GB2424059A

GB2424059A - Ventilation Arrangement for a Building

Info

Publication number: GB2424059A
Application number: GB0426983A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Bottomley
Original assignee: Can Do Corp Ltd
Current assignee: Can Do Corp Ltd
Priority date: 2004-12-09
Filing date: 2004-12-09
Publication date: 2006-09-13
Also published as: GB0426983D0

Abstract

A ventilation arrangement for a building closure has an airflow path defined in at least a part of a frame 41 used to form the closure. The arrangement can include means to generate electrical potential (55 fig 4) across the airflow path with a collector (56 fig 4) arranged to attract oppositely electrically charged particles from an airflow passing through the airflow path. Alternatively, the ventilation arrangement can include means 45 to provide a functional activity along the airflow path whilst an area defined by the frame is closed by a glazing panel 43. The functional activity may include filtration, air conditioning, scenting of the airflow, or propelling the airflow using an electric motor driven fan. The motor driven fan may be power by mains electricity, which may be reduced to 12 volts, or alternatively the motor driven fan 46 may be powered by a battery which may be rechargeable. The means to generate electrical potential may ionise particulate matter and the collector may attract charged particles in the airflow to provide filtration. The arrangement may provide heating or cooling of the airflow using a Peltier or Seebeck device, or electrical resistive heaters. The ventilation arrangement may be a trickle vent for a window, and electrical power may be provided by solar panels or a mechanical device such as a dynamo.

Description

* 2424059 Ventilation The present invention relates to ventilation and

more particularly to windows configured to provide more convenient ventilation within a building.

Clearly, ventilation within a building is highly desirable in order to not only provide a fresh air supply but also improve environmental conditions. At a basic level a window can be opened in order to allow air flow into a building, but such an approach introduces problems with respect to security, can increase the noise and particle pollution as well as being dependent upon the local quality of air and actual flow rate. In such circumstances it is known to provide fans and other ventilation systems which generally are adjuncts to the window in that the ventilation device is mounted in the glazing pane. In such circumstances the ventilation apparatus diminishes the aesthetic appearance of the window, reduces the light coming into the building and the view from the building and can significantly add to costs in terms of installation. An alternative is to build the system through a wall, but again this is aesthetically unsatisfactory and incurs significant installation cost and structural modifications to the building.

Ideally a ventilation system should also provide some form of air cleaning in terms of removal of pollutants and particulate matter such as dust and soot.

The ventilation apparatus will also ideally incorporate some means of forced air flow in order to stimulate ventilation on relatively calm days when there is no wind to drive air flow. Such forced airflow is particularly required if a matrix or material filter is used which will significantly add to drag upon airflow and so diminish such flow.

Most windows include so called trickle vents designed to provide the bare essential air flow and ventilation to prevent condensation. Such trickle vents are relatively small and inadequate for acceptable whole room ventilation.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a ventilation arrangement for a window, the arrangement comprising an airflow path defined in at least one part of a frame used to form a window or other closure for a building, the air flow path having means to provide a functional activity along that airflow path whilst an open area defined by the frame is closed by a glazing panel.

Typically, the functional activity is to drive air flow or provide air conditioning such as filtration and/or temperature adjustment or provide an olfactory scenting of the air flow.

Alternatively in accordance with the present invention there is provided a ventilation arrangement for a window, the arrangement comprising an airflow path defined by a frame used to form a window or other closure for a building, the airflow path including means to generate electrical potential across the airflow path with a collector arranged to attract oppositely electrically charged particles in use from an airflow passing through the airflow path.

Generally the airflow path is unobstructed.

Generally, the means to provide for airflow along the airflow path comprises means to drive such airflow. Possibly, such means to drive airflow is driven by fan blades.

Possibly, the fan blades are driven by an electric motor. Possibly, the electric motor is powered by mains electricity. Possibly, the mains electricity is stepped down to a lower voltage for safety. Possibly, that voltage for safety is 12 volts. Alternatively, the electric motor is powered by a battery. Possibly, the battery is rechargeable.

Generally, the airflow path incorporates means to ionise particulate matter within an airflow passing through that airflow path for precipitation filtration from the airflow.

Typically, the collector comprises an electrically charged plate.

Generally, the airflow path has means for coupling to means for forcing airflow and/or filtration and/or air conditioning and/or olfactory scent mixing of the airflow presented for ventilation in use within a building.

Possibly, the means to generate an electrical potential is provided in the frame whereby the airflow path is defined between overlapping sections of the frame. Typically, the overlapping sections of the frame define a window such as a sash or a casement window.

Advantageously the arrangement incorporates means to control airflow through the airflow path. Typically, the means to control airflow includes determination as to air temperature and/or air condition including humidity.

Additionally, the means for control of airflow includes sensors to determine natural airflow through the airflow path and means to determine whether that natural airflow rate is sufficient to meet operational requirements. Typically, the means to control air flow includes means to activate forced air flow if the natural airflow is insufficient for operational needs. Advantageously, the means for controlling airflow incorporates means to sense particulate content within an airflow passing through the airflow path and dependent upon that determination activate the means to generate an electrical potential to attract charged particulates within the airflow.

Generally, the airflow path incorporates couplings for functional action upon an airflow in the airflow path. Advantageously that functional action is with respect to forcing airflow through the airflow path. Additionally, that functional action is heating of the airflow. More particularly, that functional action is filtration of particulate matter from the airflow. Potentially, that functional action is to increase the airflow aperture to allow greater than trickle airflow through the airflow path.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. I is a schematic perspective illustration of a window frame; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective of an air path through a section of window frame to allow connection of a functional unit in which Fig. 2a depicts the air path a sash window; Fig. 2b depicts the air path to a connector for an externally mounted functional unit; Fig. 2c depicts the window frame with external device attached; Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing showing a functional unit and sensor in a casement style window; Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing showing a functional unit that includes a fan, an ionizer, collector and a sensor; and, Fig. 5 shows an ionizer strip to create a curtain of ions in front of an open window.

It is known to provide so called trickle air vents in window frames in order to provide some ventilation typically in order to inhibit condensation in the glazing pane of a window. Such trickle air vents are inadequate for normal ventilation within a house or building so that it is necessary either to open a window for adequate ventilation or provide a ventilation unit built into the window or adjacent to the window frame. As indicated above, open windows allow pollution in and have an obvious security risk, whilst ventilation units are cumbersome to install, costly and spoil the aesthetic appearance of the window and surround.

Fig. I illustrates an example of a window frame in which a trickle vent 2 is provided which extends through the frame I and includes slats to facilitate air flow. As can be seen the window frame incorporates a glazing panel 3. In the embodiments shown the window frame will typically be part of a sash window arrangement in which the whole frame will be displaced in order to open the window. In such circumstances as indicated the trickle vent 2 will generally be inadequate to provide normal ventilation in a building or room of a house, etc. Nevertheless the window frame retains its aesthetic appearance.

A normal trickle vent in a box sash window can be partially blocked by the lintel which can reduce airflow required for adequate ventilation. However, if the flow path enters in through the external sliding window and goes across the lintel and into the side space these problems may be avoided. This is likely to be the normal embodiment outlined in Fig. 2a below.

Fig. 2a shows a section of window frame 21 in accordance with the present invention with a ventilation air path created by the combination of vents 22, 23. Means are provided in order to facilitate airflow and or air conditioning with respect to the air passing through the vent. In many installations of a sash window the lintel significantly reduces the potential airflow from the traditional trickle vent. In such circumstances a ventilation path is created through the sash window frame 21 and into a side box 24. In such circumstances the airflow in the direction of arrowhead A passing through the air path created by the vents 22, 23 may be driven by a fan arrangement mounted within the pathway or the airflow heated by heater elements secured in the pathway or cooled by a cooling arrangement utilising the Peltior or Seeback effect with semiconductor devices or a scent added as a pleasant olfactory mix to the air passing through the air pathway defined by the vent from either side of the frame.

It will be understood that generally forced airflow will only be required occasionally during periods of high temperature or high occupancy within a room.

In such circumstances previous arrangements incorporating relatively cumbersome ventilation systems mounted in the glazing pane or about the frame may be considered excessive. By an iterative effect of providing forced ventilation through each vent 22 in every window it will be appreciated that relatively high airflow rates in terms of volume may be achieved within a room. In such circumstances relatively low powered and less intrusive air forcing mechanisms may be used. By using smaller and therefore less powerful fan arrangements it will be appreciated that there is a significant reduction in the power consumption required by any individual electric motors normally utilised in order to drive such airflow. Furthermore, by provision of an integral unit which is slid into the frame or by having an external device that is designed to fit onto the air path to act as the integral functioning unit then it will be possible to remove the unit when not required, that is to say when there is no requirement due to excessive temperature in summer months or otherwise.

Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c respectively show a vent connector 31 and an external device 32 for securing in a flow path. Window frames 33 or other closures used in a building in accordance with the present invention will be provided with electrical connectors in the air pathway of that frame 33. Electrical coupling to the operational functional activity device or unit 32 secured in the air pathway may be hard wired or more conveniently as described above the unit may be detachable such that there are reciprocal electrical connectors between the unit 33 and surfaces or parts of the vent 31. Electrical power may be direct electrical mains supply but more normally in order to meet necessary safety requirements the electrical power presented to the frame 33 will be stepped down by a transformer to 12 volts. It will be appreciated that use of mains electricity particularly in areas where there may be condensation adjacent to a window may cause concern with respect to potential electrocution. Alternatively, the frame 33 or the operational activity unit 32 secured in the vent 31 may incorporate its own electrical battery in order to power that operational activity unit 33. The battery may be rechargeable either through an electrical charger attached to the mains electricity or through use of appropriate ecological energy sources such as solar power taken from electrical panels associated with the window or mechanical action utilising a dynamo or other device.

As indicated above, the vent 31 may also incorporate means to heat or cool the air flow through the vent 31. Heating of the air flow particularly when the air flow is not forced by an electrical fan may be achieved through simple electrical resistive heaters incorporated into the air pathway formed to the vent 31. Alternatively, semi conductor devices may be mounted within the air flow pathway created to the trickle duct or vent 31 in order to either heat the air flow or cool it in accordance with the Seeback effect.

Clearly, when air flow is forced through the air pathway created by the ducting to the vent 31 then in order to heat the air flow particularly when the exterior temperature of the air is relatively low will necessitate a higher energy consumption, but nevertheless will still provide a supplemental if not principal heating mechanism for a room incorporating a window in accordance to the present invention. However the key benefit is that it enables fresh air ventilation whilst removing the chill from the air that would be associated with a draft.

Similarly in hot conditions the system may not be the principal cooling mechanism but it could remove some of the heat from the air before entering the room.

It will be understood that particularly in urban areas the exterior air to a building may be polluted with particulates and other unacceptable constituents.

In such circumstances, filtration of the air flow into a building through an air path such as the duct 2 may be advantageous. It will be understood that any filter will generally impose a flow drag on the air flow so that generally it will be necessary to provide forcing of that air flow through fans, etc as described previously.

Nevertheless, a functional activity unit in accordance with the present invention may include a simple filter secured in the duct or slot 2 or more normally a combination of air forcing or driving means such as a fan along with a filter to remove particulates.

It is also possible to enhance or mask an acceptable air flow by mixing with a scent. This olfactory improvement in the trickle air flow or forced air flow through the window may be achieved through providing a functional activity unit as described above which is secured in the trickle vent 31 of a window frame 33.

This unit will incorporate means for allowing the trickle or forced air flow to pass over a source of scent in order to enhance the air flow presented within a room incorporating a window in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c illustrate the present window frame 33 in accordance with the present invention with a ventilation arrangement 32. Thus the window frame 33 as previously comprises juxtaposed elements in order to create an area in which a glazing panel 34 is secured. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2b at a corner location a vent duct coupling 32 is provided which allows a ventilation or other functional activity unit to be secured to the vent duct 32. In such circumstances the duct 32 normally acts as a trickle vent for the window frame 33 but when required through increased use of the building or room incorporating a window having the frame 33, a functional activity unit 32 is secured to the duct 32.

The functional activity unit 32, it will be appreciated, could provide all of the functions as described above, that is to say forced air flow, heating/cooling of that air flow, filtration for removal of particulates and scenting of the air flow.

Again as described above, economic as well as aesthetic factors will have practical consequences for usage. Thus, the vent duct 31 will allow a range of functional activity units to be secured to it dependent upon actual requirements.

Thus, a range of forced air flow units 32 may be provided through which differing rates of air flow may be forced dependent upon requirements, that is to say humidity conditions or number of occupants, etc. In such circumstances by provision of the vent duct 31 as a basic trickle vent but with the capability of adding enhancement through functional activity units 32 secured to the vent duct 31 it will be appreciated that greater operational potential is provided.

Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic cross section of a window frame 41 incorporating a trickle vent aperture 42. The frame 41 supports and presents a glazing panel 43 and is secured to masonry 44 in order to provide a closure in a building. In accordance with the present invention a functional activity unit 45 is secured in the vent 42. The particular function activity unit 45 illustrated relates to creating a forced air flow in the direction of arrowhead B. Thus, a fan 46 is driven by an electrical motor in the unit 45 in order to drive the air flow B. The fan 46 is mounted in any appropriate manner in order to drive the air flow B. Alternatives to the air flow driving unit 45 include as described above provision of heating/cooling, filtration or olfactory scenting of the airflow B. In order to determine when the function activity unit 45 must be operated, it will be appreciated that generally sensors may be provided upon the frame 41 or at more remote locations such that a control unit (not shown) can receive signals from those sensors in order to determine whether the functional activity unit 45 should be rendered operational. The sensors may include sensors for humidity or temperature or even noise level indicative of the number of people present in a room incorporating the window frame 41, etc. As indicated above, a particular problem with air flow in urban areas is the particulate pollutants in the air flow. One means of removing a proportion of such particulates without incorporating excessive drag through filtration is through ionisation. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 4 a window frame 51 again presents a glazing panel and is secured upon a masonry base with a vent 52 in the frame 51. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 4 the vent 52 incorporates means 55 to create ionization of the particulate pollutants and collector plates 56. In any event the ionizer 55 creates an electrical charge upon the particulates in an electromagnetic field created by electrodes. The ioniser plates create a curtain of negatively charged ions that cling to the particulates so they in turn have a negative charge. This causes them to cling to any grounded or positively charged surface. It will be appreciated that throughout this charging there is an air flow through the vent 52 entraining the charged particulates. It will be noted that the electrodes generally impinge inwardly of the vent 52 in order that charging of the particulates is facilitated. The collector plates 56 will have an opposite electrical charge to that of the particulates in order to attract them to these plates. In such circumstances at least a proportion of the particulates will be removed from the flow. The collector plates 56 will either be cleaned or possibly ferrule type plates will be secured into the vent 52 and this ferrule removed periodically for cleaning.

As an alternative to use of electrodes and plates 56 it will be appreciated that wires may be embedded in the vent 52 in order to create the necessary ionization of the particulate contaminants as well as attraction of those ionised particulates to collectors formed by the wires in the surface of the vent 52.

Fig. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention utilizing the ionization procedure as described above. Thus, it will be appreciated that a window, in this case a sash window 61 generally comprises two window frames 61 a, 61 b which overlap with each other so that frame 61 b is displaceable in the direction of arrowhead C. Thus the window 61 can be opened in order to provide an open area 62 which as described previously will provide ventilation within a building as well as means to cool that building. In accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 5, edge surfaces 63 of the frame 61a and/or the bottom edge 65 of the frame 61b incorporate electrical wires or plates 66 which create the particulate ionization and optionally the collection described above with respect to Fig. 4. It will be understood that the opening and closing of the window could be used to switch the ionization unit on and off.

By provision of the present invention it will be appreciated that it is possible to enhance the functional activity provided by a trickle vent provided in a window frame to achieve acceptable air flow rates for ventilation as well as providing additional features such as heating/cooling, filtration or addition of a scent. These further features are provided without the necessity of intrusive specific ventilation systems securing the glazing frame of a window or other closure in a building or specific ventilation ducting provided through a wall or to one side of a window frame or closure. Nevertheless, the functional activity unit secured in the trickle vent or duct of a window frame will generally be limited in terms of power capacity. This has advantages with respect to reducing power consumption by closer correlation between the necessary degree of ventilation required in a room and the available apparatus. It will be understood with previous systems, although different levels of flow rate may be provided within the actual ventilation system itself, that system will be of a relatively high capacity. With the present invention and the inherent necessity for low power consumption apparatus it will be understood that it is the iterative and combined effect of all the activity function units secured in the trickle vents which achieves the desired operational performance. In such circumstances there may be twenty or thirty windows in a building incorporating ventilation arrangements in accordance with the present invention. Each one of those individual ventilation arrangements will be controlled by a control unit and so depending upon sensed conditions and requirements each individual activity unit may be independently operated. Thus, if only five such units are required in order to achieve the necessary performance then only five such units will be operational and the others left inactive whereas with previous systems a cruder on/off relationship is provided with respect to the generally over specified ventilation apparatus which may result in over performance for the necessary requirements. FUrthermore, as indicated above, the activity units may be secured in the trickle vents in a detachable way whereby they can be conveniently removed when not required or for maintenance. The activity units may also as indicated provide a number of functions including forced air flow, filtration, heating/cooling and any scenting function. The units may be introduced or removed as required by particular current necessities. The units where powered may be coupled to a mains electricity supply or alternatively include electrical batteries for independent use.

As indicated above the present invention is particularly related to utilizing the trickle air vent within a window frame in order to create any desirable conditioning of the air flow to ensure that there is adequate ventilation as well as potential cooling/heating of that air flow and removal of pollutant particulates. In such circumstances the ventilation system can be integrated within an overall air conduit system incorporating flow promoters in the form of motorized fans for distribution of air within a building. This air handling system will generally be designed to fit with little intrusion into a normal window frame to ensure that the asthetic appeal of that window frame is retained. In such context, as indicated above it is possible to provide the potential for wide variation in ventilation improvement as well as flow conditioning with respect to temperature and/or particulates by utilization of ventilation facilities in each window frame providing a effect.

In order to utilize the present ventilation system it will be appreciated that each arrangement within a respective window frame will be advantageously individually addressable by a control device such that the air condition improvement in operation and functional performance can be achieved by choice and selection of the number as well as the positions of the present ventilation systems within the window frames of a room for effect. Such control may be utilized through manual adjustment of target perimeters and sensors for achievement through a control feedback loop of those desired objectives.

Alternatively, timers could be utilized in order to activate the necessary ventilation arrangements and their auxiliary functions as required.

A particular advantage as indicated above with respect to ionizer type filters is their ability to provide less drag upon the air flowing in comparison with physical filters used previously. It will also be understood that ionisers are generally low power and have a low noise level which is therefore less intrusive when utilized in domestic and conference type presentation rooms.

The ventilation arrangements in accordance with the present invention may be designed to be substantially unitary and therefore all equipment with respect to the ventilation arrangement may be incorporated within a window frame. Thus, an air handling system including an air flow promoting fan as well as controls and sensors will all be incorporated within the individual window frame and potentially air flow piping may be used to provide a connection between each window frame ventilation arrangement if required.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A ventilation arrangement for a window, the arrangement comprising an airflow path defined in at least one part of a frame used to form a window or other closure for a building, the air flow path having means to provide a functional activity along that airflow path whilst an open area defined by the frame is closed by a glazing panel.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the functional activity is to drive air flow or provide air conditioning such as filtration and/or temperature adjustment or provide an olfactory scenting of the air flow.

3. A ventilation arrangement for a window, the arrangement comprising an airflow path defined by a frame used to form a window or other closure for a building, the airflow path including means to generate electrical potential across the airflow path with a collector arranged to attract oppositely electrically charged particles in use from an airflow passing through the airflow path.

4. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the airflow path is unobstructed.

5. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means to provide for airflow along the airflow path comprises means to drive such airflow.

6. An arrangement as claimed in claim 5 wherein such means to drive airflow is driven by fan blades.

7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6 wherein the fan blades are driven by an electric motor.

8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 7 wherein the electric motor is powered by mains electricity.

9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8 wherein the mains electricity is stepped down to a lower voltage for safety.

10. An arrangement as claimed in claim 9 wherein that voltage for safety is 12 volts.

11. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6 wherein the electric motor is powered by a battery.

12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein the battery is rechargeable.

13. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the airflow path incorporates means to ionise particulate matter within an airflow passing through that airflow path for precipitation filtration from the airflow.

14. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3 and any claim dependent thereon wherein the collector comprises an electrically charged plate.

15. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the airflow path has means for coupling to means for forcing airflow and/or filtration and/or air conditioning and/or olfactory scent mixing of the airflow presented for ventilation in use within a building.

16. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3 and any claim dependent thereon wherein the means to generate an electrical potential is provided in the frame whereby the airflow path is defined between overlapping sections of the frame.

17. An arrangement as claimed in claim 16 wherein the overlapping sections of the frame define a window such as a sash or a casement window.

18. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the arrangement incorporates means to control airflow through the airflow path.

19. An arrangement as claimed in claim 18 wherein the means to control airflow includes determination as to air temperature and/or air condition including humidity.

20. An arrangement as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the means for control of airflow includes sensors to determine natural airflow through the airflow path and means to determine whether that natural airflow rate is sufficient to meet Operational requirements.

21. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the means to control air flow includes means to activate forced air flow if the natural airflow is insufficient for operational needs.

22. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21 when dependent upon claim 3 wherein the means for controlling airflow incorporates means to sense particulate content within an airflow passing through the airflow path and dependent upon that determination activate the means to generate an electrical potential to attract charged particulates within the airflow.

23. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the airflow path incorporates couplings for functional action upon an airflow in the airflow path.

24. An arrangement as claimed in claim 23 wherein the functional action is with respect to forcing airflow through the airflow path.

25. An arrangement as claimed in either of claims 23 or 24 wherein the functional action is heating of the airflow.

26. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 23 to 25 wherein the functional action is filtration of particulate matter from the airflow.

27. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 23 to 26 wherein the functional action is to increase of an airflow aperture to allow greater than trickle airflow through the airflow path.

28. A ventilation arrangement for a window substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

29. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.