Abstract: A dynamic system controls indoor relative humidity and temperature to achieve specified conditions by applying multiple stages of dehumidification. In addition to a stage that increases dehumidification by reducing the speed of the indoor blower, the system uses a reheat coil and multiple valves that allow the reheat coil to function as either a subcooling coil or a partial condenser. Thus the system can maintain specified indoor temperature and humidity conditions even at times when no heating or cooling is needed. The system may have an outdoor condensing unit including a compressor and a condenser operably connected via refrigerant lines to an indoor unit to form a “split system” refrigerant loop.

Abstract: A device is provided for managing air flow in an air handling system. The device has a first movable air deflector and a separate second movable air deflector, each of which are movable between a first position and a second position. A linkage assembly is provided connecting the first movable air deflector and the second movable air deflector. The linkage assembly has a single actuator and is further configured to cooperatively move the first movable air deflector and the second movable air deflector between the respective first position and the second position for each of the first movable air deflector and the second movable air deflector, and to apply a sealing pressure to establish a substantially airtight seal around the each of the first movable air deflector and the second movable air deflector in the first position, around the first air flow deflector in the second position.

Abstract: A method for nighttime pre-cooling of a building comprising inputting one or more user settings, lowering the indoor temperature reading of the building during nighttime by operating an outside air ventilation system followed, if necessary, by a vapor compression cooling system. The method provides for nighttime pre-cooling of a building that maintains indoor temperatures within a comfort range based on the user input settings, calculated operational settings, and predictions of indoor and outdoor temperature trends for a future period of time such as the next day.

Abstract: A dynamic system controls indoor relative humidity and temperature to achieve specified conditions by applying multiple stages of dehumidification. In addition to a stage that increases dehumidification by reducing the speed of the indoor blower, the system uses a reheat coil and multiple valves that allow the reheat coil to function as either a subcooling coil or a partial condenser. Thus the system can maintain specified indoor temperature and humidity conditions even at times when no heating or cooling is needed. The system may have an outdoor condensing unit including a compressor and a condenser operably connected via refrigerant lines to an indoor unit to form a “split system” refrigerant loop.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising constructing a foundation frame, the frame comprising an insulating form having an opening, inserting a pocket former into the opening; placing concrete inside the foundation frame; and removing the pocket former after the placed concrete has set, wherein the concrete forms a pocket in the placed concrete that is accessible through the opening. The method may further comprise sealing the opening by placing a sealing plug or sealing material in the opening. A system for forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising a plurality of interconnected insulating forms, the insulating forms having a rigid outer member protecting and encasing an insulating material, and at least one gripping lip extending outwardly from the outer member to provide a pest barrier. At least one insulating form has an opening into which a removable pocket former is inserted.

Abstract: An evaporative plate-type heat exchanger is provided having a plurality of alternating first plates and second plates positioned in side-by side relationship to form a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface and a rear surface. The first and second plates form a plurality of dry air flow passages, between first faces of the first plates and first faces of adjacent second plates, that are in communication with dry air flow inlet openings and dry air flow outlet openings formed in the front surface. The first and second plates form a plurality of dry air flow passages, between second faces of the first plates and second faces of adjacent second plates, that are in communication with wet air flow inlet openings formed in the bottom surface and with wet air flow outlet openings formed in the rear surface. A method of forming the plate-type heat exchanger includes forming alternating first plates and second plates in a continuous sheet, and folding the continuous sheet in a fan fold arrangement.

Abstract: A roofing panel is provided with a deck having an upper surface that forms a plurality of tubing channels, tubing positioned within the tubing channels, and an upper roofing layer covering the deck, plate layer and tubing. The roofing layer may also have a photovoltaic array panel. The roofing panel may also have a plurality of truss braces, each truss brace being affixed to a lower surface of the deck. In some embodiments, the truss braces are positioned within one of a plurality of truss brace channels formed in a lower surface of the deck. The truss braces have a lower end that terminates in at least one projection extending from a bottom edge of the deck and an upper end forming an opening for slidingly receiving a lower end of a truss brace of an adjacent panel.

Abstract: A roof top cooling unit has an evaporative cooling section that includes at least one evaporative module that pre-cools ventilation air and water; a condenser; a water reservoir and pump that captures and re-circulates water within the evaporative modules; a fan that exhausts air from the building and the evaporative modules and systems that refill and drain the water reservoir. The cooling unit also has a refrigerant section that includes a compressor, an expansion device, evaporator and condenser heat exchangers, and connecting refrigerant piping. Supply air components include a blower, an air filter, a cooling and/or heating coil to condition air for supply to the building, and optional dampers that, in designs that supply less than 100% outdoor air to the building, control the mixture of return and ventilation air.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising constructing a foundation frame, the frame comprising an insulating form having an opening, inserting a pocket former into the opening; placing concrete inside the foundation frame; and removing the pocket former after the placed concrete has set, wherein the concrete forms a pocket in the placed concrete that is accessible through the opening. The method may further comprise sealing the opening by placing a sealing plug or sealing material in the opening. A system for forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising a plurality of interconnected insulating forms, the insulating forms having a rigid outer member protecting and encasing an insulating material, and at least one gripping lip extending outwardly from the outer member to provide a pest barrier. At least one insulating form has an opening into which a removable pocket former is inserted.

Abstract: A method is provided for nighttime pre-cooling of a building comprising inputting one or more user settings, lowering the indoor temperature reading of the building during nighttime by operating an outside air ventilation system followed, if necessary, by a vapor compression cooling system. The method provides for nighttime pre-cooling of a building that maintains indoor temperatures within a comfort range based on the user input settings, calculated operational settings, and predictions of indoor and outdoor temperature trends for a future period of time such as the next day. The method reduces energy costs and minimizes energy consumption during periods of peak electric demand.

Abstract: A rapidly assembled pre-fabricated array of heating elements, such as tubing or wire, on a rigid mesh, for use in radiant panel heating and/or cooling systems, reduce costs by streamlining both the design layouts and the labor operations to fabricate and install the systems. The pre-fabricated arrays may be installed with the mesh on the finish floor side for additional protection of the heating elements during and after installation.

Abstract: A dynamic system controls indoor relative humidity and temperature to achieve specified conditions by applying multiple stages of dehumidification. In addition to an optional stage that increases dehumidification by reducing the speed of the indoor blower, the system uses a reheat coil and multiple valves that allow the reheat coil to function as either a subcooling coil or a partial condenser. Thus the system can maintain specified indoor temperature and humidity conditions even at times when no heating or cooling is needed. The system may have an outdoor condensing unit including a compressor and a condenser operably connected via refrigerant lines to an indoor unit to form a “split system” refrigerant loop.

Abstract: A two stage indirect evaporative cooler that moves air from a blower mounted above the unit, vertically downward into dry air passages in an indirect stage and turns the air flow horizontally before leaving the indirect stage. After leaving the dry passages, a major air portion travels into the direct stage and the remainder of the air is induced by a pressure drop in the direct stage to turn 180° and returns horizontally through wet passages in the indirect stage and out of the unit as exhaust air.

Abstract: A two stage indirect evaporative cooler that moves air from a blower mounted above the unit, vertically downward into dry air passages in an indirect stage and turns the air flow horizontally before leaving the indirect stage. After leaving the dry passages, a major air portion travels into the direct stage and the remainder of the air is induced by a pressure drop in the direct stage to turn 180° and returns horizontally through wet passages in the indirect stage and out of the unit as exhaust air.

Abstract: A roof top cooling unit has an evaporative cooling section that includes at least one evaporative module that pre-cools ventilation air and water; a condenser; a water reservoir and pump that captures and re-circulates water within the evaporative modules; a fan that exhausts air from the building and the evaporative modules and systems that refill and drain the water reservoir. The cooling unit also has a refrigerant section that includes a compressor, an expansion device, evaporator and condenser heat exchangers, and connecting refrigerant piping. Supply air components include a blower, an air filter, a cooling and/or heating coil to condition air for supply to the building, and optional dampers that, in designs that supply less than 100% outdoor air to the building, control the mixture of return and ventilation air.

Abstract: An evaporative heat exchanger having parallel plates that define alternating dry and wet passages. A water reservoir is located below the plates and is connected to a water distribution system. Water from the water distribution system flows through the wet passages and wets the surfaces of the plates that form the wet passages. Air flows through the dry passages, mixes with air below the plates, and flows into the wet passages before exiting through the top of the wet passages.

Abstract: An evaporative heat exchanger having parallel plates that define alternating dry and wet passages. A water reservoir is located below the plates and is connected to a water distribution system. Water from the water distribution system flows through the wet passages and wets the surfaces of the plates that form the wet passages. Air flows through the dry passages, mixes with air below the plates, and flows into the wet passages before exiting through the top of the wet passages.

Abstract: A solar water heater has a rotationally-molded water box and a glazing subassembly disposed over the water box that enhances solar gain and provides an insulating air space between the outside environment and the water box. When used with a pressurized water system, an internal heat exchanger is integrally molded within the water box. Mounting and connection hardware is included to provide a rapid and secure method of installation.

Abstract: A solar water heater has a rotationally-molded water box and a glazing subassembly disposed over the water box that enhances solar gain and provides an insulating air space between the outside environment and the water box. When used with a pressurized water system, an internal heat exchanger is integrally molded within the water box. Mounting and connection hardware is included to provide a rapid and secure method of installation.

Abstract: A dual evaporative pre-cooling system is installed packaged air conditioning units. The dual evaporative pre-cooling system includes an evaporative media disposed in a housing through which incoming condenser air flows. A water distribution device is disposed above the evaporative media. A sump and a pump are located below the evaporative media to recirculate water through the water distribution device and a ventilation air pre-cooling coil. A plurality of pipes connect, and allow circulation of, a water source discharged from the pump through the ventilation air pre-cooling coil, and to the water distribution device.