WO2023095123A1

WO2023095123A1 - Environmental enhancing and/or energy producing stack

Info

Publication number: WO2023095123A1
Application number: PCT/IL2022/051212
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eliran TOVI
Original assignee: Tclimate Ltd.
Priority date: 2021-11-29
Filing date: 2022-11-14
Publication date: 2023-06-01

Abstract

A system to relocate air comprising: a structure comprising: at least one individual unit comprising a transparent material; at least one hollow channel; and a base configured to be anchored to the ground, wherein the structure is configured to relocate air from a low altitude to a high altitude. The at least one individual unit may comprise a solar radiation collector and a heat transfer material. The system for relocating air may operate by collecting solar radiation; transforming the collected solar radiation into thermal energy; and heating, with said thermal energy, air within the at least one hollow channel to produce a stack effect, thereby relocating air from a low altitude to a high altitude.

Description

APPLICATION FOR PATENT

Title: Environmental Enhancing and/or Energy Producing Stack

RELATED APPLICATION/S

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/283,554 filed 29 Nov. 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a structure designed to relocate air and/or direct air flow and, more particularly, but not exclusively a structure designed to relocate air from a low altitude to a high altitude.

Greenhous gasses and other pollutants may accumulate close to the ground where albedo and other reflective effects are greatest. An increase in water vapor and other greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide in the lower troposphere produce enhanced greenhouse effects.

Therefore, there is a need for a system which may relocate air and/or direct air flow to higher altitudes.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a system to relocate air including: a structure including: at least one individual unit including a transparent material; at least one hollow channel; and a base configured to be anchored to the ground, wherein the structure is configured to relocate air from a low altitude to a high altitude.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the transparent material is a transparent plastic. According to some embodiments of the invention, the transparent plastic is non-toxic, has high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature and pressure range.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the transparent plastic is selected from the group including ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), acrylic polymer, cellulose acetate butyrate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, glycol modified polyethylene terphthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, or combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one individual unit includes at least one solar radiation collector.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one solar radiation collector is located on or within the at least one individual unit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes at least one ground mirror configured to redirect solar radiation onto the at least one solar radiation collector.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one solar radiation collector is connected to a solar energy to heat transfer system.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer system includes a heat transfer material.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer material is a metal.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the orientation of the at least one individual unit is configured to be individually adjusted, rotated or repositioned by one or more processors.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the orientation of the at least one individual unit is configured to be adjusted automatically, pre-programed, manually, or in response to changing conditions.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the structure is partially or completely surrounded by one or more inflatable units.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method for relocating air including: anchoring a structure to the ground including: at least one individual unit including a transparent material, wherein the at least one individual unit includes a solar radiation collector and a heat transfer material; and at least one hollow channel; collecting solar radiation; transforming the collected solar radiation into thermal energy; and heating, with the thermal energy, air within the at least one hollow channel to produce a stack effect, thereby relocating air from a low altitude to a high altitude.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the collecting solar radiation is facilitated by the transparent material.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the collecting solar radiation is maximized by adjusting, rotating or repositioning the individual units.

According to some embodiments of the invention, heating of the air within the hollow channel is controlled by at least one processor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the controlling determines the rate at which the air is heated and rises within the hollow channel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the heating changes the temperature, pressure, moisture content or a combination thereof of the air within the structure as compared to the air outside the structure.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method for relocating air including: anchoring a structure to the ground including: at least one individual unit including a transparent material, wherein the at least one individual unit includes a solar radiation collector and a heat transfer material; and at least one hollow channel; collecting solar radiation; transforming the collected solar radiation into thermal energy; and heating, with the thermal energy, air within the at least one hollow channel to produce a stack effect, thereby increasing the speed of the airflow rotating at least one wind turbine located in and/or on the structure; and generating electricity using the at least one wind turbine.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the generating electricity is performed by airflow driving the at least one wind turbine located at an inlet, along the length of the structure, at a vent, along a vent, at an outlet of the structure, and/or a combination thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the heating is at a constant and/or controllable rate.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the speed of the airflow rotating at least one wind turbine located in and/or on the structure is maintained and/or controlled throughout the day. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

Fig. 1 : A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the current invention. Fig. 2: A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 3A: A schematic illustration illustrating a temperature differential of an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 3B: A schematic illustration illustrating a pressure differential of an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 4: A schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 5: A schematic diagram of a solar radiation collector illustrating an aspect of an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 6: A flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 7: A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 8: A flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the current invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the term "stack effect" or "chimney effect" are used interchangeably to relate to the movement of air into and out of a structure through unsealed openings, chimneys, flue-gas stacks, or other containers, resulting from air buoyancy. Buoyancy may occur due to a difference in indoor-to-outdoor air density resulting from temperature, pressure and/or moisture differences.

According to some embodiments, there may be in some areas with an increased level of air pollution and/or there may be a desire to reduce the amount of seemingly harmful gasses and/or substances from the air. For example, in urban areas, there may be more air pollution and/or the desire to clean the air. According to some embodiments, there may be a desire to relocate air with higher pollution levels to another location, which may result in the polluted air being replaced with cleaner air. According to some embodiments, there may be air and/or atmosphere in places with a higher and/or lower density of certain gas and/or substances (e.g., of greenhouse gasses, other gasses, pollutants, radioactive particles, ash, pollen, moisture, etc.). According to some embodiments, there may be gasses that may have certain affects (e.g., there may be gasses that may affect global warming, and/or may affect other weather conditions). According to some embodiments, there may be a desire to relocate air with a certain gas and/or substance composition, to another location and/or to another latitude. Optionally, the relocation of air may cause other air and/or atmosphere to fill its place. Optionally, this air relocation may help to control gas and/or substance makeups in a certain area. For example, there may be a problem of gasses that effect global warming and/or with the relocation of these gasses the effect of global warming may be reduced. For example, relocation of greenhouse gasses to a higher elevation may reduce the effect of the greenhouse gasses.

An embodiment may include a structure which may advantageously relocate air and/or atmosphere from one location to another. An embodiment of the invention may relocate and/or enhance air flow by means of motorized methods and/or may use various techniques using the nature of air flow and/or movement. For example, an embodiment may include a method of heating and/or cooling air (e.g., in a controlled manner). Optionally, the heating and/or cooling of air may help to affect the air to move in a desired way. Some embodiments may cause air to heat up which may cause the air to rise. An embodiment may include a structure that may heat and/or cool air and/or channel to the air to another location. Alternatively, and/or additionally, an embodiment may use various techniques to affect air pressure. Optionally, affecting air pressure may help control and/or relocate and/or enhance airflow of air. Alternatively, and/or additionally, an embodiment may use other techniques to effect air flow and/or substance flow. Alternatively, and/or additionally, an embodiment may use various techniques to affect the concentration of a substance (e.g., movement from a high concentration to an area of low concentration to reach an equilibrium). Optionally, affecting substance concentration may help control and/or relocate and/or enhance airflow of air. Some embodiments may be designed for liquids and/or effecting liquid movements.

According to some embodiments, the airflow through the structure may be used to produce energy. Optionally, the airflow may produce wind energy. Optionally, wind energy may be produced using one or more wind turbines. Optionally, the one or more wind turbines may be placed on and/or in the structure. Optionally, the airflow may drive one or more wind turbines located at one or more air inlets to generate electricity. Optionally, the airflow may drive one or more wind turbines located at one or more air outlets to generate electricity. Optionally, the airflow may drive one or more wind turbines located at one or more air outlets located at intervals along the sides of the structure to generate electricity.

According to some embodiments, the speed of the airflow may be increased by one or more techniques detailed herein, such as heating the air to increase the speed of the airflow, thereby increasing the output of electricity production by one or more wind turbines, controlling the heating, adjusting the heating (e.g., by solar heating, etc.), controlling the inlet and/or outlet size, stack effects, etc.

A wind turbine operating in an open area which produces electricity oftern produces only 30%-40% of the capacity of its generator, due to changes in wind speed and wind direction in an open area. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the system may produce a constant velocity airflow which may utilizes much more of the wind energy e.g., between 50 to 70% and/or between 70 to 90% and/or between 90 to 100% of the production capacity of the one or more wind turbines located at the structure inlets, outlets and/or along the length of the structure. Optionally, the constant velocity may be maintained throughout the day, week, etc.

OVERVIEW

An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to a structure designed to assist air relocation and/or to control and/or enhance air flow.

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the current invention. For example, some embodiments relate to a system or apparatus 100 which may include a structure 106 that may be designed to enhance air flow from a lower altitude 108 to a higher altitude, for example at the upper layers of the troposphere 102 for example at between 5 to 9 km altitude. For example, an embodiment may include a structure between about 0 to about 100 meters high, and/or between about 100 to about 1000 meters high, and/or between about 1,000 to about 5,000 meters high, and/or between about 5,000 to about 10,000 meters high, and/or between about 10,000 to about 20,000 meters high and/or sub-ranges there between and/or a combination of the above ranges. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. In some embodiments, the structure may be configured to provide a stack effect, e.g., movement of air due to a difference in pressure through a tall structure such as a chimney (e.g., with an altitude of between 0.25 to 1 km and/or between 1 to 5 km and/or between 5 to 8 km and/or between 8 to 10 km and/or between 10 to 15 km. Optionally, the structure 106 may draw air (e.g., warmer and/or higher air) up from the earth's surface 110 to an altitude where the temperature and/or pressure differ from that within the structure.

Some embodiments may include a system designed to affect the environment inside the structure (e.g., the heat and/or air pressure, etc.). An embodiment may include a method to heat and/or cool and/or affect air pressure of air within and/or without a structure. Optionally, the air within the structure and/or in close proximately to the structure may have the same heat level and/or air pressure, etc. at all levels of altitude, i.e., the air in the structure at height x meters may be the same heat level and/or air pressure at y meters above the earth's surface. Optionally, the air within the structure and/or in close proximately to the structure may have different air heat levels and/or air pressure, etc. depending on the level of the air within the structure.

In some embodiments, the structure may have a heating system. Optionally, the heating system may be outside of and/or attached to and/or within the structure. Optionally, the heating system may be configured to heat all or part of the air in the structure to different, similar and/or relatively similar heat levels. For example, such an atmosphere inside and/or near the structure may be in contrast to air in an outside atmosphere. For example, air in an outside atmosphere may be warmer and/or have a higher air pressure at a low altitude and/or may be colder and/or have a lower air pressure at a higher altitude.

Some embodiments may include a system to warm and/or change air pressure inside and/or near the structure, which may cause the affected air to rise at various speeds. Optionally, the heating rate and/or the change in heating rate may be controlled. Optionally, controlling the heating rate and/or the change in heating rate may change the temperature and/or pressure of the air within and/or near the structure. Optionally, a difference in air temperature and/or pressure, etc. may draw air up the structure from a lower altitude to a higher altitude. Optionally, the speed of air movement (e.g.., wind speed) may be controlled by controlling the heating rate in and/or near the structure. Optionally, the speed of air movement (e.g.., wind speed) may be controlled by controlling the heat and/or pressure differential in and/or near the structure.

Some embodiments may include a method that air is drawn into the structure from the surroundings and/or then effected and/or propelled upwards and/or in another direction and/or to another place.

An embodiment may include a method of locating an air effecting structure in a location that may assist in moving air with high amounts of greenhouse gasses, other gasses, pollutants, radioactive particles, ash, pollen, etc., to another location and/or to a higher altitude. Advantageously, this may reduce in a specific location (for example, the atmosphere of a lower altitude) the amount of greenhouse gasses, other gasses, pollutants, radioactive particles, ash, pollen, etc.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the current invention. For example, a system 200 may include a structure such as a tower or chimney 202 which may be hollow and/or partially hollow and/or may have hollow channels which may allow air and/or other substances to flow through it. Optionally, the structure may include one or more channels. Optionally, the one or more channels may have a width ranging between about 1 cm to about 5 cm, between about 5 cm to about 15 cm, between about 15 cm to about 50 cm, between about 50 cm to about 1 m, between about 1 m to about 5 m, between about 5 m to about 15 m, between about 15 m to about 50 m, between about 50 m to about 100 m, or between about 100 m to about 500 m. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. In some embodiments, the structure may be constructed from completely and/or partially a material transparent to solar radiation. Optionally, the structure may be surrounded completely and/or partially by a material transparent to solar radiation.

In some embodiments a structure may extrude gasses and/or air and/or other substances from a single end and/or multiple ends and/or multiple points of the structure. In some embodiments may extrude substances from an end and/or one or more points at a rate of between about 0 to about 100 cubic meters per second, and/or between about 100 to about 1,000 cubic meters per second, and/or between about 1000 to about 10,000 cubic meters per second, and/or between about 10,000 to about 1,000,000 cubic meters per second, and/or between about 1,000,000 to about 10,000,000 cubic meters per second, and/or between about 10,000,000 to about 1,000,000,000 cubic meters per second. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. For example, a tower may extrude at a certain rate according to observations how fast air is replaced in the surrounding area. Optionally, this may help to control and/or effect atmosphere in a radius area surrounding the structure.

Some embodiments may include a method to monitor the air flow extruded from one or more points in the structure and/or the air flow into and/or out of the structure. Optionally, air to replace the displaced air from the surrounding area may be drawn up the structure 202 from the base of the structure 206 and/or one or more openings on one or more the sides of the structure 204. Optionally, air may be drawn into the structure from the surroundings with specific radius of effect 208, e.g., in a stack effect. For example, there may be a method to monitor and/or attempt to affect atmosphere in a radius of about 0 to about 1 km near the structure, and/or between about 1 km to about 10 km, and/or between about 10 km to about 100 km, and/or between about 100 km to about 1,000 km from the base of the structure. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

According to some embodiments, the base may be anchored in place. Optionally, the base may be anchored by cables and/or one or more supporting structures. Optionally, the base may include one or more opening through which air may access the structure. Some embodiments may include a structure attached and/or anchored to the ground and/or an aviated structure. According to some embodiments, there may a method to locate air effecting structures in urban locations and/or in various other points etc. Alternatively, and/or additionally there may be embodiments designed for use in liquid environments.

Figs. 3A and B are schematic illustrations illustrating an aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. For example, the structure may extrude one or more substances from one or more points on one or more sides and/or from an end such that the substance and/or gas and/or air may continue moving in the extruded direction. For example, a substance extruded upwards may continue moving (e.g., from the momentum and/or from a heat and/or pressure, and/or moisture, etc. differential). An embodiment may include a method to extrude a substance at a rate according to how much it will be hindered on release such that the substance will continue traveling to a desired point. For example, according to the friction, and/or temperature and/or pressure and/or moisture differential. Fig. 3A illustrates an example of a temperature differential between an air mass extruded from a structure and the surrounding air temperature. Fig. 3B illustrates an example of a pressure differential between an air mass extruded from a structure and the surrounding air pressure.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. For example, the structure may be built from completely and/or partially a material transparent to solar radiation. Some embodiments may use transparent building materials in part of the structure and/or all of the structure. Optionally, the structure may be surrounded completely and/or partially by a material transparent to solar radiation. Optionally, the transparent material may be a transparent plastic. Preferably, the plastic may be non-toxic, and/or have high corrosion resistance and/or strength over a wide temperature range and/or pressure range, e.g., ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), acrylic (polymethlamethacrylate), butyrate (cellulose acetate butyrate), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, glycol modified polyethylene terphthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, etc. or combinations thereof. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

Some embodiments may include a system to change solar radiation to thermal radiation. Optionally, the thermal radiation may heat the atmosphere inside and/or near the structure. Optionally, transparent building material may allow more solar radiation to reach the transformation system (i.e., from solar to thermal). For example, a radiation transformation system may be located on the inside and/or on the surface of a structure and/or the transparent building material may allow the solar radiations to reach the transformation system. Some embodiments may include mirrors and/or other methods that may help to redirect the solar radiation to reach the transformation system. Alternatively, and/or additionally solar radiation collectors may be rotatable and/or repositionable to enhance solar radiation intake. Optionally, the rotation and/or repositioning of the solar collectors may be automatic, pre-programed, manual, and/or in response to changing weather conditions. Alternatively, and/or additionally, a structure may take in the solar heat and/or use it to produce and/or enhance an effect on the air and/or material/s of the structure.

In some embodiments, a material which transforms light to heat (e.g., a black surface) may be applied on the outside and/or inside and/or inside surface of the structure. Alternatively, and/or additionally, the structure may include one or more heat channels (e.g., aluminum strips) which may transfer heat from a thermal collector into the structure and or the air within a structure. Alternatively, and/or additionally, the structure may include a material which may trap heat (e.g., facilitates light entering the structure but may inhibits heat from leaving).

In some embodiments, various systems (e.g., air forcing elements such as fans and/or heat transferring elements) may be controlled by a processor. For example, the functioning of the system may be improved and/or optimized to increase efficiency, power generation, gas flow, etc.

For example, solar radiation 402 may be directly absorbed by one or more solar radiation collectors 410 on the surface and/or within the structure 412. Optionally, one or more ground mirrors 406 may reflect and/or concentrate solar radiation 404 onto one or more solar radiation collectors 410 on the surface and/or within the structure 412. Optionally, the one or more ground mirrors may be adjusted to redirect the solar radiation onto the one or more solar radiation collectors. Optionally, the one or more ground mirrors may be adjustable, rotatable and/or repositionable. Optionally, the one or more ground mirrors may be orientated in accordance with the weather conditions, e.g., to maximize solar radiation collection. Optionally, one or more solar radiation collectors may convert solar radiation into thermal radiation. Optionally, the solar radiation collector and the thermal radiation converter may be the same or different systems. Optionally, the thermal radiation may heat the air flow, thereby changing the density of the air, drawing air into and up the structure from its base 408, e.g., by stack effects. Optionally, the structure may be partially and/or completely surrounded by and/or built from one or more materials transparent to solar radiation, e.g., ETFE. For example, the structure may include ETFE balloons.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a solar radiation collector illustrating an aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. For example, a solar radiation collector 500 may be constructed partially or completely from one or more transparent materials. Optionally, the solar radiation collectors may convert solar radiation to thermal radiation and may heat the air flowing through the structure. Optionally, the structure may be partially or completely hollow. Optionally, the structure may include one or more channels. Optionally, one or more inner surfaces may be coated with a solar radiation collector. Optionally, one or more outer surfaces may be coated with a solar radiation collector.

According to some embodiments, the structure may be constructed from one or more individual units. Optionally, each unit may include one or more channels. Optionally, each unit may be constructed from a transparent material. Optionally, each unit may include one or more thermal transfer materials (e.g., a metal). Optionally, each unit may be individually adjustable, rotatable and/or repositionable. Optionally, each unit may be orientated in accordance with the weather conditions, e.g., to reduce wind resistance, and/or maximize solar exposure, etc. Optionally, each unit may be leaf shaped, oval, triangular, circular, rectangular, square, pillow shaped, brick shaped, balloon, shaped, cylindrical, pyramidal, etc. or a combination thereof. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. Optionally, each unit may be individually adjusted, rotated and/or repositioned automatically, pre-programed, manually, and/or in response to changing conditions by one or more processors, e.g., to increase and/or maximize solar radiation collection. Optionally, the one or more processors may be connected electronically, wirelessly, or both. Optionally, the system may be controlled by communication through a satellite network, cellular phone network, local area network, etc.

According to some embodiments, the structure may be constructed from one or more inflatable individual units. Optionally, the structure may be partially or completely surrounded by one or more inflatable units. Optionally, the inflatable units may be linked together. Optionally, each inflatable unit may include one or more channels. Optionally, each inflatable unit may be constructed from a transparent material. Optionally, the transparent material may be a transparent plastic. Preferably, the plastic may be non-toxic, and/or have high corrosion resistance and/or strength over a wide temperature range and/or pressure range, e.g., ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), acrylic (polymethlamethacrylate), butyrate (cellulose acetate butyrate), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, glycol modified polyethylene terphthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, etc. or combinations thereof. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. Optionally each inflatable unit may be partially or completely inflated. Optionally, each inflatable unit may be inflated by a gas lighter than the surrounding air, e.g., hydrogen, helium, etc. or a combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, each inflatable unit may include one or more thermal transfer materials (e.g., a metal). Optionally, each inflatable unit may be individually adjustable, rotatable and/or repositionable. Optionally, each inflatable unit may be orientated in accordance with the weather conditions, e.g., to reduce wind resistance, and/or maximize solar exposure, etc. Optionally, each inflatable unit may be leaf shaped, oval, triangular, circular, rectangular, square, pillow shaped, brick shaped, balloon, shaped, cylindrical, pyramidal, etc. or a combination thereof. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. Optionally, each inflatable unit may be individually adjusted, rotated and/or repositioned automatically, pre-programed, manually, and/or in response to changing conditions by one or more processors.

According to some embodiments, each unit may have a thickness between about 0.1 cm to about 1 cm, and/or between about 1 cm to about 5 cm, and/or between about 5 cm to about 10 cm, and/or between about 10 cm to about 100 cm, and/or between about 100 cm to about 1,000 cm, and/or between about 1,000 cm to about 10,000 cm. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, each unit may have a widest length of between about 0.1 cm to about 1 cm, and/or between about 1 cm to about 5 cm, and/or between about 5 cm to about 10 cm, and/or between about 10 cm to about 100 cm, and/or between about 100 cm to about 1,000 cm, and/or between about 1,000 cm to about 10,000 cm. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. For example, a solar radiation collector 500 may be various shapes 502, the structure may include one or more channels 504, which may be coated with a solar radiation collecting material, optionally, the solar radiation collector may include one or more cells 506.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the current invention. For example, the system 600 receives direct solar radiation from the sun and/or from ground mirrors which may radiate 602 and/or may heat the structure. Transparent material may allow the structure to absorb 604 solar radiation. The solar radiation collector 606 may collect and/or transfer and/or convert solar radiation to thermal energy. The thermal energy may heat 608 the air flow inside the structure and/or the air outside at the outlet, (e.g., this may cause increase in the stack effect). Air rises at increased rates 610. Air (e.g., greenhouse gasses) may be relocated 612 to high altitude.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the current invention. For example, a structure 700 may comprise a base connected to the ground by one or more anchors 702, at multiple individual units 704 including a transparent material, and a controller 706. Optionally, each individual unit may include one or more channels 712, one or more solar radiation collectors 708 and a means of converting the collected solar radiation into thermal energy 710 and transferring the thermal energy 710 to the air contained within the one or more channels 712.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the current invention. For example, the system 800 receives direct solar radiation from the sun and/or from ground mirrors which may radiate 802 and/or may heat the structure. Transparent material comprising the structure may allow absorption 804 of solar radiation. A solar radiation collector 806 may collect and/or transfer and/or convert solar radiation to thermal energy. The thermal energy may heat 808 the air inside the structure and/or the air outside at the outlet, (e.g., this may cause increase in the stack effect) which may draw more air into the structure and/or may draw more air into the structure at an increased and/or constant and/or controllable rate. Air rises 810 within the structure at increased rates. Energy from the moving air is harvested. For example, the moving air rotates 812 a turbine. For example, one or more wind turbines may be located on and/or within the structure, e.g., at an inlet, along the length of the structure, at a vent, along a vent, at an outlet of the structure, and/or a combination thereof. Optionally, the wind turbines are used to generate 814 electricity.

GENERAL

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant building technologies, artificial intelligence methodologies, computer user interfaces, image capture devices will be developed and the scope of the terms for design elements, analysis routines, user devices is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, some embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon. Implementation of the method and/or system of some embodiments of the invention can involve performing and/or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of some embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware and/or by a combination thereof, e.g., using an operating system. For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to some embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to some embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to some exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized for some embodiments of the invention. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, and/or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium and/or data used thereby may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for some embodiments of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Some embodiments of the present invention may be described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Data and/or program code may be accessed and/or shared over a network, for example the Internet. For example, data may be shared and/or accessed using a social network. A processor may include remote processing capabilities for example available over a network (e.g., the Internet). For example, resources may be accessed via cloud computing. The term “cloud computing” refers to the use of computational resources that are available remotely over a public network, such as the internet, and that may be provided for example at a low cost and/or on an hourly basis. Any virtual or physical computer that is in electronic communication with such a public network could potentially be available as a computational resource. To provide computational resources via the cloud network on a secure basis, computers that access the cloud network may employ standard security encryption protocols such as SSL and PGP, which are well known in the industry.

Some of the methods described herein are generally designed only for use by a computer, and/or may not be feasible or practical for performing purely manually, by a human expert. A human expert who wanted to manually perform similar tasks might be expected to use completely different methods, e.g., making use of expert knowledge and/or the pattern recognition capabilities of the human brain, which would be vastly more efficient than manually going through the steps of the methods described herein.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ± 10% The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”.

The term "consisting essentially of means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system to relocate air comprising: a structure comprising: at least one individual unit comprising a transparent material; at least one hollow channel; and a base configured to be anchored to the ground, wherein the structure is configured to relocate air from a low altitude to a high altitude.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the transparent material is a transparent plastic.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the transparent plastic is non-toxic, has high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature and pressure range.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the transparent plastic is selected from the group comprising ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), acrylic polymer, cellulose acetate butyrate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, glycol modified polyethylene terphthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, or combinations thereof.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one individual unit comprises at least one solar radiation collector.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one solar radiation collector is located on or within the at least one individual unit.

7. The system of claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising at least one ground mirror configured to redirect solar radiation onto the at least one solar radiation collector.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one solar radiation collector is connected to a solar energy to heat transfer system.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the heat transfer system comprises a heat transfer material.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the heat transfer material is a metal.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the orientation of the at least one individual unit is configured to be individually adjusted, rotated or repositioned by one or more processors.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the orientation of the at least one individual unit is configured to be adjusted automatically, pre-programed, manually, or in response to changing conditions.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure is partially or completely surrounded by one or more inflatable units.

14. A method for relocating air comprising: anchoring a structure to the ground comprising: at least one individual unit comprising a transparent material, wherein the at least one individual unit comprises a solar radiation collector and a heat transfer material; and at least one hollow channel; collecting solar radiation; transforming the collected solar radiation into thermal energy; and heating, with said thermal energy, air within the at least one hollow channel to produce a stack effect, thereby relocating air from a low altitude to a high altitude.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the collecting solar radiation is facilitated by the transparent material.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the collecting solar radiation is maximized by adjusting, rotating or repositioning the individual units.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein heating of the air within the hollow channel is controlled by at least one processor.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the controlling determines the rate at which the air is heated and rises within the hollow channel.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the heating changes the temperature, pressure, moisture content or a combination thereof of the air within the structure as compared to the air outside the structure.

20. A method for generating electricity from wind power comprising: anchoring a structure to the ground comprising: at least one individual unit comprising a transparent material, wherein the at least one individual unit comprises a solar radiation collector and a heat transfer material; and at least one hollow channel; collecting solar radiation; transforming the collected solar radiation into thermal energy; heating, with said thermal energy, air within the at least one hollow channel to produce a stack effect, thereby increasing the speed of the airflow rotating at least one wind turbine located in and/or on the structure; and generating electricity using the at least one wind turbine.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the generating electricity is performed by airflow driving the at least one wind turbine located at an inlet, along the length of the structure, at a vent, along a vent, at an outlet of the structure, and/or a combination thereof.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the heating is at a constant and/or controllable rate.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the speed of the airflow rotating at least one wind turbine located in and/or on the structure is maintained and/or controlled throughout the day.