CA2559641C - Solar air heating system - Google Patents
Solar air heating system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2559641C CA2559641C CA 2559641 CA2559641A CA2559641C CA 2559641 C CA2559641 C CA 2559641C CA 2559641 CA2559641 CA 2559641 CA 2559641 A CA2559641 A CA 2559641A CA 2559641 C CA2559641 C CA 2559641C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- air
- panel
- cavity
- wall
- heating system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
- F24F5/0075—Systems using thermal walls, e.g. double window
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
- F24S10/80—Solar heat collectors using working fluids comprising porous material or permeable masses directly contacting the working fluids
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
- F24S20/60—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings
- F24S20/66—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings in the form of facade constructions, e.g. wall constructions
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
- F24F5/0046—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater using natural energy, e.g. solar energy, energy from the ground
- F24F2005/0064—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater using natural energy, e.g. solar energy, energy from the ground using solar energy
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
- F24F5/0075—Systems using thermal walls, e.g. double window
- F24F2005/0082—Facades
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A30/00—Adapting or protecting infrastructure or their operation
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A30/00—Adapting or protecting infrastructure or their operation
- Y02A30/27—Relating to heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC] technologies
- Y02A30/272—Solar heating or cooling
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
- Y02B30/90—Passive houses; Double facade technology
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/44—Heat exchange systems
Abstract
A solar air heating system for a building having a directly sunlit facade. The system has a perforated panel covering the wall. Frame members fasten the panel to the wall to space the panel a short distance away from the wall and to form an air cavities between the wall and panel. There is an air collecting space at the bottom of the cavity, adjacent the wall. An air inlet in the wall connects the air collecting space to the interior of the building. A fan in the building draws outside air into the cavity through the perforations in the panel, from the cavity into the air collecting space, and from the air collecting space into the building through the air inlet.
Description
SOLAR AIR HEATING SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention [1000] This invention is directed primarily to a solar air heating system for a building. The system should readily be modified and used as a water heating system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention [1000] This invention is directed primarily to a solar air heating system for a building. The system should readily be modified and used as a water heating system.
2. Description of the Related Art [1001] Solar air heating systems for buildings are known. The systems are used to heat ventilating air added to buildings. These known systems comprise a perforated, heat-absorbing panel mounted over at least a portion of the outside of a directly sunlit facade of a building, the panel spaced a short distance from the wall to form a vertical air cavity between the panel and the wall. The sun heats the panel and air adjacent the outer surface of the panel.
As the panel heats, it further heats the air adjacent the outer surface of the panel. The heated air rises along the panel outer surface and passes into the air cavity through perforations in the panel. The panel also heats the air in the cavity causing the air in the cavity to rise to the top of the building from where the air is collected in a collector duct and directed therefrom through an inlet into the building. A fan is employed in the collector duct or inlet to help draw the heated air on the outer surface of the panel into the cavity through the perforations, and to draw the air in the cavity upwardly and into the building.
[1002] These known systems have disadvantages however. The top of the wall gets very hot and as a result there is considerable heat loss particularly at the top corners to the outside air making the system inefficient. Attachment of the system to the top of the building is difficult since the collecting duct at the top of the system makes the wall considerably thicker than an existing wall or eave. This makes it architecturally and mechanically difficult to attach the panel and its support members to the top framing part of the building.
Servicing and maintenance of the fan in the collector duct or inlet is difficult because of its high location.
The perforations in the panel are designed to facilitate upward flow of air into the cavity. The configuration of the openings limits the design variations available in the make-up of the panel. The vertical cavity orientation reduces the performance efficiency and increases the static pressure of the air flow thereby increasing the load on the air handling units used for air input.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[1003] It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a solar air heating system that is simpler in construction, simpler and easier to install, more efficient in use, easier to service, and lends itself to a greater variety in design of the panel.
[1004] In accordance with the present invention a solar air heating system is provided having a perforated, heat-absorbing panel mounted over at least a portion of the outside of a directly sunlit wall of a building, the panel spaced a short distance from the wall to form an air cavity through which incoming air may flow freely to an air inlet. One or more air inlets are provided in the bottom half of the building wall, preferably near the bottom of the wall. A fan is located in the inlet to draw air from outside the panel into the cavity through perforations in the panel and from the cavity through the air inlet into the building. The sun heats the panel and outside air adjacent the panel. The operation of the fan moves air in the cavity toward the inlet and into the building and draws the heated air on the outer surface of the panel into the cavity through the perforations in the panel. The air in the cavity is heated by the sun-warmed panel, by the sun-warmed air entering the cavity through the perforations, and by any heat coming through the wall from inside the building.
[1005] The panel can be mounted to the building wall with vertical, horizontal or a combination of vertical and horizontal frame members depending on the construction of the panel and building wall architecture. The frame members are fastened to the side of the building wall and the panel is fastened to the other side of the frame members. To facilitate air flow within the cavity toward the air inlet in the building wall, the frame members are preferably perforated. The perforations in the frame members not only facilitate air flow in the cavity both vertically and horizontally but also make installation easier.
[1006] The system could be provided with a horizontal air collector duct at the bottom of the panel to collect the air from the air cavity, the duct leading to the air inlet in the bottom of the building wall. While satisfactory, the use of a bottom horizontal collector duct can lead to a pressure drop in the air flow due to the abrupt change of direction of the air flow. In place of an air collecting duct, a bottom portion of the panel can be angled outwardly away from the building wall at the bottom to form an air collecting space at the bottom of the cavity thus simplifying the construction. The air inlets in the building wall are centered within the air collecting space between its sides. The air collecting space, continually enlarging toward the bottom of the system, allows the air volume to expand on emerging into the collecting space.
In addition, the angled panel faces the sun at a more direct angle thereby increasing solar gain and improving air heating efficiency space.
[1007] In an alternative construction, the entire panel can be angled slightly outwardly to make the cavity wider at the bottom than at the top. The air inlet to the building is at the bottom of the tapered cavity. The air flow through the cavity is improved since the cavity continually enlarges moving toward the bottom. The angled panel also faces the sun at a more direct angle to the sun than a vertical panel thereby increasing the solar gain and improving heating efficiency.
[1008] Having the inlet located in the lower half of the wall of the building, and preferably near the bottom of the building wall, provides several advantages. With the air flowing diagonally towards the air inlets, the temperature profile in the air cavity is more uniform over its height and width, the heat loss from the cavity is reduced since there are no hot areas at the top corners, and the system is overall more efficient. In addition, having the air inlet into the building low down makes installation and servicing of the fan in the inlet much simpler and easier.
[1009] Also in accordance with the present invention, the perforations in the panel are made circular. The panel can be made from numerous siding profiles, which can be mounted in various positions on the building wall to provide design variations improving the appearance of the building. The circular perforations allow mounting of the siding members in various positions without adversely affecting the flow of air through the perforations into the cavity.
[ 1010] The invention is particularly directed toward a solar air heating system for a building having a directly sunlit facing wall, the system having a perforated, heat-absorbing, panel for covering the wall, the bottom of the panel at the bottom of the wall. Frame members fasten the panel to the wall to space the panel a short distance away from the wall to form an air cavity between the wall and the panel. There is an air inlet from the cavity to the interior of the building, the inlet in the building wall below the mid-height of the panel. There is a fan in the inlet, drawing outside air into the cavity through the perforations and from the cavity through the inlet into the building. Preferably the frame members are also perforated allowing air flow through the cavity in all directions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[ 1011 ] Fig. 1 is a cross-section view of the solar air heating system;
[1012] Fig. 2 is a detailed cross-section view taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1;
[1013] Fig. 3 is a detailed elevation view of heating system;
[ 1014] Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the heating system;
[1015] Fig. 5 is a cross-section view of a further embodiment of the heating system;
[1016] Fig. 6 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the heating system;
[1017] Fig. 7 is a another cross-section view of another embodiment of the heating system;
and [1018] Fig. 8 is a cross-section view taken along line 8-8 in Fig. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[1019] The solar air heating system, as shown in Figs 1-3, has a perforated, heat-absorbing panel 1 mounted on a directly sunlit facing wall 3 of a building 5. The panel could be coated on its outside surface with a selective finish to increase its heat absorbing capacity. The panel 1 is spaced a short distance from the wall 5 to form an air cavity 7. The panel 1 can be made up of a plurality interlocked siding members 9, the siding members mounted on the building 5. The siding members 9 have circular perforations 11 therein, the perforations 11 normally equally spaced apart. The perforations 11 are about 0.0625 inches in diameter and there are about 3 to 8 perforations per square inch of panel but the size and density of perforations can vary depending on the amount of air required to be added to the building for heating or ventilation purposes.
[1020] To mount the siding members 9 first to form the panel 1, a plurality of frame members 15, spaced apart, are used to connect the members 9 to the wall 5. The frame members 15 can be in the form of z members. One inner arm 17 of each frame member 15 is fastened to the wall 5 by suitable fastening means and the siding members 9 are then fastened to the other outer arms 19 of the frame members by suitable fastening means.
The sides of the panel 1 can be fastened to the wal15 by frame members (not shown) having a u-shaped cross-section to close the sides of the air cavity 7. The frame members can have profile shapes other than a z shape.
[ 1021 ] A horizontal air collector duct 23 is provided at the bottom of the panel 1. The duct 23 is slightly wider than the cavity 7 and the cavity 7 leads into the duct 23.
An air inlet 25, generally centrally located in the duct 23, leads from the duct 23 through the building wall 3 into the building 5. A fan 27 is located in the inlet 25 just inside the building 5. The top of the cavity 7 is closed by a top wal129. The frame members 15 are shown only in the air cavity 7 but they could extend into the collector duct 23.
[1022] In normal (usually winter) operation, the sun heats the panel 1 and the sun and the panel 1 heat the air adjacent the outside surface 31 of the panel. The negative air pressure induced by the intake fan 27 pulls air through the openings and into the collector duct 23. As the air flows through the cavity 7 to the duct 23 it is further heated by the sun-warmed panel 1 and by any heat escaping from the building through the wall 3. The air volume increases as it moves into the collector duct 23, and is then drawn into the building from the duct through the inlet 25. It will be seen that the temperature profile of the air over the panel is more uniform with no hot spot, particularly at the top of the cavity as in the prior art, where heat can be lost from the panel to the outside.
[1023] In bypass (summer) operation, the air coming into the collector duct near the bottom is relatively cool in comparison to the air in the cavity along the top and thus the air entering the building is not overheated. The use of an exterior mounted bypass damper 149 in front of the inlet 25 permits cool air from outside the system to flow directly to the inlet 25.
[1024] The upper part of the panel 1 and the panel frame members 15 are easily attached to the top of the framing of the building since the collector duct is located at the bottom of the system out of the way. The weight of the panel and the frame members is readily supported from the top and bottom of the building structure. The fan installation and servicing is easier at ground level.
[1025] The system described can be modified by eliminating the collector duct 23 and instead having a short, bottom portion 31 of the panel 1' angled outwardly as shown in Fig. 4.
The bottom portion 31 is angled outwardly from the long, top portion 33 of the panel 1' about a horizontal bend line 35. The angling of the bottom portion 31 of the panel 1' forms, with wa113', an enlarged, elongated air collector space 37 at the bottom of the air cavity 7' for the heated air being drawn downwardly. The collector space 37 is closed by a bottom wall 38.
The space 37 enlarges toward the bottom thus improving the flow of air within and from the cavity. In addition, the angled bottom portion 31 of the panel 1' is better oriented with respect to the sun and thus more efficient in heating the air. The inlet opening 25' is centrally located within the collector space 37 between its sides. The bottom portion 31 of the panel 1' is perforated in the same manner as the top portion 33 of the panel. The vertical framing members 15' are shown only in the air cavity 7' but they can extend to the bottom of the collector space 37. Special end frame members (not shown) are used to close the sides of the air cavity 7' and the sides of the collector space 37.
[1026] In another embodiment, the entire panel 1" may be angled outwardly from its top edge 43 as shown in Fig. 5. In this embodiment, the vertical framing members 15" would increase in width from the top toward the bottom to properly support the panel 1" and would terminate a short distance up from the bottom above an air collecting space 37'. A major, top portion 45 of the panel 1" forms, with the wall, the air cavity 7". A minor, bottom portion 46 of the panel forms, with the wall 3", the collecting space 37'. The air collecting space 37' tapers toward the cavity 7" which continues the taper toward the top. The bottom of the air collector space 37' is closed by a bottom wall 38'. Tapered end frame members (not shown) would close the sides of the air cavity 7" and the collector space 37'. The inlet 25" is centrally located in the collecting space 37'. The angling of the entire panel 1" places it in a more effective heating position relative to the sun and also improves the flow of the air downwardly through the cavity 7" toward the inlet 25".
[1027] In a further embodiment, the webs 21, 21', or 21" of the framing members 15, 15' or 15" could be perforated with perforations 47 to allow the air flowing in the cavities 7, 7', or 7" to move laterally as well as vertically. The fan would pull the air coming down the cavity laterally toward the vertical center of the system where the building inlet 25, 25', or 25" is located. The perforations 47 would also lighten the framing members making them easier to handle.
[1028] Perforated framing members permit a very simplified heating system to be used. As shown in Fig. 6, the simplified system can comprise a perforated panel 101 supported by perforated framing members 115 to form a cavity 107. The inlet 125 can be located anywhere in the bottom half of the cavity 107 since the fan 123 can pull the air both vertically and transversely through the cavity 107 and the perforations 147 in the frame members 115. No air collecting duct or air collecting space is needed in this embodiment, the cavity itself acting as an air collecting space. The top, bottom and sides of the cavity 107 are closed by top, bottom and side walls.
[1029] If desired a louver 149 can be provided in the panel 101 adjacent or near the inlet opening 125 to allow cooler outside air to flow into the cavity 107 and to mix with the heated air to cool it in the summer if needed. A similar louver could be used in any of the panels 1, 1', or 1" in the other embodiments previously described.
[1030] The siding members 209 forming the panel 201 could be mounted vertically. In this variant, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, narrower vertical frame members 215 could be used along with horizontal frame members 210 in all the embodiments previously shown with horizontal siding members. The horizontal frame members 210 are attached to the outer arms 219 of the vertical frame members 215 as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The horizontal frame members 210 are vertically spaced-apart. The vertical siding members 209 are attached to the horizontal frame members 210, which can have a u-shaped cross-section, with suitable fastening members (not shown). Perforations 247 can be provided in the webs 221 of the vertical frame members 215 and perforations 248 can be provided in the webs 222 of the horizontal frame members 210. Top panel 231 can close the top of cavity 207 and the duct 223 can close the bottom of the cavity. Side panels close the sides of the cavity 207. The vertical siding members 209 are straight in this embodiment and in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6; bent as shown in the embodiment in Fig. 4 or angled as shown in the embodiment in Fig.
As the panel heats, it further heats the air adjacent the outer surface of the panel. The heated air rises along the panel outer surface and passes into the air cavity through perforations in the panel. The panel also heats the air in the cavity causing the air in the cavity to rise to the top of the building from where the air is collected in a collector duct and directed therefrom through an inlet into the building. A fan is employed in the collector duct or inlet to help draw the heated air on the outer surface of the panel into the cavity through the perforations, and to draw the air in the cavity upwardly and into the building.
[1002] These known systems have disadvantages however. The top of the wall gets very hot and as a result there is considerable heat loss particularly at the top corners to the outside air making the system inefficient. Attachment of the system to the top of the building is difficult since the collecting duct at the top of the system makes the wall considerably thicker than an existing wall or eave. This makes it architecturally and mechanically difficult to attach the panel and its support members to the top framing part of the building.
Servicing and maintenance of the fan in the collector duct or inlet is difficult because of its high location.
The perforations in the panel are designed to facilitate upward flow of air into the cavity. The configuration of the openings limits the design variations available in the make-up of the panel. The vertical cavity orientation reduces the performance efficiency and increases the static pressure of the air flow thereby increasing the load on the air handling units used for air input.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[1003] It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a solar air heating system that is simpler in construction, simpler and easier to install, more efficient in use, easier to service, and lends itself to a greater variety in design of the panel.
[1004] In accordance with the present invention a solar air heating system is provided having a perforated, heat-absorbing panel mounted over at least a portion of the outside of a directly sunlit wall of a building, the panel spaced a short distance from the wall to form an air cavity through which incoming air may flow freely to an air inlet. One or more air inlets are provided in the bottom half of the building wall, preferably near the bottom of the wall. A fan is located in the inlet to draw air from outside the panel into the cavity through perforations in the panel and from the cavity through the air inlet into the building. The sun heats the panel and outside air adjacent the panel. The operation of the fan moves air in the cavity toward the inlet and into the building and draws the heated air on the outer surface of the panel into the cavity through the perforations in the panel. The air in the cavity is heated by the sun-warmed panel, by the sun-warmed air entering the cavity through the perforations, and by any heat coming through the wall from inside the building.
[1005] The panel can be mounted to the building wall with vertical, horizontal or a combination of vertical and horizontal frame members depending on the construction of the panel and building wall architecture. The frame members are fastened to the side of the building wall and the panel is fastened to the other side of the frame members. To facilitate air flow within the cavity toward the air inlet in the building wall, the frame members are preferably perforated. The perforations in the frame members not only facilitate air flow in the cavity both vertically and horizontally but also make installation easier.
[1006] The system could be provided with a horizontal air collector duct at the bottom of the panel to collect the air from the air cavity, the duct leading to the air inlet in the bottom of the building wall. While satisfactory, the use of a bottom horizontal collector duct can lead to a pressure drop in the air flow due to the abrupt change of direction of the air flow. In place of an air collecting duct, a bottom portion of the panel can be angled outwardly away from the building wall at the bottom to form an air collecting space at the bottom of the cavity thus simplifying the construction. The air inlets in the building wall are centered within the air collecting space between its sides. The air collecting space, continually enlarging toward the bottom of the system, allows the air volume to expand on emerging into the collecting space.
In addition, the angled panel faces the sun at a more direct angle thereby increasing solar gain and improving air heating efficiency space.
[1007] In an alternative construction, the entire panel can be angled slightly outwardly to make the cavity wider at the bottom than at the top. The air inlet to the building is at the bottom of the tapered cavity. The air flow through the cavity is improved since the cavity continually enlarges moving toward the bottom. The angled panel also faces the sun at a more direct angle to the sun than a vertical panel thereby increasing the solar gain and improving heating efficiency.
[1008] Having the inlet located in the lower half of the wall of the building, and preferably near the bottom of the building wall, provides several advantages. With the air flowing diagonally towards the air inlets, the temperature profile in the air cavity is more uniform over its height and width, the heat loss from the cavity is reduced since there are no hot areas at the top corners, and the system is overall more efficient. In addition, having the air inlet into the building low down makes installation and servicing of the fan in the inlet much simpler and easier.
[1009] Also in accordance with the present invention, the perforations in the panel are made circular. The panel can be made from numerous siding profiles, which can be mounted in various positions on the building wall to provide design variations improving the appearance of the building. The circular perforations allow mounting of the siding members in various positions without adversely affecting the flow of air through the perforations into the cavity.
[ 1010] The invention is particularly directed toward a solar air heating system for a building having a directly sunlit facing wall, the system having a perforated, heat-absorbing, panel for covering the wall, the bottom of the panel at the bottom of the wall. Frame members fasten the panel to the wall to space the panel a short distance away from the wall to form an air cavity between the wall and the panel. There is an air inlet from the cavity to the interior of the building, the inlet in the building wall below the mid-height of the panel. There is a fan in the inlet, drawing outside air into the cavity through the perforations and from the cavity through the inlet into the building. Preferably the frame members are also perforated allowing air flow through the cavity in all directions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[ 1011 ] Fig. 1 is a cross-section view of the solar air heating system;
[1012] Fig. 2 is a detailed cross-section view taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1;
[1013] Fig. 3 is a detailed elevation view of heating system;
[ 1014] Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the heating system;
[1015] Fig. 5 is a cross-section view of a further embodiment of the heating system;
[1016] Fig. 6 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the heating system;
[1017] Fig. 7 is a another cross-section view of another embodiment of the heating system;
and [1018] Fig. 8 is a cross-section view taken along line 8-8 in Fig. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[1019] The solar air heating system, as shown in Figs 1-3, has a perforated, heat-absorbing panel 1 mounted on a directly sunlit facing wall 3 of a building 5. The panel could be coated on its outside surface with a selective finish to increase its heat absorbing capacity. The panel 1 is spaced a short distance from the wall 5 to form an air cavity 7. The panel 1 can be made up of a plurality interlocked siding members 9, the siding members mounted on the building 5. The siding members 9 have circular perforations 11 therein, the perforations 11 normally equally spaced apart. The perforations 11 are about 0.0625 inches in diameter and there are about 3 to 8 perforations per square inch of panel but the size and density of perforations can vary depending on the amount of air required to be added to the building for heating or ventilation purposes.
[1020] To mount the siding members 9 first to form the panel 1, a plurality of frame members 15, spaced apart, are used to connect the members 9 to the wall 5. The frame members 15 can be in the form of z members. One inner arm 17 of each frame member 15 is fastened to the wall 5 by suitable fastening means and the siding members 9 are then fastened to the other outer arms 19 of the frame members by suitable fastening means.
The sides of the panel 1 can be fastened to the wal15 by frame members (not shown) having a u-shaped cross-section to close the sides of the air cavity 7. The frame members can have profile shapes other than a z shape.
[ 1021 ] A horizontal air collector duct 23 is provided at the bottom of the panel 1. The duct 23 is slightly wider than the cavity 7 and the cavity 7 leads into the duct 23.
An air inlet 25, generally centrally located in the duct 23, leads from the duct 23 through the building wall 3 into the building 5. A fan 27 is located in the inlet 25 just inside the building 5. The top of the cavity 7 is closed by a top wal129. The frame members 15 are shown only in the air cavity 7 but they could extend into the collector duct 23.
[1022] In normal (usually winter) operation, the sun heats the panel 1 and the sun and the panel 1 heat the air adjacent the outside surface 31 of the panel. The negative air pressure induced by the intake fan 27 pulls air through the openings and into the collector duct 23. As the air flows through the cavity 7 to the duct 23 it is further heated by the sun-warmed panel 1 and by any heat escaping from the building through the wall 3. The air volume increases as it moves into the collector duct 23, and is then drawn into the building from the duct through the inlet 25. It will be seen that the temperature profile of the air over the panel is more uniform with no hot spot, particularly at the top of the cavity as in the prior art, where heat can be lost from the panel to the outside.
[1023] In bypass (summer) operation, the air coming into the collector duct near the bottom is relatively cool in comparison to the air in the cavity along the top and thus the air entering the building is not overheated. The use of an exterior mounted bypass damper 149 in front of the inlet 25 permits cool air from outside the system to flow directly to the inlet 25.
[1024] The upper part of the panel 1 and the panel frame members 15 are easily attached to the top of the framing of the building since the collector duct is located at the bottom of the system out of the way. The weight of the panel and the frame members is readily supported from the top and bottom of the building structure. The fan installation and servicing is easier at ground level.
[1025] The system described can be modified by eliminating the collector duct 23 and instead having a short, bottom portion 31 of the panel 1' angled outwardly as shown in Fig. 4.
The bottom portion 31 is angled outwardly from the long, top portion 33 of the panel 1' about a horizontal bend line 35. The angling of the bottom portion 31 of the panel 1' forms, with wa113', an enlarged, elongated air collector space 37 at the bottom of the air cavity 7' for the heated air being drawn downwardly. The collector space 37 is closed by a bottom wall 38.
The space 37 enlarges toward the bottom thus improving the flow of air within and from the cavity. In addition, the angled bottom portion 31 of the panel 1' is better oriented with respect to the sun and thus more efficient in heating the air. The inlet opening 25' is centrally located within the collector space 37 between its sides. The bottom portion 31 of the panel 1' is perforated in the same manner as the top portion 33 of the panel. The vertical framing members 15' are shown only in the air cavity 7' but they can extend to the bottom of the collector space 37. Special end frame members (not shown) are used to close the sides of the air cavity 7' and the sides of the collector space 37.
[1026] In another embodiment, the entire panel 1" may be angled outwardly from its top edge 43 as shown in Fig. 5. In this embodiment, the vertical framing members 15" would increase in width from the top toward the bottom to properly support the panel 1" and would terminate a short distance up from the bottom above an air collecting space 37'. A major, top portion 45 of the panel 1" forms, with the wall, the air cavity 7". A minor, bottom portion 46 of the panel forms, with the wall 3", the collecting space 37'. The air collecting space 37' tapers toward the cavity 7" which continues the taper toward the top. The bottom of the air collector space 37' is closed by a bottom wall 38'. Tapered end frame members (not shown) would close the sides of the air cavity 7" and the collector space 37'. The inlet 25" is centrally located in the collecting space 37'. The angling of the entire panel 1" places it in a more effective heating position relative to the sun and also improves the flow of the air downwardly through the cavity 7" toward the inlet 25".
[1027] In a further embodiment, the webs 21, 21', or 21" of the framing members 15, 15' or 15" could be perforated with perforations 47 to allow the air flowing in the cavities 7, 7', or 7" to move laterally as well as vertically. The fan would pull the air coming down the cavity laterally toward the vertical center of the system where the building inlet 25, 25', or 25" is located. The perforations 47 would also lighten the framing members making them easier to handle.
[1028] Perforated framing members permit a very simplified heating system to be used. As shown in Fig. 6, the simplified system can comprise a perforated panel 101 supported by perforated framing members 115 to form a cavity 107. The inlet 125 can be located anywhere in the bottom half of the cavity 107 since the fan 123 can pull the air both vertically and transversely through the cavity 107 and the perforations 147 in the frame members 115. No air collecting duct or air collecting space is needed in this embodiment, the cavity itself acting as an air collecting space. The top, bottom and sides of the cavity 107 are closed by top, bottom and side walls.
[1029] If desired a louver 149 can be provided in the panel 101 adjacent or near the inlet opening 125 to allow cooler outside air to flow into the cavity 107 and to mix with the heated air to cool it in the summer if needed. A similar louver could be used in any of the panels 1, 1', or 1" in the other embodiments previously described.
[1030] The siding members 209 forming the panel 201 could be mounted vertically. In this variant, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, narrower vertical frame members 215 could be used along with horizontal frame members 210 in all the embodiments previously shown with horizontal siding members. The horizontal frame members 210 are attached to the outer arms 219 of the vertical frame members 215 as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The horizontal frame members 210 are vertically spaced-apart. The vertical siding members 209 are attached to the horizontal frame members 210, which can have a u-shaped cross-section, with suitable fastening members (not shown). Perforations 247 can be provided in the webs 221 of the vertical frame members 215 and perforations 248 can be provided in the webs 222 of the horizontal frame members 210. Top panel 231 can close the top of cavity 207 and the duct 223 can close the bottom of the cavity. Side panels close the sides of the cavity 207. The vertical siding members 209 are straight in this embodiment and in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6; bent as shown in the embodiment in Fig. 4 or angled as shown in the embodiment in Fig.
5. If bent or angled, the vertical frame members could be shaped to fit the bent or angled configurations with the horizontal frame members being uniform. Alternatively, the vertical frame members could be uniform with the horizontal frame members progressively deepening toward the bottom, where needed, in the bent or angled configurations. The siding members could also be mounted diagonally.
Claims (17)
1. A solar air heating system for a building having a vertical, sunlit facing wall, the system having a heat-absorbent panel for covering the wall;
perforations in the panel allowing air to flow through the panel; at least one vertical frame member for fastening the panel to the wall to space the panel a short distance away from the wall and to form an air cavity between the wall and panel; a pair of end frame members forming closed sides of the air cavity, the at least one vertical frame member located between the end frame members and extending vertically along a major portion of the panel within the air cavity; an air collecting space at the bottom of the cavity, adjacent the wall; an air inlet in the wall proximate to the bottom of the wall, the air inlet connecting the air collecting space to the interior of the building; and a fan in the inlet to draw outside air into the cavity through the perforations in the panel, from the cavity into the air collecting space, and from the air collecting space into the building through the air inlet.
perforations in the panel allowing air to flow through the panel; at least one vertical frame member for fastening the panel to the wall to space the panel a short distance away from the wall and to form an air cavity between the wall and panel; a pair of end frame members forming closed sides of the air cavity, the at least one vertical frame member located between the end frame members and extending vertically along a major portion of the panel within the air cavity; an air collecting space at the bottom of the cavity, adjacent the wall; an air inlet in the wall proximate to the bottom of the wall, the air inlet connecting the air collecting space to the interior of the building; and a fan in the inlet to draw outside air into the cavity through the perforations in the panel, from the cavity into the air collecting space, and from the air collecting space into the building through the air inlet.
2. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the air collecting space is a collecting duct extending across the width of the panel, the duct slightly deeper than the cavity.
3. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the panel has a vertical top portion parallel to the wall to form, with the wall, the air cavity and a bottom portion that is angled outwardly from the bottom of the top portion to form, with the wall, the air collector space.
4. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the panel is angled slightly outwardly away from its top edge; a top, major, portion of the panel forming, with the wall, the cavity; the cavity being tapered from its bottom end to its top end; the bottom, minor portion of the panel forming, with the wall, the air collector space; the bottom end of the cavity connected to the top of the air collector space; the air collector space tapered toward the cavity.
5. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the panel is made from horizontal siding members, the siding members fastened to the at least one vertical frame member.
6. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the top portion of the panel is made from horizontal siding members, the siding members fastened to the at least one vertical frame member.
7. A solar air heating system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the panel is made from vertical siding members, horizontal frame members attached to the outside of the at least one vertical frame member, the vertical siding members attached to the horizontal frame members.
8. A solar air heating system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the perforations are circular.
9. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a bypass damper is located in the panel close to the air inlet to permit the entry of outside air directly into the air inlet of the building.
10. A solar air heating system for a building having a vertical, sunlit facing wall, the system having a heat-absorbing panel covering the wall, the bottom of the panel at the bottom of the wall; perforations in the panel allowing air to flow through the panel; at least one vertical frame member for fastening the panel to the wall to space the panel a short distance away from the wall and to form an air cavity between the wall and panel; a pair of end frame members forming closed sides of the air cavity, the at least one vertical frame member located between the end frame members and extending vertically along a major portion of the panel within the air cavity; perforations in the at least one vertical frame member to facilitate air flow in the cavity; an air inlet in the lower portion of the wall to connect the cavity to the interior of the building and a fan in the inlet to draw outside air into the cavity through the perforations in the panel and then into the building, from the cavity through the air inlet, the air passing through the perforations in the at least one vertical frame member in the cavity.
11. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the perforations in the panel are circular.
12. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein the panel is made from horizontal siding members, the horizontal siding members fastened to the at least one vertical frame member.
13. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein the panel is made from vertical siding members, horizontal frame members attached to the outside of the at least one vertical frame member, the vertical siding members attached to the horizontal frame members.
14. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 10 including an air collector duct at the bottom of the cavity between the panel and the building wall, the duct extending across the width of the panel, and being slightly deeper than the cavity, the cavity opening into the duct; and the air inlet located in the duct.
15. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the panel has a vertical top portion parallel to the wall to form, with the wall, the air cavity; the panel having a bottom portion that is angled outwardly from the bottom of the top portion to form, with the wall, the air collector space.
16. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the panel is angled slightly outwardly away from its top edge; a top, major, portion of the panel forming, with the wall, the cavity; the cavity being tapered from its bottom end to its top end; the bottom, minor portion of the panel forming, with the wall, the air collector space; the bottom end of the cavity connected to the top of the air collector space; the air collector space tapered toward the cavity.
17. A solar air heating system as claimed in claim 10 wherein a bypass damper is located in the panel close to the air inlet to permit the entry of outside air directly into the air inlet of the building.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2559641 CA2559641C (en) | 2006-09-13 | 2006-09-13 | Solar air heating system |
| US11/889,915 US20080060635A1 (en) | 2006-09-13 | 2007-08-17 | Method and apparatus for preheating ventilation air for a building |
| DE200710043219 DE102007043219A1 (en) | 2006-09-13 | 2007-09-11 | Solar air heating system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2559641 CA2559641C (en) | 2006-09-13 | 2006-09-13 | Solar air heating system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2559641A1 CA2559641A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
| CA2559641C true CA2559641C (en) | 2014-04-15 |
Family
ID=39168324
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2559641 Expired - Fee Related CA2559641C (en) | 2006-09-13 | 2006-09-13 | Solar air heating system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20080060635A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2559641C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102007043219A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20120312293A1 (en) * | 2007-07-26 | 2012-12-13 | Vachon Christian | Perforated transparent glazing for heat recovery and solar air heating |
| CA2720454C (en) * | 2008-04-01 | 2014-06-17 | Opaly, Societe Par Actions Simplifiee | Method and device for trimming for facade or roof of a building |
| FR2929379A1 (en) * | 2008-04-01 | 2009-10-02 | Opaly Soc Par Actions Simplifi | Hollow panel for fabricating wall of building, has fluid circulation channel extending between receiver and perforated receiver that is exposed to heat radiation and transform radiation by reflection, transmission and/or absorption |
| EP2315980A4 (en) | 2008-07-29 | 2015-05-06 | Syenergy Integrated Energy Solutions Inc | Curved transpired solar air heater and conduit |
| CA2690650C (en) * | 2009-02-18 | 2016-04-12 | Matrix Energy Inc. | Modular transpired solar air collector |
| US9848586B2 (en) * | 2014-01-16 | 2017-12-26 | GeoSolarHeat | System and method for environmental control |
| FR3036173A1 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-11-18 | Gilles Bodergat | RADIANT PANEL WITH PASSIVE SOLAR ENERGY |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3946720A (en) * | 1974-02-25 | 1976-03-30 | International Solarthermics Corporation | Solar heat collector |
| US4090494A (en) * | 1977-01-24 | 1978-05-23 | Southern Illinois University Foundation | Solar collector |
| US4297990A (en) * | 1979-03-08 | 1981-11-03 | Howall Products, Inc. | Solar collector |
| US4387703A (en) * | 1981-05-13 | 1983-06-14 | Poole Lee H | Solar heating device |
| US4403600A (en) * | 1981-12-07 | 1983-09-13 | Morrison Herbert F | Modular solar heating system |
| US4469087A (en) * | 1983-03-15 | 1984-09-04 | Cameron A W W | Solar heating device |
| CA1283333C (en) * | 1988-02-11 | 1991-04-23 | John Carl Hollick | Method and apparatus for preheating ventilation air for a building |
| US5692491A (en) * | 1996-04-19 | 1997-12-02 | Midwest Research Institute | Unglazed transpired solar collector having a low thermal-conductance absorber |
| US6201179B1 (en) * | 1997-10-03 | 2001-03-13 | Nick Dalacu | Array of photovoltaic modules for an integrated solar power collector system |
| FR2775765B1 (en) * | 1998-03-04 | 2000-04-21 | Masa Therm Sa | DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING HEAT BETWEEN A SOLAR RADIATION HEATED PANEL AND A WALL |
| US5935343A (en) * | 1998-03-13 | 1999-08-10 | Hollick; John Carl | Combined solar collector and photovoltaic cells |
| US6870087B1 (en) * | 2001-09-14 | 2005-03-22 | Patrick Gallagher | Assembly method and apparatus for photovoltaic module |
| JP3690602B2 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2005-08-31 | 株式会社オーエムソーラー協会 | Pneumatic solar system |
| US6968654B2 (en) * | 2003-01-08 | 2005-11-29 | Mcconnell Energy Solutions, Llc | Solar panel mounting structure, solar panel system, and methods of making and installing thereof |
| US7032588B2 (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2006-04-25 | John Hollick | Method and apparatus for preheating ventilation air for a building |
-
2006
- 2006-09-13 CA CA 2559641 patent/CA2559641C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-08-17 US US11/889,915 patent/US20080060635A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-09-11 DE DE200710043219 patent/DE102007043219A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE102007043219A1 (en) | 2008-05-15 |
| CA2559641A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
| US20080060635A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2559641C (en) | Solar air heating system | |
| EP0380349B1 (en) | Improved method and apparatus for preheating ventilation air for a building | |
| US10900229B2 (en) | Hanger profile and ceiling assembly | |
| CA2503395C (en) | Method and apparatus for preheating ventilation air for a building | |
| US7677243B2 (en) | Solar heating system and architectural structure with a solar heating system | |
| EP2021701B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for cooling ventilation air for a building | |
| US8276580B2 (en) | Modular transpired solar air collector | |
| JP2675385B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for preheating ventilation air | |
| KR101650811B1 (en) | Energy saving envelope ventilation structure in renovation building | |
| CN211507271U (en) | Novel box-type transformer | |
| CN108104300A (en) | Porous permeable type fresh air preheating Solar wall | |
| JP2009084936A (en) | Thermal insulation dwelling house and ventilation system | |
| CN116290501A (en) | Energy-saving heat-preserving building curtain wall structure and construction method thereof | |
| CN210292082U (en) | Machine and air conditioner in air conditioning | |
| CN100348923C (en) | Discharge grille for frame type air conditioner | |
| CN111210968A (en) | Novel box-type transformer | |
| US20230400202A1 (en) | Attic ventilation system | |
| JP5524258B2 (en) | Pneumatic solar system | |
| KR101590723B1 (en) | Deck plate structure for a vertical ventilation | |
| CN202767631U (en) | Exhaust system of air conditioning outdoor machine | |
| JP3845075B2 (en) | Solar air conditioning system | |
| KR102409729B1 (en) | Building one body type hybrid natural ventilation system | |
| CN211476088U (en) | Air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner | |
| JP4541372B2 (en) | Pneumatic solar collector ventilation system | |
| JP2007271093A (en) | Exhaust air conditioning equipment |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20210913 |