US20180224137A1 - Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180224137A1 US20180224137A1 US15/506,074 US201615506074A US2018224137A1 US 20180224137 A1 US20180224137 A1 US 20180224137A1 US 201615506074 A US201615506074 A US 201615506074A US 2018224137 A1 US2018224137 A1 US 2018224137A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- membrane assembly
- membrane
- pores
- recited
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
- F24F5/0007—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning
- F24F5/0035—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning using evaporation
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/002—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings made of webs, e.g. of fabrics, or wallpaper, used as coverings or linings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/17—Details or features not otherwise provided for mounted in a wall
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
- Y02B30/54—Free-cooling systems
Definitions
- the subject disclosure relates to methods and systems for structure wall assemblies, and more particularly, to improved methods and systems for passively cooling an interior area of a structure.
- the present disclosure is directed to a system and methods for passively cooling an interior area within a structure.
- the present disclosure provides cooling power to an interior area while using fewer harmful refrigerants and consuming less electrical energy than traditional methods.
- a system passively cools an interior area within a structure.
- the system includes a membrane assembly covering a portion of the structure, wherein the membrane has an interior side facing the interior area and an exterior side.
- the membrane assembly defines a plurality of pores.
- capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, the desired heat flow.
- the membrane assembly can include an architectural membrane coated with a porous matrix coating to form the pores.
- a pump can provide the fluid to the interior side of the membrane assembly.
- the architectural membrane is woven PTFE-coated fiberglass and the porous matrix coating is titanium dioxide and zeolites.
- the porous matrix coating can be comprised of several layers, said layers having pores with decreasing radii as they approach the exterior side of the membrane assembly.
- the plurality of pores may have radii ranging from about 10 nanometers to 100 microns and a length of about 80 microns.
- a liquid content by mass of the porous matrix coating could be in a range of approximately 10-50%.
- a tension system or a frame system supports the membrane assembly.
- Another aspect of the subject disclosure is directed to a method for passively cooling an interior area within a structure.
- the method includes coating an architectural membrane with a porous matrix coating to form pores, covering a portion of the structure with the architectural membrane, and providing a fluid onto the architectural membrane such that capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, heat flow out of the interior area.
- the method calculates a setpoint for the interior area based upon empirical data related to a cooling profile of the interior area.
- the empirical data includes square footage of the membrane, temperature, humidity, wind and cloudiness.
- a cooling fluid, such as water, may be pumped onto the membrane assembly at varying degrees with a corresponding modification of the pumping based upon the setpoint.
- the pores redistribute the fluid laterally along the same side of the architectural membrane.
- the pores may redistribute the fluid from an interior side of the architectural membrane to an exterior side of the architectural membrane, or vice versa.
- the coating step may include depositing a concentrated slurry including a binding agent and zeolites on the architectural membrane, then heating the concentrated slurry to set the binding agent and form the porous matrix.
- the concentrated slurry may include titanium dioxide as a self cleaning agent.
- the method calculates an overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value) for the structure; and calculating a setpoint based upon the U-value.
- Still another embodiment of the subject technology is directed to a structure for passively cooling an interior area comprising: a wall structure having a frame, a membrane assembly covering a portion of the frame, wherein the membrane assembly defines a plurality of pores, and a liquid on the membrane assembly such that capillary action of the membrane assembly pores spreads the liquid to create evaporation and, in turn, cooling.
- a fan system may increase air flow across the membrane assembly and/or provide airflow across the membrane assembly for delivery to a heating and ventilation system.
- the pores can extend from an interior side to an exterior side of the membrane assembly and the membrane assembly can include an architectural membrane coated with a porous matrix coating to form the pores.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a house utilizing a system in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 2B is a partial cross-sectional view of a membrane assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 2C is a schematic view of the coating of a membrane assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure, exaggerated for illustration of structural operation.
- FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure designed for use in a typical wood-frame structure.
- FIG. 4A is a partial cross sectional view showing a possible coating location in a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 4B is a partial cross sectional view showing a possible coating location in a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 5A is a partial cross sectional view showing a wall assembly reducing or reversing the heat flux through an enclosure in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 5B is a partial cross sectional view showing a wall assembly using evaporatively chilled air as a coolant for ventilation air in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 5C is a partial cross sectional view showing a wall assembly boosting the efficiency of an air conditioner in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 6A is a front view of a structure designed in accordance with typical wood-frame construction and utilizing a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 6B is a front view of a structure designed in accordance with typical braced frame construction and utilizing a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 6C is a front view of a structure designed in accordance with typical tensile frame construction and utilizing a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a method of passively cooling an interior area within a structure in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a membrane assembly with a nanoporous coating in accordance with the subject disclosure, exaggerated to show pore structure.
- the house 100 includes an interior area 102 that is maintained at a cool and comfortable temperature in an efficient manner.
- the house 100 has a membrane assembly 110 stretched taught across a tensile framing system (not shown).
- the house 100 also includes doors 104 for moving in and out of the interior area 102 .
- water is delivered, mechanically and/or passively, to the membrane assembly 110 , which spreads the water by capillary action for enhanced evaporation.
- the membrane assembly 110 can serve the role of siding, sheathing, a weather barrier, and/or a vapor barrier.
- the house 100 includes a water pump 130 connected to a supply of water such as a well or municipal source. Greywater may also be used instead of, or in addition to, other water sources to reduce, or even eliminate, the strain on water resources.
- the water pump 130 provides water to the membrane assembly 110 . Additionally, water can reach the membrane assembly 110 by, for example, spraying water along membrane assembly 110 , dripping water along membrane assembly 110 , or through the water content of air as the air flows along the membrane assembly 110 . As water evaporates from the membrane assembly 110 , the latent heat of vaporization is extracted, some of it from the interior, generating cooling power on the order of hundreds of Watts per Square meter. The evaporation rate increases with temperature, thus, the potential to passively cool the interor increases with temperature as well.
- the wall assembly 200 is for a building 600 B of the type shown in FIG. 6B .
- the wall assembly 200 includes an interior layer 202 .
- the interior layer 202 can be any material typically used in the interior of a building, such as drywall or plaster.
- a layer of insulation 204 adjacent to the interior layer 202 provides efficient thermal retention for the building 600 B.
- a layer of cladding 206 protects the insulation 204 and the interior layer 202 from the outside elements.
- structural members such as 2 ⁇ 4 s or 2 ⁇ 6 s are used to frame the building 600 B.
- a membrane assembly 210 is spaced from the cladding 206 to form an air gap 208 .
- the air gap 208 allows upward air flow, depicted by arrow “a”, between cladding 206 and the membrane assembly 210 .
- the air flow may move in any direction and is preferably driven by an air handler including a fan.
- the membrane assembly 210 includes an architectural fabric layer 212 having a coating 218 , shown here on the exterior of the membrane assembly 210 .
- the architectural fabric layer 212 may be formed using typical commercial architectural materials for exterior membranes, for example, woven polytetrafluoroethylene coated fiberglass.
- the membrane assembly may also use a more rigid base layer instead of architectural fabric depending upon the particular application and building structure.
- the coating 218 defines a plurality of pores 216 which absorb and distribute water across the membrane assembly 210 through capillarity to enhance evaporation of water applied thereto.
- the coating 218 may be any material which allows for water distribution, preferably through capillary effect, such as a porous ceramic. Capillary effect spreads the water applied to the coating 218 over a wide area to replenish what is lost to evaporation.
- the coating 218 may be a different material which allows water distribution such as cloth, hydrogels, or cellulite.
- evaporation of water applied from the coating 218 causes heat to flow from the air gap 208 through the membrane assembly 210 , shown by arrow “b”. Additionally, evaporation causes heat flow from the membrane assembly 210 out of the wall assembly 200 , as shown by arrow “c”.
- the latent heat of vaporization extracts heat as shown by heat flow arrows “b” and “c”, cooling the air gap 208 .
- the cooling air gap cools the interior of the building 600 B and reduces the cooling load for maintaining the interior 602 at the desired temperature.
- FIG. 2B a partial cross-sectional view of the membrane assembly 210 is shown.
- the membrane assembly 210 is shown only partially covered by a coating 218 , such that underlying the architectural fabric layer 212 of the membrane assembly 210 is visible.
- the coating 218 defines a plurality of pores 216 . Although the pores 216 are shown as uniform and aligned, the pores 216 in most practical applications will be randomly formed and arranged.
- the pores 216 distribute water 50 across membrane assembly 210 via capillary action. While, for illustrative purposes, the pores 216 are depicted as running generally parallel throughout coating 218 , one skilled in the art would recognize that the pores 216 formed through the creation of a nanoporous coating result in a network which is not of any particular or uniform configuration. By distributing the water 50 across the membrane assembly 210 , the pores 216 allow for increased evaporation, causing heat transfer as shown by arrow “d”.
- FIG. 3 a partial cross-sectional view of a wall assembly 300 in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown.
- the wall assembly 300 is of a type typically used in brace-frame structures of the type shown in the building 600 B of FIG. 6B .
- the wall assembly 300 utilizes similar principles to the wall assembly 200 described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “3” instead of the numeral “2” are used to indicate like elements.
- a primary difference of the wall assembly 300 is an air barrier 314 to protect the cladding 306 from the elements.
- the air barrier 314 may be formed of any material typically used in building construction, such as TYVEK® house wrap available from DuPont of Wilmington, Delaware.
- the membrane assembly 310 may have the same architectural fabric layer 312 with a coating 318 or a different structure and arrangement.
- Structural elements 322 provide support in the wall assembly 300 .
- the structural elements 322 may be ribs, studs, posts and the like.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B partial cross-sectional views of wall assemblies 402 A-B are shown, respectively.
- the wall assemblies 400 A-B utilize similar principles to the wall assembly 200 described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “4” instead of the numeral “2” are used to indicate like elements.
- the wall assemblies 400 A-B depict possible locations for the coating 418 A-B.
- the coating 418 A-B may be applied to one of the various layers of walls assemblies 418 A-B, including for example, along the siding, the exterior insulation, and/or the cladding. Multiple coatings may be present, say for example, on each side of the air gaps 408 A-B.
- the membrane assembly 410 A includes cladding 406 A with a coating 418 A.
- the coating 418 A runs along the exterior side 415 A of the cladding 406 A, directly adjacent to air gap 408 A, facilitating water distribution and evaporation along the exterior side of cladding 406 .
- the membrane assembly 410 B includes an architectural fabric layer 412 B with an inner coating 418 B.
- the coating 418 B runs along the interior side 417 B of membrane assembly 410 B, directly adjacent to air gap 408 B, facilitating water distribution and evaporation along the interior side 417 B of the membrane assembly 410 B.
- evaporation causes the air in the air gaps 408 A, 408 B to be cooled directly while also being made more humid.
- FIGS. 5A-C partial cross-sectional views of wall assemblies 500 A-C in accordance with the subject disclosure are shown, respectively.
- the wall assemblies 500 A- 500 C utilize similar principles to the wall assembly 200 described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “5” instead of the numeral “2” are used to indicate like elements.
- FIG. 5A is included to help compare and contrast standard wall temperature change versus the improved wall temperature change of wall assemblies in accordance with the subject technology.
- FIGS. 5B and 5C depict various mechanisms for harnessing evaporative cooling power, in accordance with the subject technology. The following description is directed primarily to the differences.
- FIG. 5A a partial cross sectional view of a wall assembly 500 A is shown.
- the subject technology can reduce or even reverse the heat flux through an enclosure.
- FIG. 5A has temperature gradient lines “e” and “f”.
- Gradient line “e” represents the temperature gradient across a standard prior art wall.
- ⁇ T heat will flow from the exterior to the interior.
- gradient line “f” illustrates the temperature gradient across the wall assembly 500 A in which the wall assembly 500 A is maintained near the interior/setpoint temperature.
- the wall assembly 500 A being cooled by evaporative cooling, cools the interior and/or lessens the cooling energy required to maintain the cooler interior setpoint.
- the cooling power advantages are substantial
- FIG. 5B a partial cross sectional view of another wall assembly 500 B using evaporatively chilled air as a coolant for ventilation air in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown.
- Evaporation on the exterior side 519 B of the membrane assembly 510 B causes heat flow from the air gap 508 B through the membrane assembly 510 B, as shown by arrow “g”.
- evaporation causes heat flow from the membrane assembly 510 B out of the wall assembly 500 B.
- the latent heat of vaporization is extracted, as shown by heat flow arrows “b” and “c”, causing cooling of the air gap 508 B.
- Evaporatively cooled air from the air gap 508 B travels between cladding 506 B and the membrane assembly 510 B, as depicted by arrow “g”, and into a heat exchanger 532 B. Outside air enters a ventilation duct 536 B, as shown by arrow “h”. The air in the ventilation duct 536 B is moved through the heat exchanger 532 B, and exits the heat exchanger 532 B, as shown by arrow “i”.
- the cooled air from the air gap 508 a circulates around the ventilation duct 536 B and, in turn, cools the air in the ventilation duct 536 B.
- the air passing through the heat exchanger 532 B via the ventilation duct 536 B is cooled by the air from the air gap 508 A.
- the air exiting the heat exchanger 532 B may directly cool the interior or pass into a ventilation unit, such as an air conditioner to provide pre-cooled air thereto.
- the air conditioning unit 538 C includes an air handler 540 C and a condenser assembly 542 C.
- a refrigerant is contained within a coil assembly 546 C that extends from the air handler assembly 540 C to the condenser assembly 542 C.
- the refrigerant is driven by a pump/compressor assembly 544 to circulate throughout the coil assembly 546 C.
- the condenser assembly 542 C includes a fan 545 C to circulate air across the coil assembly 546 C as is well known.
- the air handler assembly 540 C includes a fan 547 C for moving interior air across the coil assembly 546 C to cool such air.
- evaporative cooling from the membrane assembly 510 C causes cooling of the air in air gap 508 C. Cooled air from the air gap 508 C travels, as shown by arrows “a”, between membrane assembly 510 C and the cladding 506 C, and into the condenser assembly 542 C.
- the condenser assembly 542 C operates by cooling and condensing refrigerant in the coil assembly 546 C. As the refrigerant is cooled in the condenser assembly 542 C, heat in the form of hot air exits to the exterior, as shown by arrow “j”.
- Cooled refrigerant from the condenser assembly 542 C is then returned to the air handler assembly 540 C, via the coil assembly 546 C. Air from the interior of the structure enters the air handler assembly 540 C, as shown by arrow “k”, and, in turn, is cooled by passing over the coil assembly 546 C. After being cooled such air is then passed back into the interior as shown by arrow “l”.
- FIGS. 5A-C could be used individually or in concert with one another to generate cooling power.
- the subject disclosure is capable of simultaneously reducing or reversing the heat flux through the enclosure, using evaporatively chilled air as a coolant for ventilation air, and boosting the efficiency of an air conditioner. It would also be understood by one skilled in the art that these embodiments could be used in combination with other means for cooling an interior.
- FIG. 6A a building or structure 600 A designed in accordance with typical wood-frame construction and utilizing a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown.
- the structure 600 A has a traditional wood frame and utilizes wall assemblies 601 A, such as those depicted in FIG. 3 , to create a code-compliant wall.
- the wall assembly can have a membrane assembly 610 A.
- a membrane assembly 610 A may also be placed across the roof 611 A of the structure. Alternatively, or additionally, the membrane assembly 610 A could placed along some other portion of the wall assembly, for example, the side walls of the structure or as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B .
- a braced frame is a similar structure to a wood lattice.
- a brace frame provides an open framework that is overlapped or overlaid in a regular, crisscross pattern to form a grid.
- the grid can be made of any material such as wood or steel.
- a membrane assembly 610 B in accordance with one embodiment, is shown stretched taught across the grid as the exterior layer of the wall assembly 601 B. Alternatively, or additionally, the membrane assembly 610 B could be placed along another portion of the wall assembly, for example, as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B .
- a braced frame is a similar structure to a wood lattice.
- the lattice or grid provides an open framework that is overlapped or overlaid in a regular, crisscross pattern.
- the grid can be made of various materials, such as wood or steel.
- a membrane assembly 610 C in accordance with one embodiment is shown stretched taught as the exterior layer of the wall assembly 601 C. Alternatively, or additionally, the membrane assembly 610 could be placed along another portion of the wall assembly, for example, as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B .
- an architectural membrane is coated with a porous matrix to form pores 702 .
- the coating may be any material which allows for and/or enhances fluid distribution for increased evaporation.
- the coating forms pores that distribute the fluid through capillary effect such as a porous ceramic coating.
- a ceramic coating can be made up of titanium dioxide particles and zeolites. Zeolite particles are hygroscopic aluminosilicate materials whose micro- and nanoporous molecular structures offer a large capillary effect.
- the ceramic coating can be formed, for example, by depositing titanium dioxide and zeolite particles from a slurry containing colloidal polytetrafluoroethylene, the lattermost acting as a binding agent when heated above 260 degrees Celsius.
- the quantity of polymer used to bind particles in the coating may influence evaporation by blocking a fraction of the pores.
- the materials can then be heated to dry and fuse them. This technique can be repeated to produce layered coatings.
- a portion of a structure is covered with the architectural membrane.
- the structure may be any of the wall assemblies above, variations thereof, and other structures as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art based upon review of the subject disclosure.
- a fluid is provided onto the architectural membrane such that capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, heat flow out of the interior area of the structure.
- a set point temperature for the interior area can be calculated based on empirical data related to a cooling profile. Relevant data related to a cooling profile may include, for example, square footage of the membrane, temperature, humidity, wind, cloudiness, the type of cooling fluid, the method and rate of administration of the cooling fluid, and/or empirical performance data.
- the setpoint may also be based on the overall heat transfer coefficient, or U-value. Fluid may then be distributed, in accordance with step 706 , by pumping fluid across the membrane at a varying rate based upon the setpoint.
- FIG. 8 a partial cross-sectional view of a membrane assembly with a nanoporous coating in accordance with the subject disclosure, exaggerated to show pore structure, is shown generally by reference numeral 810 .
- the membrane assembly 810 has a coating 818 which includes three layers 819 , 821 , 823 over an architectural fabric layer 812 . While, for illustrative purposes, the coating has pores 816 a , 816 b , 816 c which are depicted as running parallel throughout coating 818 , one skilled in the art would recognize that pores 816 a , 816 b , 816 c formed through the creation of a nanoporous coating result in a network which is not of any particular or uniform configuration.
- the first coating layer 819 is attached directly to the architectural fabric layer 812 .
- a second coating layer 821 is shown over the first coating layer 819
- a third coating layer 823 is shown over the second coating layer 821 .
- the third coating layer 823 has a membrane assembly surface 825 on the side furthest from the architectural fabric layer 812 .
- the coating layers 819 , 821 , 823 have pores 816 a , 816 b , 816 c of a generally decreasing radius as they move away from the architectural fabric layer 812 towards the membrane assembly surface 825 . In generally, the capillary effect increases as the size of the pore radii decreases.
- a multitude of small pores 816 c near the membrane assembly surface 825 increases the capillary effect of the coating 818 while large pores 816 a closer to the architectural fabric layer 812 enhance the flow rate by lowering the hydrodynamic impedance.
- pores 816 c nearest the membrane assembly surface 825 have radii as low as several nanometers while pores 816 a nearest the architectural fabric layer 812 have radii of several micrometers. Pores with radii of other sizes may be used to balance the evaporation rate with the rate at which the coating 218 passively fuels the evaporative cooling process.
- coating 818 may contain various numbers of layers having various pore sizes to allow capillary action across membrane assembly 810 .
- the air conditioning unit, water pump, thermostat control and the like would include electronics such as a processor and memory to form a controller for utilizing the setpoint for control. Additionally, user interfaces in the form of displays, buttons, scanners, usb ports and the like would be incorporated to input and output data. Additionally, the controller could have wireless capabilities for interaction with a network, smartphone, tablet and the like for additional input and output of data and information.
- any functional element may perform fewer, or different, operations than those described with respect to the illustrated embodiment.
- functional elements e.g., structural elements, sheaths, vapor barriers, water barriers, wind barriers, cladding and the like
- shown as distinct for purposes of illustration may be incorporated within other functional elements in a particular implementation.
Abstract
Description
- The subject disclosure relates to methods and systems for structure wall assemblies, and more particularly, to improved methods and systems for passively cooling an interior area of a structure.
- The problems with high energy consumption of buildings and the harmful environmental emissions associated with air conditioning are well known. Residential and commercial buildings currently account for 72% of the nation's electricity use and 40% of its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year, 5% of which comes directly from air conditioning. In addition, the refrigerants used in air conditioners are potent greenhouse gases (GHGs) that may contribute to global climate change.
- Because the majority of cooling systems run on electricity, and most U.S. electricity comes from coal-fired power plants which produce CO2, there is a pressing need to support improvements that increase the efficiency of cooling technologies and reduce the use of GHG refrigerants.
- In view of the above, there is a need for an interior cooling system that can reduce building energy consumption and environmental impact.
- The present disclosure is directed to a system and methods for passively cooling an interior area within a structure. The present disclosure provides cooling power to an interior area while using fewer harmful refrigerants and consuming less electrical energy than traditional methods.
- In one embodiment, a system passively cools an interior area within a structure. The system includes a membrane assembly covering a portion of the structure, wherein the membrane has an interior side facing the interior area and an exterior side. The membrane assembly defines a plurality of pores. When a supply of fluid is provided to the membrane assembly, capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, the desired heat flow. The membrane assembly can include an architectural membrane coated with a porous matrix coating to form the pores. A pump can provide the fluid to the interior side of the membrane assembly. Preferably, the architectural membrane is woven PTFE-coated fiberglass and the porous matrix coating is titanium dioxide and zeolites. The porous matrix coating can be comprised of several layers, said layers having pores with decreasing radii as they approach the exterior side of the membrane assembly. The plurality of pores may have radii ranging from about 10 nanometers to 100 microns and a length of about 80 microns. When saturated with liquid, a liquid content by mass of the porous matrix coating could be in a range of approximately 10-50%. Preferably, a tension system or a frame system supports the membrane assembly.
- Another aspect of the subject disclosure is directed to a method for passively cooling an interior area within a structure. The method includes coating an architectural membrane with a porous matrix coating to form pores, covering a portion of the structure with the architectural membrane, and providing a fluid onto the architectural membrane such that capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, heat flow out of the interior area. In one embodiment, the method calculates a setpoint for the interior area based upon empirical data related to a cooling profile of the interior area. The empirical data includes square footage of the membrane, temperature, humidity, wind and cloudiness. A cooling fluid, such as water, may be pumped onto the membrane assembly at varying degrees with a corresponding modification of the pumping based upon the setpoint. Typically, the pores redistribute the fluid laterally along the same side of the architectural membrane. The pores may redistribute the fluid from an interior side of the architectural membrane to an exterior side of the architectural membrane, or vice versa. The coating step may include depositing a concentrated slurry including a binding agent and zeolites on the architectural membrane, then heating the concentrated slurry to set the binding agent and form the porous matrix. The concentrated slurry may include titanium dioxide as a self cleaning agent. In one embodiment, the method calculates an overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value) for the structure; and calculating a setpoint based upon the U-value.
- Still another embodiment of the subject technology is directed to a structure for passively cooling an interior area comprising: a wall structure having a frame, a membrane assembly covering a portion of the frame, wherein the membrane assembly defines a plurality of pores, and a liquid on the membrane assembly such that capillary action of the membrane assembly pores spreads the liquid to create evaporation and, in turn, cooling. A fan system may increase air flow across the membrane assembly and/or provide airflow across the membrane assembly for delivery to a heating and ventilation system. The pores can extend from an interior side to an exterior side of the membrane assembly and the membrane assembly can include an architectural membrane coated with a porous matrix coating to form the pores.
- It should be appreciated that the subject technology can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, a method for applications now known and later developed such as a computer readable medium and a hardware device specifically designed to accomplish the features and functions of the subject technology. These and other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
- So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the following drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a house utilizing a system in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 2B is a partial cross-sectional view of a membrane assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 2C is a schematic view of the coating of a membrane assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure, exaggerated for illustration of structural operation. -
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure designed for use in a typical wood-frame structure. -
FIG. 4A is a partial cross sectional view showing a possible coating location in a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 4B is a partial cross sectional view showing a possible coating location in a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 5A is a partial cross sectional view showing a wall assembly reducing or reversing the heat flux through an enclosure in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 5B is a partial cross sectional view showing a wall assembly using evaporatively chilled air as a coolant for ventilation air in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 5C is a partial cross sectional view showing a wall assembly boosting the efficiency of an air conditioner in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 6A is a front view of a structure designed in accordance with typical wood-frame construction and utilizing a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 6B is a front view of a structure designed in accordance with typical braced frame construction and utilizing a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 6C is a front view of a structure designed in accordance with typical tensile frame construction and utilizing a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a method of passively cooling an interior area within a structure in accordance with the subject disclosure. -
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a membrane assembly with a nanoporous coating in accordance with the subject disclosure, exaggerated to show pore structure. - The subject technology overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with cooling building interiors by using architectural membranes and membrane-based wall assemblies with nanoporous coatings. The advantages, and other features of the technology disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present disclosure and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements. It is understood that references to the figures such as interior, exterior, up, down, upward, downward, left, and right are with respect to the figures and not meant in a limiting sense.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a house utilizing a system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is referred to generally byreference numeral 100. Thehouse 100 includes aninterior area 102 that is maintained at a cool and comfortable temperature in an efficient manner. Thehouse 100 has amembrane assembly 110 stretched taught across a tensile framing system (not shown). Thehouse 100 also includesdoors 104 for moving in and out of theinterior area 102. In brief overview, water is delivered, mechanically and/or passively, to themembrane assembly 110, which spreads the water by capillary action for enhanced evaporation. Simultaneously, or additionally, themembrane assembly 110 can serve the role of siding, sheathing, a weather barrier, and/or a vapor barrier. - In one embodiment, the
house 100 includes awater pump 130 connected to a supply of water such as a well or municipal source. Greywater may also be used instead of, or in addition to, other water sources to reduce, or even eliminate, the strain on water resources. Thewater pump 130 provides water to themembrane assembly 110. Additionally, water can reach themembrane assembly 110 by, for example, spraying water alongmembrane assembly 110, dripping water alongmembrane assembly 110, or through the water content of air as the air flows along themembrane assembly 110. As water evaporates from themembrane assembly 110, the latent heat of vaporization is extracted, some of it from the interior, generating cooling power on the order of hundreds of Watts per Square meter. The evaporation rate increases with temperature, thus, the potential to passively cool the interor increases with temperature as well. - Referring now to
FIG. 2A , a partial cross-sectional view of awall assembly 200 in accordance with the subject technology is shown. Thewall assembly 200 is for abuilding 600B of the type shown inFIG. 6B . Thewall assembly 200 includes aninterior layer 202. Theinterior layer 202 can be any material typically used in the interior of a building, such as drywall or plaster. A layer ofinsulation 204 adjacent to theinterior layer 202 provides efficient thermal retention for thebuilding 600B. A layer ofcladding 206 protects theinsulation 204 and theinterior layer 202 from the outside elements. Although not shown, structural members such as 2×4 s or 2×6 s are used to frame thebuilding 600B. - A
membrane assembly 210 is spaced from thecladding 206 to form anair gap 208. Theair gap 208 allows upward air flow, depicted by arrow “a”, betweencladding 206 and themembrane assembly 210. The air flow may move in any direction and is preferably driven by an air handler including a fan. - The
membrane assembly 210 includes anarchitectural fabric layer 212 having acoating 218, shown here on the exterior of themembrane assembly 210. Thearchitectural fabric layer 212 may be formed using typical commercial architectural materials for exterior membranes, for example, woven polytetrafluoroethylene coated fiberglass. The membrane assembly may also use a more rigid base layer instead of architectural fabric depending upon the particular application and building structure. - The
coating 218 defines a plurality ofpores 216 which absorb and distribute water across themembrane assembly 210 through capillarity to enhance evaporation of water applied thereto. Thecoating 218 may be any material which allows for water distribution, preferably through capillary effect, such as a porous ceramic. Capillary effect spreads the water applied to thecoating 218 over a wide area to replenish what is lost to evaporation. Alternatively, thecoating 218 may be a different material which allows water distribution such as cloth, hydrogels, or cellulite. - At temperatures where building cooling is desired, evaporation of water applied from the
coating 218 causes heat to flow from theair gap 208 through themembrane assembly 210, shown by arrow “b”. Additionally, evaporation causes heat flow from themembrane assembly 210 out of thewall assembly 200, as shown by arrow “c”. Thus, the latent heat of vaporization extracts heat as shown by heat flow arrows “b” and “c”, cooling theair gap 208. The cooling air gap, in turn, cools the interior of thebuilding 600B and reduces the cooling load for maintaining the interior 602 at the desired temperature. - Referring now to
FIG. 2B , a partial cross-sectional view of themembrane assembly 210 is shown. For the purposes of illustration, themembrane assembly 210 is shown only partially covered by acoating 218, such that underlying thearchitectural fabric layer 212 of themembrane assembly 210 is visible. - Referring now to
FIG. 2C , a schematic view of thecoating 218 is shown, exaggerated for illustration of structural operation. Thecoating 218 defines a plurality ofpores 216. Although thepores 216 are shown as uniform and aligned, thepores 216 in most practical applications will be randomly formed and arranged. Thepores 216 distributewater 50 acrossmembrane assembly 210 via capillary action. While, for illustrative purposes, thepores 216 are depicted as running generally parallel throughoutcoating 218, one skilled in the art would recognize that thepores 216 formed through the creation of a nanoporous coating result in a network which is not of any particular or uniform configuration. By distributing thewater 50 across themembrane assembly 210, thepores 216 allow for increased evaporation, causing heat transfer as shown by arrow “d”. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , a partial cross-sectional view of awall assembly 300 in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown. Thewall assembly 300 is of a type typically used in brace-frame structures of the type shown in thebuilding 600B ofFIG. 6B . As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, thewall assembly 300 utilizes similar principles to thewall assembly 200 described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “3” instead of the numeral “2” are used to indicate like elements. A primary difference of thewall assembly 300 is anair barrier 314 to protect thecladding 306 from the elements. Theair barrier 314 may be formed of any material typically used in building construction, such as TYVEK® house wrap available from DuPont of Wilmington, Delaware. Themembrane assembly 310 may have the samearchitectural fabric layer 312 with acoating 318 or a different structure and arrangement.Structural elements 322 provide support in thewall assembly 300. Thestructural elements 322 may be ribs, studs, posts and the like. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , partial cross-sectional views ofwall assemblies 402A-B are shown, respectively. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, thewall assemblies 400A-B utilize similar principles to thewall assembly 200 described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “4” instead of the numeral “2” are used to indicate like elements. - The
wall assemblies 400A-B depict possible locations for thecoating 418A-B. Thecoating 418A-B may be applied to one of the various layers ofwalls assemblies 418A-B, including for example, along the siding, the exterior insulation, and/or the cladding. Multiple coatings may be present, say for example, on each side of theair gaps 408A-B. - In the
wall assembly 400A ofFIG. 4A , themembrane assembly 410A includescladding 406A with acoating 418A. Thecoating 418A runs along theexterior side 415A of thecladding 406A, directly adjacent toair gap 408A, facilitating water distribution and evaporation along the exterior side of cladding 406. - In the
wall assembly 400B, themembrane assembly 410B includes anarchitectural fabric layer 412B with aninner coating 418B. Thecoating 418B runs along theinterior side 417B ofmembrane assembly 410B, directly adjacent toair gap 408B, facilitating water distribution and evaporation along theinterior side 417B of themembrane assembly 410B. In the configuration shown in thesewall assemblies air gaps - Referring now to
FIGS. 5A-C , partial cross-sectional views ofwall assemblies 500A-C in accordance with the subject disclosure are shown, respectively. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, thewall assemblies 500A-500C utilize similar principles to thewall assembly 200 described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “5” instead of the numeral “2” are used to indicate like elements.FIG. 5A is included to help compare and contrast standard wall temperature change versus the improved wall temperature change of wall assemblies in accordance with the subject technology. The primary difference inFIGS. 5B and 5C is that thewall assemblies - Referring now to
FIG. 5A , a partial cross sectional view of awall assembly 500A is shown. The subject technology can reduce or even reverse the heat flux through an enclosure.FIG. 5A has temperature gradient lines “e” and “f”. Gradient line “e” represents the temperature gradient across a standard prior art wall. When the interior has a significantly lower temperature and setpoint than the exterior, as evidenced by ΔT, heat will flow from the exterior to the interior. However, gradient line “f” illustrates the temperature gradient across thewall assembly 500A in which thewall assembly 500A is maintained near the interior/setpoint temperature. In fact, if thewall assembly 500A is below the interior temperature, heat flows along the arrows “b” and “c”. In effect, thewall assembly 500A being cooled by evaporative cooling, cools the interior and/or lessens the cooling energy required to maintain the cooler interior setpoint. During hot temperature weather, the cooling power advantages are substantial - Referring now to
FIG. 5B , a partial cross sectional view of anotherwall assembly 500B using evaporatively chilled air as a coolant for ventilation air in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown. Evaporation on theexterior side 519B of themembrane assembly 510B causes heat flow from theair gap 508B through themembrane assembly 510B, as shown by arrow “g”. Further, evaporation causes heat flow from themembrane assembly 510B out of thewall assembly 500B. The latent heat of vaporization is extracted, as shown by heat flow arrows “b” and “c”, causing cooling of theair gap 508B. - Evaporatively cooled air from the
air gap 508B travels betweencladding 506B and themembrane assembly 510B, as depicted by arrow “g”, and into aheat exchanger 532B. Outside air enters aventilation duct 536B, as shown by arrow “h”. The air in theventilation duct 536B is moved through theheat exchanger 532B, and exits theheat exchanger 532B, as shown by arrow “i”. - In the
heat exchanger 532B, the cooled air from the air gap 508a circulates around theventilation duct 536B and, in turn, cools the air in theventilation duct 536B. In this way, the air passing through theheat exchanger 532B via theventilation duct 536B is cooled by the air from theair gap 508A. The air exiting theheat exchanger 532B may directly cool the interior or pass into a ventilation unit, such as an air conditioner to provide pre-cooled air thereto. By passing the evaporatively cooled air from theair gap 508B through theheat exchanger 532B to cool the air in theventilation duct 536B, the energy required to cool the interior is reduced. - Referring now to
FIG. 5C , a partial cross sectional view showing still anotherwall assembly 500C for boosting the efficiency of anair conditioning unit 538C in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown. Theair conditioning unit 538C includes anair handler 540C and acondenser assembly 542C. A refrigerant is contained within acoil assembly 546C that extends from theair handler assembly 540C to thecondenser assembly 542C. As such, the refrigerant is driven by a pump/compressor assembly 544 to circulate throughout thecoil assembly 546C. Thecondenser assembly 542C includes afan 545C to circulate air across thecoil assembly 546C as is well known. Theair handler assembly 540C includes afan 547C for moving interior air across thecoil assembly 546C to cool such air. - Similar to the other embodiments mentioned herein, evaporative cooling from the
membrane assembly 510C causes cooling of the air inair gap 508C. Cooled air from theair gap 508C travels, as shown by arrows “a”, betweenmembrane assembly 510C and thecladding 506C, and into thecondenser assembly 542C. Thecondenser assembly 542C operates by cooling and condensing refrigerant in thecoil assembly 546C. As the refrigerant is cooled in thecondenser assembly 542C, heat in the form of hot air exits to the exterior, as shown by arrow “j”. - By providing cooled air from
air gap 508C to thecondenser assembly 542C, rather than outside air, the efficiency of thecondenser assembly 542C is improved. Cooled refrigerant from thecondenser assembly 542C is then returned to theair handler assembly 540C, via thecoil assembly 546C. Air from the interior of the structure enters theair handler assembly 540C, as shown by arrow “k”, and, in turn, is cooled by passing over thecoil assembly 546C. After being cooled such air is then passed back into the interior as shown by arrow “l”. - It would be understood by one skilled in the art that the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 5A-C could be used individually or in concert with one another to generate cooling power. Thus, the subject disclosure is capable of simultaneously reducing or reversing the heat flux through the enclosure, using evaporatively chilled air as a coolant for ventilation air, and boosting the efficiency of an air conditioner. It would also be understood by one skilled in the art that these embodiments could be used in combination with other means for cooling an interior. - Referring now to
FIG. 6A , a building orstructure 600A designed in accordance with typical wood-frame construction and utilizing a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown. Thestructure 600A has a traditional wood frame and utilizeswall assemblies 601A, such as those depicted inFIG. 3 , to create a code-compliant wall. The wall assembly can have amembrane assembly 610A. Amembrane assembly 610A may also be placed across theroof 611A of the structure. Alternatively, or additionally, themembrane assembly 610A could placed along some other portion of the wall assembly, for example, the side walls of the structure or as depicted inFIGS. 4A-4B . - Referring now to
FIG. 6B , another building orstructure 600B designed in accordance with typical brace frame construction and utilizing a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown. A braced frame is a similar structure to a wood lattice. A brace frame provides an open framework that is overlapped or overlaid in a regular, crisscross pattern to form a grid. The grid can be made of any material such as wood or steel. Amembrane assembly 610B, in accordance with one embodiment, is shown stretched taught across the grid as the exterior layer of thewall assembly 601B. Alternatively, or additionally, themembrane assembly 610B could be placed along another portion of the wall assembly, for example, as depicted inFIGS. 4A-4B . - Referring now to
FIG. 6C , a building orstructure 600C designed in accordance with typical brace frame construction and utilizing a wall assembly in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown. A braced frame is a similar structure to a wood lattice. The lattice or grid provides an open framework that is overlapped or overlaid in a regular, crisscross pattern. The grid can be made of various materials, such as wood or steel. Amembrane assembly 610C in accordance with one embodiment is shown stretched taught as the exterior layer of thewall assembly 601C. Alternatively, or additionally, the membrane assembly 610 could be placed along another portion of the wall assembly, for example, as depicted inFIGS. 4A-4B . - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , aflowchart 700 showing a method of passively cooling an interior area within a structure in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown. Theflowchart 700 includes the following steps. First, atstep 702, an architectural membrane is coated with a porous matrix to form pores 702. The coating may be any material which allows for and/or enhances fluid distribution for increased evaporation. Preferably, the coating forms pores that distribute the fluid through capillary effect such as a porous ceramic coating. Such a ceramic coating can be made up of titanium dioxide particles and zeolites. Zeolite particles are hygroscopic aluminosilicate materials whose micro- and nanoporous molecular structures offer a large capillary effect. Zeolites are known to absorb water more strongly and release it more slowly as the diameter of the pores decreases. Therefore the type and composition of zeolites can be used to tune the evaporation profile (the trajectory of the evaporation rate with time). The ceramic coating can be formed, for example, by depositing titanium dioxide and zeolite particles from a slurry containing colloidal polytetrafluoroethylene, the lattermost acting as a binding agent when heated above 260 degrees Celsius. The quantity of polymer used to bind particles in the coating may influence evaporation by blocking a fraction of the pores. The materials can then be heated to dry and fuse them. This technique can be repeated to produce layered coatings. This approach has been used commercially to produce architectural membranes with 5 μm thick coatings of titanium dioxide, which confers self-cleaning properties. A coat that is 160 μm thick would hold approximately enough water to fuel a high cooling flux of 300 Wm−2 for 10 minutes without replenishing the water. One skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that similar ceramic coatings can be formed using various compositions of zeolite, titanium dioxide, and binding polymer and that any fluid may be used as the cooling agent. - At
step 704, a portion of a structure is covered with the architectural membrane. The structure may be any of the wall assemblies above, variations thereof, and other structures as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art based upon review of the subject disclosure. Atstep 706, a fluid is provided onto the architectural membrane such that capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, heat flow out of the interior area of the structure. - In one embodiment, a set point temperature for the interior area can be calculated based on empirical data related to a cooling profile. Relevant data related to a cooling profile may include, for example, square footage of the membrane, temperature, humidity, wind, cloudiness, the type of cooling fluid, the method and rate of administration of the cooling fluid, and/or empirical performance data. The setpoint may also be based on the overall heat transfer coefficient, or U-value. Fluid may then be distributed, in accordance with
step 706, by pumping fluid across the membrane at a varying rate based upon the setpoint. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , a partial cross-sectional view of a membrane assembly with a nanoporous coating in accordance with the subject disclosure, exaggerated to show pore structure, is shown generally byreference numeral 810. Themembrane assembly 810 has acoating 818 which includes threelayers architectural fabric layer 812. While, for illustrative purposes, the coating haspores coating 818, one skilled in the art would recognize thatpores first coating layer 819 is attached directly to thearchitectural fabric layer 812. Asecond coating layer 821 is shown over thefirst coating layer 819, and athird coating layer 823 is shown over thesecond coating layer 821. Thethird coating layer 823 has amembrane assembly surface 825 on the side furthest from thearchitectural fabric layer 812. The coating layers 819, 821, 823, havepores architectural fabric layer 812 towards themembrane assembly surface 825. In generally, the capillary effect increases as the size of the pore radii decreases. In one embodiment, a multitude ofsmall pores 816 c near themembrane assembly surface 825 increases the capillary effect of thecoating 818 whilelarge pores 816 a closer to thearchitectural fabric layer 812 enhance the flow rate by lowering the hydrodynamic impedance. In one embodiment, pores 816 c nearest themembrane assembly surface 825 have radii as low as several nanometers whilepores 816 a nearest thearchitectural fabric layer 812 have radii of several micrometers. Pores with radii of other sizes may be used to balance the evaporation rate with the rate at which thecoating 218 passively fuels the evaporative cooling process. By balancing the evaporation rate with the rate at which the evaporative cooling process is fueled, the need for periodic misting or wetting of the coating can be minimized or avoided. One skilled in the art would recognize thatcoating 818 may contain various numbers of layers having various pore sizes to allow capillary action acrossmembrane assembly 810. - It is envisioned that the air conditioning unit, water pump, thermostat control and the like would include electronics such as a processor and memory to form a controller for utilizing the setpoint for control. Additionally, user interfaces in the form of displays, buttons, scanners, usb ports and the like would be incorporated to input and output data. Additionally, the controller could have wireless capabilities for interaction with a network, smartphone, tablet and the like for additional input and output of data and information.
- It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art that the functions of several elements may, in alternative embodiments, be carried out by fewer elements, or a single element. Similarly, in some embodiments, any functional element may perform fewer, or different, operations than those described with respect to the illustrated embodiment. Also, functional elements (e.g., structural elements, sheaths, vapor barriers, water barriers, wind barriers, cladding and the like) shown as distinct for purposes of illustration may be incorporated within other functional elements in a particular implementation.
- While the subject technology has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the subject technology without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/506,074 US20180224137A1 (en) | 2015-04-07 | 2016-04-07 | Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior |
US15/443,001 US10704794B2 (en) | 2015-04-07 | 2017-02-27 | Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562143851P | 2015-04-07 | 2015-04-07 | |
US201562186105P | 2015-06-29 | 2015-06-29 | |
PCT/US2016/026408 WO2016164561A1 (en) | 2015-04-07 | 2016-04-07 | Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior |
US15/506,074 US20180224137A1 (en) | 2015-04-07 | 2016-04-07 | Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2016/026408 A-371-Of-International WO2016164561A1 (en) | 2015-04-07 | 2016-04-07 | Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/443,001 Continuation-In-Part US10704794B2 (en) | 2015-04-07 | 2017-02-27 | Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180224137A1 true US20180224137A1 (en) | 2018-08-09 |
Family
ID=57073367
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/506,074 Abandoned US20180224137A1 (en) | 2015-04-07 | 2016-04-07 | Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20180224137A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016164561A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230304287A1 (en) * | 2022-03-22 | 2023-09-28 | KVC Finance OÜ | Construction element |
Citations (47)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2259541A (en) * | 1937-12-15 | 1941-10-21 | John R Ballard | Air conditioning apparatus |
US2478617A (en) * | 1948-03-18 | 1949-08-09 | Pierce John B Foundation | Air conditioning system |
US3066498A (en) * | 1961-03-23 | 1962-12-04 | Schlumbohm Peter | Room air conditioner |
US3410336A (en) * | 1964-05-26 | 1968-11-12 | Eisler Paul | Thermal conditioning system for an enclosed space |
US3490718A (en) * | 1967-02-01 | 1970-01-20 | Nasa | Capillary radiator |
US3893506A (en) * | 1971-09-17 | 1975-07-08 | Nikolaus Laing | Device for the absorption and emission of heat |
US3905203A (en) * | 1973-06-15 | 1975-09-16 | Carlyle W Jacob | Refrigeration and water condensate removal apparatus |
US3984995A (en) * | 1975-03-12 | 1976-10-12 | Starr Robert H | Method and apparatus for the treatment of air |
US4002040A (en) * | 1973-07-08 | 1977-01-11 | Aktiebolaget Carl Munters | Method of cooling air and apparatus intended therefor |
US4023949A (en) * | 1975-08-04 | 1977-05-17 | Schlom Leslie A | Evaporative refrigeration system |
US4184338A (en) * | 1977-04-21 | 1980-01-22 | Motorola, Inc. | Heat energized vapor adsorbent pump |
US4408596A (en) * | 1980-09-25 | 1983-10-11 | Worf Douglas L | Heat exchange system |
US4516631A (en) * | 1981-11-04 | 1985-05-14 | Combustion Engineering, Inc. | Nozzle cooled by heat pipe means |
US4552205A (en) * | 1983-10-31 | 1985-11-12 | Saunders Norman B | Dual storage heating and cooling system |
US4556049A (en) * | 1979-02-12 | 1985-12-03 | Tchernev Dimiter I | Integrated solar collector |
US4660390A (en) * | 1986-03-25 | 1987-04-28 | Worthington Mark N | Air conditioner with three stages of indirect regeneration |
US5296287A (en) * | 1992-11-25 | 1994-03-22 | Textiles Coated Incorporated | Single membrane insulation material |
US5357726A (en) * | 1989-02-02 | 1994-10-25 | Chemfab Corporation | Composite materials for structural end uses |
US5884486A (en) * | 1997-06-19 | 1999-03-23 | Northern Telecom Limited | Thermoelectric humidity pump and method for dehumidfying of an electronic apparatus |
US20020011075A1 (en) * | 2000-07-27 | 2002-01-31 | Faqih Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Kader M. | Production of potable water and freshwater needs for human, animal and plants from hot and humid air |
US6349760B1 (en) * | 1999-10-22 | 2002-02-26 | Intel Corporation | Method and apparatus for improving the thermal performance of heat sinks |
US6367277B1 (en) * | 2001-04-10 | 2002-04-09 | Stephen W. Kinkel | Evaporative cooling apparatus |
US6434963B1 (en) * | 1999-10-26 | 2002-08-20 | John Francis Urch | Air cooling/heating apparatus |
US20020166327A1 (en) * | 2001-01-19 | 2002-11-14 | Crane Plastics Company Limited Partnership | Cooling of extruded and compression molded materials |
JP2003083656A (en) * | 2001-09-13 | 2003-03-19 | Energy Technos:Kk | Cooling system |
US20030056943A1 (en) * | 2000-04-12 | 2003-03-27 | Dessiatoun Serguei Vassilievich | Heat transfer |
US6627444B1 (en) * | 2000-08-07 | 2003-09-30 | Smiths Detection - Toronto Ltd. | Method and solid phase calibration sample for calibration of analytical instructions |
US20040115419A1 (en) * | 2002-12-17 | 2004-06-17 | Jian Qin | Hot air dried absorbent fibrous foams |
US20050045030A1 (en) * | 2003-08-29 | 2005-03-03 | Anna-Lee Tonkovich | Process for separating nitrogen from methane using microchannel process technology |
US20050056042A1 (en) * | 2003-09-12 | 2005-03-17 | Davis Energy Group, Inc. | Hydronic rooftop cooling systems |
US6948556B1 (en) * | 2003-11-12 | 2005-09-27 | Anderson William G | Hybrid loop cooling of high powered devices |
US20060000227A1 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2006-01-05 | Samuel Hyland | Indirect-direct evaporative cooling system operable from sustainable energy source |
US6990816B1 (en) * | 2004-12-22 | 2006-01-31 | Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. | Hybrid capillary cooling apparatus |
US20090056917A1 (en) * | 2005-08-09 | 2009-03-05 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Nanostructured micro heat pipes |
US20090126371A1 (en) * | 2005-04-21 | 2009-05-21 | Richard Powell | Heat Pump |
US20100115977A1 (en) * | 2006-08-25 | 2010-05-13 | Thermodynamic Nanotechnologies Limited | Energy conversion device |
US20100200199A1 (en) * | 2006-03-03 | 2010-08-12 | Illuminex Corporation | Heat Pipe with Nanostructured Wick |
US20100287953A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2010-11-18 | John Francis Urch | Air Conditioning Apparatus |
US20100294467A1 (en) * | 2009-05-22 | 2010-11-25 | General Electric Company | High performance heat transfer device, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
US20120077015A1 (en) * | 2010-09-29 | 2012-03-29 | Hao Zhou | Multi-Layer Nano-Composites |
US20140020413A1 (en) * | 2010-12-22 | 2014-01-23 | Clariant Produkte(Deutschland)GmbH | Thermal management by means of a tatano-alumo-phosphate |
US20140144171A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2014-05-29 | Bha Altair, Llc | Method of Wetting Evaporative Cooler Media Through a Fabric Distribution Layer |
US20140319706A1 (en) * | 2011-06-07 | 2014-10-30 | Dpoint Technologies Inc. | Selective water vapour transport membranes comprising a nanofibrous layer and methods for making the same |
US20150071978A1 (en) * | 2013-09-06 | 2015-03-12 | Alice Chang | Clothing and covering system with various functions |
US20150147563A1 (en) * | 2013-11-27 | 2015-05-28 | Ronald Stanis | Air conditioning laminate and method |
KR101528408B1 (en) * | 2013-12-24 | 2015-06-11 | 양수복 | An Air conditioning device using cooling pad |
US20160374411A1 (en) * | 2014-06-28 | 2016-12-29 | Vorbeck Materials | Personal thermal management system |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2010516457A (en) * | 2007-01-24 | 2010-05-20 | ワットマン インコーポレイテッド | Modified porous membrane, method for modifying pores of membrane, and use thereof |
US8209992B2 (en) * | 2008-07-07 | 2012-07-03 | Alden Ray M | High efficiency heat pump with phase changed energy storage |
US8899000B2 (en) * | 2010-07-09 | 2014-12-02 | Birdair, Inc. | Architectural membrane and method of making same |
EP2953895B1 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2019-03-20 | Basf Se | Process for preparing a titanium-containing zeolitic material having an mww framework structure |
-
2016
- 2016-04-07 WO PCT/US2016/026408 patent/WO2016164561A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-04-07 US US15/506,074 patent/US20180224137A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (47)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2259541A (en) * | 1937-12-15 | 1941-10-21 | John R Ballard | Air conditioning apparatus |
US2478617A (en) * | 1948-03-18 | 1949-08-09 | Pierce John B Foundation | Air conditioning system |
US3066498A (en) * | 1961-03-23 | 1962-12-04 | Schlumbohm Peter | Room air conditioner |
US3410336A (en) * | 1964-05-26 | 1968-11-12 | Eisler Paul | Thermal conditioning system for an enclosed space |
US3490718A (en) * | 1967-02-01 | 1970-01-20 | Nasa | Capillary radiator |
US3893506A (en) * | 1971-09-17 | 1975-07-08 | Nikolaus Laing | Device for the absorption and emission of heat |
US3905203A (en) * | 1973-06-15 | 1975-09-16 | Carlyle W Jacob | Refrigeration and water condensate removal apparatus |
US4002040A (en) * | 1973-07-08 | 1977-01-11 | Aktiebolaget Carl Munters | Method of cooling air and apparatus intended therefor |
US3984995A (en) * | 1975-03-12 | 1976-10-12 | Starr Robert H | Method and apparatus for the treatment of air |
US4023949A (en) * | 1975-08-04 | 1977-05-17 | Schlom Leslie A | Evaporative refrigeration system |
US4184338A (en) * | 1977-04-21 | 1980-01-22 | Motorola, Inc. | Heat energized vapor adsorbent pump |
US4556049A (en) * | 1979-02-12 | 1985-12-03 | Tchernev Dimiter I | Integrated solar collector |
US4408596A (en) * | 1980-09-25 | 1983-10-11 | Worf Douglas L | Heat exchange system |
US4516631A (en) * | 1981-11-04 | 1985-05-14 | Combustion Engineering, Inc. | Nozzle cooled by heat pipe means |
US4552205A (en) * | 1983-10-31 | 1985-11-12 | Saunders Norman B | Dual storage heating and cooling system |
US4660390A (en) * | 1986-03-25 | 1987-04-28 | Worthington Mark N | Air conditioner with three stages of indirect regeneration |
US5357726A (en) * | 1989-02-02 | 1994-10-25 | Chemfab Corporation | Composite materials for structural end uses |
US5296287A (en) * | 1992-11-25 | 1994-03-22 | Textiles Coated Incorporated | Single membrane insulation material |
US5884486A (en) * | 1997-06-19 | 1999-03-23 | Northern Telecom Limited | Thermoelectric humidity pump and method for dehumidfying of an electronic apparatus |
US6349760B1 (en) * | 1999-10-22 | 2002-02-26 | Intel Corporation | Method and apparatus for improving the thermal performance of heat sinks |
US6434963B1 (en) * | 1999-10-26 | 2002-08-20 | John Francis Urch | Air cooling/heating apparatus |
US20030056943A1 (en) * | 2000-04-12 | 2003-03-27 | Dessiatoun Serguei Vassilievich | Heat transfer |
US20020011075A1 (en) * | 2000-07-27 | 2002-01-31 | Faqih Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Kader M. | Production of potable water and freshwater needs for human, animal and plants from hot and humid air |
US6627444B1 (en) * | 2000-08-07 | 2003-09-30 | Smiths Detection - Toronto Ltd. | Method and solid phase calibration sample for calibration of analytical instructions |
US20020166327A1 (en) * | 2001-01-19 | 2002-11-14 | Crane Plastics Company Limited Partnership | Cooling of extruded and compression molded materials |
US6367277B1 (en) * | 2001-04-10 | 2002-04-09 | Stephen W. Kinkel | Evaporative cooling apparatus |
JP2003083656A (en) * | 2001-09-13 | 2003-03-19 | Energy Technos:Kk | Cooling system |
US20040115419A1 (en) * | 2002-12-17 | 2004-06-17 | Jian Qin | Hot air dried absorbent fibrous foams |
US20050045030A1 (en) * | 2003-08-29 | 2005-03-03 | Anna-Lee Tonkovich | Process for separating nitrogen from methane using microchannel process technology |
US20050056042A1 (en) * | 2003-09-12 | 2005-03-17 | Davis Energy Group, Inc. | Hydronic rooftop cooling systems |
US6948556B1 (en) * | 2003-11-12 | 2005-09-27 | Anderson William G | Hybrid loop cooling of high powered devices |
US20060000227A1 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2006-01-05 | Samuel Hyland | Indirect-direct evaporative cooling system operable from sustainable energy source |
US6990816B1 (en) * | 2004-12-22 | 2006-01-31 | Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. | Hybrid capillary cooling apparatus |
US20090126371A1 (en) * | 2005-04-21 | 2009-05-21 | Richard Powell | Heat Pump |
US20090056917A1 (en) * | 2005-08-09 | 2009-03-05 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Nanostructured micro heat pipes |
US20100200199A1 (en) * | 2006-03-03 | 2010-08-12 | Illuminex Corporation | Heat Pipe with Nanostructured Wick |
US20100115977A1 (en) * | 2006-08-25 | 2010-05-13 | Thermodynamic Nanotechnologies Limited | Energy conversion device |
US20100287953A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2010-11-18 | John Francis Urch | Air Conditioning Apparatus |
US20100294467A1 (en) * | 2009-05-22 | 2010-11-25 | General Electric Company | High performance heat transfer device, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same |
US20120077015A1 (en) * | 2010-09-29 | 2012-03-29 | Hao Zhou | Multi-Layer Nano-Composites |
US20140020413A1 (en) * | 2010-12-22 | 2014-01-23 | Clariant Produkte(Deutschland)GmbH | Thermal management by means of a tatano-alumo-phosphate |
US20140319706A1 (en) * | 2011-06-07 | 2014-10-30 | Dpoint Technologies Inc. | Selective water vapour transport membranes comprising a nanofibrous layer and methods for making the same |
US20140144171A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2014-05-29 | Bha Altair, Llc | Method of Wetting Evaporative Cooler Media Through a Fabric Distribution Layer |
US20150071978A1 (en) * | 2013-09-06 | 2015-03-12 | Alice Chang | Clothing and covering system with various functions |
US20150147563A1 (en) * | 2013-11-27 | 2015-05-28 | Ronald Stanis | Air conditioning laminate and method |
KR101528408B1 (en) * | 2013-12-24 | 2015-06-11 | 양수복 | An Air conditioning device using cooling pad |
US20160374411A1 (en) * | 2014-06-28 | 2016-12-29 | Vorbeck Materials | Personal thermal management system |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230304287A1 (en) * | 2022-03-22 | 2023-09-28 | KVC Finance OÜ | Construction element |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2016164561A1 (en) | 2016-10-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11209178B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior | |
Fekadu et al. | Renewable energy for liquid desiccants air conditioning system: A review | |
US10619867B2 (en) | Methods and systems for mini-split liquid desiccant air conditioning | |
Jagirdar et al. | Mathematical modeling and performance evaluation of a desiccant coated fin-tube heat exchanger | |
Woods et al. | A desiccant-enhanced evaporative air conditioner: Numerical model and experiments | |
Buker et al. | Experimental investigation of a building integrated photovoltaic/thermal roof collector combined with a liquid desiccant enhanced indirect evaporative cooling system | |
Zhang et al. | Performance study of a heat pump driven and hollow fiber membrane-based two-stage liquid desiccant air dehumidification system | |
Zhang et al. | Indoor humidity behaviors associated with decoupled cooling in hot and humid climates | |
Jradi et al. | Experimental and numerical investigation of a dew-point cooling system for thermal comfort in buildings | |
Uçkan et al. | Experimental investigation of a novel configuration of desiccant based evaporative air conditioning system | |
US20130340449A1 (en) | Indirect evaporative cooler using membrane-contained liquid desiccant for dehumidification and flocked surfaces to provide coolant flow | |
Ham et al. | Operating energy savings in a liquid desiccant and dew point evaporative cooling-assisted 100% outdoor air system | |
Cho et al. | Energy impact of vacuum-based membrane dehumidification in building air-conditioning applications | |
Oh et al. | Studying the performance of a dehumidifier with adsorbent coated heat exchangers for tropical climate operations | |
Fan et al. | Integrative modelling and optimisation of a desiccant cooling system coupled with a photovoltaic thermal-solar air heater | |
Kim et al. | Advanced Airbox cooling and dehumidification system connected with a chilled ceiling panel in series adapted to hot and humid climates | |
JP2016526651A (en) | Branch controller, system for temperature and humidity control, and method for controlling temperature and humidity | |
Singh et al. | A novel variable refrigerant flow system with solar regeneration-based desiccant-assisted ventilation | |
Guo et al. | A novel solar cooling cycle–A ground coupled PV/T desiccant cooling (GPVTDC) system with low heat source temperatures | |
Cheon et al. | Energy saving potential of a vacuum-based membrane dehumidifier in a dedicated outdoor air system | |
US20180224137A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for passively cooling an interior | |
Hernández et al. | An experimental and numerical model of a desiccant façade. A case of study of an office building in different weather conditions | |
Whaley et al. | Integrated solar thermal system for water and space heating, dehumidification and cooling | |
Zhang et al. | A new concept for analyzing the energy efficiency of air-conditioning systems | |
Wang et al. | A Review on Radiant Cooling System in Buildings of China |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BROWN UNIVERSITY, RHODE ISLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:STEIN, DEREK MARTIN;REEL/FRAME:053266/0508 Effective date: 20200720 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION COUNTED, NOT YET MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |