Abstract: A smart ventilation system which uses outdoor temperature and moisture to optimize control of the system. The main principle is to shift ventilation from time periods that have large indoor-outdoor temperature and moisture differences to periods when these differences are smaller, and their energy and comfort impacts are expected to be less. Fan flow rates are reduced when the outside temperature and moisture falls outside of optimum levels, yet overall air exchange is maintained to ensure chronic and acute exposure to pollutants remains relative to best practice. Online weather and smart thermostat data can be used as control inputs, so no specific measurement devices are needed to control ventilation fans.

Abstract: A smart ventilation system which uses outdoor temperature and moisture to optimize control of the system. The main principle is to shift ventilation from time periods that have large indoor-outdoor temperature and moisture differences to periods when these differences are smaller, and their energy and comfort impacts are expected to be less. Fan flow rates are reduced when the outside temperature and moisture falls outside of optimum levels, yet overall air exchange is maintained to ensure chronic and acute exposure to pollutants remains relative to best practice. Online weather and smart thermostat data can be used as control inputs, so no specific measurement devices are needed to control ventilation fans.

Abstract: A shelf in a cooled compartment (10) has gaskets (32,42) selectively attachable and removable at sides (22,24,26) of the shelf. The gaskets (32,42) are configured to obstruct the flow of air at at least a portion of a gap between the shelf and a wall (14,16,18) of the compartment (10) on the side of the shelf where the gasket is attached.

Abstract: In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a refrigeration system includes an evaporatively cooled condenser configured to transfer heat from the refrigeration system to an atmosphere, an air inlet in fluid communication with the condenser, and an evaporative cooling medium disposed between the atmosphere and the condenser such that at least a portion of an airflow from the atmosphere passes through the evaporative cooling medium to reduce the temperature of the airflow before passing the airflow over the condenser. The evaporative cooling element can improve system cooling efficiency by 20-50% depending on temperature conditions or even greater in dry climates.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are embodiments of an insulating device adapted for use with at least one heat source which may have at least one projection on an end thereof. In one embodiment, the insulating device includes a plurality of insulating cap modules. The modules may assemble together to form an insulating cap that substantially covers the end. Each of the insulating cap modules may have least one aperture that allows passage of the at least one projection when assembled. Further disclosed is a kit comprising an insulating device and a method of making an insulating device.

Abstract: Highly efficient solar fans used in portable and built in configurations. A ventilation fan can be used for exhausting air out from underneath roofs, and/or for being portable in use and application. The fan can include optimized airflow blades having a twisted configuration that can move at a rotational speed operation of up to approximately 500 rpm. The approximately 15 inch diameter twisted blades can be premolded on a hub that together form a single molded unit of plastic. They can also be fabricated using metal. The unit can be mounted in an exhaust outlet having a conical diffuser on or adjacent to a roof. Another embodiment allows for portable solar powered fans used anywhere there is a need for ventilation and moving of air. The blades can rotate by a solar powered motor, where the blades and motor can generate up to approximately 1040 cfm while using no more than approximately 16 Watts. Portable fans can be powered by solar panels. One embodiment has solar panels mounted to a handtruck.

Abstract: Twisted blades for outdoor air conditioner condensers and heat pumps that improve airflow efficiency to minimize operating power requirements. The blades can run at approximately 850 rpm to produce approximately 1930 cfm of air flow using approximately 110 Watts of power from an 8-pole motor with an improved diffuser assembly. Using an OEM 6-pole ? hp motor produced approximately 2610 cfm with approximately 145 Watts of power while running the blades at approximately 1100 rpm. Power savings were approximately 24% (40 to 50 Watts) over the conventional configuration with increased air flow. Embodiments of two, three, four and five blades can be equally spaced apart from one another about hubs. Additionally, a novel noise reduction configuration can include asymmetrically mounted blades such as five blades asymmetrically mounted about the hub.

Abstract: Novel twisted blades with an air foil for use with air conditioner condensers and heat pumps that provide improved airflow efficiency to minimize operating power requirements having an overall diameter across the blades being approximately 19 inches, and approximately 27.6 inches. The blades (AC-A) can run at approximately 840 rpm to produce approximately 2200 cfm of air flow using approximately 110 Watts of power from an 8-pole motor. Using an OEM 6-pole ? hp motor produced approximately 2800 cfm with approximately 144 Watts of power while running the blades at approximately 1100 rpm. Power savings were 25% (50 W) over the conventional configuration. A second version of the fan (AC-B) with some refinements to the flow geometry produced a similar air flow while using only 131 W of power at 1100 rpm. Power savings were 32% (62 W) over the conventional configuration. Embodiments can include two, three, four and five blades equally spaced apart from one another about hubs.