HEAT EXCHANGE SYSTEM FOR THE THERMAL REGULATION OF A BUILDING

Abstract

Heat exchange system on a roof of a building, with an exchange volume comprising a substrate that is partly saturated by water and covered by a vegetated surface that enhances condensation and evapotranspiration and having a heat diffusion device comprising a circulation pump and a collection network for thermal exchanges with the exchange volume.

Claims

1. A heat exchange system which enables the thermal regulation inside a building, comprising an exchange volume which is arranged on an approximately horizontal external surface which is superimposed on or adjacent to the building, a collection network which is integrated in the exchange volume; characterized in that the exchange volume comprises an external surface in contact with the atmosphere, and a porous substrate which enables water to be retained, and in that the external surface is a vegetated layer of the muscoid type.

2. The heat exchange system of claim 1, characterized in that the substrate comprises a non-saturated portion and a saturated portion which is subjacent to the non-saturated portion.

3. The heat exchange system of claim 1, having a heat diffusion device comprising a circulation pump.

4. The heat exchange system of claim 3, characterized in that the heat diffusion device is coupled to a heat pump and/or a heat exchanger.

5. The heat exchange system of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises one or more sensors which enable one or more environmental parameters to be determined and a control unit which enables the data collected to be processed and enables the heat exchange system to be controlled.

6. The heat exchange system of claim 1, characterized in that the exchange volume further comprises one or more damping zones which comprise deformable elements.

7. The heat exchange system of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a parapet which is arranged on the periphery of the exchange volume and whose height exceeds that of the exchange volume in order to contain it.

8. The heat exchange system of claim 7, characterized in that the parapet is fixed to the building from the external periphery thereof in order to be able to be readily replaced or repaired.

9. A method of thermal regulation of a building with the external environment, characterized in that the heat exchanges are carried out via a heat exchange system which enables the thermal regulation inside a building, comprising an exchange volume which is arranged on an approximately horizontal external surface which is superimposed on or adjacent to the building, a collection network which is integrated in the exchange volume, characterized in that the exchange volume comprises an external surface in contact with the atmosphere, and a porous substrate which enables water to be retained, and in that the external surface is a vegetated layer of the muscoid type.

10. The method of claim 9, characterized in that the substrate comprises a non-saturated portion and a saturated portion which is subjacent to the non-saturated portion.

11. The method of claim 9, having a heat diffusion device comprising a circulation pump, the heat diffusion device being coupled to a heat pump and/or a heat exchanger.

12. The method of claim 9, comprising reading one or more environmental parameters from one or more sensors and controlling the heat exchange system based on said environmental parameters.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Embodiments of the invention are set out in the description illustrated by the appended Figures, in which:

[0022] FIG. 1a: shows a schematic plan view of a thermal regulation system according to the invention,

[0023] FIG. 1b: shows a lateral schematic section of the connection of the collection pipes to the external network,

[0024] FIG. 2: shows a schematic sectioned view of a thermal regulation system according to the invention,

[0025] FIG. 3: shows a detailed section of a water discharge according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0026] FIGS. 4a and 4b: show an operating diagram of the invention according to an embodiment with free-cooling, with a heat pump for heating and/or the production of domestic hot water, respectively,

[0027] FIG. 5: shows a schematic sectioned view of a damping zone of the present invention,

[0028] FIG. 6: shows a lateral sectioned view of the thermal and water regulation system according to the invention.

EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2, the heat exchange system S according to the present invention comprises an exchange volume 100 which is arranged on the upper portion or adjacent portion of a building B. The upper or adjacent portion of a building is intended to be understood to be any approximately horizontal surface which is in contact with free air, it includes the roof, a terrace or any other portion which covers a surface of the building B. The building B includes residential buildings, comprising one or more storeys, such as 2, 3, 4, 5 storeys or more, businesses, workshops, garages, warehouses and any other construction which requires thermal regulation.

[0030] The exchange volume 100 comprises an external surface S100 which is in contact with the free air and which enables the exchanges with the atmosphere to be modulated. The exchanges with the atmosphere include, for example, receiving direct and indirect sunlight, the condensation and evaporation of atmospheric water, thermal diffusion, the collection of rainwater, the evaporation of humidity present in the exchange volume 100 and in particular the evapotranspiration of the humidity by the active surfaces of the vegetation.

[0031] The exchange volume 100 comprises, below the external surface S100, a substrate 103 enabling energy to be stored. The substrate 103 comprises to this end macroporous (structural), mesoporous and/or microporous (textural) elements which enable the majority of the water to be retained and the circulation by means of convection to be limited, whilst enabling a degree of drainage. It may, for example, contain lignin, pozzolana, expanded clay, aluminosilicates (for example, zeolite, perlite) or any other light material having a mesoporous and/or microporous texture which enables humidity to be retained. It is important for the substrate 103 to be sufficiently light not to compromise the stability of the structure of the building B. Furthermore, these porous materials are composed of elements having a low thermal conductivity compared with the water which they contain, and they limit the thermal exchanges by means of convection by retaining the water in their pores. The physical properties of the substrate 103 enable a significant temperature gradient between the external surface S100 and the surface of the building B so that, during winter, the lower portion of the substrate 103 is normally frost-free in a temperate climate.

[0032] Mineral materials such as earth, clay or gravel are for this purpose too heavy to be able to be used on such structures. It is also important that the substrate 103 is imperishable in order to be maintained over time. Completely natural materials, composite materials or synthetic materials may be used and the mixture of such materials. The substrate 103 may be uniform or composed of a plurality of superimposed layers of different materials. The material used should not change the subjacent sealing layers chemically or physically.

[0033] The water which is retained in the porosity of the substrate 103 acts as an energy store, in particular as a result of its high thermal capacity. This store acts as a source or as a pit of heat in accordance with the season or the thermal cycle in question. When the maximum water capacities of the substrate 103 are reached, the water remains in free form in the lower portion of the exchange volume 100. The portion of the substrate 103 thereby immersed corresponds to the portion 103b saturated with water. The portion of the substrate 103 which is not immersed in the residual water corresponds to the non-saturated portion 103a. The non-saturated portion is involved in the modulation of the exchanges with the atmosphere, in particular as a result of its capillary action which enables the migration of water from the saturated portion 103b to the external surface S100. Preferably, the substrate 103 is determined so as to keep constant, or approximately constant, the humidity gradient between the external surface S100 and the saturated portion 103b, particularly when water is evaporated via the external surface S100. Advantageously, the humidity gradient is maintained regardless of the quantity of water present in the saturated portion 103b until it is completely dried. The height of the substrate and external surface S100 is sized so that, when the volume 100 is saturated, the maximum weight load determined by the structure of the building is not exceeded.

[0034] The height of the saturated portion 103b may be limited using one or more flow devices E1, E2 which are provided in the heat exchange system S. The maximum height may be predetermined in accordance with meteorological parameters specific to the location, such as the frequency and quantity of precipitation, the quantity of condensation or evaporation, and any other relevant parameter, the objective being to maintain a sufficient reserve of energy as a result of the saturated portion 103b. If natural inputs of water would be insufficient, there may provision for a water inlet which can be activated in order to preserve the saturated portion 103b.

[0035] One or more vertical flow devices E1, which are arranged in the substrate 103, may be additionally or alternatively provided. According to one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the vertical flow device E1 is a sieve 105 which is permeable to water and which resists lateral pressures of the volume 100. The sieve 105 has a hollow form, which is, for example, cylindrical and which encloses a free space 106 at the inner side thereof. The sieve 105 may be in the form of a fine grid, or a porous material or any other device which has filtering properties in order to allow only water to pass and to keep the rest of the elements of the exchange volume 100 on the roof of the building B. The space 106 is in hydrostatic balance with the water which is retained in the substrate 103. A pipe 107 enables water to flow as soon as the level exceeds the height “h” of the upper edge thereof. The cylindrical sieve 105 may be surmounted by a protection plate 108. If required, the height of the upper edge of the vertical pipe may be controlled manually, or automatically by means of a control unit 300, in accordance with environmental parameters.

[0036] One or more safety flow devices E2, which are arranged on the periphery of the exchange volume 100, may be used in order to discharge the overflow of water, in the event of extreme wet weather events, thus enabling the maximum weight load not to be exceeded.

[0037] The heat exchange system S further comprises a segregation device 104 which enables the building B to be thermally insulated from the substrate 103. The segregation device 104 is in particular sealed with respect to water and humidity. It may comprise one or more single layers or one or more multilayers. The segregation device 104 comprises, in the example illustrated, one or more sealed coating layers 104b, such as the coatings which are commonly used for sealing buildings. The sealed coating 104b may be manufactured based on tarred materials, or impermeable plastics material or other equivalent materials, either alone or in combination. The selection of the material is made taking into consideration the acidity conditions present in the saturated zone 103b of the substrate. The sealed coating 104b may comprise several layers of the same material or different materials. The thickness of the sealed coating is in the order of from 1 to 10 millimetres, typically between 2 and 6 mm.

[0038] The sealed coating 104 is advantageously protected by a protection layer 104a. The protection layer 104a protects the sealed coating 104b from any impacts or damage caused by the substrate 103. This protection layer is particularly useful when angular elements are present in the substrate 103. The protection layer 104a may be in the form of a protection felt which is preferably non-biodegradable. The protection layer 104a may alternatively comprise a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid material, or a combination of such materials. Such a combination may also include prefabricated water drainage and storage plates which are placed on a flexible layer. The thickness of the protection layer 104a is in the order of from 1 mm to 10 cm, in particular in the order of from 3 to 6 mm.

[0039] The segregation device 104 is preferably provided with a horizontal thermally insulating layer 104c. Any insulating material which is known and generally used may act as a horizontal insulating layer 104c. The horizontal insulating layer 104c may, for example, be a layer of expanded polystyrene, or panels of rock wool or glass wool, or cellular concrete. The horizontal insulating layer 104c is arranged below the sealed coating 104b in order to remain protected from moisture. A subjacent vapor barrier layer 104d may be arranged on the surface of the roof of the building B. A superficial vapor barrier layer 104d may additionally or alternatively be arranged on the external surface of the horizontal insulating layer 104c, in accordance with usual practice. Each vapor-barrier layer has a thickness in the order of a few millimetres, typically from 1 to 5 mm. The thickness of the horizontal insulating layer 104c is variable in accordance with the insulating objectives intended.

[0040] The thermal exchanges between the inside of the building B and the heat exchange systems S are carried out using a thermal diffusion device 200, comprising one or more pumps and one or more pipe networks 201 and, preferably, a heat exchanger for free-cooling operation 204. In particular, the thermal diffusion device 200 comprises one or more collection networks 201a which are arranged in the substrate 103 in order to circulate a heat-transfer fluid through the exchange volume 100. The pipes of the collection network 201a may be arranged in helical form, sinuously, in parallel lines over the entire exchange surface 100, in accordance with a mesh network, in a circular arrangement, or in accordance with any other arrangement which is deemed to be appropriate by the person skilled in the art. The collection network 201a may include, in place of the tubular pipes which are illustrated or in combination therewith, planar heat-transfer fluid circulation systems, for example, constituted by heat exchange systems inside which it is possible to establish a complete circulation of heat-transfer fluid.

[0041] A plurality of collection networks 201a may be connected in parallel with each other by means of a heat distributor. It should be noted that the maximum catchment density of the exchange system S, in meters of pipe per square meters of surface, may be higher than in a planar garden catchment system. The density and the number of collection pipes and/or heat exchange plates 201a must be adapted to the requirements and the heating or cooling method (monovalent, with a single energy source, or bivalent, with several sources of energy). The collection pipes and/orthe heat exchange plates 201a arranged in the exchange volume are preferably flexible or semi-rigid. They are more specifically arranged in the saturated portion 103b and are secured to a flexible framework 166 which is placed flat on the protection layer 104a. The collection network 201a preferably forms a closed circuit, which is thermally connected to the internal network 201c, which enables another heat-transfer fluid to be circulated inside the building B. The thermal connection between the collection network 201a and the internal network 201c may, for example, be carried out by means of an external network 201b.

[0042] The fluid circulating in the circulation pipes 201 may be water, optionally with antifreeze added, such as ethylene glycol, anti-corrosion components or fungicides or bactericides, or a mixture of such components. Alternatively, the fluid may be another heat-transfer liquid, or coolant, which is generally used in cooling or heating systems. The heat-transfer fluid which circulates in the network of internal pipes 201c is preferably water.

[0043] The thermal diffusion device 200 of the invention may comprise a heat pump 203 for operating in heating mode or producing domestic hot water, and/or a heat exchanger 204 for operating in the “free cooling” cooling mode. FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate these operating configurations. The switching between these two operating modes is preferably carried out by means of an assembly of automatic three-way valves which are not illustrated.

[0044] The internal pipes 201c may be arranged in a thermosyphon, thus promoting a free circulation of fluid. It may be advantageous to include an accelerator or a circulation pump 206 which enables the fluid circulation to be activated. The circulation of the heat-transfer fluid in the external circuit 201b is preferably ensured by means of a circulation pump 202.

[0045] The “free-cooling” operating mode illustrated in FIG. 4a is preferably activated when the external temperature T.sub.a is higher than a predetermined threshold, for example, 25° C. Under these conditions, the humidity of the substrate 103 evaporates. Furthermore, the layer of muscoid vegetation 101, which does not have stomas, transpires extensively and acts as an inverted heat pump. As a result of the latent heat loss resulting from this process of bioactive evapotranspiration, the temperature of the substrate T.sub.sub may be between 6 and 9° C. lower than the air temperature T.sub.a, which is sufficient to cool the building, via the plate-type heat exchanger 204.

[0046] In the heating operating mode illustrated in FIG. 4b, the mosses of the vegetated layer 101 act as an efficient core for condensation/freezing/sublimation for the recovery of inputs of latent energy. The rain, air and the external structure of the building are other non-negligible sources of sensible heat. During winter, the evapotranspiration is too low to counteract the inputs.

[0047] The organic substrate 103b which is saturated with water enables heat to be stored in a nictemeral cycle (day/night) and allows collection temperatures which are out of phase with the temperature of the external air, resulting in performance levels which are significantly greater than an aerothermal air/water system. The heat losses resulting from convective movements are limited by the porosity of the substrate 103. The heat recovery pipes and/or the heat exchange plates which are placed between 18 and 50 cm below the surface do not freeze in principle under temperate climatic conditions. However, it is possible to provide anti-freezing safety measures in mountainous or continental climates (typically with a negative mean air temperature for the coldest month) and an adaptation of the pressure and temperature conditions in the evaporator of the compression/expansion circuit of the heat pump 203.

[0048] It should be noted that the heating operating mode is active in winter and also in an intermittent manner in summer for the production of domestic hot water. During the months of summer, the heat pump 203, by drawing the heat from the substrate 103b, will contribute to lowering the temperature T.sub.sub and maximizes the efficiency of the free-cooling cooling system of FIG. 4a. The high temperature of the substrate in summer enables domestic hot water to be heated with an efficiency greater than a ground/water system with a vertical geothermal probe.

[0049] According to a specific embodiment, the circulation pumps 202, 206, the heat pump 203 and the valves which are required for switching between cooling and heating may be connected to one or more thermal probes in order to be activated automatically if required, particularly when the temperatures of the exchange volume 100 and/or the interior of the building B are considered to be suitable for a heat exchange. The activation of the heat pump and the circulation pumps may be subjected to temperature measurements so that the temperature is regulated in an automatic manner.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the internal pipes 201c or external pipes 201b are connected or integrated in a conventional heating or cooling circuit. They may be connected to one or more valves which enable them to be placed in relation to a pre-existing circuit or isolated from such a circuit. A pre-existing circuit may, for example, be a geothermal circuit which it is necessary to supplement with the heat exchange system to which the present invention relates, or a conventional central heating installation, or a solar collector installation. The heat pump may then be placed in relation in a bivalent mode to one or more other thermal networks using one or more 3-way or 4-way valves.

[0051] With reference now to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the exchange volume 100 advantageously comprises one or more damping zones Z which are intended to absorb any volume variations of the substrate 103 which result in particular from the temperature or hygrometry variations or freezing in climates with a mean negative temperature for the coldest month. The damping zone(s) Z may, for example, extend over the entire periphery of the exchange volume 100 or over a portion of this periphery. Alternatively or additionally, one or more damping zones Z may be arranged in the exchange volume 100, for example, in the form of transverse lines which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, or in the form of islands.

[0052] The damping zone(s) Z comprise(s) resiliently deformable elements Z1 which are juxtaposed relative to each other. Such resiliently deformable elements Z1 may comprise, for example, synthetic foams with closed cells which are non-biodegradable, such as neoprene foams, nitrile butadiene or vinyl ethylene acetate. Polyurethane is preferably not used as a result of the risks of reaction with the acidity of the substrate 103. The deformable elements Z1 may comprise hollow cylinders, whose internal diameter corresponds to a third or a half to two thirds of the external diameter. Preferably, the internal diameter of each cylinder which contains air corresponds to half of the external diameter. The wall of the cylinders is water-tight. The hollow cylinders may be simply juxtaposed or associated with each other by contact and maintenance means. Synthetic foams may be used as a contact and maintenance means.

[0053] In order to constitute the damping zone(s) Z, the resiliently deformable elements 21 may be juxtaposed vertically over the entire surface covered by these damping zones Z.

[0054] The deformable elements Z1 may have the height of the substrate 103 in order to be able to be covered by the external surface S100, particularly if the external surface S100 is a vegetated layer 101 optionally comprising an anti-rooting device 102. Alternatively, they may have a height which is less than that of the substrate 103, corresponding, for example, to the height of the saturated portion 103b. The expansion effects, resulting from freezing, for example, are thus neutralized. Alternatively, in the case of a heterogeneous substrate 103 which comprises several layers, the height of the deformable elements Z1 may coincide with the thickness of one or more layers of the substrate 103. The deformable elements Z1 may be arranged directly on the segregation device 104. The damping zone(s) Z has/have a width which is preferably between 5 and 30 cm in accordance with the number thereof and the surface covered by the exchange surface. More specifically, the width of the damping zones Z is between 15 and 20 cm.

[0055] The exchange volume 100 is preferably delimited by a parapet P, which may be inscribed, for example, in the height extension of the walls of the building B. Other specific arrangements may, of course, be envisaged without being prejudicial to the present invention, such as, for example, a parapet which is positioned in a recessed state with respect to the edge of the roof. The parapet P may comprise a metal, concrete, composite or wooden cladding. Alternatively, the parapet P is the simple vertical extension of the walls of the building B. The parapet P exceeds the exchange volume 100 in order to contain it. The parapet P is preferably a cladding which is fixed to a framework from the outer side of the building B in order to be able to be readily removed or placed. It may act as a second level of safety (non-resilient) in the unlikely event of extreme freezing which would become evident as a non-homogeneous expansion of the volume of ice over the entire exchange surface.

[0056] Optionally, a vertical insulating layer 104e (visible in FIG. 2) may be inserted along the parapet P, over the internal portion thereof. The vertical insulating layer 104e may be coated with a sealed coating 104b and a protection layer 104a which may be different from the corresponding layers which are arranged horizontally between the exchange volume 100 and the building B. Preferably, the sealed coating layer 104b and protection layer 104a which are arranged vertically along the parapet P or, if necessary, the vertical insulating layer 104e are merged with the sealed coating layer 104b and protection layer 104a which are arranged horizontally between the exchange volume 100 and the building B in order to ensure maximum sealing.

[0057] The damping zone(s) Z may be arranged between the parapet P and, where applicable, the vertical insulating layer 104e. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the damping zone is arranged between the substrate 103 and the vertical insulating layer 104e.

[0058] The parapet P, the vertical insulating layer 104e and the sealed coating layer 104b and protection layer 104a may be surmounted by a metal profile-member which protects them from bad weather and UV radiation which could in the long term change these elements. The passage of the circuit of the collection network 201a (or external network 201b) is preferably produced by a U-shaped bend (visible in FIG. 1b) rather than by transverse connections.

[0059] The exchange volume 100 may optionally comprise recesses in order to enable the passage of air discharge pipes or the installation of specific devices, such as ventilators, fans, anchoring bases for solar panels or any other device which is generally fixed to roofs. Damping zones Z may be provided at the location of these devices.

[0060] According to the invention, illustrated in FIG. 6, the external surface S100 comprises a vegetated layer 101 which is in contact with the external environment. The vegetated layer 101 may comprise various plant species of the muscoid type which are known to cover the surface on which they are arranged. Such species may comprise, for example, mosses, lichens, and any other covering species, and mixtures thereof. The preferred species are those whose height remains limited in order to restrict the maintenance operations such as cutting or mowing or in order to limit the shading brought about for in installation of photovoltaic panels or solar collectors. Robust plant species are preferably selected, in particular for their resistance to long dry periods, in order to dispense with any watering device, even if such a device may optionally be provided.

[0061] The vegetated layer 101 includes in particular mosses and any other associated species. These covering varieties which are resistant to dry periods require little maintenance. These varieties further have the characteristic of not containing stomas, in contrast to the majority of other plant species. The evapotranspiration is therefore not limited during a hot period, which contributes to cooling the surface on which the vegetated layer 101 is arranged. The evapotranspiration of the vegetated layer 101 is involved in the active modulation of the exchanges with the external environment.

[0062] The exchange volume 100 advantageously comprises in this instance an anti-rooting device 102. Such an anti-rooting device 102 may be in the form of a layer of material which is resistant to perforation, permeable to water and non-biodegradable, and which is arranged below the vegetated layer 101 in order to prevent the rooting of undesirable plant species. This is because it may be the case that varieties with deep roots grow in an uncontrolled manner and damage the thermal regulation system S or even the connected elements such as the building B or some of the constituents thereof. The anti-rooting device 102 selectively prevents the rooting of vascular plants without limiting the development of mosses and muscoid plants which do not have roots. The material used may be, for example, a geotextile which is manufactured on the basis of natural or synthetic polymers. The anti-rooting device 102 may alternatively comprise a geo-mattress or any other porous non-biodegradable element which is capable of preventing or restricting the rooting of plant species. Preferably, the anti-rooting device 102 is included in the substrate 103 at a distance from the external surface S100 between a few millimetres and 1 or 2 centimetres. Alternatively, the anti-rooting device 102 is arranged on the surface of the substrate 103. According to this arrangement, the anti-rooting device 102 nonetheless enables the development of a vegetated layer 101. The porosity thereof may in particular be sufficiently great to receive mosses.

[0063] The plant species of the muscoid type do not have a root system in order to actively extract from the soil the nutritional elements required for their sustentation and growth: their rhizoids primarily have an anchoring function. The input of nutritional elements via precipitation is generally sufficient to develop the layer of muscoid vegetation and no enrichment of the substrate is required. In contrast, the muscoid species in question benefit from substrates which are low in nutritional elements, with a neutral to acid pH. With this type of substrate, any risk of pollution of grey water is further excluded.

[0064] The thickness of the substrate 103, the anti-rooting device 102 and the vegetated layer 101 is preferably in the order of from 10 to 50 cm, more specifically in the order of from 15 to 20 cm. The height of the saturated portion 103b is in the order of a few centimetres, typically between 3 and 15 cm. The height of the volume of the saturated portion 103b may be configured to correspond to a third or a half or two thirds of the height of the substrate 103 in accordance with requirements. In the case of central vertical flows on the surface of the building with slight inclinations which are directed towards these flows, the level of the saturated portion may be provided so that it is 1-2 cm below the connection between the surface of the segregation device 104 and the parapet P in order to prevent any possibility of pressure resulting from the increase in the volume of water following freezing. In this instance, the damping zone is not absolutely necessary since the drained zone which is in contact with the parapets is capable of absorbing the expansion movements.

[0065] Optionally, the heat exchange system S according to the present invention may comprise or be connected to an installation 300 which comprises one or more sensors C1, C2 which enable one or more environmental parameters to be determined, such as the hygrometry, the temperature, the wind, the sunshine, and any other environmental parameter which may influence the state of the substrate 103, and in particular the saturated portion 103b. The data may be transmitted via a wired connection or a wireless connection to a central control unit 310 which comprises the means required for processing data and for determining the optimum conditions relating to thermal exchanges between the interior of the building B and the heat exchange system S. Alternatively, the environmental data may be transmitted from a weather station or a measurement centre remote from the building B. The processing of the data may include the recording thereof and the learning of an artificial intelligence program which enables the heat exchange parameters between the interior of the building B and the heat exchange system S to be determined.

[0066] The present invention further covers a method of thermal regulation comprising a step of evaporation of the water in order to cool a substrate 103 as described above. The cooling of the substrate 103 is carried out in particular as a result of the evapotranspiration of a vegetated layer 101 which is carefully selected. The plant species are in particular selected from among those which do not have any means for regulating their transpiration, and in particular which do not have stomas. Muscoid species such as mosses or lichens are thus particularly suitable.

[0067] The method according to the present invention enables an active thermal regulation as a result of the exchange volume 100 described above.

[0068] The heating and cooling system of the present invention uses in particular the inputs of latent condensation energy for the heating, the losses of latent evaporation energy for the cooling, and the thermal inertia of the water. The invention is based on monovalent methods of renewable energy and can also be combined in bivalent mode with a conventional thermal installation. It enables the interior of the building to be heated, cooled and enables the heating and cooling modes to be alternated in a synergetic manner.

REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE FIGURES

[0069] 100 Exchange volume [0070] 101 Vegetated layer [0071] 102 Anti-rooting device [0072] 103 Substrate [0073] 103a Non-saturated portion [0074] 103b Saturated portion [0075] 104 Segregation device [0076] 104a Protection layer [0077] 104b Sealed coating [0078] 104c Horizontal insulating layer [0079] 104d Vapor barrier [0080] 104e Vertical insulating layer [0081] 105 Sieve [0082] 106 Free space [0083] 107 Vertical pipe [0084] 108 Protection plate [0085] 166 Flexible framework [0086] 200 Heat diffusion device [0087] 201 Circulation pipe [0088] 201a Collection network [0089] 201b External network [0090] 201c Internal network [0091] 202 Circulation pump [0092] 203 Heat pump [0093] 204 Free-cooling heat exchanger [0094] 206 Circulation pump [0095] 300 Control unit [0096] 310 Control centre [0097] B Building [0098] C1 Sensor [0099] C2 Sensor [0100] E1 Vertical flow device [0101] E2 Safety flow device [0102] P Parapet [0103] S Heat exchange system [0104] S100 External surface [0105] Z Damping zone [0106] Z1 Deformable elements