WO2009079722A1

WO2009079722A1 - Cooling system for buildings

Info

Publication number: WO2009079722A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/001924
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin John Turner
Original assignee: Kevin John Turner
Priority date: 2007-12-20
Filing date: 2008-12-22
Publication date: 2009-07-02
Also published as: AU2008341040B2; AU2008341040A1

Abstract

An arrangement and method for thermal control in buildings and enclosed transport spaces in vehicles such as trucks and railway carriages is described. The invention is directed to the provision of an airflow pathway between two layers of the wall or preferably a wall and an outer non-structural layer or skin. The airflow may be directed into a sub-roof space and out via the eaves through vents in the roof. The airflow pathway is preferably directed to large volume airflow with a substantial space between the layers. Spacers may be provided by brackets and battens. The arrangement may include an electricity generating device located in the airflow pathway.

Description

COOLING SYSTEM FOR BUILDINGS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an arrangement and method for thermal control in buildings and enclosed transport spaces in vehicles such as trucks and railway carriages. The arrangement and method are particularly suited for buildings used for habitation or as workplaces but are not so restricted and may be of assistance in storage sheds, animal shelters and similar constructions.

BACKGROUND

Thermal control becomes a particular issue in buildings when temperatures are high. With sufficient exposure to high ambient heat, temperatures rise in buildings as heat accumulates in walls and under roofs and then transfers by conduction through interior walls into the internal air space. Radiant energy also contributes to the heat aggregation. It may then be difficult to vent that heated air, leading to a long taper in temperature reduction.

Air-conditioning may be used to improve comfort levels but is energy intensive and relies on the availability of electricity. This can be a significant problem in a remote area. It is also cost intensive and environmentally detrimental.

There are a number of sturdy products already available which can discharge a function as accommodation or storage but are severely limited in their application in high ambient temperature areas. One example of such products is shipping containers.

These structures are plentiful, relatively cheap and extremely robust. They usually envelope a space that may be serviceable for a variety of purposes. However, they are generally limited to use as sheds for storage of heat tolerant items. They are also aesthetically unappealing. A further and similar temperature problem arises in transport spaces in enclosed transport vehicles such as trucks and railway carriages.

There have been a number of attempts at improving the temperature control of buildings. US 5,761,864 to Nonoshita discloses a building with an outer structural wall with an air convection layer with a lower opening and an upper opening both communicating with the atmosphere. However the air passages are restricted and the structure must be assembled when originally erected. The structure also includes insulating material. It is restricted in operation, expensive to construct and not able to be retrofitted.

US 2,641 ,449 to Antony discloses a building incorporating an abundance of channelled steel members and surrounding rooms and adapted to direct hot or cold air. The building is formed to have the channels in the floor, walls and ceiling. This is a complex and expensive arrangement necessitating the use of specialist materials.

US 4,295,415 to Schneider is to a pre-fabricated insulated concrete building with a continuous layer of foamed insulation within all the exterior walls. The outer concrete wall is provided with ducts with damper and blower controls. The ducts in walls are formed in the concrete and are restricted in their air flow capacity. In general, the specification is directed more to use in cold weather than in heat. The specification describes a roof with an outer layer and a black heat absorbing coating for trapping radiant heat.

None of the prior art documents disclose an easily constructed arrangement for use in high heat climates and which may be retrofitted.

OBJECT

It is an object of the invention to ameliorate one or more of the above problems or provide the consumer with a useful alternative choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first broad form, the present invention resides in a wall section for a building or a transport vehicle, the wall section comprising: a first layer; a second layer spaced from the first layer; a plurality of spacers between and attached to each of the layers; and an air flow pathway comprising one or more inlets positioned at or adjacent to a lower edge of the wall section, an upwardly extending flow channel or flow channels in communication with the one or more air inlets, or at least one of them, and one or more outlets at or adjacent an upper edge of the wall section and in communication with the flow channel or channels or at least some of them. The first layer may be an inner layer. The first layer may be an inner lining of a house wall. The inner layer is preferably an outer surface of a side wall of a building or transport vehicle such as a truck, semi-trailer or railway carriage or other structure such as a metal shipping container. The side wall is preferably a structural wall. The metal shipping container may be a shipping container such as a twenty foot or forty foot container.

The outer layer is preferably an outer skin and may be formed as a panel layer. The outer layer may be formed of any suitable material such as a plastics material, wood material, an aggregate, plasterboard or chipboard or boards such as chamfer boards or weather boards, which most commonly would be arranged horizontally.

The spacers may comprise studs, preferably aligned vertically. They may be formed by wood, metal, plastic or other suitable material. The studs may be a composite construction such as a shipping container rib and a ridge affixed thereto. The ridge may comprise a hollow channel section. Alternatively the ridge may be solid and formed from any suitable material.

In a preferred embodiment, the spacers may be formed by a plurality of brackets affixed to the first layer and adapted to support the outer layer.

The spacers may further include battens attached to the brackets.

The space between the first layer and second layer may be any suitable transverse dimension but is preferably in the range of 25mm to

500mm. However this is not limiting. In some circumstances, the spacing may be greater such as in multi-storey buildings. The outer layer may converge upwardly with the first layer. The configuration is designed to provide high volume flow of air when compared to a standard wall. The airflow pathways are preferably substantially vertical but may be offset or angled provided that convection airflow is still effective. Airflow diverted backwards and upwards is of particular benefit for enclosed transport spaces in moving vehicles. The airflow pathway may provide both lateral and vertical (and a combination thereof) airflow.

In transport vehicles inlets may be formed in a leading edge of the wall section. In wall sections for buildings, inlets may be arranged vertically on corners. The one or more inlets may be an open section or sections between spacers especially when formed as studs or as vertical bracket/batten arrangements. Alternatively they may be formed as a series of apertures in a bottom plate. The inlets may also open into a hollow stud or ridge. The inlets may be formed as circular apertures. The one or more inlets may be formed in a bottom section of the first and/or second layers. The inlets are preferably covered with a mesh to vermin-proof the air flow pathway.

The one or more outlets may be formed in a top plate of the wall section. They may be formed as one or more open apertures between adjacent studs. Alternatively they may be formed as a plurality of flow pathway holes in a top plate of a building. In a further alternative or additional embodiment, the one or more outlets may be formed in an upper section of the first and/or second layers.

The wall section may further include a window aperture. The lower sill of the window aperture may be fluted (i.e. vented) to form part of an airflow path. The upper window frame member may also be fluted to receive rising air. The window aperture may include one or more awning windows so that upwardly rising air may be directed inwardly of the wall section and into a room formed in a building. In one embodiment, the wall section may include a serving hatch with similar fluting of the sill and upper frame member creating air flow over the opening to the servery.

The inner layer may include one or more panel outlets to direct cool air into a building. Corresponding outlets may be provided to discharge warm air. The one or more panel outlets may include a control mechanism movable between an open position and a closed position and preferably selectively variable there-between.

The wall section may include electricity generating means. This may comprise a fan and turbine device with, preferably, an airflow deflector. Electricity generated may be fed into a power device such as an appliance in or on the building or into a power storage device such as a battery.

The invention extends to a building including a wall section as described above. The building may include a roof enclosing a sub-roof space. Air flow may be directed from the one or more outlets into the sub- roof space and out through one or more roof vents. The roof is preferably configured in the form of a Dutch gable. The one or more roof vents may be adjustable between an open position and a closed position and preferably selectively variable there-between. The building may include a lateral extension comprising a roof section and open side wall or walls. This extension roof section may be sloped upwardly from an outermost edge to its junction with the roof. Airflow entrances may be created between the junction of the outward roof section and the main roof section to allow air inflow into the roof from the lateral extension and out through the roof vent or vents.

The invention extends to an embodiment where the outer layer is a skin (which may be a panel, wall or other suitable structure) fitted to a building or retrofitted to an existing building to provide the airflow pathway.

The building may be a module adapted for attachment with one or more other modules. The building may be a shipping container. When the present invention is used on structures such as shipping containers, the containers may be adapted to couple with one or more other containers to assemble a multi-room building. For example, one container may be a bathroom, another a kitchen and a third a bedroom, all adapted to interlock and with communicating walkways or doors. This modularity may be particularly useful for remote work sites. Containers may be adapted for positioning one on top of the other with communicating air flow pathways to provide a draw airflow pathway extending upwards through two or more aligned container walls. The invention extends to a method of cooling for thermal control of a wall section, the method comprising providing an airflow inlet in a low portion, an airflow pathway between a first layer and an outer panel or layer and an airflow outlet in an upper portion in the wall section, wherein air may flow convectionally from the lower inlet to the upper outlet through the airflow pathway. Preferably the method includes directing the outlets into a roof cavity to facilitate expulsion of hot air. The method may include the step of fitting or retrofitting the outer panel or layer to an existing structural wall. Retrofitting the outer panel may include fixing spacers to the first layer and fixing the outer layer to the spacers. The spacers may comprise brackets and/or battens. The spacers are preferably adapted to provide largely uninterrupted air flow between brackets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective part sectional view of a wall section of the present invention.

FIGS 2 and 3 are perspective part sectional views of a second embodiment of a wall section of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows apertures in a top plate of a building.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a shipping container modified with the present invention.

FIGS 6 and 7 show mounting arrangements for adding a roof to a shipping container. FIG. 8 is perspective view of a shipping container modified to act as a retail outlet or similar.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of components of an abode formed from a shipping container.

FIG. 10 is a shipping container modified with the present invention to provide a storage shed.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of components for shipping container based accommodation.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a shipping container modified to act as a residence. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of components of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a shipping container modified according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a part sectional view of a brick house with a retrofitted embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a part sectional view of a wooden house modified with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a part sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention when applied to a shipping container using brackets and battens. FIG. 18 is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 17 with airflow shown by arrows.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of an assembly of the present invention on a shipping container using the arrangement of FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 20 shows an exploded perspective view of the present invention further including a turbine generator.

FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of the assembled components of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a corner with vertically spaced inlets. FIG. 23 shows a side sectional view of the present invention when used in a hen house.

FIG. 24 shows a side sectional view of the present invention when used in a stable.

FIG. 25 is a schematic representation of a cluster of cottages modified according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a plan view of one possible arrangement of spaced modified shipping containers.

FIG. 27 is a top and side view of a semi-trailer at rest. FIG. 28 is a top and side view of a semi-trailer travelling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to FIG. 1 there is seen a part wall section 10 comprising a first layer which in this case is represented by the outer wall or surface 11 of a shipping container. The outer wall 11 comprises ridges 12 and valleys 13. Ribs 14 are mounted to the ridges 12 by the use of screws 15. Other means of mounting may be applied such as the use of adhesive, rivets and such like.

A second layer is formed by a series of overlapping planks 16 to form an outer panel layer which is fixed to the ribs 14. The effect of the ribs is to increase the space in between the outer wall 11 and overlapping planks 16 to provide a plurality of air flow pathways as represented by arrows. A first series of air flow pathways is provided by the channels 17 in the ribs. A second larger airflow pathway is provided by the intermediate channels 18 between the outer wall 11 and overlapping planks 16. The effect is to create an outer "skin" to the structural wall. The intervening space may be varied by selection of different sizes of ribs (14) to thereby give greater or lesser air flow capacity. The air flow pathway has inlets at or around a lower region of the wall section 10 and outlets at or around an upper region of the wall section 10. The inlets may be positioned as appropriate and may include inlets at each wall corner. The end result is that air vents through the upper outlets from the air flow pathway and cool air is drawn in at the lower region of the wall section through inlets. The resulting convection airflow leads to a cooling effect in the inter-wall space. This is assisted by the insulation properties of the outer panel 16 which may be formed from wood, external cladding or any of the thermo efficient synthetic materials now available including polymeric materials and composites. FIGS 2 and 3 show the same arrangement when used in a conventional modified building 20. Stumps 21 support joists 22 which in turn support bottom plate 23. An inner layer is formed by the wall board 24 which finishes the building internally. Studs 25 extend vertically and nogging 26 forms horizontal components of the frame. The outer wall is formed by overlapping planks 27 which in this case form the second or outer layer. Internal nogging in air flow pathways may include apertures 28 or a space may be provided around the edges of the nogging 26. Inlet apertures 29 take cool air from underneath the building and it lifts in natural convection as hot air drats up along the direction of the arrows shown between the inner layer and outer layer.

FIG. 3 shows outlet apertures 29A formed in top plate 30 at the top of the wall. A roof 31 is shown in a broken outline and the arrows in FIG. 3 show the funnelling provided by the sloping roof as hot air rises and runs along the roof line.

In operation an air flow pathway is formed by inlet apertures 29, nogging apertures 28, the space between the overlapping planks forming the second or outer layer and wall board forming a first or inner layer which defines a vertically extending flow channel or flow channels. This in turn is in communication with the outlet apertures 29A to complete the air flow pathway which may also include the flow pathway through the roof space.

FIG. 4 is a close up view of an arrangement of a top plate 32 supported by a stud 33 with outlet apertures 34 formed on either side of the stud to provide parallel flow channels of the airflow pathway. The apertures may be covered by a mesh to prevent insect and vermin ingress. It is generally anticipated that it is easier to build a new building with the present embodiment rather than retrofit the invention through the existing plates and walls. However it is not impossible to do so although it would be a considerable undertaking other than in conditions where access to top plates and bottom plates was relatively easy. It would also be necessary to ensure performance characteristics of the frame are not compromised. Generally it is envisaged the more practical approach is to apply a new suspended outer wall to an existing or new building. FIG. 5 shows a modified shipping container with the roof outline shown in broken detail. The container 40 has a series of ribs 42 added to its outer surface which support an outer wall 43. The spacing provides a flow channel 44 between the existing wall 45 of the container and the skin 46 applied as a second or outer layer. The skin may be any suitable material and may include a lightweight polymer with high thermal insulating and low combustibility features. An external door 47 provides access and an interior sliding door 48 may be formed in an internal wall 49 to further divide the internal space. As is apparent on FIG. 5, the outer wall of the container is corrugated or ribbed. One convenient manner of forming a flow path is to align a mirror image container wall as the outer layer. This aligns ribs to provide separate, spaced flow paths adjacent the aligned ribs. This may be achieved by positioning of adjacent abutting containers. Alternatively a container wall may be used as a suspended wall. FIGS 6 and 7 show one option for attachment of a roof in a bolt-on fashion and to assist in the modularity in the present invention when applied to a shipping container. The external components may be formed as a kit and then transported inside the container for removal and assembly on site. This may be particularly useful in railway camps or maintenance camps close to railways where the containers may simply be freighted to the site on a flat bed carriage, off loaded and assembled as required. A ridge support 50 is fitted into a tipper angle bracket 51 and locked in place by a pin 52. An existing arrangement is a twist lock system already in use in the container industry. This locking system may be applied for quick, secure retention of a roof support.

A corner cast ridge support cap 53 is fitted to a corner and locked in position by pins or bolts 54, 55. Assembly of the roof beams and trusses provides the framing to support roofing material which again is preferably lightweight, robust, weather resistant and has low thermal conductivity.

FIG. 7 shows an option in the form of a tipper angle brackets 151 having a "bird mouth" operation using pin 152.

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of a modified shipping container suitable for use as a retail outlet or a goods dispensing facility. This may be particularly useful at an amateur sports ground or other low overhead organisation where cheap, secure facilities are required. The building 55 comprises an outer wall 56 which is the second layer over the inner layer formed by a wall of a shipping container. A servery hatch 57 is formed in a longitudinal wall of the device. The cut out component may be hingedly mounted to the aperture so that it may be revolved downwards and optionally used as a bench. A roof

58 is provided and is formed in a Dutch gable type fashion having outlet vents 59, 60 at either end of its peak.

An annex roof 61 is attached to the longitudinal side 62 and supported by posts 63 as a lateral roof extension. The arrows show the intake of air through a bottom inlet 64 which in this case is lateral and adjacent the lowermost edge of the walls. The lateral approach may be of benefit with a flat base building. When using shipping containers, inherent clearance of around 15cm is provided by their base members. Air may be drawn from both outside and beneath the structure.

The internal wall sections are as previously described above to provide air flow channels in the side walls. The sill 66 of the serving hatch 57 is fluted with outlets to provide an updraft. The upper frame member is also fluted to collect at least some of the updraft air and direct it in through the upper section 67 of the wall. This upward draft may function at least partially, as an air curtain and deter insects such as flies.

This design incorporates a vented window sill and head which is connected to the high volume air flow wall cavity. This cavity is designed to keep the window glass cool when the window is closed, but when the window is opened even only a little, the air is forced into the living space, creating air flow movement into the room with a cooling effect. This particular design, the suspended wall technology, also allows a recessed window and window glass, thereby reducing direct sunlight onto the window glass and into the room again reducing the chance of heat transfer into the building.

Any roof arrangement which allows for convectional air flow may be used. The present roof 58 provides a relatively steep pitch to channel the air quickly upwards and out through the vents 59, 60. In the presence of any breeze it is expected that a drawing effect may be created to further enhance the functionality of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of a similar arrangement 55A to that of FIG. 8 but with windows formed in the longitudinal wall and with the roof adapted to engage the corner post 68. In one embodiment this may be through a twist lock arrangement. This view also highlights the air flow pathways comprising the inlets flow channels and outlets as well as vents in the roof.

FIG. 10 shows a storage shed 70 having a longitudinal inlet 71 extending substantially around the bottom of the shed. Outlets 72 are formed in the roof 73 to provide a cooling effect and allow for storage of goods in a cooler environment than a simple shipping container. It should be noted that a shed may also be built as a traditional building modified to have the flow capacities described.

One of the appealing aspects of shipping containers is that they are particularly robust. They are also inclined to a higher level of security as they may be locked up and, provided the locks are of high quality, it is very difficult to gain unauthorised access to the locked shed. The walls of the container also provide secure bases for attachment of security screens and such like. Unfortunately, in hot conditions they are very effective "heat-traps".

FIG. 11 shows a similar arrangement to that of FIG. 9 except in this case a building 75 is formed as a residence having an access door 76 formed in a longitudinal wall 77 along with windows 78. Again the air flow direction is indicated by arrows. FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment comprising a building 80 formed from a shipping container. In this case sliding glass doors 81 provide access and light into the arrangement. Annex roof 82 is connected to main roof 83. The windows 84 are formed as awning windows and the sills 85 are fluted as are the upper window frame members. The awning windows may be opened as shown and upwardly flowing air from the wall is directed inwards as shown by arrows 86 to cool internal air. Vents may be located in a ceiling to allow hot air to vent through the exit vents 87 along with the air flow resulting along the air flow pathways as shown by the arrows.

FIG. 13 shows the building 80 of FIG. 12 with components separated. The annex roof 82 main roof 83 and wedge roof section 88 may all be transported inside the container/building. In one embodiment the roof may be collapsible. The outer wall may similarly be transported. Inserts such as glass doors and windows may be fitted into position prior to transport or after arrival on site. Air flow is indicated by the arrows. Referring now to FIG. 14 there is seen a sectional view of a building

90 comprising a shipping container 91 having a side wall 92. The side wall forms an inner or first layer of the present invention. An external skin 93 is fitted and air flows upwardly through the air flow pathway 94 which in this case passes through the modified eave 95 along the roof line 96 and out through vents 97. At the same time air is directed inwards by the windows as shown by arrows while the remainder of the wall section vents upwards. A rodent barrier 98 is provided at the inlet. In this case the building is supported on stumps 99 to provide a sub-building space 100. FIG. 15 shows an example of the present invention retrofitted to an existing brick building 101. An outer wall of the brick building forms a first layer 102. A second layer is formed by external skin 103 which may be mounted to framework attached to the bricks. An inlet 104 is provided at a lowermost region of the wall and has vermin and insect barriers 105 fitted.

The vertically extending flow channel 106 directs air upward to outlet 107 which is formed by cutting the outlet through the eave 108. The roof line 109 extends upwardly to direct air flow in the direction of the arrows and out through inserted vent 1 10. In some cases the outlet and airflow pathway may be the full width of the eave.

This design allows for the inner walls (the original outer walls of the building) now to be shaded from direct sunlight by the building's suspended wall technology air flow cavity wall, not only protecting from direct sunlight by providing shade, but also cooled by the high air flow wall cavity which cools both the inner and outer walls, stopping heat transfer via the eave outlet and cools the roof and ceiling cavities emitting, all normally trapped air into the atmosphere.

FIG. 16 is a part sectional view of a house built according to the present invention. The house 111 is supported on stumps 112 and has a floor 113, side walls 114 and roof 115. In this case the bottom plate (not shown) has inlets formed in it. The inter wall space allows movement of air upwardly and through outlets through the top plate into the sub-roof space. An internal panel outlet 116 is provided inside the house to allow the house owner 117 to re-direct cool air into the building itself. Internal venting 118 allows warm air to be drawn out of the internal space in the room and through the air flow discharge. It is preferred if both the internal inlet 116 and internal vent 118 have controls to allow their opening and closing to accommodate seasonal variation in ambient temperatures. Other controls may be in the form of a slide allowing selective variability. Air flows past the windows 119 as previously described and into the upper wall space 120 thereby cooling the glass. If the windows are open the cool air may be directed inwardly. The discharge vent 121 preferably also has a control (not shown) to open and close the vents so that in Winter warm air may be retained in the building cavities, thereby warming and insulating internal spaces. The control may be selectively variable to provide relatively fine tuning. In one embodiment, a fan may be inserted in the upper vents to enhance air flow through the system and increase the efficiency of cooling. Spaced fans driving air in opposite directions from the roof may be of benefit to best utilise variable wind direction to disperse hot air. One or more fans may be positioned along the airflow pathways if preferred. One embodiment of a wall section arrangement 210 is shown in FIG.

17 as attached to a corrugated outer wall 211 such as is found on a shipping container.

A spacer 212 is formed by brackets 213 and batten 214. An outer skin or wall 215 is formed and attached to the battens as shown in hidden detail 216. The outer wall may be formed from any suitable material including lightweight strong and low heat conducting materials such as polymers.

Metal cladding may also be of assistance. The brackets 213 may be formed to any desirable width and likewise the battens may be selected from a range of sizes. This provides an installer or designer with the option to vary the spacing between the outer wall 211 and skin 215. The suitable ranges can be selected as appropriate. In a multistorey building the spacing may be 200 mm or more and indeed up to 500 mm in certain circumstances. This is non limiting. Generally the dimensions are selected for substantial throughput of air which is necessary to provide the best cooling effect. It is also possible to have a converging airflow pathway with a wider base such as 200 mm converging into say 100 mm. Again these dimensions are simply examples and are not limiting. A sideways view of FIG. 17 is seen in FIG. 18 including the eave 217 and roof 218. As can be seen the brackets 213 have a hollow centre 220 which allows for the lateral distribution of air over and above the space provided for inter bracket dispersal. Arrows 221 show the direction of airflow into the eave 217. Fixings, in this case screws 222 are used to fix the components together. The skin 215 is configured in an aesthetically appealing manner. An exploded view of components aligned for assembly is shown in FIG. 19 for a container 230 with roof 231 , outer wall surface 232, brackets 213 and battens 214. The skin 215 is formed with window frames 233 having fluted or vented sills 234. The positioning of the outer skin or outer wall allows the windows 235 to be recessed relative to the ultimate outer surface of the building thereby limiting direct sunlight and tending to keep the window cooler.

FIG. 20 shows another improvement possible with the present invention. The creation of a significant cavity between the load supporting wall 240 and outer skin 241 allows the installation of a fan 242 for an electricity generating turbine. The fan is preferably a low friction free spinning arrangement. A deflector 243 is also positioned to shield one side of the fan and direct air onto a driving side.

The brackets and battens 245 are selected to provide adequate spacing for the fan. The dimensions of the fan may be selected as appropriate for the cavity. It is possible to envisage up to a depth of 500 mm or even more and a diameter or up to one metre depending on the prevailing air flow conditions.

An additional advantage of the present invention is that it allows services such as water and waste 246 to be fitted externally to the building thereby minimising the difficulties of installation and reducing building costs.

Appropriate access doors may be formed in the skin 241 to provide easy access for maintenance and repair trades people.

A sideways sectional view of the arrangement of the assembled components of FIG. 20 is shown in FIG. 21. The bracket and batten combination 245 supports the outer skin 241. The fan 242 drives the turbine generator 248 to provide power input through wires 249. The wires may be connected directly to a power using device or preferably may be used to charge a storage device such as a battery which can be used when power is required. The present arrangement may be suitable for providing all the power in low power usage installations or alternatively as a supplement to other power sources. The structural wall formed by stud 250 and weatherboards 251 forms the inner layer of the wall section assembly. A vented corner section 250 is shown in FIG.22. The corner section is formed as a right angle metal strip having a series of inlet apertures 251 on each arm. A corner section 250 covers and connects to two adjacent outer panels 252, 253 which in turn are supported by batten and bracket arrangements. This corner section facilitates air inlet particularly when wind is blowing and may also lead to lateral pressure within the cooling cavity to thereby urge air longitudinally as well as allowing it to rise vertically.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show a typical low technology building structure which may be of great importance in terms of animal welfare. In FIG. 23 a hen house 260 for intensive egg production and animal raising is provided with airflow cavities 261 and roof venting 262 to increase the welfare of poultry of 263 inside the building. It is the well known fact that intensively raised animals such as poultry and pigs are highly sensitive to heat stress.

This is also a major advantage in zoos wherein an exotic animal may be subject to heat stress in high ambient temperature. The use of the present invention provides a cheap effective means of contributing to the welfare and therefore the production of such animals.

In FIG. 24 a horse 270 is enclosed in a stable 271 with an internal support wall 272, stand off brackets 273 and outer layer of skin 274. The air cavity 275 discharges through the eave 276 under the roof line 277, and then discharges through vents 278.

FfG. 25 is a schematic representation of a cluster 125 of shipping container buildings 126. In the case of a work site, one of the buildings may be a shower facility, another may form a toilet block, another may be a kitchen with others forming accommodation. The containers may be simply transported and arranged and assembled with equipment already available on many transport vehicles. The use of a crane or forklift may position the modified buildings as required and the modularity of the assembly facilitates easy construction. An example of a relatively extensive building of the present invention is shown in FIG. 26 where the roof line 126 shown in broken outline covers two forty-foot shipping containers 127, 128 with an intermediate covered breezeway 129. The first shipping container 128 incorporates a bathroom 130, a kitchen and living room 131 and a first bedroom 132. The second shipping container 127 incorporates three more bedrooms 133, 134, 135.

FIG. 27 shows a semi-trailer 210 at rest. The enclosed transport section 211 is typical of such vehicles except in relation to the side walls 212,

213. An inner layer 214 and outer layer 215 are spaced to provide an air flow channel. Lower inlets 216 are provided along the lower section of the walls

212, 213. These provide inlets into the air flow channels which discharge through upper outlets 217. At rest, the vehicle "breathes" and allows the convectional flow as shown by arrows.

A modification that may be used on vehicles is the inclusion of anterior inlets 220 and rear outlets 221. Further spacers 222 between the wall layers may be arranged to provide both vertical and raked (upwards and backwards) air flow channels. The benefit of the anterior inlets 220 and rear outlets and spacers is apparent in the schematic view of FIG. 28. Movement of the vehicle forward causes air to be rammed into the inlets. This is particularly so for the anterior inlets. The accelerated air passes backwards and upwards and may be sucked outwards by the slipstream of the vehicle, thereby enhancing function as shown by the arrows. The same or similar arrangement may be used on other vehicles such as railway rolling stock.

The advantages of the present invention are manifold. A simple cheap safe and relatively cool form of housing or storage is provided. This is a particular advantage in remote sites. It is also of distinct importance in areas of adverse climatic events such as cyclones, hurricanes and tornadoes. Shipping containers are innately heavy and resistant to damage. If the containers are anchored by means well known to skilled addressees including attachment to concrete pylons, under-pinning with securing pins and similar, the risk to inhabitants is minimised in such dramatic events where airborne debris and building failure is relatively common. Once erected the present arrangement provides both an extra layer of insulation as well as a functioning cooling system. Once cool, the internal space is thermally efficient. The present system may also be used with an air- conditioning system and will render the use of the air conditioner more efficient. Further, a use may be found for shipping containers in a way that provides them with aesthetic and functional appeal to the market and may provide an application for used containers and buildings in general. The embodiment incorporating suspended wall technology allows for ease of retro fitting into older homes and in new homes, but can also be fitted into transportable buildings, hospitals, schools, factories, piggeries, poultry sheds, stables, kennels, steel shipping containers or the simple steel garage, all without the need for power and keeping the environment cool without harmful emissions.

The cooling system can be retro fitted to a section, for example to the western facing wall and connected to the eaves and opposite twin vented outlets with immediate results (building cooling). This enables the option of the suspended wall technology to be fitted in sections over time to almost any building making a substantial saving in costs while cooling the building and reducing the need for inefficient, costly insulation and powered options, such as air conditioning.

The high air flow cavity outer wall is preferably connected directly into the eave, accelerating air into the upper ceiling and roof cavities and vented directly out into the atmosphere via 2 or more opposite outlet vents (adjustable if required), and due to the large volume of air and speed of circulation of this cool air, the walls or roof cavity tend to avoid heating up. The used air may be emitted at near ambient air temperature.

This system may eliminate the need for painting the main original outer building as it is now totally protected from the elements by the suspended walls which may be formed from weather resistant polymers or similar low maintenance materials.

Another advantage arises as all plumbing and electrical can be fitted on the outside of the main structure (speeding up the building process) and can be designed with easy access in mind for the tradesperson.

Dampness and mildew may be reduced due to the speedy constant high flow air transfer over the original main body of the building, including ceilings and roof cavities and exhausts all air out into the atmosphere. The present invention may allow for the outer wall of the air flow cavity to be fitted at any angle to the vertical. For example, a suspended wall eave access to roof may be 100 mm while air flow inlet at the base of the suspended wall can be 200 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm or more. This option can be made performance adjustable where required for a multi storey building to any opening up to the width of the eaves for the outlet. Any range of suitable sizes may be used.

This system requires no new product manufacture and is designed with all current products available off the shelf. The system can be fitted to nearly all current buildings and substantially reduces emissions into the atmosphere as in air conditioners may now not be needed in some locations. This design will substantially reduce heat transfer into the atmosphere from all buildings that are fitted with this building cooling system.

The suspended wall venting cooling system allows for an endless unbroken high volume air intake at the base of the outer wall cavity and an unbroken unrestricted endless air flow outlet at the top of the suspended wall into the eaves, ceiling and roof cavities. This may provide for maximum air speed and volume creating high volume air flow in the air pathway and over the walls, ceiling and roof cavity surfaces at near ambient temperature. The corner venting option assists maximum uninterrupted horizontal air flow and complements vertical air flow performance into the eaves, ceilings and roof cavities via the suspended walls high flow air pathways.

The suspended wall high air flow pathways can generate electrical power via (air turbine) fan rotation from high flow air in volume passing over low friction air turbine blades fitted into the air flow pathways generating power. This again shows the advantage the suspended wall technology has due to it's design and enormous flexibility. This design allows for turbines from 100mm in depth to 500mm (although this range is not limiting) to be fitted with ease and blade diameter from 300mm to, say, 1m in diameter, if required. A preferred arrangement may include multiples of small turbines in any one wall or all the outer walls suspended air pathways subject to the power requirements needed. This system is most suitable to multi storey buildings. This system relies on ambient temperature to combat heat and heat transfer and, after its use, may return air back into the atmosphere at near ambient temperature with nil effect on the environment. Renewable energy may be a by-product of its most important feature and that is to cool buildings. It reduces the need for insulation and reduces air conditioning manufacture requirements therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reduces damage to the ozone layer and reduces the need for fossil fuels and the devastating impact they have on our environment and our planet generally. This system will contribute to reducing global warming at minimal cost. The present invention provides a cooler, more comfortable climate in easily affordable housing. It also provides a cooling option for transport vehicles thereby protecting stock and produce in transit.

Reference to any prior art documentation in this specification is not an acknowledgement that such documentation forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A wall section for a building or a transport vehicle, the wall section comprising: a first layer; a second layer spaced from the first layer; a plurality of spacers between and attached to each of the layers; and an airflow pathway comprising one or more inlets positioned in or adjacent to a lower edge of the wall section, an upwardly extending airflow channel or channels in communication with the one or more air inlets, and one or more outlets at or adjacent an upper edge of the wall section and in communication with the airflow channel or channels.

2. The wall section of Claim 1 wherein the first layer is an outer surface of a structural wall of the building or transport vehicle and the second layer is an outer skin.

3. The wall section of Claim 1 wherein the spacers are formed from one or more of: a. studs; b. hollow channel sections; and c. a plurality of brackets and battens.

4. The wall section of Claim 1 wherein the airflow pathway is in the range of 25 mm to 200 mm wide.

5. The wall section of Claim 1 including at least one window aperture wherein a lower sill of the window aperture is fluted to form part of an airflow pathway and the upper window frame member is fluted to receive rising air from the lower sill.

6. The wall section of Claim 5 wherein the window is an awning window.

7. The wall section of Claim 1 further including a serving hatch with fluting in a sill of the serving hatch and fluting in an upper frame member of the serving hatch to create airflow over an opening formed for the serving hatch.

8. The wall section of Claim 1 further incorporating a power generating fan and turbine adapted to produce electric power when actuated by airflow.

9. The wall section of Claim 2 wherein the first layer includes one or more inlets to direct cool air into and one or more outlets to direct warm air out of a room formed by the structural wall and further incorporating a control mechanism selectively variable between an open position and a closed position to control flow of the air.

10. A building including a wall section according to Claim 1.

11. The building of Claim 10 including a roof enclosing a sub-roof space wherein airflow is directed from the one or more outlets into the sub-roof space and out from one or more roof vents.

12. The building of Claim 11 wherein the one or more roof vents are adjustable between an open position and a closed position and one or more fans are positioned in the airflow pathway.

13. The building of Claim 11 further incorporating a lateral extension comprising a roof section and open side wall or walls, the extension roof section sloped upwardly from an outer most edge to its junction with the roof wherein airflow entrances are provided between the junction of the outward roof section and the roof to allow airflow into the roof from the lateral extension and out through the roof vent or vents.

14. The building of Claim 10 wherein the first layer is formed from walls of one or more shipping containers.

15. A method of cooling a building or enclosed transport vehicle space in a vehicle such as a truck or railway carriage, the method comprising the steps of: providing an airflow inlet in a low portion of a wall section, an airflow pathway between a first layer and an outer panel or layer and an airflow outlet in the upper portion in the wall section, wherein air may flow convectionally from the lower inlet to the upper outlet through the airflow pathway.

16. The method of Claim 15 further including the step of attaching the outer panel or layer to a structural wall using spacers formed from one or more of a rib, a bracket and a bracket and batten.

17. The method of Claim 16 further including the step of retrofitting the outer panel or layer to an existing structural wall using the spacers.

18. The method of Claim 15 further incorporating the step of mounting one or more fan and turbine electricity generating units in the airflow pathway and connecting the electricity generating unit to a power device within the building.

19. The method of Claim 15 when used in a building further including the step of providing a roof, interconnecting the airflow outlet with an eave of the building; with a roof space forming part of the airflow pathway and one or more discharge vents.

20. The method of Claim 19 including the step of forming the building from one or more shipping containers.