WO1981002779A1

WO1981002779A1 - Aggregate mass air circulation and structural support system for generally enclosed structures

Info

Publication number: WO1981002779A1
Application number: PCT/US1980/000830
Authority: WO
Inventors: H Bergeron
Original assignee: H Bergeron
Priority date: 1980-03-28
Filing date: 1980-07-02
Publication date: 1981-10-01
Also published as: EP0048724A1; AU7039281A; EP0048724A4; AU542295B2; JPS57500527A

Abstract

An improved heat transfer and air circulation system for homes and like constructions. A mass of relatively non-heat conductive aggregate supports the slab (16) or floor of the home. Air is circulated by a blower (20) from the interior of the home into and through the aggregate mass (40) positioned between the slab (16) and the underlying supportive earth, and thence back into the interior of the home. Heat transfer occurs between the supportive earth and the air flowing through the aggregate mass (40) and between the air flowing through the aggregate mass (40) and the slab (16). Thus, the slab (16) itself becomes a heat transfer surface.

Description

AGGREGATE MASS AIR CIRCULATION AND STRUCTURAL SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR GENERALLY ENCLOSED STRUCTURES

Technical Field

The present invention relates to air circulation systems for generally enclosed structures such as homes having a floor and wall portions. The present invention more particularly relates to an improved heat transfer and air circulation system for homes and like constructions wherein heat is removed from the home or like construction and stored for later utilization, with a non-conductive aggregate structural circulation medium being capable of both supporting the home and transmitting circulating air from the home to the air spaces in the aggregate medium and adjacent underlying soil mass. Heat transfer occurs generally from the medium through the building slab or floor to the enclosed structure interior.

General Background and Prior Art

In homes and other like constructions, fossil fuels or other energy is spent usually in the form of generated electricity for heating and cooling of the home. The average home requires energy which is ever shrinking and ever more expensive for its comfortable climate control. There is a need for a more efficient system for heating and cooling the home which will allow it to more efficiently and less expensively temperature controlled without the excessive use of electricity, fossil fuels, or other consumed energy.

Most homes are of a slab type construction, meaning that the home sits on a probably 10.2 to 15.2 cm. thick mass of concrete, which is poured on the ground and some distance below in many cases providing a structural support for the home. Other secondary support such as piling can communicate with the slab to provide a structural base which will not sink under the load of the home and the slab itself. In most climates, in the ground immediately the slab there is a temperature fluctuation which often times is directly variable with the temperature of the atmosphere around the home yet coincident with the desired temperature in the home. For example, during the heat of the day the soil beneath the home is usually many degrees cooler. Further, in the winter the outside air is usually much cooler than the ground many inches or feet below the ground surface. Indeed, it is recognized that a "frost line" exists below which pipes and other matter will not freeze.

In a like manner, many inches or feet below the slab of the home there is cooler temperatures that exist than in the atmosphere of the home in the mid day heat. Usually, the earth or soil at the frost line is relatively constant temperature year round.

It would thus be desirable to circulate air through a medium provided below the home and continuous to the frost line area and return it to the inside of the home to either supplement the existing cooling system in the home or provide the total cooling system therefor. In winter, heating could be accomplished by circulating air taken from the home to a relatively constant temperature air space at the "frost line" region, and returning that air to the home's interior.

Many prior art type devices have been patented, which have attempted to solve the problem of air circulation and climate control within homes and similar inhabitable constructions. Many of these devices have provided a medium of some sort be neath the home through which air can be circulated and heat transfer effected. In U. S. Patent No.: 2,828,681 issued to Harry F. Smith, there is provided a "Air Conditioning Apparatus". The Smith device depends on an impervious strata and a porous strata. A shaft is provided which is sunk into the strata approximately 91.4 cm. above the water level, which shaft is combined with an air pump for the purpose of drawing out air from the substrata. Other shafts are placed about the outlet shaft for the purpose of allowing air to circulate inwardly. The concept of this patent is to draw air from the room or areas to cooled within a home or similar construction, pump the air down through the strata to outlets where air is returned to the rooms or areas as cool air in the summer. The heat is absorbed by the strata and stored for winter heating. When the air is pumped into the home and is cooler than the strata, heat will be absorbed by the air and pumped back into the areas to be heated.

In U. S. Patent No.: 2,167,878 issued to R. B. Crawford and entitled "Air Conditioning System", there is provided a device directed to the problem of obtaining refrigeration or heating from the earth or ground water. The Crawford device provides a conduit or channel which is lined with precast concrete blocks and has openings 11, which allow water to gravitate into the artificial channel. Flow lines circulate the fluid while a pump pumps the fluid therethrough.

In U. S. Patent No.: 2,559,870 issued to F. W. Gay, there is provided a "House Heating System" which utilizes a fan for circulating air through ducts which collect air beneath the basement of the house structure. Separate compartments are defined by I-beams with the I-beams being interconnected so as. to provide a single air space from side to side underneath the house.

Another patent issued to F. W. Gay is U. S. Patent No.; 2,584,573 entitled "Method and Means for Housing Heating". This latter Gay patent attempts to supply solar heat to a ground storage chamber thereby increasing the amount of stored heat available for heat pump operation in very cold winter weather.

A further patent issued to F. W. Gay is U. S. Patent No.: 2,780,415 entitled "Heat Pump Operated System for House Heating". A heat stored area is provided beneath the house in this patent which provides a number of trenches traversed by a perforated water pipe embedded in gravel with which each trench is filled. In U. S. Patent No.: 2,793,509 issued to V. I. Keen and entitled "Method of an Apparatus For Cooling Inhabitable and Other Enclosures", there is provided a plurality of air conveying pipes which communicate with an artificial bed as a heat exchanger. The air is drawn through the conveying pipes to affect a heat exchanging. A further patent directed to the problem of cooling structures by circulating beneath the building is provided in U. S. Patent No.: 2,829,504 issued to R. C. Schlichtig entitled "Air Conditioning System for Dwellings". An air well is constructed beneath a building unit through which air is flowed for heat exchanging.

In a recent U. S. Patent No.: 4,051,891 issued to Henry Harrison and entitled "Heat Transfer Block Means", a blower is provided which circulates air through a block structure that consists of a plurality of substantially equally sized stones. The stones are grouted or cemented together.

Some prior art devices require complex structural support for the home or construction. Others do not have adequate detention time provided by their circulation medium for the circulated air to effect proper heat transfer.

In the heat transfer media provided or suggested by some prior art devices/systems, heat conductive material is used, allowing premature heat transfer before air current reach the underlying earth creating "hot spots" in the circulation medium.

Some systems do not properly insulate the frost line area of the underlying soil to provide a "thermal cap" between the supported structure and the relatively constant temperature frost line area soil mass.

A heating/cooling of the floor area which contacts critical human extremities (as feet) is not achieved by prior art devices without supplemental conventional heating or cooling, General Discussion of the Present Invention

The present invention solves the prior art problem and shortcomings in a very simple and inexpensive manner by providing an effective and workable heat transfer thermal cap system for use under the floor or slab portion of a home to be heated and cooled. The present invention provide an air circulation system for use with generally enclosed structures, such as homes and the like having at least enclosing walls and roof. The apparatus provides a blower for circulating air between the enclosed structure interior and a provided void air space. A preferably aggregate mass of relatively non-conductive, structural air circulation material is provided under the slab portion of the structure preferably continuously communicating with the earth frost line area over substantially its entire area. The circulation mass provides structural support to the home or like construction with the uppermost portion of the aggregate mass supporting at least a portion of the slab of the enclosed structure and communicating therewith. A water barrier film sheet envelope surrounds the aggregate mass and prevents water flow into the aggregate mass from the surrounding area. A plurality of air return lines are mounted in the aggregate mass, each providing a fluid conveying conduit having a discharge port at one end portion thereof communicating with the inside portion of enclosed structure and an intake portion mounted in the aggregate mass for collecting air within the aggregate mass and transmitting that air through the conduit to the discharge port under the urging of the blower. In the method of the present invention, there is provided a preferably expanded clay lightweight aggregate mass on the underside of an enclosed structure which mass communicates over substantially its entire area with both the floor/slab portion of the building being supported and cooled as well as with the frost line portion of the earth therebelow. Air is collected in the aggregate mass in a plurality of preferably balanced flow independent air return lines. Air is pumped from the inside of the generally enclosed structure through an opening in the floor portion thereof to the aggregate mass and circulated through the aggregate mass. Heat is transferred from the circulated air to the air below the frost line which air communicates with the non- conductive aggregate mass and returned air is thus cooler (having transferred heat to the frost line portion of the earth and to the slab/floor).

Means is provided for collecting heat from various heat producing elements within the structure, such as fireplaces, dryers, ovens, stoves, and the like. Such collected heat can be connected by means of ducts, conduits, or the like to the blower intake portion for subsequent and immediate circulation into the aggregate mass where heat transfer will store the collected heat in the earth beneath the frost line as well as heat transfer to the heat conducting slab.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a heat transfer system for homes and like construction which stores heat in the earth below the frost line for later utilization.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a heat transfer system which evenly distributes collected heated or cooled air through to an aggregate mass for even heat transfer to the earth generally beneath the aggregate mass and frost line.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a heat transfer system in which the heat transfer aggregate mass also structurally supports the building to be heated or cooled. It is another object of the present invention to provide a heat transfer system which is simple and easy to construct and easy to maintain.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a heat transfer system which collects wasted heat generated by various heat producing units within the home or like construction such as the fireplace, stove, oven, dryer, and the like, and transfer this heat to the area in the earth generally at or beneath the frost line for later utilization during the winter. It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for collecting wasted heat within the home and transfer the excess wasted heat to a blower for transfer to the storage area provided beneath the home. It is another object of the present invention to provide an insulated thermal cap between the home to be heated and cooled and the earth beneath the frost line whereby heat can be added or taken away from the relatively constant temperature earth beneath the frost line for use in the home as needed, It is another object of the present invention to provide an air circulation medium beneath the home and communicating with the slab/floor portion to maintain a desirable temperature in the slab/floor region. It is another object of the present invention to provide a heat transfer means which is easy to construct and which evenly transfers and distributes heat without excessive hot spots or localization of heat buildup.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a thermal cap heating and cooling construction for use with homes and like constructions which reduces the cost of heating and cooling of the structure to save energy and money as compared with conventional heating and cooling systems. It is another object of the present invention to provide a heating and cooling transfer system which eliminates attic duct work as provided in conventional heating and cooling systems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a heat exchange system which can incorporate a fire alarm', fire reporting system, and purification and/or deodorizing system for use with an overall air circulation system.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an air circulation path which moves through a controlled temperature circulation medium at or near an ideal comfortable temperature level, negating the chance for undesirable heat or cooling loss to the ambient air.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air circulation system useful during both cold winter and hot summer outdoor environments.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air circulation system featuring a non-conductive circulation medium which baffles air flowing therethrough to maximize air detention time and thus maximize heat storage capability while minimizing the chance for hot spots, convection currents and the like.

A feature of the present invention is that the floor/ slab of the home is warmed (in winter) or cooled (in summer) giving comfort to the feet, and lower extremities of the habitant. Another feature of the present invention is the warming/cooling in winter/summer respectively of fixtures resting on the slab/floor as such is kept at a pleasing temperature level. Another feature of the present invention is that heat surges from intense heat generation sources as stoves, ovens and the like are quickly dissipated.

Another feature of the present invention is that existing methods can be readily modified during con struction with little or no cost increase.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:

Figure 1 is a partial sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the blower, circulation medium, and return air line portions thereof;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the slab portion of a conventional home with the circulation medium and apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown as associated therewith; Figure 3 is a plan view of a typical generally enclosed structure such as a home showing the air return line portions of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and their placement therethrough; Figure 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the heat storage capacity tester as used with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the fireplace excess heat collection unit as used with the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 6A is a sectional view taken along 6A-6A of Figure 6; Figure 7 is a detail of the blower and intake chamber portion of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a sectional schematic illustration of the thermal cap-frost line as relates to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a partial sectional view of the excess heat collection assembly portion of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figures 10A-10D are sequential sectional views illustrating the method of construction of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 11 is an elevational sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the general air circulation path therewithin;

Figure 12 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with slab/floor and aggregate removed to expose the air circulation plenum and return air flow portions thereof;

Figure 13 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention using a wood floor type building construction; and

Figure 14 is an elevational sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating its use with a mobile home trailertype home construction.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Figures 1 and 4 provide a partial, sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10. In Figure 1 there can be seen a home or other generally enclosed structure having wall 14 portions, and slab 16 portions in the partial view of Figure 1. It should be understood that walls 14 and slab 16 are only partially shown for illustration and the enclosed structure would likewise have a plurality of outer walls, inner walls, a roof and a continuous slab as is known in the art. An opening 18 is provided in slah 16 at blower 20. Blower 20 provides intake 22 and discharge 24 portions. Discharge 24 is attached to slab 16 at opening 18 and it will be understood that air is circulated generally from intake 22 through blower 20 through discharge 24 and opening 18 to the area beneath slab 16. A screen box 30 is provided at opening 18 which as will be described more fully hereinafter prevents the accumulation of aggregate mass 40 from blocking or otherwise encumbering the flow of air at openin 18. Perimeter footing or wall 17 could support slab 16 and contain aggregate mass 40.

An expanded clay lightweight aggregate mass air circulation medium 40 is provided beneath slab 16. Preferably, a one half to three quarter inch (1.27 to 1.91 centimeter) grain size would be provided to each particle or each individual element of material forming expanded clay lightweight aggregate mass 40. Each grain would be preferably highly irregular having an irregular surface with the surface area approximately double that of a symmetrical surface for similar size. An approximate specific gravity of two would be suitable. Expanded clay lightweight aggregate medium 40 would be preferably non-absorbent and non-toxic as well as odorless. A 5% activated charcoal content could be added for enhanced filtration. The material would have a high "R" factor and be non-conductive. When air is not in motion, the area below slab 16 becomes an insulated area with little heat transfer between slab 16 and soil mass 43 or sand layer 42. Such a grain size in a mass would be a structural material the expanded clay lightweight aggregate mass would be used in an air circulation and heat transfer system. Preferably a one-third solids to two-thirds air space would be provided for as a volume specification.

A suitable lightweight aggregate for structural concrete or lightweight aggregate for concrete masonry units would be suitable as a material for expanded clay lightweight aggregate mass 40, Such a material is seen in the American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM standards, especially ASTM designation C331-64T and ASTM designation C330-68T. ASTM designation C331-64T and ASTM designation C330-68T are specifications incorporated herein by reference.

An expanded clay lightweight aggregate mass 40 as above described and specified is a material which is extremely suitable for structural support of a home or other structure including the slab 16 portion thereof. At the same time, it has been found that such aggregate mass 40 is a suitable filter material while having characteristics which provide excellent air purification and a grain size of three quarter inch to one inch (1.91 to 2,54 centimeter) allows easy flow of air through mass 40 which is deposited beneath slab 16. In Figure 1, a mass 40 of expanded clay lightweight aggregate is provided above sand layer 42. Sand layer 42 could be for example a few inches in thickness and provides a further firm base upon which slab 16 and mass 40 can be rested. Sand layer 42 is not essential, but can be used as a grading material to set the desirable slope for film layer 50 which produces proper water flow (once collected by mass 40 and drained by gravity to film layer 50), A film layer 50 of preferably black "Visqueen" or other suitable water impervious plastic material envelops mass 40 and separates from slab 16 from soil mass 43 or sand layer 42. Plastic film sheet envelope 50 would be for example be of double thickness six mil (0,015 centimeter) "Visqueen" and would act as a barrier for preventing encroachment of water into medium 40. In the preferred embodiment, circulation mass 40 could be approximately eight inches (20.32 centimeters) thick at the edge 42 portions of medium 40 and preferably 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) at the center thereof providing a slope to the center. Film sheet layer 50 would also be a ground water barrier. In Figure 2 there can be seen slab 16, medium 40, "Visqueen", or plastic film layer 50 below which, would be soil mass 43 or sand mass 42. Note that medium 40 supports slab 16 and communicates therewith. Since air flowing in medium 40 will be at or near an ideal temperature slab 16 will be heated or cooled accordingly by heat transfer from medium 40 giving a pleasing temperature to floor/slab 1 for walking on, even with bare feet in extreme outside temperature months.

At the central portion of medium 40 is provided water drain lintel box 60, In the preferred embodiment, lintel box 60 would be of a screen mesh material which would allow water to drain freely through medium 40 on top of plastic layer 50 to lintel box 60. The lower portion of lintel box 60 would provide a drain pipe 70 which would discharge water collected therein to the outside portion of slab 16 at effluent 72. Lintel box 60 and screen box 30 could be one in the same.

In Figure 3 there can be seen a plan view of a typical home or other generally enclosed structure designated by the numeral 90. In Figure 3 a plurality of inner walls 92 divides structure 90 into separate room 93-100. In Figure 3, schematically illustrated are a plurality of return lines 80. Each return line 80 is shown as it is placed under slab 16 through circulation medium 40. Lines 80 so placed will allow air to be discharged into structure 90 at desired points and in desired volumes for a balanced air flow system. In Figure 3 there can be further seen schematically illustrated the placement of blower 20 at the central portion of structure 90 with the intake 22 portion thereof also schematically illustrated. It will be appreciated from the above description that air flow will be generally from blower 20 downwardly through slab 16 and discharge opening 18 through screen 30 to continuous circulation aggregate mass 40. Thereafter, air will intermix with aggregate mass 40 and heat transfer upwardly through slab 16 as well as air filtration will take place. Since air flow generated by blower 20 will be furnished at for example 1200 to 2000 cubic feet per minute (566.32 to 943.86 liters per second), the openings 81 provided through each air return line 80 will allow for the return of air therethrough as shown by arrows 88 in Figure 1. Figure 7 more particularly shows the construction of blower 30. Blower 30 is housed in a blower chamber 31, which provides intake 22 and discharge 24 portions. Louvers 62 can be provided to control the volume of air intake as desired. A draft box indicated generally by the numeral 72 can be provided into which could be placed any desirable aromatic, medicinal, or like chemical substance which would intermix with air traveling through intake 22 as indicated by arrow 23 in Figure 7. As aforementioned, supplementary heating in the form of coils 63 could be provided at discharge 24. A carbon dioxide or like smoke alarm system could be provided to blower 30 which could be injected at discharge 18 for subsequent entry into the home in the event of fire. In Figure 8, there is seen schematically the thermal cap portion of the preferred embodiment which is provided under slab 16 and above soil mass 43 at ground surface 44. Frost line 45 is also schematically illustrated to indicate that a relatively constant temperature is provided at soil mass 43 for example, of between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (between 18.3 and 21.1°C).

It should be understood that soil mass 43 beneath mass 40 will be of relatively constant temperature year round. Normally, an excavation would be made depending on the depth of the frost line in a particular area to provide a space within which circulation mass 40 will be placed. Slab 16 will be placed on- top of circulation mass 40 and be structurally supported thereby. Peripheral walls 17 as above discussed would provide peripheral support to slab 16 and containment of mass 40 at the side portions. Thus, an overall thermal cap 10 is provided between slab 16 and soil medium 43 which controls and keeps constant the temperature as desirable of the soil mass 43. Since mass 40 is structural, it supports slab 16. Since mass 40 is relatively non-conductive, air circulated into mass 40 will heat transfer at soil mass 43 and at slab 16. During periods of high humidity, as in summer months, water will accumulate on individual particles 40a of medium 40 which will be a spot for heat transfer and some heat transfer will be affected at particles 40a in that instance. Since the air circulation medium 40 is contained under and within slab 16 and peripheral wall 17 and above soil mass 43 and communieating therewith, a relatively constant temperature, thermal cap 10 is provided through which air will flow on a year round basis. The intake air during extreme months will not be ambient air as is the case with conventional systems. For example, if outside temperature is zero degrees Fahrenheit (-17.8°C.), a heating unit must take zero degree air and transform it into sixty eight degree Fahrenheit (20°C.) air or seventy degree Fahrenheit (21.1°C.) air, etc. With the present invention, totally ambient outside air is not needed, but rather the blower circulates air into the relatively constant temperature thermal cap 10 provided through circulation medium 40 and as above described. Air entering medium 40 will be at. or near an ideal temperature with very little heat transfer needed, since the air is not ambient, but only needs to be heated or cooled on the order of five to twenty degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 to 11.1 Centrigrade degrees) or less as exemplary.

Figures 10A-10D best illustrate the method of construction of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In Figure 10A, there is seen a soil mass 43 having an upper grade line or grade surface 44. To begin construction of the air circulation system as above described, there is first excavated a cutout which is schematically shown in Figure 10A as "cutout, C". Cutout C would have a deeper cut portion at the peripheral edge portions which would accommodate peripheral footing or wall 17 as aforedescribed. A deeper cutout would be provided for footing or wall 17 as is done in conventional construction to support the outer walls of a generally enclosed structure.

In Figure 10B, footings 17 prior to formation are provided with forms F which will contain the concrete for each portion of perimeter footing 17 prior to the addition of concrete thereto. In Figure 10C, footings 17 have been poured, leaving cutout C exposed. As will be described more fully hereinafter, cutout C will be filled with an aggregate mass or medium 40 after it is first lined with for example a film barrier for preventing the ingress or egress of water into the medium or mass 40.

As is best seen in Figures 10A-10C, cutout C would be made preferably to the frost line 45. Suitable depths to which excavation must be made can be found by consulting frost line charts or reference books available from the weather bureau or like institutions having such data. It will be understood by one skilled in the art, that the depth at which the frost line exists for a particular area is information readily available and known in the art. Return lines, 80, 182, are also shown in Figure 10C. In Figure 10D, inner foil insulation barrier 41 has been added to the inner surface portion of footings 17. It should be understood, that insulation barrier 41 would be continuous in a peripheral fashion about the periphery of the enclosed structure to be cooled. As is best seen in Figure 3, soil insulation barrier 41 would be provided about the periphery of the structure as is the case with footings 17.

Return air lines 80 could be provided as above shown with respect to Figure 1. Alternatively, a continuous perforated header 180 could be provided against insulation barrier 41 and footing 17. From continuous peripheral perforated header 180, air could be conveyed by branch routine lines 182 to the interior portion of structure 90. In Figure 10D, a film 50 barrier has been provided adjacent cutout C and against insulation barrier 41 and underlying soil mass 43,

Once film 50 has been added in a continuous preferably uninterrupted sheet, aggregate medium 40 as above specified is added to the space between footings 17 as schematically illustrated in Figure 10D.

Prior to the placement of film 50 and aggregate medium 40, all return lines 80, 180 and any drain line 70 is placed, as thereafter medium 40 will be sealed in its film envelope and slab 16 poured thereover. A certain amount of overlapping of film sheet 50 is provided which allows it to be folded over the top portion of medium 40 to form a continuous uninterrupted sealing envelope therearound. In Figure 10D, slab 16 has been poured above medium 40 and footings 17, Conventional reinforcing such as reinforcing wire can be utilized as required.

In the preferred embodiment, medium 40 would be placed on either a provided sand layer 42 as shown in Figure 4 or the underlying soil mass 43 after film 50 is added. Grading as required for sloping of water flow to drain 70 is provided as above discussed with respect to Figure 4, (also shown in Figure 11).

Figure 11 provides a sectional elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating air flow therethrough. Note that air flows generally downward from blower 30 as above described through opening 18 into either lintel box 30, or a provided perforated plenum 300. As shown in Figure 12, plenum 300 for example could be a relatively large pipe having perforations and being distributed as required through the central portion of medium 40 to assure a balanced air flow through medium 40 outwardly to peripheral header 180 or to return lines 80. Plenum 300 would receive air flow downwardly through vertical shaft 305 with the arrows in Figure 12 showing flow away from, shaft 305 through the bore of plenum 300, A plurality of perforations 302 in plenum 300 would discharge air outwardly toward continuous footing 17 for return air flow through return lines 182. In Figure 12, slab 16 and medium 40 have been removed to show more clearly the placement of continuous perforated header 180, plenum 300 and return lines 182. In Figure 11, arrows 88 show the general flow of air from blower 30 downwardly through slab 16 at opening 18 into plenum 300 and out ward toward headers 18.0 and return lines 182. Air is discharged into the interior of structure 90 at discharge openings 184 which could be provided with conventional grill covers equipped with deflectors, or other air flow controllers as is the case with conventional duct air control systems. In Figure 14, there can be seen the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10 in which a wood floor type home construction is used rather than the slab 16 as above described. The wood floor has been designated by the numeral 16W since it would perform the same function as slab 16 with heat exchange being generally between floor 16W and dead air space 19. Otherwise, there can be seen in Figure 14, aggregate mass 40, return lines 180, discharge 182, and return air opening 184 as was described heretofore. Air circulation would be as shown by the arrows 88 and would be similar to the air circulation of Figure 11. Blower 30 is also schematically illustrated in Figure 14. In the embodiment of Figure 13 there is provided a suitable embodiment for use with mobile homes, trailers and the like. Trailer 90T is shown in Figure 13 as having floor 16T, walls 14T and an inner living space through which air can circulate. Air flow with the embodiment of Figure 13 would be as above described with resepct to Figure 11 and arrows 88 indicate generally the direction of air flow. In the embodiment of Figure 14, an underlying soil mass 43 provides a base for sand fill 42 which can be graded as desired to direct any accumulated water to drain 70. Perimeter footing 17 is provided as well as any intermediate bearing walls 17W which could be, for example, of reinforced concrete construction. Plenums 300 would receive air flow from blower 30 as with the above embodiments, through opening 18. Wood floor 16W would be preferably supported by joists J which could be, for example, two inch by eight inch (5.1 by 20.3 centimeter) wooden floor joists spaced according to conventional building codes, such as sixteen inches (40.6 centimeters) on center. Aggregate mass 40 would be enveloped by film sheet envelope 50 both above and below mass 50 and on its sides. Insulation 41 such as, for example, foam sheets would desirably be placed from mass 40 to below the frost line. Dead air space 19 would be provided between floor 16W and mass 40. A layer GL of, for example, gravel would be used to weight down film envelope 50 on the upper surface of mass 40. Figures 6 and 9 provide devices which could be used with the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention to further enhance collection of heat which normally would be wasted and route this collected excess of waste heat to blower 30. In Figure 6 there is provided an excess heat collection unit 90 for use with a conventional fireplace.

Collection unit 80 provides a double wall casing 82 surrounding a conventional fireplace. Air intakes 83 are provided through which air would be pulled by the force of blower 30 into the inner wall and thereafter drawn through openings 87 into double flue 84. Flue 84 provides an inner 84b and outer 84a wall construction having an inner space 85 through which smoke would be exhausted and a hot air space 86 through which clean air would be pulled which would communicate first with opening 83 then passed through openings 87. Thus, heat transfer from the fireplace 81 would be achieved.

Figure 9 provides a suitable excess heat collection apparatus 100 for use with for example any number of hot air producing appliances such as dryers, range, hoods, and the like. A pair of intake lines 101 are shown in Figure 9 which would communicate with the discharge portions of a dryer, hood, or like heat producing unit. A plurality of heat conducted plates 102 are provided to collection unit 100, with a plurality of openings 103 provided in each plate 102. An outer casing 104 encapsulates on through sides for example plates 102 with the last side remaining opened to allow the intake of air, A discharge tube 106 is provided which would communicate with blower 30 and discharge heated air thereto. Vent tubes 108 are provided as needed corresponding to each intake tube 10.1 for each appliance or like device which would produce heat.

Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense .

Claims

1. A climate control circulation system for generally enclosed structures having at least enclosing walls, floor, and roof, said apparatus comprising: a. an enclosed structure having a floor, roof, and enclosing walls defining together an inner living space and said floor having an air circulation floor outlet; b. blower means cooperating with said outlet, said blower means providing intake means cooperating with said inner living space portion of the enclosed structure and discharge means at said floor outlet for moving air from said inner living space portion of the enclosed structure through the floor portion thereof at said opening; c an air space underlying said floor; d. a generally homogenous clay lightweight aggregate mass occupying said air space; e. film sheet envelope means surrounding said aggregate mass for preventing water flow into said aggregate mass from the surrounding area therebeing an opening in said envelope at said" floor outlet; f. at least one air line connecting said inner living space with said mass, said air line comprising; i. an air conveying conduit, ii. a discharge port at one end portion of said conduit communicating with said living space portion of the enclosed structure; and iii, an intake port communicating with said aggregate mass collecting air within said mass and transmitting the air through said conduit to said discharge port; and g. insulation means for insulating said air space and said occupying aggregate mass on at least the underlying and side portions thereof, but said insulation means allowing heat transfer between said air space and said floor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of said return air lines.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising water drain means penetrating said envelope means for removing water from said air space,

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising water discharge conduit means associated with said gravelite for transmitting water collected by said water drain means to a desired point of discharge,

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising heat transfer means at said discharge portion of said blower means for transferring heat to air discharged by said blower means through said floor outlet to said aggregate mass.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said heat transfer means comprises a plurality of heat coils.

7. A method for transferring heat to and from a generally enclosed structure having a floor, roof and enclosing walls comprising the steps of: a. providing an expanded clay lightweight aggregate mass on the underside of the enclosed structure which mass communicates at least in part with the floor portion of the enclosed structure; b. surrounding the mass with an envelope; c. pumping air at least intermittently from the inside of the generally enclosed structure through an opening in the floor portion thereof to the central portion of the aggregate mass; d. circulating the pumped air through the aggregate mass; and e. returning the circulated air through provided air return lines to the interior of the generally enclosed structure.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of insulating the aggregate mass on at least the bottom and side portions thereof.

9. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of supplementing the circulating air with heating/ cooling as needed to. maintain a desired temperature within the enclosed structure.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the circulating air proceeds generally from the central portion of the mass outwardly to the periphery thereof and the return air lines are located at the periphery of the mass.

11. An aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus for generally enclosed structures, as a home, said apparatus comprising: a. a generally enclosed structure having exterior wall and roof portions which define an inner living spape to be heated or cooled; b. continuous floor means extending over a ground surface structure, said floor means having an upper floor area which during use communicates with said inner space; c. an enlarged continuous void air space formed between said floor means and the underlying earth; d. air circulation medium means subsurface to said floor means and communicating with an underlying earth below the frost line said medium means occupying at least partially said air space; e. envelope means, surrounding said air circulation medium means, for confining air flow thereto; f. blower means for circulating air between said structure inner living space and said void air space; g. air flow conduit means communicating between said void air space and said inner space for balancing air flow between said void air space and said structure interior; and h. insulation means surrounding in part said air circulation medium means for insulating said medium means on at least the side portions thereof;

12. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 11 further comprising supplemental heat transfer means for transferring heat to said void air space.

13. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 11 wherein said air circulation medium means comprises at least in part an aggregate mass.

14. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said aggregate mass is an expanded clay lightweight aggregate mass.

15. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 11 wherein said air circulation medium means provides a medium of which less than one-half (1/2) by volume is solid material.

16. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 11 wherein said envelope means is a film sheet surrounding said air circulation medium means.

17. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 11 wherein said air circulation medium means is comprised of a plurality of aggregate particles of expanded clay lightweight aggregate substantially occupying said void air space formed between slab means and the underlying earth, each of said particles being closely contacted with one another to form a structural support for said floor means.

18. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 11 wherein there is further provided heat transfer coils associated with said blower means for transferring heat between said coils and air flow through said blower means.

19. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 11 further comprising filtration means for filtering air flowing through said air circulation medium means.

20. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 19 wherein said filtration means comprises an activated charcoal content added to said air circulation medium means.

21. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 11 wherein said air circulation medium means is an expanded lightweight aggregate mass as specified in ASTM designation C331-64T.

22. The aerated thermal cap air circulation apparatus of claim 11 wherein said air circulation medium means is an expanded clay lightweight aggregate mass as specified in ASTM designation C330-68T.

23. A method for heating/cooling a generally enclosed structure (as a home) comprising the steps of: a. placing an air circulation medium having some void air space on the underside of an enclosed structure to be heated/cooled which medium communicates over substantially its entire area with the floor portion of the home above, and with the underlying supportive earth below; b. transferring heat into the air within the enclosed structure prior to its circulation to the medium; c. transferring air from the interior of the generally enclosed structure through a provided entry to the medium; d. transferring heat from the medium through the enclosed structure floor portion to the enclosed structure interior; and e. returning the cooled air from which, heat has been transferred to the slab to the plurality of air return conduits.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step before step "a" of excavating to the frost line a portion of earth above which the structure to be heated/ cooled will be constructed.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein i.n step ''d", air is intermittently transferred from the interior of the generally enclosed structure to the medium.

26. The method of claim 23 wherein in step "a", the air circulation medium is substantially non-heat conductive.

27. The method of claim 23 wherein in step "a", the medium is a non-heat conductive aggregate mass.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the medium is an expanded clay aggregate mass.