Air curtain device measuring a temperature profile and method there for

Abstract

An air curtain device and method are disclosed for realizing an air curtain with measuring a temperature profile. The air curtain device includes: a housing with air displacer; at least one air inlet for supplying air to the housing; at least one outflow opening for achieving the air curtain; a sensor configured for measuring a temperature profile over a length extending through the air curtain in a substantial horizontal direction and substantially perpendicular to the air curtain; and a controller with connector configured for connecting with the sensor, the controller configured for adjusting the air curtain based on differences between the measured temperature profile and a reference profile.

1 . Air curtain device for providing an air curtain in or close to an opening in a wall, the device comprising:
 a housing with air displacer;   at least one air inlet for supplying air to the housing;   at least one outflow opening for achieving the air curtain;   a sensor configured for measuring a temperature profile extending over a length extending through the air curtain in a substantial horizontal direction and substantially perpendicular to the air curtain; and   a controller with connector configured for connecting with the sensor, the controller configured for adjusting the air curtain based on differences between the measured temperature profile and a reference profile.   
     
     
         2 . Air curtain device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an infra-red sensor. 
     
     
         3 . Air curtain device according to  claim 1 , wherein the controller comprises calculating device configured for determining the maximum temperature gradient along the length of the measured temperature profile. 
     
     
         4 . Air curtain device according to  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting device for adjusting the air curtain based on the differences between the measured and preference temperature profiles. 
     
     
         5 . Air curtain device according to  claim 1 , wherein the length is in the range of 1-20 m. 
     
     
         6 . Air curtain device according to  claim 1 , wherein the temperature profile has a width in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the opening in the wall. 
     
     
         7 . Air curtain device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a detector for detecting people approaching the air curtain. 
     
     
         8 . Air curtain device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a door position detector for enabling the controller to compensate the air curtain. 
     
     
         9 . Air curtain device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is integrally provided with the device. 
     
     
         10 . Method for producing an air curtain in or close to an opening in a wall, the method comprising:
 providing an air curtain device; including:
 a housing with air displacer; 
 at least one air inlet for supplying air to the housing; 
 at least one outflow opening for achieving the air curtain; 
 a sensor configured for measuring a temperature profile extending over a length extending through the air curtain in a substantial horizontal direction and substantially perpendicular to the air curtain; and 
 a controller with connector configured for connecting with the sensor, the controller configured for adjusting the air curtain based on differences between the measured temperature profile and a reference profile. 
   producing the air curtain with the device;   measuring the temperature profile extending over a length extending through the air curtain in a substantial horizontal direction and substantially perpendicular to the air curtain;   comparing the measured temperature profile with the reference temperature profile; and   adjusting the air curtain based on comparing the measured temperature profile with the reference temperature profile by the controller.   
     
     
         11 . Method according to  claim 10 , wherein the air curtain is adjusted on basis of temperature gradient. 
     
     
         12 . Method according to  claim 11 , wherein the temperature gradient comprises the maximum temperature gradient along the length of the measured temperature profile. 
     
     
         13 . Method according to  claim 10 , wherein the air curtain is adjusted on basis of location exhibiting maximum temperature gradient. 
     
     
         14 . Method according to  claim 10 , wherein the controller adjusts the air curtain by adjusting at least one of the angle of the outflow, air temperature of the outflow and speed of the outflow. 
     
     
         15 . Air curtain device for providing an air curtain in or close to an opening in a wall, the device comprising:
 a housing with air displacer;   at least one air inlet for supplying air to the housing;   at least one outflow opening for achieving the air curtain;   a sensor configured for measuring a temperature profile extending over a length extending through the air curtain in a substantial horizontal direction and substantially perpendicular to the air curtain;   a controller with connector configured for connecting with the sensor, the controller configured for adjusting the air curtain based on differences between the measured temperature profile and a reference profile, the controller including calculating device configured for determining the maximum temperature gradient along the length of the measured temperature profile; and   a detector for detecting people approaching the air curtain.   
     
     
         16 . Air curtain device according to  claim 15 , further comprising a door position detector for enabling the controller to compensate the air curtain. 
     
     
         17 . Method according to  claim 12 , wherein the air curtain is adjusted on basis of location exhibiting maximum temperature gradient. 
     
     
         18 . Method according to  claim 12 , wherein the controller adjusts the air curtain by adjusting at least one of the angle of the outflow, air temperature of the outflow and speed of the outflow. 
     
     
         19 . Method according to  claim 13 , wherein the controller adjusts the air curtain by adjusting at least one of the angle of the outflow, air temperature of the outflow and speed of the outflow. 
     
     
         20 . Air curtain device according to  claim 5 , wherein the length is in the range of 2-10 m.