IL291742B2 - Dual curtain wall sytem - Google Patents

Description

- 1 - 291742/ 02846042114- DUAL CURTAIN WALL SYTEM TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to dual curtain wall system, and in particular to a dual curtain wall system with forced air flow between internal and external walls.

BACKGROUND ART References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below: United States Patent No. 4,449,906 issued May 22, 1984, to Sienkiewicz et al. Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter. BACKGROUNDConventional dual curtain wall systems include a sealed cavity between the internal and external walls filled with an inert gas, such as argon or krypton to increase the U-valley and decrease heat exchange through the wall. Eventually the seal may develop a small gap, and the argon gas may escape and be replaced by moisture-filled air. When the wall loses a significant portion of gas, condensation will build up inside the window, indicating that the seal has been broken, requiring a costly repair or replacement. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a dual curtain wall system (to be known as alc10,000) with a forced air flow system between the internal and external walls to actively control the atmosphere in the cavity.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION The present inventors have realized a curtain wall structure, comprising: a dual curtain wall configured to be mounted on a building comprising an internal curtain wall and an external curtain wall with a hollow therebetween, the dual curtain wall having a top end and a bottom end, each of said top end and said bottom end configured to enable fluid communication with the exterior; - 2 - 291742/ 02846042114- a forced flow generator assembly mounted at least partially in said hollow to selectively produce a forced flow of air therethrough; and an air filter assembly mounted adjacent one of said top end and said bottom end, to filter ambient air entering said hollow. The forced flow generator assembly enables hot air to be flushed out from between the internal and external curtain walls for adjusting the temperature providing cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. In any of the above embodiments the air filter assembly can be mounted in the bottom end of said hollow. Enabling external air to enter at the bottom of the hollow and exit through the top takes advantage of the airs natural thermal characteristic to rise as it is heated by the sun. In any of the above embodiments the internal curtain wall and the external curtain wall can be at least partially transparent, and the curtain wall structure can further comprise a non-transparent utility area provided at one of the top end and the bottom end for accommodating the forced flow generator assembly. The non-transparent utility areas provides a more aesthetically pleasing location to mount and store equipment required to operate the dual curtain wall. In any of the above embodiments the air filter assembly can project outwardly from said hollow. Placing the air filter assembly projecting outwardly from the hollow enables easy access and cleaning. In any of the above embodiments the air filter assembly can comprise an array of air filters spanning along said bottom end. An array of air filters enables a more evenly distributed flow of air across the entire curtain wall structure. In any of the above embodiments the forced flow generator assembly can comprise an array of forced flow generators spanning along said top end. - 3 - 291742/ 02846042114- An array of force flow generators enables a more evenly distributed flow of air across the entire curtain wall structure. In any of the above embodiments the array of forced flow generators can be arranged offset with respect to the array of air filters. Offsetting the air filters and the forced flow generators to ensure a mixed flow within the hollow allowing substantially all of the air accommodated therein to be expelled upon activation of the forced flow assembly. In any of the above embodiments said array of air filters can include individual air filters spaced to a distance greater than 1 meter apart. In any of the above embodiments said array of forced flow generators can include individual forced flow generators spaced to a distance greater than 1 meter apart. In any of the above embodiments the curtain wall structure can further comprise an air venting assembly, which can be configured to be adjustable between an open position and a closed position to control air flow out of said hollow. Providing an adjustable air venting assembly enables full control over the amount and speed of the flow of air in the hollow. In any of the above embodiments the curtain wall structure can further comprise an adjustable blind for selectively controlling an amount of solar radiation passing through the dual curtain wall. The adjustable blind can further help control the internal temperature of the building and the internal temperature of the hollow by reflecting a desired amount of solar radiation away from the curtain wall. In any of the above embodiments the adjustable blind can comprise a Venetian blind having one side including a reflective surface for reflecting solar radiation from the building. - 4 - 291742/ 02846042114- The position of the adjustable blind relative to the sun, in particular at various times of the day or year, can more easily be controlled by a Venetian blind In any of the above embodiments the dual curtain wall can be disposed at an acute angle to floors in the building. An angled dual curtain wall can be configured to provide more passive solar heating, as the internal and external walls can be positioned at a lesser angle of incidence with the suns rays. In any of the above embodiments the acute angle can be between 60° to 90°. In any of the above embodiments the curtain wall structure can further comprise a control system comprising: a control processor; and non-transitory memory comprising computer instructions, which when executed by the control processor are configured to control said forced flow generator and said air venting assembly, in at least two operational modes, and to monitor at least one weather condition parameter in the hollow; wherein the at least two operational modes comprise: a first mode in which said air venting assembly is, at least intermittently, fully closed; and a second mode in which said air venting assembly is continuously at least partially open; and said forced air flow generator is operated to produce a forced flow of air through the hollow and out therefrom, upon said weather condition parameter reaching a first predetermined threshold. The control system provides for the automatic control over the air venting assembly enabling different modes of operation to be enacted based on external parameters, such as weather, season or time of day. In any of the above embodiments the curtain wall structure can further comprise in said first mode, said air venting assembly is, by default, fully closed, and is switchable to the second mode when said weather condition parameter reaches a second predetermined threshold. - 5 - 291742/ 02846042114- Adjusting the air venting assembly to operate when the external temperature reaches an upper threshold flushes the hot air from the hollow, thereby cooling the building. The first predetermined threshold may be higher than the second predetermined threshold to ensure that the control system will not continiously open and shut the air venting assembly. In any of the above embodiments said first predetermined threshold can be the same as said second predetermined threshold. In any of the above embodiments in said first mode, upon said weather condition parameter reaching said first predetermined threshold, said air flow generator can be operated to produce a forced flow of air through the hollow and out therefrom. Adjusting the air flow generators to operate when the external temperature reaches an upper threshold flushes the hot air from the hollow, thereby cooling the building. In any of the above embodiments said first predetermined threshold can be a first predetermined winter value, and wherein in said first mode, when said weather condition parameter reaches said first predetermined winter value, said air venting assembly can switch back to the first mode, upon said weather condition parameter reaching a second predetermined winter value lower than said first predetermined winter value. The operating system can operate the air flow generator assembly based on the season, e.g. to cool the building in the summer by flushing out the hot air from the hollow or heat the building in the winder by continuously keeping the air flow generators off. In any of the above embodiments in said first mode, when said weather condition parameter reaches said second predetermined winter value, said air flow generator can be operated to stop producing a forced flow of air through the hollow and out therefrom. In any of the above embodiments said first predetermined threshold can be a first predetermined summer value, and wherein in said second mode, after said weather condition parameter reaches said first predetermined summer value, said air venting assembly can switch back to the first mode when said weather condition parameter - 6 - 291742/ 02846042114- reaches a second predetermined summer value being lower than said first predetermined winter value. In any of the above embodiments in said second mode, upon said parameter reaching said second predetermined summer value, said air flow generator can be operated to stop producing the forced flow of air through the hollow and out therefrom. In any of the above embodiments said second predetermined summer value can be the same as said second predetermined winter value. In any of the above embodiments said weather condition parameter can be temperature, and wherein said control system can further comprise a temperature sensor mounted within said hollow to facilitate the monitoring of said weather condition parameter. In any of the above embodiments said control system further can comprises a calendar module configured to indicate for the control system a time of year, and wherein said control system can be configured to switch between said first mode and second mode based on the time of year. In any of the above embodiments said calendar module can be configured to receive as an input a signal indicative of a geographical location, and produce as an output a signal corresponding to said indication to said control system. In any of the above embodiments said control system can be further operable in a night mode the same as in said first mode, and a day mode the same as in said second mode. In any of the above embodiments said calendar module can be further configured to provide an indication to the control system on whether it is night or day, and said control system can be configured to switch to the night mode or the day mode correspondingly to said indication. - 7 - 291742/ 02846042114- The present inventors have realized a self-cleaning air filter assembly comprising: a filter element having an interior side with a predetermined surface area, and an opposite exterior side, said filter element configured to filter air flowing from an exterior of the filter element via said exterior side and said interior side; and an air sprinkler comprising: a stationary air channel connectable in fluid communication to a compressed air reservoir; and a nozzle connectable in fluid communication to said stationary air channel configured to receive compressed air therefrom and form an air jet thereby, said nozzle being movable with respect to said filter element, so as to direct said air jet to different locations along said predetermined surface area. A self-cleaning filter prevents the air filter assembly, which operates continuously, from becoming plugged with dirt and therefore restrict the flow of air therethrough. In any of the above embodiments said nozzle can be rotatable with respect to said air channel and said filter element about a rotational axis, and said nozzle can be configured to direct the air jet laterally to said rotational axis. Utilizing laterally projected rotating jets of air enable the dirt to be expelled from the filters in the opposite direction in which the intake air travelled. In any of the above embodiments the filter element can be cylindrical, whereby said interior side extends around said rotational axis. Cylindrical filters provide for an even distribution of air flow from the rotating nozzle. In any of the above embodiments said nozzle can have a geometry inducing rotation thereof as a result of the compressed air flowing therein. Providing rotating nozzles powered simply by the air flowing therein saves operating costs and reduces maintenance requirements. - 8 - 291742/ 02846042114- In any of the above embodiments said rotatable nozzle can include an aperture through which said air jet is blown, wherein said aperture can have a longitudinal dimension extending parallel to said rotation axis corresponding to a longitudinal dimension of said interior side. In any of the above embodiments said aperture can be positioned with respect to said interior side at a predetermined distance enabling a longitudinal dimension of said air jet to be substantially equal to said longitudinal dimension of said interior surface, when said air jet reaches said interior side. Providing a tall, but narrow jet of air ensures a powerful and focused blast of air on the filter with enough force to dislodge any dirt caked thereon. Positioning the aperture at the desired distance ensures the maximum force of the air jet without wasting power above and below the filter. In any of the above embodiments said interior side can at least partially surround a cavity, and wherein said nozzle is disposed at least partially within the cavity. In any of the above embodiments the nozzle can comprise a plurality of projecting tubes. In any of the above embodiments the plurality of projecting tubes can comprise a first projecting tube including a first aperture, and a second projecting tube with a second aperture, wherein the first projecting tube and the second projecting tube can extend in opposite directions. The rotational force on the nozzle can be increased by providing more apertures, in particular those that are directed in opposite directions. In any of the above embodiments the first aperture can be configured to direct a first air jet at a first angle to the first projecting tube; wherein the second aperture can be configured to direct a second air jet at a second angle to the second projecting tube. - 9 - 291742/ 02846042114- In any of the above embodiments first aperture and the second aperture can be configured to direct the first air jet and the second air jet in substantially opposite directions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dual curtain wall system with angled interior and exterior walls; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an upper section of the dual curtain wall system of FIG. 1 including a forced flow generator assembly; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a lower section of the dual curtain wall system of FIG. 1 including an air filter assembly; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dual curtain wall system with angled interior and exterior walls; FIG. 5is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operating the dual curtain wall system of FIG. 1; FIG. 6Ais a top view of an exemplary air filter unit of air filter assembly of the dual curtain wall system of FIG. 1; FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the air filter unit of FIG. 6A taken along line A-A; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an air filter of the air filter unit of FIG. 6A; FIG. 8is a cross-sectional side view of an air filter unit of FIG. 6A taken along line B-B; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a nozzle of the air filter unit of FIG. 6A; FIG. 10 is a side view of the nozzle of FIG. 9; and FIG. 11 is a top view of the nozzle of FIG. 9. - 10 - 291742/ 02846042114-

Claims (11)

- 17 – 291742/ 02846042112- CLAIMS:

1. A curtain wall structure, comprising: a dual curtain wall configured to be mounted on a building comprising an internal curtain wall and an external curtain wall with a hollow therebetween, the dual curtain wall having a top end and a bottom end, each of said top end and said bottom end configured to enable fluid communication with the exterior; a forced flow generator assembly mountable at least partially in said hollow to selectively produce a forced flow of air therethrough, said forced flow generator assembly comprises an array of forced flow generators configured to span along said top end; and an air filter assembly mountable adjacent one of said top end and said bottom end, to filter ambient air entering said hollow, said air filter assembly comprising an array of air filters configured to span along said bottom end; said array of forced flow generators is configured to be arranged offset with respect to said array of air filters.

2. The curtain wall structure according to Claim 1, wherein the air filter assembly is mounted in the bottom end of said hollow.

3. The curtain wall structure according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said internal curtain wall and said external curtain wall are at least partially transparent, and wherein said curtain wall structure further comprises a non-transparent utility area provided at one of said top end and said bottom end for accommodating said forced flow generator assembly.

4. The curtain wall structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said air filter assembly projects outwardly from said hollow. - 18 – 291742/ 02846042112-

5. The curtain wall structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said array of air filters includes individual air filters spaced to a distance greater than meter apart.

6. The curtain wall structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said array of forced flow generators includes individual forced flow generators spaced to a distance greater than 1 meter apart.

7. The curtain wall structure according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an air venting assembly configured to be adjustable between an open position and a closed position to control air flow out of said hollow.

8. The curtain wall structure according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjustable blind for selectively controlling an amount of solar radiation passing through the dual curtain wall.

9. The curtain wall structure according to claim 8, wherein the adjustable blind comprises a Venetian blind having one side including a reflective surface for reflecting solar radiation from the building.

10. The curtain wall structure according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dual curtain wall is disposed at an acute angle to floors in the building.

11. The curtain wall structure according to claim 10, wherein the acute angle is between 60° to 90°.