NZ708398B2 - Solar air heating / cooling system - Google Patents

Abstract

solar-powered ventilation system for a building has a solar energy collector with an air passage having upper and lower ends. The upper end vents to outside. The lower end has a flow control means such as a damper to either allow air from outside or from inside the building.

Description

SOLAR AIR HEATING / COOLING SYSTEM Field of ion The invention relates to a solar air heating / cooling / ventilation system and/or a solar heat collector / heat exchanger for use in such a system.

Background to the Invention The use of solar energy as a source of energy for human needs is growing. However the limited sun-facing surfaces in condensed living areas leads to a need for increased efficiency and spatial economy of systems that use solar , for example those used for heated or cooled ventilation, water or photovoltaic (PV) or wind energy generation.

Solar air heating and cooling systems have been used for ventilating buildings but also in commercial settings, for example, for drying produce. The SolarWall system from Canada draws air through an unglazed sun-facing perforated aluminium wall into commercial, industrial or apartment buildings. This type of solar air heater comes under the category of transpired solar air tor, with wide applications such as drying crops, cturing and assembly plants where there are high ventilation requirements, stratified ceiling heat, and often negative pressure in buildings. A hybrid n has included the use of photovoltaic capacity in front of solar air heaters which was found to enhance the mance of PVs by reducing over-heating.

Some systems are used in more ntial settings like the glazed insulated flat plate pass panels of Grammer Solar (also based in Canada) and come in various rectangular sizes that can be ocked to form a larger area and a longer channel of air. These systems can bring in either fresh air and/or recirculate warm stale air.

Other examples of solar heating/cooling s include do-it-yourself systems that use, for example, drink cans arranged end to end lined up in rows or snaking pipes within glazed insulated frames mounted on walls, roofs and in some cases windows.

Another example is the uninsulated glazed type like SolarVenti (from New Zealand) that supplies air to a panel through many hundreds of small holes on the backside of the panel with internal PV capacity to run a fan.

European patent publication no. 2310760 describes a solar air heater ed with a heat recovery system having counter flow air along channel separations running perpendicular to the front wall. The system uses fresh air, reclaimed air from the building or the stored heat from air passing under the building. Inefficiencies in this system occur where air flow is restricted and where air is in direct contact with parts of the system that are ult to clean.

Financial benefits result when solar energy uses can be combined, especially when one can enhance the performance of the other. For example, heat storage in the form of Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) can result in a more even distribution of heated or cooled air in a solar air heating / ventilation system. This helps to supply solar heated air later in the day when more is lly needed. It can also help to prevent any PV panels present in the system from overheating.

Bearing all this in mind, it is desirable for any solar air heating / ation system that channels air to be adaptive for use in combination with other solar energy uses.

For example, an mental study conducted on double pass solar air heater with thermal energy storage in the form of PCMs and published in the Journal of King Said University and Engineering Sciences found that PCMs gave a clear boost of heat energy in the time after 4pm for three hours.

PCT publication no. 85/00212 describes a flat plate, unidirectional solar air heater ed to store PCMs. However this system does not provide flexibility enabling it to be used in a number of modes such as for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

Canadian patent no. 1082544 describes the use of a honeycomb structure as an effective means to trap heat between a solar collector plate and a transparent wall to improve l efficiency. Tests were carried out as to the effectiveness of bonding the honeycomb-like structure to the underneath of the transparent wall in order to direct radiation to the absorbing element and to prevent air flow being directed towards the front transparent wall. In this patent, the air flow passes through an absorbent collector element comprising of a porous opaque material with, in most cases, air being in contact with the comb structure. The internal components of the tor are liable to being soiled from air flow, which affects transparency and therefore efficiency, and the design makes the collector difficult to clean.

Solar energy is harnessed on a grand scale in the form of solar y power plants. Large ouse roofed collectors, located at the base of a chimney, mes hundreds of meters high, generate electricity by means of an updraft or convection (chimney effect). This airflow drives wind turbines inside or at the base of the chimney. For example, a tower in Jinshawan in Inner Mongolia, China with collection area intended to cover over 200 hectares, absorbs heat from the hot sand under glass covers. Using the greenhouse effect, hot air flows up the chimney and generates power by g the turbine inside the chimney. PCT ation no. WO 22372 describes a similar device for generating electricity from solar power using the solar chimney effect. US patent publication no. 2011/021133 describes air flow via a trombe wall to a e using solar chimney effect as a means of g, cooling and ventilating.

The commonality in all types of solar air heaters is that they capture solar insolation via an absorbing medium and then heat air. They have wide use potential for drying crops, glass houses, desalination plants, commercial, industrial, residential settings, etc. The challenge is to increase efficiency, both for the short term and long term duration. Solar air heaters may measure well in efficiency in the short term, but clog up from uous air flow rendering them inefficient in the not so long term. For example, the area above the er may be warmer than the area below the absorber (Experimental Study on double pass solar air heaters with thermal energy e, Journal of King Said University Engineering Sciences). Therefore, air passing between the arent front wall and the absorber plate would maximise the uptake of heat in the short term, but may quickly diminish the transmission of heat and thus efficiency through soiling of the underside of the glazing.

Collector efficiency of solar air heaters depends also on the rate of fan flow. A ion of air flow leads to maximising air temperature rise at the outlet but this is at the expense of solar air heating system efficiency. The desirable air flow depends on such factors as the outside air temperature differential, efficiency of solar air s to extract heat from the absorber, impeded air flow within the solar air heater, other means to preheat/precool the air on entry such as by heat recovery, etc. Most solar air heaters fall within the range of 40 to 70% efficiency.

Experiments have been carried out by Omojaro and Aldabbagh on the efficiency of single versus double pass arrangements using the same air source. It was found that efficiency increases with air mass flow rate. Efficiency also increases when it is a double pass system.

The maximum efficiency ence between the single and double pass air heater was 59.62% and 63.74%, respectively for air mass flow rate of .038kg/s. These factors can be considered when designing improved solar air heating technology.

Canadian patent no. 2393273 describes one solar air heating system which endeavours to maximise efficiency by using cut segments of a pipe bent inwards to form a fin to create turbulence in the channel inside the pipe. However, this system results in the flow inside the pipe being interrupted and pressurised as a result. The uption to the flow restricts the volume of air passing through the pipe and therefore the amount of air that can be heated.

These fins may also be very difficult to clean.

Economic efficiency can be achieved by a roof-integrated solar air heating . An economic analysis was carried out by Sreekumar and found that a ntegrated system to be efficient and economically viable and this was backed by an ment to dry ples. It is therefore desirable for a solar air g system to be designed in a manner that enables it to be able to be roof-integrated or integrated into any part of a building.

A study was carried out by Hammou and Lacroix on a hybrid thermal energy storage system using phase change materials for managing simultaneously the storage of heat from solar and electric energy. The results were a 32% reduction in ical consumption for space heating.

This is significant when one considers that the stored heat was released during peak periods when 90% of electricity is ed.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide an improved solar air heating / cooling / ventilation system.

Alternatively, it is an object to provide an improved solar heat collector or heat exchanger.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to address one or more of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice. y of the Invention Preferred aspects of the invention are set forth in the ed claims. Particular embodiments are described below in non-limiting terms.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a solar heat collector for use in a ventilation system, the collector comprising: a plurality of upper air ls ed adjacently; a top panel positioned above the upper air channels to define a solar energy absorption space between the top panel and the upper air channels, the upper air channels being in thermal communication with the solar energy absorption space; and means for exchanging heat energy with the plurality of upper air channels positioned underneath the upper air channels and in thermal communication therewith; wherein the upper and lower air channels are configured to receive air from different sources and are fluidly unconnected.

Preferably, the means for exchanging heat energy comprises at least one lower air channel.

Preferably, the upper and lower air channels are configured to l air in opposing directions.

Preferably, the solar heat collector ses a sealed housing in which the upper air channels and lower air channels are contained, an upper surface of the g comprising the top panel.

More preferably, the top panel, one or more side walls of the housing and an upper surface of the upper air channels define the solar energy absorption space.

Preferably, the solar energy absorption space is ically sealed. More preferably, the housing comprises one or more seals between the top panel of the housing and one of the side walls of the housing, n the seal(s) are configured to allow the top panel of the housing to open.

The solar energy absorption space preferably contains a heat absorption medium, for example air.

Preferably, the housing ses insulation means configured to trap heat in the housing.

Preferably, the upper air channels comprise means for ng turbulence of air flow inside the channels. More preferably the means for creating turbulence comprises a helical fin extending along each channel in a longitudinal direction. More preferably, the helical fins are mounted inside the ls in a removable . Alternatively, or additionally, the means for creating turbulence may comprise one or more protrusions on the inside surface of the channels.

Preferably, the means for exchanging heat energy comprises means for storing solar heat energy. More ably, the means for storing solar heat energy comprises a phase change material. More preferably, the means for storing solar heat energy are positioned in thermal communication with the one or more lower air channels.

Preferably, the solar heat collector comprises one or more pipes, each pipe ng one of the upper air channels. More preferably, the one or more pipes se connection means for connecting adjacent pipes together. The connection means may comprise an interlock mechanism.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a solar heat collector for use in a ventilation system, the collector sing: a plurality of air ls; a top panel positioned above the air channels to define a solar energy absorption space, the air channels being in l communication with the solar energy absorption space; and means for creating turbulence of air flow inside the air ls without substantially impeding the flow of air along the air channels.

Preferably, the means for creating turbulence comprises a helical fin ing along each channel in a longitudinal direction. More preferably, the helical fins are mounted inside the ls in a removable manner.

Alternatively, or additionally, the means for creating turbulence may comprise one or more protrusions on the inside surface of the channels.

Preferably, the plurality of air ls comprises a ity of upper air channels arranged in an adjacent arrangement, the solar energy absorption space being between the top panel and the upper air channels.

Preferably, the collector comprises means for exchanging heat energy with the plurality of upper air channels positioned underneath the upper air channels and in thermal communication therewith.

More preferably, the means for exchanging heat energy comprises at least one lower air channel, wherein the upper and lower air channels are configured to receive air from different sources and are fluidly unconnected. ably, the upper and lower air channels are configured to channel air in opposing ions.

Preferably, the solar heat collector comprises a sealed housing in which the upper air channels and lower air channels are contained, an upper surface of the housing comprising the top panel.

More preferably, the top panel, one or more side walls of the housing and an upper surface of the upper air channels define the solar energy absorption space.

Preferably, the solar energy absorption space is ically . More preferably, the housing comprises one or more seals between the top panel of the housing and one of the side walls of the housing, wherein the seal(s) are configured to allow the top panel of the housing to open.

The solar energy absorption space preferably contains a heat absorption medium, for example air.

Preferably, the housing comprises tion means configured to trap heat in the housing.

Preferably, the means for exchanging heat energy comprises means for storing solar heat energy. More preferably, the means for storing solar heat energy comprises a phase change material. More preferably, the means for storing solar heat energy are positioned in thermal communication with the one or more lower air channels.

Preferably, the solar heat collector comprises one or more pipes, each pipe ng one of the upper air channels. More preferably, the one or more pipes se connection means for connecting nt pipes together. The connection means may comprise an interlock mechanism.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a solar air heating/cooling system for a building, the system comprising: a solar energy collector comprising: one or more upper air channels positioned to receive incident solar energy; and means for exchanging heat energy with the upper air channels positioned underneath the upper air channels and in l communication therewith; a first air exhaust conduit y connecting an upper end of the upper air channels to the outside air; a first interior air conduit fluidly connecting the upper end of the upper air channels and the building interior; an air entry conduit fluidly connecting a lower end of the upper air channels and the e air; means for driving air through the first interior air conduit towards the building interior; first flow control means configured to ively block the first air exhaust conduit; and second flow control means configured to selectively block the first interior air conduit, wherein the first flow control means is closed when the second flow control means is open, and vice versa.

It will be tood that the labels used in relation to the different conduits are used for the purposes of differentiating the different conduits and are not limiting to the position or on of the conduit. For e “interior conduit” refers to a t fluidly connected to the building or and the term does not require the conduit itself to be located in the interior.

It will be understood that the term “building” means any structure having a roof and walls and containing an interior space. In terms of the present invention, the term is intended to be interpreted broadly and may encompass not just structures that are commonly known as buildings but any other structure that can be ventilated. Non-limiting examples of structures that are included within the meaning of “building” as used herein are: glasshouse, greenhouse, crop store, barn, factory, warehouse, plant, and the like.

Preferably, the means for exchanging heat energy comprises heat recovery means for recovering heat energy from the building.

More preferably, the heat recovery means comprises one or more lower air channels, the upper and lower air channels being fluidly unconnected, and the system r comprises: a second interior air conduit fluidly ting an upper end of the lower air channel and the building interior; a second air exhaust conduit fluidly ting a lower end of the lower air channel and the e air; and means for driving air through the second interior air conduit away from the building interior.

Preferably, the system comprises: a third interior air conduit fluidly connecting the lower end of the upper air channels and the building interior; third flow control means ured to ively block the air entry conduit; and fourth flow control means configured to ively block the third interior air conduit, wherein the third flow control means is closed when the fourth flow control means is open, and vice versa.

Preferably, the first and third interior air conduits are fluidly connected to the building interior via separate openings. More preferably, the system comprises a connecting t fluidly connecting the first and third interior air conduits.

Preferably, the upper and lower air channels are arranged such that air flows in the upper l in the opposite direction to the lower channel.

In preferred embodiments, the collector is positioned in or on a roof of the building. More preferably, the first, second and third interior air conduits are positioned under the roof. r it will be appreciated that this is not limiting and a collector may be positioned in other locations, such as on a wall.

Preferably, the means for g air comprises one or more fans.

Preferably, the flow control means comprises one or more dampers.

More preferably, the system comprises one or more controllers configured to control the flow control means to selectively block the respective air conduits. More preferably, the one or more controllers are configured to control operation of the means for driving air.

Preferably, the system comprises one or more temperature sensors ured to operate the one or more controllers when one or more threshold temperatures in the building interior is/are reached.

Preferably, the system comprises one or more pressure sensors configured to communicate with the one or more controllers such that the controllers e the system based on one or more detected pressures in the conduits and/or in the building interior.

Preferably, the system further comprises one or more oltaic cells positioned in thermal communication with the collector. For example, the photovoltaic cells may be positioned on top of the solar energy collector.

Preferably, the means for exchanging heat energy comprises means for storing solar heat energy. More preferably, the means for storing solar heat energy comprises a phase change material. More preferably, the means for storing solar heat energy are positioned in thermal communication with the one or more lower air channels.

Preferably, the system ses a wind energy tor positioned in the first air exhaust conduit.

According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a solar-powered ventilation system for ventilating a building comprising: a solar energy collector comprising an air channel having a lower end and an upper end, the solar energy collector configured to receive solar energy and heat air flowing through the air channel; an air exhaust conduit fluidly connected to the upper end of the collector air channel; a first air entry conduit y connecting the lower end of the collector air channel and the building or; a second air entry conduit fluidly connecting the lower end of the collector air channel to the outside air; and flow control means ured to selectively block the fluid tion of the first and second air entry conduit to the collector air l. ably, the lower end of the collector air channel is fluidly connected to the ng interior via a plurality of openings. For example, the openings may be positioned in multiple rooms.

Preferably, the flow control means comprises a damper positioned in a conduit junction between the first and second air entry conduits and the collector air l.

More preferably, the ventilation system comprises switching means configured to control the flow control means to select fluid connection of one of the first and second air entry conduit to the collector air channel.

Preferably, the ventilation system ses a temperature sensor configured to operate the switching means when one or more threshold temperatures in the ng interior is/are reached. More preferably the switching means is configured to block the first air entry conduit when the temperature of the building interior falls below a threshold temperature.

Preferably, the system comprises one or more re sensors configured to communicate with the ing means to control the flow control means based on one or more detected pressures in the conduits and/or in the building interior.

Preferably, the solar-powered ation system r comprises one or more photovoltaic cells oned in thermal communication with the collector air channel. For example, the photovoltaic cells may be positioned on top of the solar energy collector.

Preferably, the system comprises a wind energy generator positioned in the air exhaust conduit.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view illustration of a solar heat collector or heat exchanger according to one ment of the invention; Figure 2 is a bottom view illustration of the solar heat collector of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view illustration across the air channels of the solar heat collector of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view ration in the direction of the air channels of the solar heat collector of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a magnified view illustration of the region of the solar heat collector of Figure 4 marked C; Figure 6 is a magnified view illustration of the region of the solar heat collector of Figure 4 marked D; Figure 7 is an isometric, cross-sectional view ration of the solar heat collector of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional y illustration of air flows in the tor of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a solar air heating and cooling system for a building according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is an illustration of the system of Figure 9 operating in ‘winter solar heating’ mode; Figure 11 is an illustration of the system of Figure 9 operating in ‘winter reclaimed heat’ mode; Figure 12 is an illustration of the system of Figure 9 operating in ‘summer solar cooling’ mode; Figure 13 is an illustration of the system of Figure 9 operating in ‘summer heater cooling’ mode; and Figure 14 is an illustration of the system of Figure 9 ing in ‘summer non-solar cooling’ mode.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention The invention generally relates to a system for using solar energy to ate a space, particularly the interior of a building, although other structures may also be ventilated such as crop stores, desalination plants, glass houses and power tion plants. The system can operate in different modes so that solar energy is used to heat or cool the space, as required.

Part of the system is a solar heat tor, which absorbs available solar energy.

Solar heat collector s 1-7 illustrate a solar heat collector or heat exchanger 100 according to one embodiment of the ion. Figures 1 and 2 are plan and bottom views tively. Figure 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view across the air channels and Figure 4 is a longitudinal crosssectional view in the direction of the air ls. Figures 5 and 6 are magnified views of the regions of Figure 4 marked C and D respectively. Figure 7 is an isometric, sectional view.

Like references are used to refer to like parts throughout Figures 1-7.

Solar heat collector 100 comprises an outer housing 101 within which the other components are housed. Outer housing 101 comprises a series of interconnected sidewalls 102, a base 103 and a top panel 104. The sidewalls are preferably designed to minimise heat transmission through the walls. For example, sidewalls 102 are formed from extrusions of material that define an air gap 106 and a region 105 in which insulation may be held. The tion region may be at least 20mm thick to reduce heat transmission. In some embodiments, the outer part of the housing 101 is formed from aluminium, with inner parts formed of a thermally insulating material to minimise heat loss from the inside of the collector to the aluminium frame.

Top panel 104 is transparent to permit solar radiation to pass through it and heat the space below. Solar energy gains may be d by a choice of glass such as low iron, ultra-clear prismatic glass. Since any dirt on panel 104 could affect its transparency, and therefore the amount of solar energy able to be absorbed by the collector, the panel 104 is able to be opened so it can be periodically cleaned if ever required. Seals 107 are provided between the sidewalls 102 and the top panel 104 to ensure the inside of the housing 101 is hermetically sealed. The seals may be made of a thermally insulating al such as EPDM . The housing 101 may be able to be opened in other ways in other embodiments of the invention, for example by opening one of the ends of the housing so that easy access to the inside of the channels is possible. In embodiments of the invention in which the collector is integrated into the building structure, the g may be able to be opened from the interior of the building for ease of . For example, a collector integrated into a roof may be able to be accessed and serviced from inside the roof cavity.

Inside housing 101 are a plurality of pipes 110 defining channels through which air can flow.

The pipes 110 are arranged adjacent to one another and, in the embodiment shown, are parallel and lie in a plane. Pipes in other embodiments may be arranged differently, for example to define a curve or in a fan-lie arrangement, as may be required to suit the installation position on a building. In n pipes 110 and top panel 104 is a space 111. Air in space 111 absorbs solar energy passing through the panel 104 and is heated.

The pipes are made from a thermally conductive material, such as aluminium (which has a high transmissive capacity), so that the air g through pipes 110 is in thermal communication with the air in space 111 and heat energy is able to be transferred between them. For example, the heat of air in space 111 that has been heated by the sun can be conducted through the pipe material to heat the air in the pipes. Channel wall thickness also plays a part in efficiency of heat transfer to/from the medium within the channel. Wall thickness may be kept to a minimum, ideally less than 1.6 mm, within the necessary mises governed by manufacturing processes, type of materials and structural strength.

The pipes 110 may be connected together by a suitable tion mechanism, for example by interlocking members on the sides of the pipes. In one embodiment of the invention, adjacent pipes are configured to join together by sliding a male member on the side of one pipe longitudinally into a female member in the side of the adjacent pipe. Alternatively, the pipes may be hooked together or bonded with adhesive. This helps strengthen and align the array of pipes.

In one embodiment, a low-cost version of the pipe array can be formed by fastening or bonding two sheets of corrugated iron together, with the channels formed by opposing s.

The upper e of the pipe array is corrugated by virtue of the curved upper shape of the pipes 110. This gives the pipes a large upper surface area, increasing the amount of solar energy absorbed directly by the pipes, therefore increasing the amount of heating of the air flowing through the pipes. The curved upper surface of the pipes 110 enables the solar tor to be aligned to maximise the amount of time that solar energy is perpendicularly incident on the pipes. Solar energy absorption may also be increased if the pipes 110 are a dark colour and have a matt, roughened finish. eath pipes 110 is positioned a means for exchanging heat energy with the upper air channels 110. In one embodiment, the heat exchange means comprises means for recovering heat from a building on which the tor 100 is installed. In the embodiment of Figures 1-7 the housing defines r air space 115. Air space 115 is also in thermal communication with the air in the channels inside pipes 110 by virtue of the thermal conductivity of the pipes 110. Heat can ore be transferred between the air space 115 and the channels. In other embodiments of the invention, space 115 may comprise a second series of channels, each in thermal communication with one or more of the channels in pipes 110.

Diagonal s 114 receive and support the pipes 110 in position above the base of the housing to define the air space 115.

The base of housing 101 comprises a number of gs or ducts 112, 113, 116 and 117 with two openings proximate one end of the tor and two openings proximate the other end.

One opening at each end, in the embodiment shown openings 112 and 113, is fluidly connected to pipes 110 and allow air to exit or enter the housing (depending on the direction of flow) and pass through the pipes 110. One opening at each end, in the embodiment shown openings 116 and 117, is fluidly connected to space 115 underneath the pipes 110 and allow air to exit or enter the housing (depending on the ion of flow) and pass through space 115 generally in the longitudinal direction of the collector 100 (i.e. parallel to the direction of the pipes 110). The positioning of openings 116 and 117 diagonally across from each other also creates a component of air flow in the perpendicular direction, which may additionally assist heat transfer between the upper and lower regions of the collector. Figure 8 illustrates the ion of air flow in a cross-sectional cut away illustration of the collector 100.

The diagonal members 114 are used to separate the interior of the housing into fluidly separate sections so that the pipes 110 and space 115, while in thermal communication, are fluidly unconnected. The diagonal members 114 are positioned to pass between the openings at each end of the collector, i.e. one diagonal member passes between opening 112 and opening 116, and another diagonal member passes between opening 113 and opening 117. For example, air entering opening 112 is d from entering space 115 by diagonal member 114 and d flows upwards into the end opening of the pipes 110 and through the ls therein. Air entering g 116 is blocked from moving upwards into pipes 110 by diagonal member 114 and instead flows along space 115 and out of opening 117. Diagonal members 114 are preferably constructed from materials of low l conductivity to reduce unwanted heat loss to the exterior of the collector, for example cs, glass or latex.

Openings 116 and 117 may be positioned diagonally across from one another to e the flow of air across the full width of the tor, thus increasing the amount of thermal transfer between pipes 110 and space 115. In some embodiments, a baffle is placed across space 115 to encourage disbursement of air across the width of the collector.

In some embodiments, the lower surface of the space 115, i.e. the upper surface of base 103 interfacing with space 115, may be corrugated. The corrugations may be perpendicularly aligned with the corrugations on the bottom of pipes 110. A study by Gao et al (Gao W, Lin W, Liu T, Xia C. Analytical and experimental studies on the l performance of crosscorrugated and flat-plate solar air heater. Applied Energy 2007: 84: 425-41) has shown superior thermal performance with this set up. r the corrugations on the lower surface of space 115 may also be aligned with the corrugations on the bottom of the pipes 110. In such an embodiment the air flow would cross both corrugations and heat would be transferred effectively. This arrangement may also make cleaning of the interior of the collector easier.

This and other studies have indicated that a corrugated top to a solar heater increases thermal performance by up to 11%. In some embodiments, the upper surface of top plate 104 may ore be corrugated, either from transparent material or otherwise.

While the length of the collector and the fluid flow channels therein may differ in ent embodiments of the invention, some embodiments take advantage of the findings of some recent studies that have found higher efficiencies can be gained in solar air heaters having channel lengths of 1.5-2.5m, or less than 3m.

Base 103 of collector 100 may comprise an insulating region 118. Mounting means 119 on the bottom of base 103 enable the collector 100 to be installed in a desired location, for example on the roof of a building. Alternatively, the collector may be able to be mounted vertically on a wall. ence structure Pipes 110 have a shape or configuration to se turbulence of air flow inside them, or they comprise structures having this effect. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1-7, two mechanisms se turbulence as will now be described. In other ments, only one such mechanism may be used and, in still other embodiments, other means for creating turbulence may be present.

Inside pipes 110 are positioned helical fins 120 ing along the longitudinal direction of the ls. Turbulent flow is induced by the fins projecting from the internal l walls to create a unidirectional flow that absorbs or releases heat as it spirals around the inside of the walls of the channels. The corkscrew-type blade may not be as long as the channel; shorter fins would still provoke rotation in the air. The circular symmetry of the channel and fins create turbulent mixing of the air in a manner that es equal er of heat to/from above and below the pipes 110.

Fins 120 may be separate components able to be inserted and removed from pipes 110. This allows them to be easily d as required. In some embodiments, one end of the collector housing may be able to be opened so that the helical fins can be easily withdrawn for cleaning purposes, and the channels can be easily cleaned as well. Separate components may also enable ease of manufacture as the pipes and spiral fins can be made separately.

On the inner surface of pipes 110 are small protrusions 121 running longitudinally along the length of the pipes 110. These further promote air turbulence in the pipes. Other structures such as teeth-like protrusions, or any other way to roughen the surface of the inside of the channels may also be used. Along with helical fins 120 these protrusions increase fluid turbulence in the pipes.

Increased turbulence is known to increase the amount of heat transfer into or out of a fluid medium. Turbulence-promoting structures inside pipes 110 therefore increase heat transfer between pipes 110 and space 111, and between pipes 110 and space 115. Increased heat transfer increases the ency of the system, whether it is used for heating or cooling ventilation, ming or trapping heat. Heat loss out of the collector to the outside, such as through re-radiation from the front panel, is also reduced by rapid transfer of heat within the collector.

It may be preferable for the means for sing turbulence of air flow in the air flow channels of a collector according to the present invention to do so in a manner that substantially does not impede the flow of air through the channels. By minimally impeding the flow of air, the rate of air flow through the pipes 110 is maximised, increasing the volume of air capable of being heated or cooled in a given period of time.

Fluid mechanics theory may be applied to determine the size and number of channels to increase heat transfer. For example, a ation of Reynold’s number may be used to determine red diameter and number of channels for ent turbulent heat transfer. In one such calculation, 11 channels, each of diameter 65mm with a flow rate of 700m³/h gives a Reynold’s number of 22,083. A Reynold’s number of 4000 is deemed to be the lower limit of turbulent flow, so pipes ning flow with a Reynold’s number above this figure may be desirable.

Roof-integrated collector In one embodiment of the invention, the collector is integrated into a building structure. For example, instead of the collector being mounted on a roof, the collector is integrated into the roof itself. For example, on a house with corrugated iron or steel roofing, the top panel of the collector may be formed from a transparent panel of corrugated al integrated into the roof.

This may be aesthetically more appealing and se the spatial impact of the solar collector.

In another embodiment, a tor could be integrated into a building by using a section of corrugated roofing to define the upper portion of air flow channels in the collector, with another section of roofing fixed below to form the lower portion of the air flow channels. A surfacemounted transparent top panel may be used to define a sealed air space above the channels to define a heat absorption space, as in previously described embodiments, to increase heat absorption and ency. In order to weather-tight the channel array in such an embodiment, the transparent top panel may be tucked into a raised ridge structure at the top end and supported and sealed around the edges with corrugated eave fillers and other fillers on the sides. atively a transparent structure may be mounted up and over the roof ridge.

In another ment, the collector may be able to be positioned under a roof window that is vented at the top. Such use of existing building features may help to reduce the costs of installation as well as saving space.

Solar air heating and cooling system Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a solar air g and cooling system 800 for a building 801 according to one embodiment of the invention. Building 801 has an interior 804 and a roof 803 defining a roof space 805.

System 800 comprises a collector 802 mounted on top of roof 803 in an angled on generally facing the position of the sun such that one end of the collector is higher than the other. The collector 802 comprises one or more upper air channels 806 and one or more lower air channels 807 fluidly unconnected from one another. The upper and lower air channels are preferably parallel to each other and oriented such that one end of the ls is higher than the other end. Upper air channels 807 receive solar energy, which heats the air therein. Lower air channels 807 are positioned below upper air channels 806 and are uently shielded from solar radiation by the upper air channels. The collector 802 is configured such that lower air ls 807 are in thermal communication with the upper air channels 806, i.e. heat energy can transfer between the air passing through the two channels or sets of channels.

The upper and lower ends of both the upper and lower channels t to openings through which air may flow to enter or exit the channels.

Collector 802 may be a collector of the type described above with reference to Figures 1-7. In r embodiment of the invention, the collector may be ated or embedded into the roof.

The openings in the ends of the upper and lower channels are connected to a series of conduits that create the system 800 shown in Figure 9. The conduit connections of exemplary system 800 will now be described, although it will be clear to the skilled addressee that other configurations of conduit connections may be used in other embodiments of the invention that in the fluid connections between conduits, even if the location of the connections differ between embodiments.

Connected to the upper opening of upper air channels 806 is an air exhaust conduit 810 and an interior air conduit 811. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, exhaust conduit 810 and interior air conduit 811 are both fluidly connected to an intermediate conduit 812 via a conduit junction, gh in other embodiments no intermediate conduit may be present. Exhaust conduit 810 opens to the outside air or atmosphere, for example h cowl 813 that may be used to decrease the backflow down the exhaust conduit 810. The other end of interior t 811 is fluidly connected to the building interior via an opening 814. A fan 815, or any other means for driving fluid, is positioned to drive air along the conduit 811 in the direction of the building interior. Flow control means in the form of dampers 819 and 820 are le to ively block the air exhaust conduit 810 and interior air conduit 811 respectively. The operation of the s will be explained further below. Other s able to block or control the flow of fluid through a conduit may alternatively be used.

Connected to the lower opening of upper air channels 806 is an air entry conduit 816 and, preferably, another interior air conduit 817. Air entry conduit 816 and interior air conduit 817 may be both fluidly connected to an intermediate conduit 818 via a t junction, as shown in Figure 9.Entry conduit 816 is fluidly connected to the outside air, for example via an opening 821 in the soffit of the building 801. Interior conduit 817 may be fluidly connected to the building interior 804 via opening 822. Openings 822 and 814 may be located in different parts of the building 801, for example different rooms. In an alternative ment, openings 822 and 814 may be the same opening. Flow control means, again preferably in the form of dampers 823 and 824, are operable to selectively block the flow of air along the interior air t 817 and the entry conduit 816, respectively.

The upper end of the lower air channel(s) 807 of collector 802 is fluidly connected to the building interior 804 via opening 825 and or air conduit 826. A fan 827 or other air driving means is able to drive air along t 826 in the direction of the collector 802. The lower end of the lower air channel(s) 807 is fluidly ted to an air exhaust conduit 828, which is connected to the outside air. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, exhaust conduit 828 comprises an opening in the underside of the collector 802.

An air conduit 829 may fluidly connect interior air t 811 and interior air conduit 817.

Operation of solar air heating and cooling system The operation of the solar air heating and cooling system 800 of Figure 9 will now be described according to one embodiment of the invention. Several modes of operation will be described. It will be understood that solar air heating and cooling systems of other embodiments of the invention may be able to operate in any one or more of the described modes, and the invention is not necessarily limited to a system that can operate in all of the modes.

Figure 10 is an illustration of the system operating in ‘winter solar heating’ mode. The modes of the system will be named in this manner for convenience only. The names are not limiting to the invention or the manner in which it is used. In ‘winter solar heating’ mode, fan 815 is on while fan 827 is off. Dampers 820 and 824 are open (i.e. they allow air to pass) while dampers 819 and 823 are closed. Fan 815 acts to draw e air through entry conduit 816 and through the upper channels 806 of the collector 802. Solar radiation incident on the collector 802 causes the air to be heated while passing through the collector. The fan then drives air into the building interior 804 through conduits 811 and 829 and their tive gs.

In this mode, the system 800 acts as a positive re heating / ventilation (PPV) , driving solar heated air into the building interior. This has advantages of many existing PPV systems in which warm, stale air in the roof space is driven into the building interior because these suffer from the risk of smoke from fires in the roof space being driven into the interior. In the present system, only fresh, exterior air is driven to the interior.

Figure 11 is an illustration of the system operating in ‘winter reclaimed heat’ mode. In this mode, both fans 815 and 827 are on. Dampers 820 and 824 are open while dampers 819 and 823 are closed. Fan 815 draws fresh air from the exterior through the collector 802 where it is heated by the sun (where solar energy is available) and driven inside, in the same manner as the ‘winter solar heating’ mode shown in Figure 10. Additionally, preheated air from the building or 804 is drawn into interior conduit 826 by fan 827. This air is driven through the lower channel 807 of the collector where its heat is transferred to the fresh air passing through the upper channels 806 of the collector.

In this mode, system 800 acts as a balanced pressure ventilation system. The heat in the preheated air passing through the collector adds to the heating of the fresh air in the upper channels of the collector, thus reducing heat energy losses from the building interior 804.

Operating in this mode, the system is able to conserve heat in the building while still providing fresh air ventilation even if the sun is not shining.

Figure 12 is an illustration of the system 800 ing in ‘summer solar cooling’ mode. In this mode, both fans 815 and 827 are off. Dampers 819 and 823 are open, while dampers 820 and 824 are closed. The sun heats the air in the upper channels 806 of the tor 802. This causes the air to warm and rise, drawing air upwards through the system. Air in the ng interior 804 is drawn up through the conduits 811 and 817, through the upper channel 806 of the collector and to the outside air through exhaust conduit 810 and cowl 813. This mode takes advantage of passive solar heating in the manner of a solar chimney to draw warm air out of the building interior, creating a negative pressure. This causes fresh, cool air to be drawn into the building (for example through windows and doors), causing the building to be cooled and ventilated.

The present invention does not depend, however, on e g from within the building.

Modern ngs are increasingly well insulated and do not allow outside air to penetrate when it is closed up. When this is the case, damper 824 can open, allowing the solar air heater to cool down with outside fresh air. Air would either escape out of the system, for e, via a cowl 813, a vent built into a duct at the top of a roof window or under some type of roof ridge cover.

The option to draw air from another source may not only be l to cool down the solar tor when it is starved of air from within the dwelling but also allows other means of cooling in the building to continue (e.g. heat pump).

Figure 13 is an illustration of the system 800 operating in ‘summer heater cooling’ mode. In this mode, both fans 815 and 827 are off. Dampers 819 and 824 are open, while dampers 820 and 823 are . The sun heats the air in the upper channels 806 of the collector 802. This causes the air to warm and rise, drawing air upwards through the system. Fresh outside air is drawn up through entry conduit 816, through the upper l 806 of the tor and to the outside air through exhaust conduit 810 and cowl 813. This mode again takes advantage of passive solar heating in the manner of a solar chimney, but this time draws cool fresh air through the tor. This mode may be useful to cool the solar air heater, ularly if the house is unoccupied and the system is not operating in full. Cooling of the solar air heater may be desired if other components, for example photovoltaic cells, are used in conjunction with the solar air heating system and those components need to be prevented from overheating.

Figure 14 is an illustration of the system 800 operating in ‘summer non-solar cooling’ mode. In this mode, both fans 815 and 827 are on. s 820 and 824 are open, while dampers 819 and 823 are closed. Fan 815 draws fresh air in from the outside through conduit 816 and the upper channels 806 in collector 802, and into the building interior 804 through conduits 811 and 829. Meanwhile, fan 827 draws precooled stale air in the building interior 804 into conduit 826 and through the lower channels 807 of the collector 802. The heat of the outside air is transferred in collector 802 (which also acts as a heat exchanger) to the precooled air in the lower channels, thus cooling the e air that is pushed into the ng interior. The effect of the system in this mode is to cool the building interior by cooling incoming fresh air using the heat difference with the exiting precooled air.

System 800 may switch between one or more of the above-described modes by any suitable means. In a preferred embodiment, the system is operable to switch automatically between modes based on the sensed conditions in order to achieve the heating or cooling effect desired.

The manner in which this may be achieved using temperature sensors, a controller programmable by a user to set one or more desired building interior temperatures, and fan and damper controllers will be evident to the skilled see upon reading the above ption.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system es as follows, and comprises temperature sensors positioned inside and outside the building and in one or more of the conduits, and a controller ing temperature readings from the temperature sensors, a desired temperature setting and is programmed to control the system ingly. Fan 827 is always off, except when the inside temperature is cooler than the outside temperature and cooling is required, or when the inside temperature is warmer than the solar heated ature. Fan 815 is always on except when the outside temperature exceeds a pre-defined level. When this happens, fan 815 is off and damper 819 is opened to allow air to escape through exhaust conduit 810.

The system may also include one or more pressure s located in the conduits and/or in the building interior and/or outside the building. The pressure sensors may be in communication with the system ller so that the controller can cause the system to switch between modes based on sensed pressures in or proximate the system, for e if the pressures reach or exceed pressure thresholds. The pressure thresholds may be relative to other pressures within the system rather than absolute thresholds.

In some embodiments, the ller may comprise a clock or timer that can e the system to switch between modes based on time of day. In some ments, the system may comprise means for detecting the amount of sunlight incident on the solar collector, such that the system can switch between modes accordingly.

The dampers may operate using any appropriate mechanism. In one embodiment, damper 823 is connected to a pressure sensor so that it opens when air is sucked in to the building interior 804 through doors and windows (or other cavities) and up to the heat source at the collector 802. Damper 823 may close when there is no upwards air pressure on it (for example if the windows and doors of the house are closed). When damper 823 is open, damper 824 is closed and vice versa. Dampers 823 and 824 may be connected to a motorised double diverting branch.

When fan 815 is on, damper 819 closes and damper 823 may also close. The system may therefore be configured to operate the dampers based on the status of the fan.

In order to achieve a balance of flow into and out of a building, dampers may be operable to partly open or close. The system may also be able to take into account loss of air from the building through extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and the like. Suitable air flow s may be positioned in the conduits to detect the rate of air flow and communicate with the controller, which is able to control operation of the system accordingly. In addition, the rate at which the fans drive air through their respective ts may also be controlled by the controller to achieve a balance of air flow into and out of the building.

The system may comprise filters to remove dust and other particulates from the air g through the system. In one embodiment, one filter is positioned in entry conduit 816 to filter the incoming air, and another filter is positioned in interior conduit 826 to filter incoming stale air from the ng interior. Filters may also be present to filter the passive s flow of air to the collector 802 in the summer modes. Preferably, the filters will not substantially restrict the flow of air but functions to keep the collector 802 clean. For example the s may be positioned in the ceiling ducts 814 and 822.

One embodiment of a system ing to the invention is shown schematically in Figures 9-14.

It will be appreciated that variations on this layout and configuration may be used in other embodiments. For example, additional entry, t and interior conduits may be used, as may additional fans, dampers and collectors. Alternatively, some conduits, fans or dampers of the embodiment described in Figure 9-14 may not be t in some systems.

It will be appreciated that the design of solar collector / heat exchanger 802, such as in the embodiments bed with reference to Figures 1-7, increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the solar air heating and cooling system of Figures 9-14.

Alternative embodiments of the invention In one ative embodiment of the ion a honeycomb structure such as bed in Canadian patent no. 1082544 may be used to trap heat between the upper channels of the collector and the top panel. However, while the use of the honeycomb ure to mitigate against the problem of re-radiation and natural convection may be useful in some installations, the extra fouling of the top panel and other components of the collector may not be desirable in others.

In one embodiment of the invention, a solar air cooling system is configured with components sufficient for it to operate only in the ‘summer solar cooling’ or ‘solar chimney’ mode described above. This may be useful in the tropics to use passive ventilation and natural heat convection to cool a building. A one way damper may be used that is sensitive to the upwards pressure of convection air currents, the presence of which causes it to open. When the system is closed up, another damper would open allowing the collector to cool with outside fresh air.

In some embodiments of the invention, the means for exchanging heat energy with the upper channels comprises means for g solar heat energy. In a preferred embodiment, the means for storing heat energy is positioned in thermal communication with the lower air channels of the collector. In one embodiment, a layer of phase change materials (PCMs) are positioned in the collector below the lower air channels. PCMs may store heat , enabling it to be released at a later time when needed.

In one study it was found that PCMs give a clear boost of heat energy in the time after 4pm for three hours. PCT publication no. WO 85/00212 describes a flat plate, unidirectional solar air heater designed to store PCMs. The PCMs in the present ion store and release heat not only from the sun’s energy, but are also boosted by med air. There will be times when PCMs require to be cooled down in order to solidify and release heat, for example, in the late afternoon/evening for a boost of heat energy. In this case a timer would turn off fan 827 for reclaimed heat and the PCMs would be d to fully solidify thereby releasing their heat energy. The PCM e capacity within the present invention is also very useful for the solar chimney function. When the solar air heater cools down in the evening it would then release heat energy which will extend the upward suction in the building and thereby the cooling time of the solar chimney function. This would allow the building to fully cool down in the evenings.

In some cases there may be a vertical restriction on the height of a surface-mounted solar air collector. In such cases, there may not be room for both a lower air channel and a PCM layer.

Instead, the lower layer would either be used for heat recovery (and therefore house lower air channels) or to store heat via PCMs. Other reasons other than height restrictions may also drive the different configuration of the collector . In the latter case the two entry and exit openings may be closed off and insulated, or the openings may not be present. Various sequential arrangements of these are le. In a 25/30mmm height, 950mm x 1800mm channel, for example, it would be possible to store approximately 12mm x 450mm x300mm CSM panels of PCM with a m stored energy capacity of imately 1200 Wh. This would provide beneficial heat during late afternoon / evening in the winter when the PCMS begin to solidify, or cooling in the g in summer in the case of the ‘solar y’ operation.

In other embodiments of the invention, the system may be combined with other systems capable of utilising solar energy. For example, arrays or modules of photovoltaic (PV) cells may be installed as part of, or in combination with, a solar heating/cooling system according to the ion. For example, on the top panel of the collector may be mounted an array of PV cells.

New transparent PV cells may particularly advantageously be used. In building-integrated versions of the invention, the collector may be positioned directly underneath the PV cells.

Adding PV capacity may offset running costs and the greenhouse footprint of the system (e.g. powering the fans). Combining a solar air heater with PV cells in this way also reduces the physical footprint of solar energy devices on a building.

If a sufficient current of air flow is exhausted via the solar air heating / cooling system to the exhaust conduits, there is the potential to use the energy of this air t to generate icity using a wind energy generator. The preferred channel matrix under a transparent wall can of course be up-scaled to form a large area (sloped or vertical) that has applications for commercial buildings, for example, as ventilation in on to harnessing wind energy in the “chimney effect” to generate electricity.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the , the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or tive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an ledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the ication of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, ts or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various s and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such s and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Claims (9)

Claims

1. A solar-powered ventilation system for ventilating a building sing: a solar energy collector comprising an air channel having a lower end and an upper end, the solar energy tor configured to receive solar energy and heat air flowing through the air channel; an air exhaust conduit fluidly connected to the upper end of the tor air channel; a first air entry conduit y connecting the lower end of the collector air channel and the building interior; a second air entry conduit fluidly ting the lower end of the collector air channel to the outside air; and flow control means configured to selectively block the fluid connection of the first and second air entry conduit to the collector air channel.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower end of the collector air channel is fluidly connected to the building or via a plurality of openings.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow l means comprises a damper positioned in a conduit junction between the first and second air entry conduits and the collector air channel.

4. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the ventilation system comprises switching means configured to control the flow control means to select fluid connection of one of the first and second air entry conduits to the collector air channel.

5. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the ventilation system comprises a temperature sensor ured to operate the switching means when one or more threshold temperatures in the building interior is/are reached.

6. A system as d in claim 5, wherein the ing means is configured to block the first air entry conduit when the temperature of the building interior falls below a threshold temperature.

7. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the system comprises one or more pressure sensors configured to communicate with the switching means to control the flow control means based on one or more detected pressure in the conduits and/or in the building interior.

8. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, n the solar-powered ventilation system further comprises one or more photovoltaic cells positioned in thermal ication with the collector air channel.

9. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the system comprises a wind energy generator positioned in the air exhaust conduit.