U.S. patent application number 09/816534 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-23 for airfoil ventilation system for a building and the like.
Invention is credited to Roskey, John E..
Application Number | 20010015557 09/816534 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46257639 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010015557 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roskey, John E. |
August 23, 2001 |
Airfoil ventilation system for a building and the like
Abstract
A ventilation system for a building, or other structure includes
a roof and an airfoil mounted on the roof. The airfoil includes a
tubular member having a longitudinal axis, an inside, an outside,
and an elongated opening extending parallel to the longitudinal
axis. The air foil includes a leading edge positioned with respect
to the longitudinal opening on the outside of the tubular member to
create a pressure differential between the tubular member and the
leading edge when wind blows past the airfoil. An air duct in
communication with the interior of the tubular member extends into
the building to enable the airfoil to draw air out from the
building in response to the wind.
Inventors: |
Roskey, John E.; (Carson
City, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kevin H. Fortin
BURNS, DOANE, SWECKER & MATHIS, L.L.P.
P.O. Box 1404
Alexandria
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Family ID: |
46257639 |
Appl. No.: |
09/816534 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09816534 |
Mar 23, 2001 |
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09290526 |
Apr 12, 1999 |
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6239506 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
290/55 ;
290/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F03D 1/0608 20130101;
Y02E 10/721 20130101; Y02B 10/30 20130101; F05B 2240/132 20130101;
Y02E 10/72 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/55 ;
290/44 |
International
Class: |
F03D 009/00; H02P
009/04 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A ventilation system for a building, comprising: a building
having a roof; an airfoil mounted on the roof, the airfoil includes
a tubular member having a longitudinal axis, the tubular member
defining an inside, an outside, and an elongated opening extending
parallel to the longitudinal axis, the air foil includes a leading
edge positioned with respect to the longitudinal opening on the
outside of the tubular member to create a pressure differential
between the tubular member and the leading edge when wind blows
past the airfoil; and an air duct in communication with the
interior of the tubular member, and extending into the building to
enable the airfoil to draw air out from the building.
2. A system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a support
structure for rotatably supporting the airfoil, the support
structure orienting the airfoil so that the leading edge is faces
into the wind.
3. A system as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a vane
connected to the airfoil for rotating the airfoil on the support
structure to orient the airfoil so that the leading edge faces into
the wind.
4. A system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the support structure
cants the airfoil with respect to the wind.
5. A system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the tubular member has
a top and a bottom, the airfoil includes top and bottom skirts
positioned at a top and a bottom of the tubular member.
6. A system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the tubular member has
a top, the leading edge extends beyond the top of the tubular
member.
7. A system as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a wind
direction sensor and a motor, the motor rotates the airfoil in
response to the wind direction sensor.
8. A system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the tubular member is
cylindrical.
9. A system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the tubular member is
conical.
10. A ventilation system for a building comprising: a building with
a roof; an airfoil having a leading edge, the air foil defining an
elongated opening extending parallel to the leading edge, the
elongated opening being spaced from the leading edge; the air foil
defines an air passageway and an air duct in communication with the
elongated opening to deliver air between the airfoil and a turbine
system; and a support structure for rotatably supporting the
airfoil on the roof, the support structure orienting the airfoil so
that the leading edge faces into the wind.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the airfoil includes a
cylindrical member, the cylindrical member defines the elongated
opening, the cylindrical member being canted with respect to the
wind.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the airfoil rotates to
adjustably position the leading edge towards the wind.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the leading edge and the
cylindrical member parallel each other.
14. A ventilation system for a mine shaft comprising: a mineshaft
with a vent; an airfoil having a leading edge, the air foil
defining an elongated opening extending parallel to the leading
edge, the elongated opening being spaced from the leading edge; the
leading edge being canted with respect to the wind, the airfoil
defines an air passageway and an air duct in communication with the
elongated opening to deliver air between the airfoil and the
mineshaft vent; and a support structure for rotatably supporting
the airfoil, the support structure orienting the airfoil so that
the leading edge faces into the wind.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the airfoil includes a
cylindrical member, the cylindrical member defines the elongated
opening.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the cylindrical member is
canted at least 1 degree with respect to the wind.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the leading edge and the
cylindrical member are canted in parallel with each other.
18. A wind-driven ventilation system for a mine shaft, comprising:
a mine shaft having a vent; an airfoil including a tubular member
having a longitudinal axis, the tubular member defining an inside,
an outside, and an elongated opening extending parallel to the
longitudinal axis, the air foil includes a leading edge positioned
with respect to the longitudinal opening on the outside of the
tubular member to create a pressure differential between the
tubular member and the leading edge when wind blows past the
airfoil; and an air duct in communication with the vent and with
the interior of the tubular member draw air out from the mine
shaft.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the airfoil includes a
cylindrical member, the cylindrical member defines the elongated
opening.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the cylindrical member is
canted at about 33 degrees with respect to the wind.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/290,526, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to ventilation systems and to methods
utilizing wind for ventilating enclosures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Ventilation systems circulate air through enclosures
including buildings, vehicles and other enclosures. Active
ventilation systems rely on imported power. Passive ventilation
systems rely upon system design to circulate air.
[0004] Some active systems rely on powered fans, heaters, air
conditioners and humidity modifiers connected through a series of
ducts. This approach has been successful in controlling the
internal environment of buildings, private residences and vehicles,
but may be complicated and energy demanding.
[0005] Passive systems, including those that passively derive
operating energy from the environment, are often inefficient or
ill-suited for demanding applications. In buildings with a
plurality of floors and a high-profile there are few, if any,
passive systems that adequately circulate air throughout the
building.
[0006] In open buildings such as barns, sheds and the like, some
passive systems have proved useful. Roof mounted "squirrel cage"
wind turbines, for instance, exhaust internal air from the building
under influence of the wind. During the summer, exhausting air from
the roof cools the building by providing an escape for hot air
trapped beneath the roof. Exhausting the hot air also fosters an
internal air flow and circulation which results in a more
comfortable environment.
[0007] Squirrel cage turbines are limited in efficiency for several
reasons. The turbines rest directly on the roof line, which
restricts their access to the turbulent eddies of disturbed air
adjacent to the roof itself. This is especially pronounced for
roofs with little or no pitch. For roofs with greater pitch, the
short profile of standard squirrel cage turbines ensures that at
least some will be located in the wind shadow of the roof itself.
In systems having multiples of these turbines, the wind may race
past the pitched roof and occasionally induce a reverse flow in
some of the turbines, negating the beneficial action of the other
turbines, and dramatically reducing the overall system
efficiency.
[0008] Poor operating efficiency associated with systems having a
plurality of squirrel cage turbines on a peaked roof results in an
increased number of turbines and duct holes required to achieve the
minimum desired air flow. Additional holes in the roof are not
desirable for roofs where rain is common. Holes may compromise the
structural integrity of the roof. Further, holes reduce the ability
of the roof to insulate the building from cold or heat.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,037 discloses a Roof Ridge Ventilator,
the disclosure of this patent is incorporated herein by reference.
This ventilator is designed to inhibit the entry of wind-driven
water into the structure. Unfortunately, the volumetric air flow
capability of this vent is limited.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,964, incorporated herein by reference,
discloses a Static Roof Ventilator having triangular baffles. The
baffles improve the chimney effect of the ventilator. Still, there
are many high-profile buildings that require more airflow than the
ventilator of the '964 patent can provide.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,480, incorporated herein by reference,
discloses a control system for building ventilation. This control
system relies on spread spectrum wireless communication between the
components of the ventilation system in order to enable the system
to operate efficiently without the need for complex, and expensive
wiring.
[0012] What is desired is a ventilation system that is fuel
efficient and can be used in buildings, or other enclosures, with
high volumetric air flow needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] A ventilation system for a building, or other structure
includes a roof and an airfoil mounted on the roof. The airfoil
includes a tubular member having a longitudinal axis, an inside, an
outside, and an elongated opening extending parallel to the
longitudinal axis. The air foil includes a leading edge positioned
with respect to the longitudinal opening on the outside of the
tubular member to create a pressure differential between the
tubular member and the leading edge when wind blows past the
airfoil. An air duct in communication with the interior of the
tubular member extends into the building to enable the airfoil to
draw air out from the building when the wind blows.
[0014] A control system including a valve is installed to modulate
the air flow as desired for proper ventilation. Fully closing the
valve protects against heat loss during cold weather. According to
one aspect of the invention, the building includes an air
conditioning system in communication with the control system. This
valve can be either manually or automatically controlled and can be
located within each individual airfoil's duct system or as part of
a larger plenum served by a plurality of airfoils.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the building
includes a duct forming a central air column within the building.
The duct is regulated by the control system to seal in case of
fire.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wind energy collection
system according to the present invention including a plurality of
airfoils.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of one of the airfoils of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the airfoil of FIG. 2,
taken along line 3-3.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of an
airfoil according to the invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the airfoil of FIG. 4,
taken along line 5-5.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of an airfoil
according to the invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the airfoil of FIG. 6,
taken along line 7-7.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side view of the airfoil of FIG. 2 mounted at an
angle.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of an
airfoil having a tapered shape.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a side view of an array of airfoils arranged
radially around a hub.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a front view of the array of airfoils of FIG.
10.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a airfoil ventilation
system mounted on the roof of a building.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an airfoil ventilation
system having a pair of airfoils mounted on a common support.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a ventilation system for a
mine in accordance with the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a ventilation system for a
high-profile building.
[0031] FIG. 16 is an automated system for orienting an air foil
with respect to the wind.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a system for collecting energy from wind
including one or an array of airfoils 10A-10E. The airfoils 10A-10E
are passive, relying upon ambient wind to operate. Each airfoil has
an inside and an outside. When wind blows past an airfoil, the
inside of the airfoil is pressurized beyond the air pressure of the
outside of the airfoil. This pressure difference causes air from
within the airfoil to flow out of the airfoil.
[0033] The system includes air passageways 12 and a turbine 14. Air
flowing out of the airfoil draws air via the air passageways 12 and
the turbine 14, causing rotation of the turbine 14.
[0034] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a first embodiment of an airfoil 10
including a substantially planar leading edge 18 and a cylindrical
member 20. The cylindrical member 20, as illustrated in the cross
sectional view of FIG. 3, has an opening 22 with a width of about
30.degree. to about 80.degree., preferably about 60.degree..
Positioned directly in front of the opening 22 in the cylindrical
member 20 is the substantially planar leading edge 18. The leading
edge 18 is preferably a plate shaped member having a height which
is equal to a height of the cylindrical member 20 and a width which
is equal to or slightly greater than the width of the opening
22.
[0035] It can be appreciated that the leading edge 18, according to
an alternate embodiment, has a height which extends beyond the
height of the cylindrical member 20.
[0036] The optimal width of the plate shaped member is preferably
approximately 0.75 times the diameter of the cylindrical member 20.
The planar leading edge 18 and the cylindrical member 20 together
define two slots 30. The slots 30 are positioned on either side of
the airfoil 10 at a point where the air passing from the interior
28 of the cylindrical member meets the adjacent airstream. The
slots 30 begin at an edge of the leading edge 18 and terminate at a
widest point of the cylindrical member 20.
[0037] The airfoil 10 is oriented so that the planar leading edge
18 is facing directly into the wind as shown in FIG. 3. As the wind
contacts the planar leading edge 18, eddies 26 are created in and
about the regions of the slots 30 between the leading edge 18 and
the cylindrical member 20. Preferably, the distance between the
leading edge 18 and the opening 22 is about 0.1 to about 0.7, more
preferably about 0.25 to 0.5 times the diameter of the cylindrical
member 20.
[0038] As the wind stream passes around the airfoil 10, the
velocity of the air increases and the static pressure decreases in
accordance with the Bernoulli principal. A region of low pressure
is created behind the leading edge and extending to the greatest
cross sectional width of the airfoil 10. The combination of the low
pressure region and the eddies 26 created by the planar leading
edge 18 draws the air out from an interior 28 of the cylindrical
member 20.
[0039] The airfoil 10 is supported on a support structure 32 which
provides communication of air flow between the interior 28 of the
cylindrical member 20 and the air passageway 12 (FIG. 1). The
support structure 32 preferably includes a rotation mechanism for
allowing the airfoil 10 to rotate about the support. The rotatable
support structure 32 may be any of those which are known to those
in the art. The airfoil 10 includes a bottom skirt member 34 and a
top skirt member 36 for improved efficiencies. The skirts 34, 36
support and connect the cylindrical member 20 and the planar
leading edge 18. The skirts 34, 36 also function to prevent outside
air below or above the airfoil 10 from disrupting the air flow over
the airfoil. The skirts 34, 36 have a diameter which is greater
than 1.5 times, preferably 2 or more times the diameter of the
cylindrical member 20.
[0040] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment of an airfoil 40
having a cylindrical member 42 and a planar leading edge 44. The
airfoil 40 also includes a vane 46 which extends from the
cylindrical member 42 opposite the opening 48 in the cylindrical
member. The vane 46 acts to position the airfoil 40 with the planar
leading edge 44 directly into the wind. As shown in the side view
of FIG. 4, the vane 46 may taper from a largest width at the top of
the airfoil 40 to a smallest width at the bottom of the airfoil.
Although the vane 46 has been illustrated as extending along the
entire length of the airfoil, a vane which extends along only a
portion of the airfoil may also be used. The vane 46 may vary in
shape as is known in the art. When an array of airfoils is used as
illustrated in FIG. 1, a vane 46 may be provided on one or more
than one of the airfoils for orienting the airfoils into the wind.
If one vane 46 is used for rotation of a plurality of airfoils, the
airfoils are interconnected by a mechanical positioning means which
causes the airfoils to rotate simultaneously.
[0041] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a further embodiment of an airfoil
50 having a cylindrical member 52 and a leading edge 54. The
substantially planar leading edge 54 is formed from a slightly
curved plate in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7. The curved surface
of the substantially planar leading edge 54 reduces the efficiency
of the wind collection system due to less change in static pressure
caused by the leading edge. However, the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and
7 may provide an increased resistance to mechanical stress through
an inherently stronger configuration and longer leading edge life
due to slightly lower forces created by the wind on the leading
edge 54.
[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of an
airfoil 60 having a construction similar to that of the embodiment
of FIGS. 2 and 3 which is mounted at an angle. The mounting of the
airfoil 60 on a support 62 such that the airfoil is canted backward
out of the wind on the support provides for positioning of the
airfoil in the wind stream. Preferably, the airfoil 60 has a
vertical axis which is canted from about 1.degree. to about
60.degree. with respect to the vertical axis of the support 62.
Preferably the cant is about 33.degree..
[0043] The airfoils according to the present invention may be
positioned on the corresponding support structures such that the
support structure is approximately centered beneath an axis of the
cylindrical member. Alternatively, the support structure may be
positioned off center towards the leading edge (with the
aerodynamic center of pressure aft of the pivot point) to allow the
airfoil to be self positioning in the wind. The orientation of the
airfoils into the wind may also be accomplished by mechanical
means.
[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an airfoil
70 formed from a substantially planar leading edge 72 and a conical
member 74. The conical member 74 is circular in cross section and
operates in the same manner as the cylindrical member 20 discussed
above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3. The tapered
airfoil 70 of FIG. 9 has been found to achieve the same level of
draw, or rate of air discharge as provided by a similarly sized
airfoil having a cylindrical element. Furthermore, the tapered
airfoil 70 achieves the same rate of air discharge with less
material, and hence lower cost. Preferably, a cross section through
the airfoil 70 has the same preferred dimensions as the embodiment
shown in FIG. 3. In addition, a diameter of the conical member 74
at an upper end is preferably about 1/2 a diameter of the conical
member at the base. The airfoil 70 is also preferably provided with
a bottom skirt 76 and a top skirt 78 having relative proportions
similar to those described above with respect to the embodiment of
FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0045] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a radially arranged array of
airfoils 10A-10E which are fixed on a hub 82. The radial
arrangement of the airfoils provides an appearance similar to
current open air turbine without the external moving parts.
[0046] When the airfoils 10 according to the present invention are
arranged in an array as illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 10, each
airfoil enhances the ambient wind pattern for the adjacent airfoils
by forming a series of narrow throats between the airfoils which
lead to an increase in the air velocity and a corresponding
decrease in static pressure between the airfoils. Thus, the use of
the multiple airfoils 10A-10E arranged in an array will magnify the
wind collection capabilities of the system. When the airfoils
10A-10E are arranged in a line, the space between adjacent airfoils
is approximately 1 to approximately 3 times, preferably
approximately 2 times the diameter of the cylindrical member 20 to
optimize the efficiency of the system.
[0047] The height of the airfoils 10 according to the present
invention is preferably about 3 to about 7 times the diameter of
the cylindrical member. More preferably, the airfoil has a height
of about 6 times the diameter of the cylinder member.
[0048] Although the invention has been illustrated with the
airfoils positioned vertically, the airfoils may also be positioned
horizontally or at any other angle with respect to the ground.
[0049] As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,419, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference, additional smaller
secondary airfoils or concentrator wings may be provided to
increase the velocity of the air flow over the airfoils. In
addition, the turbines 14 may be provided with filters or screens
in the air inlet areas through which air is drawn into the turbine
to control the cleanliness of the air drawn though the system.
[0050] FIG. 12 shows a ventilation system, generally designated
with the reference numeral 100. The system 100 includes a building
102, an airfoil 104 and a support structure 106. The system 100 is
passive, relying on the wind to pump air from within the building
102.
[0051] The building 102 has a roof 108. The roof 108 is peaked and
the support structure 106 mounts the air foil 104 on one side of
the peak.
[0052] The airfoil 104 includes a leading edge 110 and a tubular
member 112. The leading edge includes a windward side 116 and a
leeward side 118. The tubular member 112 includes an opening 114
defined adjacent the leeward side 118 of the leading edge 110.
Accordingly when wind blows past the airfoil 104 towards the
windward side 116 of the leading edge 110, the wind creates a
pressure differential between the windward side 116 and the leeward
side 118 of the leading edge 110. This pressure differential draws
air out from the tubular member 112 via the opening 114.
[0053] The tubular member 112 has a longitudinal axis 120, defines
an inside 122, an outside 124. The opening 114 is elongated,
extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 120. The leading edge
110 is positioned with respect to the longitudinal opening 114 on
the outside 124 of the tubular member 112. Positioning the leading
edge 110 with respect to the opening 114 creates a pressure
differential between the inside 122 of the tubular member 112 and
the windward side 116 of the leading edge 110 when wind blows past
the airfoil 104.
[0054] The system 100 includes an air duct 126 in communication
with the inside 122 of the tubular member 112, and extending into
the building 102 to enable the airfoil 104 to draw air out from the
building 102. The air duct 126 has a cover 128 that protects the
air duct 126 and the airfoil 104 from debris and functions to
ensure a distributed, or even, flow of air from within the
ventilated enclosure.
[0055] The support structure 106 rotatably supports the airfoil 104
and orients the airfoil 104 so that the leading edge 110 is faces
into the wind. The airfoil 104 is canted with respect to the wind
direction 130 so that the airfoil 104 functions as a wind vane to
automatically direct the leading edge 110 into the wind and so that
the airfoil 104 operates efficiently.
[0056] The tubular member 112 has a top 132 and a bottom 134. The
leading edge 110 extends from near the bottom 134 to beyond the top
132 of the tubular member 112.
[0057] FIG. 13 shows two airfoils 104 mounted on a single support
structure 106. The support structure 106 attaches to the roof 108
and functions as a turret. The support structure 106 rotates and
adjusts the angle of cant of the airfoils 104. The angle of cant is
represented by the angle .THETA. with respect to the wind direction
130. Accordingly, the airfoil 104 rotates in the directions of the
arrows 140 to adjustably cant the airfoil 104. The support
structure 106 rotates the airfoils 104 to face the wind direction
130 by rotating in the direction of the arrows 142.
[0058] FIG. 14 shows a mountain 150 including a mine shaft 152. The
mine shaft 152 has a system of air ducts, some of which are
filtered intake ducts, and others are exhaust ducts. The mine shaft
152 includes a vent 154 and the system 100. The system 100 includes
airfoils 104 attached in fluid communication with the vent 154 of
the mine shaft 152.
[0059] FIG. 15 shows a building 160 having a plurality of floors,
and consequently, a high aspect ratio. The airfoil 104 mounts on
the roof 108 of the building 160. The building includes an air duct
162 in communication with the airfoil 104 and each floor of the
inside of the building. The duct 162 includes a valve 164 for
regulating airflow within the duct 162. Preferably, the duct 162
includes a intake with an air filter, or air conditioner.
[0060] Although the airfoil 104 mounts on the roof of the building
160, it can be appreciated that the building 160 may have a wall
mounted airfoil, or an airfoil 104 can be mounted in the building
160, at an interior section that is exposed to wind.
[0061] FIG. 16 shows a sensor system, generally designated with the
reference numeral 170. The system 170 includes a wind sensor 172, a
motor 174, a gear assembly 176 and a geared support structure 178.
The airfoil 104 mounts on the geared support structure 178.
[0062] The sensor 172 senses wind direction and communicates
electronically with the motor 174. The motor 174 selectively
rotates the gear assembly 176, which rotates the support structure
178. The motor 174 operates in response to the sensor 172 to direct
the leading edge of the airfoil 104 into the direction of the wind
130.
[0063] FIG. 17 shows the system 100 on a motor vehicle 180 to
ventilate the motor vehicle. While the system 100 is shown mounted
on the top of the vehicle 180, it can be appreciated that normal
driving speeds enable the size of the system 100 to be greatly
reduced.
[0064] One embodiment of the vehicle mounted system 100 includes
shrouding one or more systems 100 within an air vent system to
regulate air flow within an automobile. An air vent scoop, for
example, would shroud the system 100. This is beneficial, as
compared to using fans, to reduce noise and to provide improved
economy for a passenger compartment ventilation system.
[0065] The system 100 can also be used to improve engine
performance by pressurizing engine air intake, or drawing air out
the exhaust.
[0066] According to another embodiment, the system 100 mounts on an
aircraft for improving air circulation within the cabin and cargo
compartment. The system 100 would also be useful for circulating
air through non-pressurized compartments.
[0067] FIG. 18 shows the system 100 on a boat 182 to ventilate the
boat 182. The system 100 vents cargo holds, crew compartments and
engine compartments. According to one aspect of the invention, the
system vents the boat fuel system to allow undesirable fuel vapors
to escape.
[0068] Although the invention has been illustrated with respect to
a wind powered system, it can be appreciated that the present
system can be supplemented with an electrical power, air
conditioning, heating and humidity control. Further, it can be
appreciated that the present invention can be used to supplement
any existing system. Still further, the present invention can
include a wireless, or wire based, control system for efficiently
controlling the flow of air within a building, or other structure.
While the invention has been described in detail with reference to
the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be
made and equivalents employed, without departing from the present
invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the
claims below.
* * * * *