Heating and cooling system
The heating and cooling system may be structurally incorporated into a building. The heating and cooling system may be incorporated into an exterior building portion having an interior side. At least one support member, having a fastening portion and a channel, is mounted proximate to the interior side of the exterior building portion. At least one radiant heat tube is disposed in each channel and mounted proximate to the interior side of the exterior building portion by each support member. A heat-carrying medium is transmitted through the radiant heat tube. A radiant heat reflective surface is mounted proximate to the radiant heat tube.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/551,439, filed Mar. 9, 2004, and entitled “Heating and Cooling System”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to heating and cooling systems, and in particular, to heating and cooling systems that utilize solar energy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONEnvironmental concerns and the depletion of non-renewable energy resources, particularly fossil fuels, have created an on-going need for viable alternative energy sources. Solar energy has long been considered an ideal alternative energy source. Using radiation from the sun to generate heat or other forms of energy is not harmful to the environment and provides a seemingly unlimited supply of energy. Further, any individual or business may use solar energy by installing solar panels on residential and non-residential buildings. The energy is available independent from any utility service provider. Various types of solar collector panels have been designed to maximize the efficient conversion of solar radiation for heating and other forms of energy.
Despite these advantages, however, the use of existing solar energy systems has been limited. Solar collection panels, typically used to collect and provide solar energy, are expensive and are often difficult to install. Further, incorporating solar energy into a building using current technology often requires significant structural changes to the building. As a result of the expense and complexity of design related to installation of solar collection panels, many individuals have opted to continue using conventional energy sources rather than solar energy.
Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONEmbodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for providing heating and cooling via use of solar power.
Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The heating and cooling system may be structurally incorporated into a building. The heating and cooling system is incorporated into an exterior building portion having an interior side. At least one support member, having a fastening portion and a channel, is mounted proximate to the interior side of the exterior building portion. At least one radiant heat tube is supported by the support member and is mounted proximate to the exterior building portion on the interior side of the exterior building portion by each support member. A heat-carrying medium is circulated through the radiant heat tube. A radiant heat reflective surface is mounted proximate to the radiant heat tube.
The present invention also includes a method for providing a heating and cooling system utilizing solar power. The method includes: mounting at least one radiant heat tube proximate to an interior side of an exterior building portion; mounting a radiant heat reflective surface proximate to the radiant heat tube; and transmitting a heat-carrying medium through the radiant heat tube.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSMany aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The exterior building portion 12, as shown in
The exterior building portion 12 may include one or more panels 13. The panels 13 may be made of steel or another type of rigid, heat conducting material. Each panel 13 may include a radiation-absorbing surface exposed to the outside environment for absorbing solar radiation from the sun, thereby heating the panels 13. The radiation-absorbing surface may have a dark color with a high solar absorbtivity. The interior side 14 of the exterior building portion 12 may be the interior side of the panels 13, allowing the support members 16 and, possibly, the radiant heat tube 22 to be heated through contact with the panels 13.
As shown in
The support member 16 includes the channel 20. The channel 20, as shown in
The radiant heat tube 22 may be made of one or more of a variety of materials. The radiant heat tube 22 may be a flexible, tube, such as a type commercially available from REHAU, Inc., of Leesburg, Va., although many other manufacturers provide tubing having characteristics desired for the radiant heat tube 22. The radiant heat tube 22 may be a rigid tube, such as copper tubing. The radiant heat tube 22 may be sufficiently impermeable to contain the heat-carrying medium 24, while permitting heat transfer from outside the radiant heat tube 22 to within the radiant heat tube 22. The radiant heat tube 22 may also be sufficiently durable to withstand prolonged contact to a heated exterior building portion 12 and a heated support member 16 with minimal damage. The radiant heat tube 22 may be made of a flexible, plastic material, the flexibility of which provides for more convenient installation. In a single application, multiple radiant heat tubes 22 may be joined end to end to create one or more paths of transmission for the heat-carrying medium 24. The radiant heat tubes 22 may be joined by fittings to minimize leakage of the heat-carrying medium 24. Also, one or more heat-insulative tubes may be used to transmit the heat-carrying medium 24 from the radiant heat tubes 22 proximate to the exterior building portion 12 to other locations in, or about, the building. Using heat insulative tubes will limit heat loss prior to the heat-carrying medium 24 reaching an intended destination.
The heat-carrying medium 24 may be one of a variety of fluid materials. The heat-carrying medium 24 may, for instance, be water, air, or other liquids or gases. The heat-carrying medium 24 may be used to heat other areas of the building or surrounding areas, such as swimming pools, by circulating the heat-carrying medium 24 to those other areas. Once circulated, the heat-carrying medium 24 may radiate at least a portion of the heat collected at the exterior building portion 12. The heat-carrying medium 24 may similarly be circulated to a water heater to at least contribute to the heating of the water within the water heater. The heat-carrying medium 24 may similarly be circulated to other locations for heating other objects or spaces. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize the steps needed to use the heat-carrying medium 24 to heat specific locations and objects. Once the heat-carrying medium 24 is circulated away from the exterior building portion 12, the heat-carrying medium 24 may be utilized in one or more ways known to those having ordinary skill in the art without deviating from the scope of the present invention. As the heat-carrying medium 24 is circulated to other locations, that circulation is transporting heat away from the interior side 14 of the exterior building portion 12, cooling this area. Therefore, circulation of the heat-carrying medium 24 may also be undertaken to effectuate a cooling of the space proximate the interior side 14 of the exterior building portion 12.
Two tests were performed studying the heating and cooling system 10 described herein. In both tests, two model attic spaces were compared: a first attic space was provided with the heating and cooling system 10 present, including the radiant heat reflective surface 26; and a second attic space without the heating and cooling system 10 present. In both tests, both attic spaces had similar exterior building portion 12 materials, were in similar environments, and were exposed to similar heat radiation. In the first test, the heat-carrying medium 24 was kept relatively immobile in the first attic space, yet the first attic space, below the radiant heat reflective surface 26, was 17 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the second attic space, which demonstrates a radiant heat reflective surface 26 reflects significant radiant heat. In the second test, the heat-carrying medium 24 was circulated out of the first attic space. The first attic space, below the radiant heat reflective surface 26, was 35 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the second attic space, which demonstrates that circulating the heat-carrying medium 24 is capable of noticeably cooling the space proximate to the exterior building portion 12.
The heating and cooling system 10 may be utilized to make photovoltaic systems more efficient. Photovoltaic laminates, tiles, and other photovoltaic pieces may be installed on an exterior of the exterior building portion 12, as is known to those having ordinary skill in the art. These photovoltaic pieces sometimes have a higher electrical current resistance at higher temperatures. If the temperatures of these photovoltaic pieces can be lowered during operation, they will operate more efficiently. As previously outlined, circulation of the heat-carrying medium 24 from the interior side 14 of the exterior building portion 12 may effectuate a cooling of the exterior building portion 12 and areas proximate thereto. Photovoltaic pieces mounted to the exterior building portion 12 having the heating and cooling system 10 may operate more efficiently as a result of the circulation of the heat-carrying medium 24.
The heating and cooling system 10 may also be used in a manner inverse to the heating concept, to cool the heat-carrying medium 24. In the evening, when the sun is not shining on the exterior building portion 12, the exterior building portion 12 may be cooled by an exterior temperature. If the heat-carrying medium 24 is warm, either through usage during the day or as the result of systems internal to the building (such as manufacturing systems), the warmed heat-carrying medium 24 may be circulated to the radiant heat tube 22 proximate to the exterior building portion 12. Here the radiant heat tube 22 will radiate heat from the heat-carrying medium 24. The heat, traveling as infrared electromagnetic radiation (heat radiation), may radiate directly through the exterior building portion 12 and may also radiate toward an interior of the building. When the heat radiates toward the interior of the building, the radiant heat reflective surface 26 may reflect the infrared electromagnetic radiation back toward the exterior building portion 12, allowing a substantial portion of the heat to be released through the exterior building portion.
The radiant heat reflective surface 126 may be positioned to reflect solar radiation 128 back toward the interior side 114 of the exterior building portion 112, the support members 116, and/or the radiant heat tube 122. By reflecting the solar radiation 128, the radiant heat reflective surface 126 causes the interior side 114 of the exterior building portion 112, the support members 116, and/or the radiant heat tube 122 to be heated additionally by a second pass of solar radiation 128. The presence and position of the radiant heat reflective surface 126 therefore allows the other elements of the heating and cooling system 110 and, ultimately, the heat-carrying medium 124 to be heated more efficiently.
The radiant heat reflective surface 126 may be one of many different materials. The radiant heat reflective surface 126 may, as one possible example, be one of the reflective materials produced and sold by Reflectix, Inc., of Markleville, Ind. The radiant heat reflective surface 126 may, for instance, be aluminum foil or a radiant film applied to a more durable surface, such as the substructure 117. The radiant heat reflective surface 126 at least partially reflects heat radiation. The substructure 117 may, for instance, be one or more plywood boards mounted proximate to the exterior building portion 112. Other, similar heat reflective surfaces known to those having ordinary skill in the art are similarly contemplated by the invention.
The radiant heat reflective surface 126 may be mounted such that an air gap 130 exists between the radiant reflective surface 126 and the radiant heat tube 122. In some cases, contact between the radiant heat reflective surface 126 and the radiant heat tube 122, for instance, as a result of sagging by the radiant heat tube 122, may result in the limiting or inhibition of the ability of the radiant heat reflective surface 126 to reflect solar radiation 128. To avoid contact between the radiant heat tube 122 and the radiant heat reflective surface 126, either rigid radiant heat tubes 122 or elongated support members 116 (such as purlins) may be used. Avoiding contact between the radiant heat tube 122 and the radiant heat reflective surface 126 will help ensure the existence of the air gap 130. The air gap 130 provides additional space for the reflection of solar radiation 128 toward the radiant heat tube 122 that may not be available if the radiant heat tube 122 is in contact with the radiant heat reflective surface 126. The air gap 130 may be, for instance, one inch, although other dimensions for the air gap 130 are contemplated by the present invention. The support members 116 may be fastened to the radiant reflective surface 126 in lieu of, or in addition to, being mounted to the exterior building portion 112. Also, insulation 132 may be provided behind the radiant heat reflective surface 126. The insulation 132 traps the warmed air between the exterior building portion 112 and the radiant heat reflective surface 126, further warming the radiant heat tube 122 and the heat-carrying medium 124. Also, variations in temperature within the space between the radiant heat reflective surface 126 and the exterior building portion 112 may encourage a circulatory motion of the warmed air, heating the heat-carrying medium 124 in a convective process.
A vent (not shown) may be provided that allows air to circulate from between the exterior building portion 112 and the radiant heat reflective surface 126 to other areas of the building. The vent would allow for heating of other areas of the building using the air that has been heated through solar radiation 128 and further heated as a result of the heat reflective surface 126 and stored as a result of the insulation 132. The vent may further be provided with a fan to circulate air to parts of the building that are below and/or above the area between the exterior building portion 112 and the radiant heat reflective surface 126 (without the fan, the warmed air may at least be able to rise to parts of the building above this area). Other devices known to those having ordinary skill in the art, such as, but not limited to, thermostats and controlled vent openings, may be used to further augment this system without deviating from the scope of the invention.
The flow chart of
As shown in
Mounting at least one radiant heat tube 22 against the interior side 14 of the exterior building portion 12 (block 302) may also include disposing at least one radiant heat tube 22 within a channel 20 of at least one support member 16 and mounting at least one support member 16 to the interior side 14 of the exterior building portion 12. Installation of the heating and cooling system 10 may also include mounting insulation behind the radiant heat reflective surface 26, trapping warm air close to the radiant heat tube 22.
The process of heating the heat-carrying medium 24 is effective, in part, because the heat-carrying medium 24, and the surrounding components of the heating and cooling system 10, are heated by at least two passes of solar radiation. The process of heating the heat-carrying medium 24 includes heating the heat-carrying medium 24 with solar-generated heat radiating through the exterior building portion 12 and heating the heat-carrying medium 24 with solar generated heat reflected from the radiant heat reflective surface 26. The process of heating the heat-carrying medium 24 is also effective because the support members 16 may be heated by solar radiation as well as heat conducted from the solar-heated exterior building portion 12 and the heated support members 16 may conduct heat through the channel 20 to the radiant heat tube 22 and, ultimately, the heat-carrying medium 24.
Installation of the heating and cooling system 10 may be completed during new construction or retrofitted within existing buildings. Exemplary pre-existing roofing structures include bare rafters, rafters covered in a sub-support material such as plywood or steel C-channels, or even on top of existing roof shingles.
In one embodiment, a pre-fabricated system may be made and installed in one piece onto a pre-existing roof structure. The support members 16 (or purlins) may be fastened to a plurality of sub-support members such as steel C-channels at a generally 90-degree angle to form a grid structure. The radiant heat tube 22 is pressed into the channels 20 that are defined by the support members 16. The entire grid structure formed by the support members 16 and sub-support members is then raised up against the existing roofing panels 13. The sub-support members may be secured to carrying rafters or other existing building structure.
In one example, a heating and cooling system 10 was placed on a roof structure and connected to a hot tub. Water was used as the heat-carrying medium 24 and the exterior building portion 12 was exposed to the sun for 8 hours during clear weather conditions. The temperature readings for the ambient air, the exterior building portion 12, and the water were recorded as shown in the graph of
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.
Claims
1. A heating and cooling system capable of being structurally incorporated into a building, said heating and cooling system comprising:
- an exterior building portion having an interior side;
- at least one radiant heat tube mounted proximate to the exterior building portion on the interior side of the exterior building portion;
- a heat-carrying medium transmittable through the radiant heat tube; and
- a radiant heat reflective surface mounted proximate to the radiant heat tube.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising insulation proximate to the radiant heat reflective surface.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one support member, each support member comprising a fastening portion and a channel, the support member mounted proximate to the exterior building portion and the channel supporting the radiant heat tube.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the support member and the radiant heat tube are mounted against the interior side of the exterior building portion.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising photovoltaic pieces mounted to the exterior building portion.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the exterior building portion further comprises a solar radiation-absorbing surface.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pump in communication with the radiant heat tube thereby circulating the heat-carrying medium.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the fastening portion of the support member is fastened to a substructure, wherein the substructure is positioned to mount the support member against the interior side of the exterior building portion.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a vent positioned to allow circulation of air from between the exterior building portion and the radiant heat reflective surface to other spaces within the building.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the exterior building portion comprises at least a portion of a roof.
11. A method of installing and operating a heating and cooling system in a building, said method comprising the steps of:
- mounting at least one radiant heat tube against an interior side of an exterior building portion;
- mounting a radiant heat reflective surface proximate to the radiant heat tube; and
- transmitting a heat-carrying medium through the radiant heat tube.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of mounting at least one radiant heat tube against the interior side of the exterior building portion further comprises disposing the at least one radiant heat tube within a channel of at least one support member and mounting the at least one support member against the interior side of the exterior building portion, the support member fastened to a substructure.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising installing insulation proximate to the radiant heat reflective surface.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of transmitting a heat-carrying medium through the radiant heat tube further comprises pumping a heat-carrying medium through the radiant heat tube using a pump.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:
- heating the heat-carrying medium with solar generated heat radiating through the exterior building portion; and
- heating the heat-carrying medium with solar generated heat reflected from the radiant heat reflective surface.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising heating the heat-carrying medium with solar generated heat transmitted through the exterior building portion to the at least one support member in contact with the heat-carrying medium.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of circulating the heat-carrying medium to a separate portion of the building, thereby heating air or water in the separate portion of the building.
18. A system for utilizing solar energy to provide a heat source within or proximate to a building, the system comprising:
- a means for collecting heat at an interior side of an exterior building portion;
- a means for intensifying heat at the interior side of the exterior building portion;
- a means for transporting collected heat from a collection area; and
- a means for utilizing the collected heat at least proximate to the building.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising a means for cooling the exterior building portion.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising a means for restricting solar energy from radiating significantly past the interior side of the exterior building portion.
21. The method of claim 18 further comprising a means for releasing collected heat through the exterior building portion.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 9, 2005
Publication Date: Sep 15, 2005
Inventor: Steven Leighton (Sandown, NH)
Application Number: 11/076,177