses of the background art. Also, by virtue of the increment of heat exchange as compared with other apparatuses of the background art, the apparatus according to the present invention requires a reduced airflow.
Furthermore, even when in general terms, the longitudinal dimensions of the heat exchanger 40 for the apparatus according to the present invention are slightly larger than the other heat exchangers for equipments of the background art, they have similar efficiency, but their cost is substantially smaller.
Furthermore, the length of the heat exchanger favors the reduction of the noise. Also, the inclusion of the modules 60 for air treatment also has a favorable influence in reducing the noise, because they increase the distance between the fan and the outlet of conditioned air.
For its operation, the equipment only requires electrical power and water, therefore it can be used without additional elements and without a special installation. It does not require fabrication of special pieces, nor additional adjustments to the basic components included with the equipment. A person can realize the installation without specific expertise in air conditioning or heating systems.
The invention has been described with reference to the attached figures; however, a person knowledgeable in the subject can realize minor changes or incorporate such elements as insulations, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention shall thus be considered according to the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for conditioning of air, said apparatus having one air inlet and one air outlet, comprising:

a heat exchanger having a major longitudinal axis and including a shell through which an airflow is forced to circulate, said shell including an exchanger coil arranged therein, the exchanger coil containing a heat exchange fluid; and

a fan operatively associated with a motor, said fan producing the airflow to be conditioned, said fan having an air inlet and an air outlet connected to the heat exchanger,

wherein the heat exchange is performed simultaneously, parallel and longitudinally to the airflow, lengthwise to the major longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger.

2. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a coil comprises a plurality of tubes having longitudinal fins.

3. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger further comprises a plurality of longitudinal sheet metal inserts held to the longitudinal fins of the plurality of tubes.

4. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to clam 1, wherein the coil comprises an electric resistance.

5. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to claim 1, wherein the fan is an axial or a centrifugal fan.

6. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is vertical, said apparatus further comprising a hinged panel, in the manner of an access door, and the apparatus is installed on the hinged panel.

7. The apparatus for the conditioning of air according to claim 1, further comprising at least one module for treatment of the air, selected between one or more of a group consisting of: one filter, one HEPA filter, one humidifier, one dehumidifier, one ozonizer, one purifier, one device for withdrawing lead, carbon monoxide or nitrogen monoxide from the air, one deodorizer, one ionizer and/or one perfumer.

8. An apparatus for the conditioning of air, said apparatus having one air inlet and one air outlet, comprising:

a heat exchanger having a shell through which an airflow is forced to circulate, said shell including an exchanger coil fitted therein, a flow of heat exchange fluid being forced through the exchanger coil;

a fan associated with one motor, said fan producing a flow of the airflow to be conditioned, said fan having an air inlet and an air outlet, and being connected to the heat exchanger; and

at least one silencer coupled to the air inlet or to the air outlet.

9. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to claim 8, further comprising a first silencer, coupled to the air inlet, and a second silencer coupled to the air outlet.

10. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to claim 8, wherein the silencer comprises a flexible tube having a wire frame and a covering of plastic, the plastic being PVC or polyethylene.

11. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to claim 8, wherein the fan is an axial or a centrifugal fan.

12. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus is vertical, said apparatus further comprising a vertical hinged panel, in the manner of an entrance door, and the apparatus is mounted to the vertical hinged panel.

13. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to claim 8, further comprising one air treatment module, selected among a group consisting of: a filter, a HEPA filter, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an ozonizer, a purifier, a device for withdrawing lead, carbon monoxide or nitrogen monoxide from the air, a deodorizer, an ionizer and/or a perfumer.

14. An apparatus for conditioning of air, said apparatus having an air inlet and an air outlet connected to unit components of fan, heat exchanger and air treatment modules, said apparatus comprising:

a plurality of standardized connectors, attached to each unit component, for indistinctly coupling each unit component in a linear axial orientation.

15. The apparatus for conditioning of air according to claim 14, further comprising at least one air-treatment module, selected among one or more of a group consisting of: a filter, a HEPA filter, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an ozonizer, a purifier, a device for withdrawing lead, carbon monoxide or nitrogen monoxide from the air, a deodorizer, an ionizer and/or a perfumer.