U.S. patent application number 09/897215 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for demand side management structures.
Invention is credited to Hartman, Paul H..
Application Number | 20020112435 09/897215 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26910494 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020112435 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hartman, Paul H. |
August 22, 2002 |
Demand side management structures
Abstract
An improved building panel and attachment system for the
production of structures with improved energy efficiency and fire
safety characteristics. Panels are formed from a structural angle I
beam with angles emerging from a web and forming dovetail shaped
channels. The dovetail channels provide anchorage points for cross
members within the panels as well as weather-stripping and
mechanical joints between panels and a building frame. The unique
assembly method allows the insulation value and fire safety of the
building to be radically improved over conventional commercial
structures. Fiberglass can be combined with low thermal
conductivity gases such as Argon to improve R-Values by about 40%
over existing building stock. Heat and smoke can be vented from the
building during a fire to slow the onset of flashover and the
safety of fire fighting personnel can be enhanced when they reach
the fire scene. Improved insulating panels, daylighting panels with
light attenuation and heat dissipation means, as well as solar
panels for solar heating and night sky cooling are shown. These can
be assembled into a variety of functional roof and wall
configurations for reducing building operating costs and creating
more attractive retail and commercial buildings. Improved air
distribution systems, and thin film collectors allow for production
of an entire roof of collectors at a reasonable cost. Novel
assembly methods allow for improvements in construction cost and
safety. An advanced control system for balancing daylighting and
artificial lighting is shown, along with a demand side management,
(DSM), energy utilization system.
Inventors: |
Hartman, Paul H.; (Chardon,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL HARTMAN
11631 CHERRY HOLLOW DR.
CHARDON
OH
44024
US
|
Family ID: |
26910494 |
Appl. No.: |
09/897215 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60215919 |
Jul 3, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/648.1 ;
52/643; 52/647 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 3/366 20130101;
F24S 25/636 20180501; E04C 2003/0452 20130101; Y02B 10/70 20130101;
F24S 25/632 20180501; E04C 2003/0434 20130101; Y02E 10/47 20130101;
E04C 2003/0413 20130101; E04D 12/004 20130101; F24S 20/67 20180501;
Y02B 10/20 20130101; E04D 3/364 20130101; E06B 7/086 20130101; E04B
7/024 20130101; E04D 3/38 20130101; F24S 25/67 20180501; E04C 3/06
20130101; E04C 2003/0421 20130101; E04D 13/1625 20130101; F24D
11/0221 20130101; Y02E 10/44 20130101; F24S 2025/022 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/648.1 ;
52/643; 52/647 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/32 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A structural beam elongated in a first direction and having a
transverse cross section comprising: two flanges joined by a web,
said web being substantially perpendicular to said flanges and
joining said flanges roughly at a central point, and at least two
angle sections, each said angle section attached to said web near
one of said flanges and having a free end, forming an acute angle
to the portion of said web closest to said near flange; said web,
said near flange, and each of said at least two angle sections
forming a roughly dovetail shaped channel with an aperture opening
into an interior cavity with a flange surface on one side, an
opposed surface diverging from said flange surface on the other
side and having a bottom section facing said aperture and
connecting said flange surface with said opposed surface;
2. The beam of claim 1, further including bulb enlargements at the
edges of said flanges.
3. The beam of claim 1, wherein said flanges, said bottom section
and said angle sections are composed a first material and said web
is composed of a second material, further including mounting means
for securing said flanges, said bottom section and said angle
sections to said web.
4. The beam of claim 3, wherein said first material comprises an
aluminum extrusion and said second material comprises a composite
having fibrous reinforcement bonded to a thermoset resin
matrix.
5. The beam of claim 1, said beam comprising at least two spaced
apart, side rails of an openwork frame, said at least two angle
sections of each beam positioned on one side of said web and each
pair of said at least two angle sections pointed away from the pair
of said at least two angle sections situated on the adjacent side
rail, each said openwork frame further including; a) a plurality of
cross members of a length somewhat less than the span between the
webs of said side rails, said cross members attached to the flanges
of said at least two side rails, and b) attachment means for
securing said cross members to said flanges, whereby, a large
variety of complex structures can be produced from said structural
beam.
6. The openwork frame of claim 5, said frame having two of said
spaced apart side rails of equal length in parallel orientation to
one another, and having an exterior plane and an interior plane,
with a first set of said flanges and said cross members being
coplanar with said exterior plane and a second set of said flanges
and said cross members being coplanar with said interior plane,
said openwork frame further including; a) a pair of end plates,
each of said end plates attached to said side rails at one end of
said openwork frame, said end plates having face surfaces that
largely fill the area between said side rails and lie perpendicular
to said side rails and said exterior and interior planes, b) an
interior skin, said interior skin covering said second set of
flanges and cross members and additionally wrapped around the edges
of said second set of flanges and bent to cover said face surfaces
of said end plates, said interior skin at least partly bonded to
said second set of flanges and cross members and said face
surfaces, and c) an exterior skin, said interior skin covering said
first set of flanges and cross members and additionally wrapped
around the edges of said first set of flanges and bent to cover at
least part of said interior skin in the area of said face surfaces,
said exterior skin at least partly bonded to said first set of
flanges and cross members and said interior skin in the area of
said face surfaces, d) said openwork frame, said pair of end
plates, said interior skin, and said exterior skin comprising a
building panel, said building panel further including energy
conservation means for controlling the flow of energy, whereby;
said building panel can be utilized in a variety of demand side
management energy conservation strategies and be assembled in
configurations suited to many different structures.
7. The building panel of claim 6, said building panel having a
length substantially equal to a small nonzero integer multiplier of
the spacing between a series of building frame members, with a
plurality of said building panels comprising a sheathing assembly,
the ends of said building panels meeting one another adjacent to
said building frame members in one dimension of said sheathing
assembly, and the side rails of said building panels spaced apart
from one another by a predetermined gap in a second dimension of
said sheathing assembly, said sheathing assembly further including;
a) an exterior connector means for weather-stripping and
mechanically connecting said building panels across said
predetermined gap, said exterior connector means engaging two of
said roughly dovetail shaped channels that are adjacent to one
another when said sheathing assembly is completed, b) a building
connector means for structurally connecting said building panels to
one another and additionally connecting said building panels to
said building frame members in the area where said building panels
cross said building frame members, said building connector means
being positioned at said predetermined gap and engaging two of said
roughly dovetail shaped channels that are adjacent to one another
when said sheathing assembly is completed, c) a sealing means for
weather-stripping the joint between the ends of said building
panels, said sealing means positioned between the ends of adjacent
building panels and somewhat compressed by said building panels
when said sheathing assembly is completed, and d) specialized
connector means for connecting said building panels to a
specialized building component such as a first or last member of
said series of building frame members, an eave joint, or a door
frame, whereby; said sheathing assembly can serve as a roof deck,
wall section, or other structural assembly while providing for
economical, modular field assembly and energy savings during it's
useful lifetime.
8. The sheathing assembly of claim 7, wherein said building
connector means comprises; a) at least one relatively rigid
connector, having a curved unactuated shape and a slightly
flattened actuated shape, and having an outer surface and an inner
surface, said connector being elongated in a first direction and
having a major arched portion with a concave curvature toward said
inner surface and two minor arched portions with convex curvature
toward said inner surface extending transverse to said direction of
elongation, said two minor arched portions ending in a tip section,
b) at least one structural bracket elongated in a first direction
and having a roughly rectangular portion surmounted by a flange
portion with bulb enlargements at the edges of said flange portion
entending transverse to said direction of elongation, the width of
said rectangular portion being roughly equal to said predetermined
gap, and the width of said flange portion being slightly less than
the spacing between adjacent bottom sections of said side rails, c)
a pair of slotted holes through said building frame members at the
areas where said predetermined gaps cross said members in the
assembled form of said sheathing assembly, d) at least one pair of
square apertures through said relatively rigid connector, said
apertures spaced at a distance approximately equal to the spacing
of said slotted holes, e) at least one pair of through holes
passing through said structural bracket, said through holes spaced
at a distance approximately equal to the spacing of said slotted
holes, and f) at least two sets of carriage bolts, nuts, and
washers, said at least two carriage bolts passing through said
square apertures, said through holes and said slotted holes, said
at least two bolts securing said inner surface against said flange
portion and the bottom of said rectangular portion against said
building frame member, whereby; tightening said nuts onto said
carriage bolts from the underside of said building frame member
actuates said rigid connector and engages said roughly dovetail
shaped channels with said tip sections and said flange
portions.
9. The sheathing assembly of claim 7, wherein said interior and
exterior skin layers are composed of pre-painted sheet metal and
said energy conservation means comprise; a) a fibrous insulation
layer positioned between said exterior plane, said interior plane
and said spaced apart side rails, b) closure means for sealing all
seams between said interior skin layer, said exterior skin layer,
and said openwork frame to provide a hermetic enclosure for said
building panel, c) a gas fill material with a lower thermal
conductivity than air contained within said hermetic enclosure, and
d) said openwork frame having said first set of cross members each
paired and aligned with a member of said second set cross members
along the length of said side rails, with a thermally insulating,
load transmitting post disposed at the center of said cross members
and secured between each said pair, whereby; heat transmission
through said sheathing assembly can be reduced relative to prior
art building sheathing and said openwork frame can be effectively
utilized to transmit a building load from said exterior plane to
said interior plane.
10. The sheathing assembly of claim 9, wherein said gas fill
material is Argon.
11. The sheathing assembly of claim 9, with additional energy
conservation means comprising; a) a series of fluid distribution
holes through said angle sections of said side rails closest to
said exterior planes, b) a plenum cover affixed to and spanning
said free ends of said at least two angle sections positioned on
one side of said web, said plenum cover, said at least two angle
sections and said web comprising a fluid distribution plenum
integral to said side rails, and positioned in said predetermined
gaps, c) fluid routing means for transmitting a process fluid from
one of said dovetail channels positioned nearest said exterior
plane to another such dovetail channel at the opposite side of said
building panel and for maintaining thermal contact between said
process fluid and said exterior skin layer, d) fluid supply means
for introducing said process fluid to a first plenum situated at
one side rail of said building panel, and e) fluid return means for
removing said process fluid from a second plenum situated at the
opposite side rail of said building panel, whereby; said sheathing
assembly can function as a heat exchange surface transferring
thermal energy for solar heating, night sky cooling or other demand
side management applications between said process fluid and the
environment external to said panel.
12. The sheathing assembly of claim 11, wherein said fluid routing
means comprises; a) a translucent film having a pattern of shallow
raised portions at a lower side and a light absorbing and emitting
surface at an upper side, b) said film substantially covering said
exterior skin layer, wrapping around said flanges and ending within
said dovetail shaped channels on both sides of said building panel,
c) with said shallow raised portions bonded to said pre-painted
sheet metal, and said film continuously bonded to said pre-painted
sheet metal at the ends of said building panel, d) said translucent
film and said pre-painted sheet metal comprising a capillary fluid
channel between said dovetail shaped channels in areas between said
pattern of shallow raised portions, whereby; said process fluid can
absorb solar energy from surfaces directly receiving it and said
light absorbing and emitting surface can be effectively used for
night sky cooling.
13. The sheathing assembly of claim 12, further including an
insulating film bonded to said upper side of said translucent film
in areas other than where said translucent film enters said
dovetail channels, said insulating film having an exterior shape
disposed to absorb direct solar insolation throughout the day and
having an interior shape with a multiplicity of hollow chambers,
whereby; said hollow chambers can be utilized to inhibit heat
transfer losses from said light absorbing and emitting surface.
14. The sheathing assembly of claim 11, wherein said gas fill
material is not utilized and said fluid routing means comprises a
series of holes passing through said bottom section and said web
section of said side rails, whereby; said process fluid can be
circulated through a space provided between said fibrous insulation
layer and said pre-painted sheet metal.
15. The sheathing assembly of claim 7, wherein said exterior skin
and said interior skin are composed of relatively transparent
materials and said building panel comprises a light aperture,
whereby; said sheathing assembly can be utilized to substitute
inexpensive daylighting for artificial lighting at the interior of
a building.
16. The sheathing assembly of claim 15, wherein said side rails
each have four of said dovetail shaped channels and said energy
conservation means comprise; a) a plenum cover affixed to and
spanning said free ends of said at least two angle sections
positioned on one side of said web, said plenum cover, said at
least two angle sections and said web comprising a fluid
distribution plenum integral to said side rails, and positioned in
said predetermined gaps, b) a series of cooling holes through said
webs at the center of said side rails, c) a fluid supply means for
introducing a process fluid to a first plenum situated at one side
of said building panel, and d) a fluid return means for removing
said process fluid from a second plenum situated at the opposite
side rail of said building panel, whereby; heat buildup within said
building panel can be removed by said process fluid and utilized
elsewhere within a demand side management energy utilization
design.
17. The sheathing assembly of claim 16, further including
additional energy conservation means comprising; light attenuation
means for controlling light and heat transmission through said
light aperture, whereby; said light attenuation means can limit
summer heat buildup within said building, regulate building light
levels and limit night heat and light losses from said
building.
18. The sheathing assembly of claim 17, wherein said light
attenuation means comprise; a) one of said four dovetail shaped
channels located at the interior of said building panel near said
exterior plane on each of said side rails comprising a pivot
channel, b) a second of said four dovetail shaped channels located
at the interior of said building panel near said interior plane on
each of said side rails comprising a bracket channel, c) a pair of
pivot guides, each engaging a pivot channel, each said pivot guide
being elongated in a first direction and having a pivot section
turning at an acute angle into an anchor section transverse to said
direction of elongation, said anchor section having a snug fit
within said pivot channels, said pivot section having a series of
regularly spaced pivot holes that are indexed and aligned to the
corresponding pivot section at the opposing side rail, d) a movable
guide, slidably engaging one of said bracket channels, said movable
guide elongated in a first direction and having a control section
turning at an acute angle into a glide section that is contained in
said bracket channel transverse to said direction of elongation,
said control section being oriented roughly parallel to and
opposing one of said pivot guides and having a series of guide
slots transverse to said direction of elongation, e) a plurality of
louvers, said louvers having a diffusely reflective surface finish
and being formed from an insulating material, each said louver
having a length slightly more than the spacing between said pivot
sections and a dogbone like cross sectional profile with an upper
curved post capable of fitting within said pivot holes and a lower
curved post capable of fitting between said guide slots with a
thinner web portion between said curvatures, said web portion
removed from the louver a small distance from each end, f) said
plurality of louvers engaging said pivot holes with said upper
curved posts and engaging said guide slots with said lower curved
posts, aligned roughly perpendicular to said side rails and free to
rotate about said pivot holes based on the position of said movable
guide, and g) actuator means for engaging and positioning said
plurality of louvers in unison, whereby; said sheathing assembly
can be used in conjunction with a daylighting control system to
modulate interior light levels while capturing excess light as heat
for use elsewhere in an energy control system.
19. The sheathing assembly of claim 7, further including fluid
circulating means for moving a process fluid and energy storage
means to form an energy circulation system.
20. The energy circulation system of claim 19, wherein said fluid
circulating means comprises; a) air utilized as said process fluid,
b) a blower with a suction port and a discharge port, with said
discharge port connected to said energy storage means by ductwork
and said suction port connected to said sheathing assembly by means
of first air distribution system, and c) said sheathing assembly
connected to said energy storage means by means of a second air
distribution system, d) said first and said second air distribution
systems having common elements comprising; e) a number of
rectangular transfer ducts that are attached to an fit within the
contours of said building frame members, f) a plurality of
rectangular openings in said transfer ducts that are positioned in
close proximity to said predetermined gaps in said sheathing
assembly, g) a plurality of branch tees, each said tee with a base
adapted to fit and lock into said rectangular openings, and adapted
to transfer flow between a pair of side arms and said base, h) a
plurality connection boots, each said connection boot being
elongated in a first direction and having a hollow trapezoidal
shape perpendicular to said direction with dimensions appropriate
to fit between said angle sections while placed against said webs,
said boots further including rectangular apertures at the wide side
of said trapezoidal shape with dimensions capable of snugly
engaging said branch tee side arms, wherein said first air
distribution system connects to said sheathing assembly at
alternating predetermined gaps relative to said second air
distribution system and said building panels have flow transmitting
means for transfer of and energy exchange with said process fluid
between said first air distribution system and said second air
distribution system.
21. The energy circulation system of claim 19, wherein said energy
storage means comprise; a) a vertical water storage tank for water
having a heat exchange jacket largely encompassing the sides of
said tank, and having inlet and outlet ports for said water, b)
said heat exchange jacket having circulation passages, inlet, and
outlet ports for said process fluid, c) a pumping means for
circulation of said water to a set of energy usage devices, said
pumping means including a pump and further including a suction
supply piping system, and d) said suction supply piping system
comprising piping to said pump from one of said water outlet ports,
and flow selection means for switching the supply of said pump to
an alternate thermally conditioned water source.
22. The energy circulation system of claim 19, wherein said fluid
circulation means has a collection control capability to optimize
energy collection from said sheathing assembly to said energy
storage means, said energy circulation system further including; a
heating ventilating and air conditioning, (HVAC), system supplied
by said energy storage means, said energy circulation system and
said HVAC system comprising a building energy management system,
whereby; building energy use can be minimized through the use of
demand side management techniques in the areas of heating, cooling
and daylighting.
23. The building energy management system of claim 22, wherein said
HVAC system comprises a water source heat pump with associated
controls.
24. The building energy management system of claim 22, further
including advanced control means for balancing of a daylighting
plant with an electrical lighting plant, said control means having
a multiple input, multiple output control algorithm and a
communications capability for model predictive control.
25. A fire safety system for a building, comprising, a) a plurality
of pre-fabricated panels with attachment means at their long edges
and spaced apart from one another by a predetermined gap in an
assembled roof deck, said roof deck supported by a set of building
frame members and having a roughly planar exterior surface and a
relatively planar interior surface, b) a structural fire resistant
connector system positioned at said gap in the areas where said
attachment means cross said said frame members, said fire resistant
connector system having an installation position and an actuated
position, said pre-fabricated panels being locked relative to one
another and said frame members in the actuated position of said
fire resistant connector system, and c) an exterior joint means
positioned at said said gap between said prefabricated panels and
having an assembled configuration in said assembled roof deck and
having a fire configuration in the presence of a fire condition
within said building, said exterior joint means engaging said
attachment means at said exterior surface and forming a mechanical
joint and a weatherstrip seal between said pre-fabricated panels in
said assembled configuration, and said exterior joint means
disengaged from said attachment means and providing a path through
said predetermined gap between said exterior surface and said
interior surface in said fire configuration, whereby; said fire
safety system allows the release of heat and smoke at the onset of
said fire condition, limiting the tendency towards flashover in
said building, and permits the flow of water and other fire
fighting measures through said roof deck in the area of said fire
condition on arrival of fire fighting personnel to said
building.
26. A clamping system for assembling parts to form an openwork
frame, said clamping system comprising: a) at least one beam having
at least one channel with an opening extending into a roughly
dovetail interior shape, said interior shape having a flange
surface and a reaction surface roughly opposed to and spaced apart
from said flange surface, b) at least one relatively rigid
connector elongated in a first direction and having a lever portion
continuing into a tip portion at an angle to said lever portion
transverse to said direction of elongation, said lever portion and
said tip portion connected on one side by a convex pivot surface,
and c) at least one cross member having a first side and a second
side, and having at least one end modified on said first side to
form a mating surface that is roughly congruent to said flange
surface, and having said at least one end modified on said second
side to serve as a fulcrum surface, d) said clamping system having
a setup configuration and an assembled configuration, wherein said
mating surface is registered to said flange surface in both
configurations, said pivot surface is contacting said fulcrum
surface in both configurations, e) said tip portion is inserted
through said opening into said roughly dovetail interior interior
shape in said setup configuration and engaging said reaction
surface in said assembled configuration, and said lever portion is
affixed to said cross member in said assembled configuration,
further including; f) an actuating means for moving said clamping
system between said setup configuration and said assembled
configuration and for applying a modest force to said lever
portion, g) a securing means for attaching said cross member to
said lever portion, and maintaining a fixed position between said
relatively rigid connector and said at least one channel in said
assembled configuration, whereby; said clamping system enables a
rapid, precision, pull-out proof assembly of said openwork frame
without directly perforating and placing a conventional fastener
through the joint between said at least one cross member and said
at least one beam.
Description
REFERENCE
[0001] Provisional Patent Application US 714 60/215.919 filed Jul.
3, 2000 by Paul H. Hartman
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates to structures, specifically to
commercial buildings that provide demand side management energy
savings, and improved fire safety.
[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0005] There is a great need and public support for improving the
energy efficiency in the United States. Commercial buildings
account for one-sixth of national energy consumption and 32% of
electricity use, yet roof R values average about 10 for most small
and medium size structures.
[0006] In general, insulation ratings are compromised in systems
buildings by compression of insulation at metal purlins. This
degrades the already low insulation value installed because of cost
considerations. Other factors are the tenuous vapor barrier of
insulation facing and the practice of stapling seams of facing
together contribute to eventual condensation, further degradation
of R- value and corrosion on the underside of the roof deck.
[0007] A number of workers, such as Clemenson (U.S. Pat. No.
4,738,072), Sparkes (U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,320), and Bolich (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,724,780) have attempted to solve compression of
insulation by techniques to encapsulate the metal purlins and
expand the insulation to it's full thickness with supporting
structures. These systems add complexity and cost to an already
tedious construction system with multiple passes across the roof
deck during installation. They do not improve the R-value of
fiberglass insulation and do not address the basic problem of the
metal purlins introducing a thermal short circuit.
[0008] One approach to insulation improvement is the use insulating
gas mixtures as typically used in windows and some foams, example
Rotermund (U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,231). To date, it has not been used
extensively with conventional fiberglass insulation.
[0009] Another approach to solving insulation problems has been to
utilize structural insulated panels with foam cores as typified by
Sauer (U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,548). These systems are yet more
expensive, and rarely used to replace the purlins; structural
properties are not used effectively. Because they are universally
attached to the structure with self-drilling screws that pass
through the joints between panels, two problems arise. Roof leakage
must be dealt with and is the most common source of building user
complaints and lawsuits.
[0010] The tight barrier often causes rapid flashover in a building
fire. The organic foam insulation contributes large amounts of
smoke, and can occasionally melt; passing through the screw holes
and adding combustibles to a second phase of the fire. Fire
fighters reaching a blaze typically need to chop a hole in the roof
deck to locate the fire and to begin fighting it. These problems
are generally even more accentuated in flat roof buildings.
[0011] A number of workers have attempted to deal with fire
fighting issues. Shapiro (U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,956) and Smith (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,027,741) have devices for aiding in escape from a smoke
filled environment. Welch (U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,990) and Astell
(U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,948) deal with aiding fire fighters in smoke
and flashover situations. L'Heureux (U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,659)
improves on methods for opening up shingle/plywood roofs in fires.
None of these fine efforts deal with the basic causes of the
problem, which are heat and smoke containment and to some extent
contribution of combustibles from the roof deck.
[0012] Sprinklers are an alternative approach that is not often
used in small to medium sized buildings because of initial cost,
complexity, and difficulty of maintenance. Walls (U.S. Pat. No.
6,003,609) attempts to solve this through a ceiling/roof mounted
modular device using fire-retardant chemical released by a fusable
link. Anghinetti (U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,834), Morris (U.S. Pat. No.
6,161,348), Veen (U.S. Pat. No. 3,788,013) and Lyons (U.S. Pat. No.
5,960,596) are among a large group of fire vents that release smoke
and heat from fires. Some of the factors limiting use of these
measures are again cost, the inability locate them in the exact
area of the fire, and effective weatherproofing of the roof
membrane where these devices penetrate the roof deck.
[0013] Lighting is one of the highest operating costs for many
retail operations. More than 50% of commercial/industrial building
space could use daylighting to cut energy usage and costs, but does
not. This may be due to a lack of effective daylighting panels that
can control lighting and heat buildup while satisfying the needs of
a good roof deck assembly.
[0014] Gumpert (U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,576) has a skylight suited to
standing seam roofing installations, but it has no attenuating or
control capability. Christopher (U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,682) and
Curshod (U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,777) have light attenuators, but lack
an effective means for dissipating heat buildup in the panel and do
not have any significant means for assembling their panels into
commercial roofing. Dittmer (U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,247) has a passive
heat dissipation system for his panel, but lacks an active
daylighting control system.
[0015] Many commercial heating and cooling systems have poor
efficiency as they work using air source heat pumps having a
heating coefficient of performance of 2.2-2.8 and a cooling EER as
low as 12.
[0016] One of the most successful innovations in the HVAC field has
been the development and use of ground water heat pumps. Ground
water heat pumps can achieve a heating coefficient of performance
of 4.5 and a cooling EER of 20. Open loop systems require the cost
of wells and an adequate water supply rate. The water supply need
has limited application in commercial/industrial structures and in
areas where regulations restrict the use of wells. Closed loop
geothermal systems have costs associated with laying tubing in the
ground and often lack the efficiency of open loop systems. The use
of glycols/chemicals in these systems represents a hazard to the
integrity of the ground water resource.
[0017] Many integral solar panels built into a roof structure in
the prior art have been designed from the standpoint of using glass
glazing on a wooden roof structure. Provisions for air or water
circulation to the panels have been limited and integration into a
complete energy management system has been limited. The use of wood
and the residential construction methods do not closely match the
needs of commercial and light industrial structures. The goal of
providing direct heat requires large amounts of storage, high
collection temperatures and often duplication of heating plants to
serve as backup. Stout, (U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,355), is typical of
this group of prior art.
[0018] Wilhelm, (U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,707), utilized a low cost film
based collector for retrofit to existing roofs. Though efficient,
the invention does not address the distribution system for feeding
working fluid to panels through the roof deck. The fundamental
drawback of nearly all the prior solar collector art is the lack of
a fluid circulation system that moves working fluid to the exterior
of the roof deck without sacrificing leak integrity of the roof.
Hartman, (U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,827), utilized a good fluid transfer
system with a low cost film collector, but did not provide a very
good connection to the building frame. A second limitation of most
prior solar art is the use of unusual construction methods that do
not fit the general skills, training and work habits common in the
trades.
[0019] In general, the owner or user sees the roof of a typical
commercial or industrial building as a liability rather than an
advantage.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present
invention are:
[0021] a) to provide a building construction system that is leak
tight, easily assembled, allows a good structural connection to the
building frame, and accommodates thermal expansion of the roof
deck.
[0022] b) to provide a connection system for roofing that does not
require perforation of the roof deck, and exhibits high insulation
performance without the use of foam based insulation that
contributes to the hazard in a fire situation.
[0023] c) to provide a fire safety system that allows for release
of heat from the interior to prevent building flashover. To improve
the ease of location of a fire and fire fighting efforts made from
outside the building. To further provide a fire safety system that
improves building resistance to an external fire, particularly a
forest fire.
[0024] d) to provide a roofing system that has an attractive
interior appearance, including the easy installation of
daylighting. To include integral fluid transfer and heat transfer
into a roofing system that can be easily assembled and work in
conjunction with efficient heat pump equipment to provide demand
side management energy savings.
[0025] e) to provide modern control systems for heating, cooling,
and daylighting of common commercial and light industrial
buildings. Further, to provide an HVAC system that utilizes
conventional components and relatively conventional building
construction techniques to utilize renewable energy sources in a
demand side management system for control of energy usage.
[0026] Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a
consideration of the description and drawings that follow.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0027] FIG. 1A is a cross section of an angle I beam showing
assembly of an air plenum.
[0028] FIG. 1B is a cross section of an angle I beam using
alternate materials
[0029] FIG. 2A shows a cross brace used in panel construction
[0030] FIG. 2B shows an alternate cross brace and rigid connector
used in panel construction
[0031] FIG. 3A is an exploded assembly drawing of basic insulating
and solar panel structure.
[0032] FIG. 3B is an assembly drawing for an alternate panel
assembly system
[0033] FIG. 4 is an isometric drawing of a light industrial
building.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a cross section through the joint between two
solar panels.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a detail drawing of collector and insulating
films.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a partial cross section through completed panel
attachments to the building frame.
[0037] FIG. 8 is an isometric assembly drawing of structural
attachment components.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a cross section through an insulating panel joint
in the area of a fire.
[0039] FIG. 10 is an exploded assembly drawing of an air
distribution assembly.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a structural and hvac assembly drawing in area of
a girder.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a cross section showing assembly of an outer
joint between panels.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a sequential assembly diagram of the joint
between panels.
[0043] FIG. 14 is an exploded assembly drawing of daylighting
panels.
[0044] FIG. 15 shows a louver drive mechanism and a four angle I
beam in a daylighting panel.
[0045] FIG. 16 is an interior elevation of a commercial building
with daylighting and solar collection.
[0046] FIG. 17 is a cross section through a daylighting panel joint
to a solar panel.
[0047] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a commercial building site.
[0048] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of basic daylighting
controls.
[0049] FIG. 20 is a process and instrument drawing of a demand side
management system.
SUMMARY
[0050] The basic invention is a structural beam for replacing
purlins, with a web portion, flanges roughly perpendicular to the
web and angles emerging from the web near the flanges. The new beam
serves as the frame for improved insulating, solar, and daylighting
panels within a demand side management energy savings system for
buildings. An alternate embodiment is a building fire safety system
comprising a heat sensitive connector system positioned between
building panels, and a connector displacement device. An additional
embodiment is a clamping system using a relatively rigid connector,
a clamped component, fasteners, and a housing with a roughly
dovetail shaped channel.
DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1A, 1B
[0051] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a preferred embodiment of the
invention. In FIG. 1A, a structural angle I beam 31 is assembled to
a plenum cover 48 to form an air plenum 50. An alternate beam
construction is shown in FIG. 1B. The new beams provide easily
constructed modular panels and buildings having integral air
distribution, heat exchange capabilities, and attachment
surfaces.
[0052] Beam 31 has a web 37 ending in an upper flange 32 and a
lower flange 42 that are both roughly perpendicular to the web. An
upper angle 36 emerges from web 37 forming an acute angle to the
portion of the web closest to flange 32. Angle 36, flange 32 and
web 37 enclose an upper dovetail channel 41. Similarly, a lower
angle 46 emerges from web 37 forming an acute angle to the portion
of the web closest to the lower flange. Angle 46, lower flange 42
and web 37 enclose a lower dovetail channel 51.
[0053] Flange 32 can end in an upper bulb 33. Channel 41 contains
an exterior seal surface 34 and an exterior lock surface 35. The
upper bulb, seal surface 34 and lock surface 35 assist in
weather-stripping and mechanical integrity (FIGS. 4,5). Flange 42
can end in a lower bulb 43. Channel 51 contains an interior
connector surface 44 and an interior shelf surface 45. Bulb 43,
surface 44, and surface 45 assist in the securing of panels to the
building frame (FIGS. 7,8).
[0054] Plenum cover 48 is formed with a pair of bends 47 to create
a pair of snap legs 49. Legs 49 are roughly congruent to surfaces
35 and 44. The snap legs have a small curvature at the end which
allows the plenum cover to be easily fastened to beam 31 as
illustrated by dash dot line 48 I(FIG. 1). Plenum 50 is formed from
cover 48, web 37, angle 36, and angle 46. After assembly, the snap
legs securely contact surface 35, and surface 44 to prevent
undesirable air losses from the plenum.
[0055] A series of optional manifold holes 38 can be drilled
through angle 36 to connect plenum 50 with channel 41. An easily
assembled air distribution system 173, (FIG. 20), with capability
to pipe air to an entire roof of solar collectors is established
through the use of the plenums, holes 38, and channel 41. A series
of optional charging holes 39 can be drilled through web 37 to
permit fill of panels with low thermal conductivity gases. In FIG.
1A, hole 39 is sealed with an optional aluminum tape 40.
[0056] Angle I beam 31 is preferably produced as an aluminum
extrusion for cost and best fire retardant performance.
Alternatively, it could be produced as a reinforced composite using
a phenolic resin. Composite materials would provide a better
thermal break in the building assembly.
[0057] Other alternates could include fabrication of the angle I
beam from several materials such as a web composed of engineered
lumber or composite that is adhesively bonded to aluminum modules
that would include the flanges and angles of the upper and lower
sides. Another useful combinations would be fiberglass composite
flange modules with a forest product web. This is illustrated in
FIG. 1B. Standard heights for the angle I beam would correspond to
dimensions of readily available fiberglass insulation.
[0058] The preferred material for cover 48 is thin gauge sheet
metal. Cover 48 is ideally field installed within the sequence
outlined in FIGS. 11 through 13. One alternative material would be
pressure sensitive backed foil-scrim-kraft paper (FSK)
laminates.
[0059] FIG. 1B illustrates an alternate construction and materials
choice for the beam of FIG. 1A. A second angle I beam 200 is
illustrated composed of two aluminum flange modules 201A and 201B
and a composite web 202. Each of the flange modules consists of a
flange 204 giving rise to two spaced apart socket risers 205 which
turn to form angle sections 206. Modules 201 form two roughly
dovetail shaped channels 207 between the flanges and the angle
sections. Within each channel 207 there is a flange surface 208 and
a reaction surface 209, roughly opposed to and spaced apart from
surface 208.
[0060] Each flange 204 ends in two elongated bulbs 203 that extend
above and below the surfaces of the flange. A surface skin or
glazing will be attached to the flange only at the bulbs limiting
the heat transfer through the system.
[0061] Module 201A is bonded to web 202 using an external adhesive
210 where module 201A is positioned at the building exterior.
Module 201B is bonded to web 202 using adhesive 211 where module
201B is positioned at the building interior. Adhesive 210 is
preferably a semisolid material at high service temperatures
allowing the module some freedom of thermal expansion relative to
web 202. Adhesive 211 is preferably a structural thermoset material
geared toward effective load transfer to module 201B at a
relatively constant building interior temperature.
[0062] Web 202 is preferably a composite consisting of continuous
strand mat and fiberglass roving with a phenolic resin matrix. A
variety of other matrix materials can be used where fire retardance
is not an issue, such as greenhouse assemblies. The thermal
conductivity of these materials is on the order of 0.24 W/m K
versus a thermal conductivity for steel of about 60 W/m K. A 3.2 mm
(0.125") composite web will have only about 3% of the thermal
transfer of a 0.46 mm (0.018") sidewall of a prior art steel
structural insulated panel.
[0063] Beam 200 can also be used with a variety of holes such as
those shown in FIGS. 1A, 3A and 3B to distribute flow of process
fluid and insulating gases. The air distribution systems shown in
FIGS. 1A, 3A, 5, 6 10, 13,15, 17 and 20 can also be used
exchangably with beam 200 or any of the other similar beams
disclosed throughout the patent.
[0064] A high degree of mechanical strength can be expected from
these beams, especially where they will be used to replace purlins
in the building construction. The upper dovetail channel can be
used as shown here and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,827 to
provide both weather-stripping and mechanical connections between
prefabricated panels. The lower dovetail channel can be used as
shown in FIGS. 7,8,11, and 12 to provide a structural connection
between panels and building frame members.
[0065] It is not desired to limit applicability of beams 31 and 200
to a specific structural assembly system. The use of angle I beam
31, beam 200 and a four angle I beam 121 (FIGS. 14-17) to produce
roof deck panels represents a single field of use of this
embodiment described in this specification. Angle I beam 31, beam
200, four angle I beam 121 and the variations described above have
a variety of other structural applications:
[0066] A few of these would be girders supporting walls, roof
decks, floors, or bridges. The dovetail shaped channels afford
locations for attachment of a variety of cross bracing, diagonal
bracing (FIGS. 2B, 3B) and/or bridging (not shown). normally
associated with girder and open truss work construction.
[0067] Other potential applications of the present invention would
be structural framing for transport vehicles and support framing
for signage. A unique application for the present invention is as
stringer in a lightweight, skew resistant material handling pallet,
(not shown). Other applications will emerge from examination of the
balance of the specification and claims.
DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 2 THROUGH 6
[0068] FIGS. 2A through 6 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the
invention in the form of functional building panels to provide
demand side management (DSM) energy savings for building users and
an improved means for assembling structures. An insulating panel 58
and a solar panel 59 are used in the construction of a commercial,
agricultural or light industrial building 71 with a low cost,
highly insulating, integral solar collector roof
[0069] FIG. 2A shows a cross brace 52 used in the insulating panel,
the solar panel, and a daylighting panel 141 shown later. A central
strut 54 is bent into attachment tabs 53A and 53B on either end.
The tabs carry bonding surfaces 55A and 55B. Brace 52 is preferably
a rectangular aluminum extrusion.
[0070] An alternate shape for brace 52 is shown in FIG. 2B. A
clamping system 240 for assembling panel frames is shown in FIGS.
2B and 3B. Cross brace 214 is a bar shaped profile with rounded
sides with a ventral longitudinal slot 218. Brace 214 is shaped at
both ends with a gullet 216 and a flat 217 cut into the dorsal
surface. The length of the braces are adjusted to fit between the
beams used as the side frame members of building panels (FIGS. 3A,
3B, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, and 17).
[0071] Also shown in FIG. 2B is a relatively rigid connector 224.
Connector 224 has a lever portion 225 and a tip portion 226 at an
angle to the lever portion. Both portions have a width slightly
less than the width of slot 218. A tee portion 228 is the final
part of connector 224 and has two through holes 229A and 229B. An
optional tapped hole 230 can be cut at the center of the connector.
A convex surface 227 between the two portions serves as a pivot
point which rests against slot 218 as the connector is being
actuated, arrow 235 FIG. 3B.
[0072] FIG. 3B shows cross brace 214B assembled to beam 200A in the
lower part of the figure and cross brace 214A in the process of
being assembled in the upper part of the figure. In both cases,
gullet 216 fits tightly and conforms to bulb 203, while flat 217
fits tightly and conforms to surface 208 as the braces are first
put in place and then secured.
[0073] Brace 214B has tee portion 228 of connector 224B aligned and
fitting into a transverse slot 219 in the brace. Tip portion 226 is
pushing against reaction surface 209 and clamping the shaped end of
brace 214B against flange surface 208 of the lower channel of beam
200A. Adhesive 220 is forming an adhesive bond between gullet 216,
flat 217 and flange surface 208 while the assembly is secured by
optional screw 238 which has been moved through hole 221 and
threaded into hole 230.
[0074] Adhesive 220 can be optionally placed between connector 224B
and slot 218 as shown in the upper part of FIG. 3B to provide
additional anchorage. Brace 214B is adhesively and mechanically
bound into the lower dovetail shaped channel. Allignment and pull
out resistance are enhanced by the registration of gullet 216 to
bulb 203.
[0075] Diagonal braces 64C and 64D are attached to connector 224B
using rivets 237 which pass through holes 229 and are connected to
other joints (not shown) on the opposite side of the panel. Either
or both sides of tee portion 228 can be omitted as shown by dashed
cut lines 231A and 231B (FIG. 2B) to accommodate end bracing in a
panel or situations where diagonal bracing is not called for.
[0076] In the upper part of FIG. 3B, brace 214A is in process of
assembly using adhesive 220 to secure connector 224A into slot 218.
Surface 227 is riding against slot 218 while tip portion 226 is
moving toward contact with reaction surface 209 of the upper
dovetail shaped channel. A beam segment 236 can be used as a load
transfer member between the two faces of the panel towards the
center. Segment 236 has flanges with a width less than that of slot
218 and is adhesively bonded to braces 214A and 214B with adhesive
220 in the final assembly.
[0077] Segment 236 is preferably made from a composite material for
insulating considerations. Brace 214 is preferably an aluminum
extrusion to match the coefficient of expansion of an aluminum
panel skin. Alternatively it can be formed from rolled steel, high
temperature composites or ceramics as the application requires. If
it is desired to form dovetail channels 41, 51 or 207 from
composite materials, clamping system 240 affords a means to attach
many types of materials in many different types of applications
without direct use of fasteners passing through the joint.
[0078] A basic structure for both the insulating panel and the
solar panel is shown in FIG. 3A. Differences between the two types
of panels are illustrated by comparison of FIGS. 5 and 9. Beam 31A
and beam 31B form the side rails for the panels. A series of cross
braces 52A, 52B, 52C etc. attach to upper flanges 32 and lower
flanges 42 at a series of attachment points such as 68A, 68B etc.
to create a box beam frame (not numbered) for the basic panel.
[0079] Overlap areas 69A, and 69B show locations where a diagonal
brace 64A is affixed to cross braces 52A and 52C to provide
stiffening. A series of diagonal braces 64A, 64B etc. is attached
at the upper part of the panels and series of diagonal braces
represented by brace 64C is attached at the lower parts.
[0080] The preferred method of attachment for the cross braces and
the diagonal braces is adhesive bonding. Alternate methods of
attachment are ultrasonic welding, and fasteners such as rivets.
The diagonal braces are preferably formed from aluminum
extrusions.
[0081] An insulation batt 62 is inserted after assembly of the
frame between the beams, the cross and diagonal braces. An
insulation facing 63 is optionally laminated to batt 62. Facing 63
is preferably a foil-scrim-kraft laminate which aids in producing a
radiant barrier at the exterior of the panel. After completion of
assembly of either panel 58 or 59, air is removed from by means of
an air flow 81 through hole 39. The air is replaced by a flow of
Argon gas 66.
[0082] The preferred material for batt 62 is fiberglass.
Alternative materials are fire resistant treated waste paper or
melamine foam. These and other fire resistant materials offer
significant safety advantages over many of the foam materials
presently used in building panels, and flat roofing.
[0083] After insertion of batt 62, a tube support 65A is placed
through the insulation between a through hole 56 that has been
pre-drilled and countersunk in each of the cross braces that the
tube support spans. A screw 57 is placed in each of the holes and
threaded into the tube support to secure it. A series of tube
supports such as 65B connect the upper and lower cross braces in
the structure and serve to distribute the exterior load from an
outer skin 60 to an inside skin 61. The tube supports are
preferably made of a fiberglass composite, alternative materials
would be ceramics and wood.
[0084] An end cap 67 is inserted into the end of the panel to
secure and brace the end. The end cap consists of an end plate 67A
bent around into two end tabs 67B. Tabs 67B have a height slightly
less than the spacing between braces 52A and 52B. Plate 67A has a
height equal to the spacing between braces 52A and 52B. Cap 67 is
preferably formed from aluminum sheet and perimeter welded to
braces 52A, 52B, and beams 31A, 31B.
[0085] Both the insulating panel and the solar panel are
constructed with outer skin 60 and inside skin 61 bonded to the
cross braces and the angle I beams. To decrease thermal conductance
through the panel an optional glass tape 70 can be used between the
panel frame and the skins. Tape 70 is preferably a woven glass tape
coated on both sides with a high temperature pressure sensitive
adhesive.
[0086] Inside skin 61 is roll formed into a left bottom edge 61A
and a right bottom edge 61B with a skin interior surface 61C being
left flat for bonding to the lower frame members. As shown in FIG.
5, edge 61A and edge 61B are ultimately formed around lower bulbs
43A and 43B. Inside skin 61 can be bonded to the lower flanges, the
lower bulbs and the cross braces which it contacts using an
adhesive 70A.
[0087] Similarly, outside skin 60 is roll formed into a left flap
60A and a right flap 60B. The left and right flaps do not extend
beyond bend line 60D, where an end flap 60F is located. An end
gasket 60E is adhesively bonded to the end flap. An outer painted
surface 60C ultimately serves as the anchorage for a capillary film
80. A preferred method of bonding the outside skin to the upper
flanges and the cross braces is adhesive 70A. Alternatively
optional glass tape 70 can be used.
[0088] At a later point in panel assembly, the left and right flaps
are formed around the upper bulbs as shown in FIG. 5. The end flap
is then bent down at line 60D and adhesively bonded to end plate
67A, (not shown after bending). At that point, the withdrawal of
air flow 81 from the panel can be utilized to create a partial
vacuum which serves to clamp the adhesively bonded skins until cure
is complete.
[0089] The estimated weight of the panels is 34 kg for a 6.4 m
panel mounted on 0.5 m centers, (75 lb. for a 20 foot by 18" wide
unit with a thickness of 3.5"). This allows load reduction in the
completed deck, during transport and in construction. The basic
cost elements of the panels; the skin layers, the insulation batt,
and beams are similar to cost elements in conventional building
construction. This yields improved performance in energy savings at
similar cost. Assembly costs are expected to be lower.
[0090] FIG. 4 shows the present invention utilized in the
construction of a light industrial building 71 with a salt box
shape. A number of girders 72 support a south roof deck 73 and a
north roof deck 74. The roof decks are composed of a number of
insulating panels 58 and solar panels 59. End gasket 60E is shown
between two panels weather-stripping the joint between them. The
drawing also shows a fire 97 which has broken out in the building
and is emerging from the roof deck with an evolution of smoke.
[0091] FIG. 5 is a cross section through the roof showing the
assembly and utilization of solar panels 59A and 59B in roof deck
73. The panels are mounted to girder 72A and spaced apart by the
width of an interior strip 89A. There is a left plenum cover 48A
secured to solar panel 59A to create a left air plenum 50A and a
right plenum cover 48B secured to solar panel 59B to create right
air plenum 50B. A connection boot 79A and a connection boot 79B are
enclosed by plenums 50A and 50B respectively. A branch tee 78
enters boot 79A, boot 79B, and a T beam supply duct 77.
[0092] The lower part of the drawing shows how inside skin 61D and
inside skin 61E are bent around lower bulb 43A and lower bulb 43B
in fabricating the panels. Similarly, the outer skins are formed
around the upper bulbs and bonded to the angle I beams with
adhesive 70A. This is also shown in FIG. 6, where outer skin 60J is
formed around upper bulb 33A. Optionally, outer skin 60J can be
ultrasonically welded to exterior seal surface 34A.
[0093] Two capillary films 80A and 80B are formed around the upper
bulbs of the solar panels and enter the upper dovetail channels. An
insulating film 83 is bonded to film 80B and forms the exterior
surface of the panel. A similar insulating film, (not numbered), is
bonded to film 80A. Some shading for batts 62A and 62B has been
omitted to allow room for numbering in the figure.
[0094] The exterior joint between solar panels 59A and 59B is
provided according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,827 to Hartman: A
flexible connector 85A is shown in it's unactuated, (solid line)
and actuated, (dash-dot line) positions. The flexible connector
engages an exterior bracket 86 with a pair of grippers 85D which
snap over a connector bulb 88 as the joint is assembled. Some
preferred materials for connector 85A are polysulfone polymers or
polyetherketone polymers. A variety of other materials can satisfy
the functional requirements for the flexible connectors, (see also
FIG. 9).
[0095] In the actuated position, a pair of tips 85E and a pair of
ridges 86E on bracket 86 engage the interior surfaces of upper
dovetail channels 41. Panels 59A and 59B are locked together and a
weather-strip seal is formed as a foam strip 84A is pushed against
the upper bulbs. An adhesive film 87 secures strip 84A to bracket
86. During installation, a number of small chains 99 are hooked
between the flexible connectors and the interior strips, (FIG.
9).
[0096] FIG. 6 shows details of the films on the solar panels.
Capillary film 80C is shown as a sheet with a number of molded ribs
80E on it's ventral surface. The ribs are thermally bonded to outer
paint surface 60C in the final assembly. Insulating film 83A
consists of a series of semicircular cells that are closed down at
the ends to produce stagnant air pockets. In the assembly process,
capillary film 80C is bent around upper bulb 33A following arrow
80D, and adhesively or thermally bonded to exterior seal surface
34A. Insulating film 83A is bonded to capillary film 80C at the
troughs between pockets and the ends.
[0097] An alternate capillary film 90 is a method of addressing the
deformation of ribs 80E as capillary film 80C is bent around bulb
33A. Film 90 consists of a plastic sheet 90A with a grid of risers
90B on its ventral surface for bonding to outer paint surface 60C.
Risers 90B can be printed onto plastic sheet 90A using a high build
polymer resin applied with stencil printing equipment.
Alternatively, they can be thermoformed into plastic sheet 90A or
produced using a variety of other techniques. A variety of other
riser shapes can be used with this system. It is not desired to
limit the invention to the squares shown.
[0098] The capillary films and insulating films are preferably
produced from polyvinylidene fluoride,(PVDF), with outer painted
surface 60C produced from a commercially available PVDF based
paint. Alternates would include polyurethane films bonded to a
polyurethane paint system, acrylics or polycarbonates.
OPERATION--FIGS. 5 AND 6
[0099] FIGS. 5 and 6 demonstrate the operation of solar panels 59
installed in roof deck 73 for thermal collection purposes. They
also illustrate the utilization of the panels in general heat
exchange applications such as night sky cooling.
[0100] In a heating mode of operation: A cold air flow 81A is shown
passing through the T beam supply duct and splitting into an air
flow 81B which enters branch tee 78. Air flow 81B splits again into
air flow 81C, which enters boot 79A, boot 79B, plenum 50A, and
plenum 50B.
[0101] An air flow 81D passes through manifold holes 38A in the
upper angle of panel 59A and subsequently through capillary film
80A at the exterior of the structure. It is warmed by sunlight 76
impinging on the insulating film and becomes a warm air flow 82A
moving through the capillary film.
[0102] Similarly, an air flow 81E passes through manifold holes 38B
in the upper angle of panel 59B and subsequently through film 80B.
It becomes a warm air flow 82B moving through the capillary film.
Both flow 82A and flow 82B return to the next panel joints, which
return air to the heating system.
[0103] The films, ribs, semicircular cells, and risers in the
drawings are shown enlarged for the purpose of illustration. It is
desirable to have a thin gap between the capillary film and the
outer paint surface to increase air velocity and the heat transfer
rate.
[0104] The use of Argon gas 66 generates a 40-45% insulation
improvement over conventional fiberglass/air systems. Estimated
domestic energy savings from insulation improvements are estimated
at 98 petrajoules, (93 trillion Btu), in year 12 and 171
petrajoules, (162 trillion Btu), in year 20. (Based on growth to
15% of non-residential construction in year 20).
[0105] A mathematical model developed for the solar panels over the
heating season in Boston, Massachusetts gave the following results:
Collector efficiencies ranged from 29% in December to 49% in April.
The collectors provided between 107% and 442% of the monthly heat
demand of the HVAC system. For a 465 m.sup.2, (5000 square foot),
building, heating savings averaged $133/month compared to a typical
air source heat pump in a conventional metal building.
[0106] In a cooling mode of operation: The radiant heat losses to
the night sky can be used to cool a thermal reservoir and/or serve
as the heat sink to a heat pump (see also FIG. 20). The flow arrows
in the diagram remain the same with the exception that air flow 81A
becomes a warm air flow that is cooled by radiant and convective
heat losses to become cool air flows 82A and 82B returning to the
HVAC system. In regions where building cooling is the primary need,
the insulating film can be omitted in the panel assembly as it
would inhibit heat losses from the solar collector panels.
[0107] FIG. 5 also shows the unactuated state of a fire safety
system 75 discussed in detail in FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 7 AND 8
[0108] FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternate embodiment of the invention
in the form of a relatively rigid connector system 118 for
structurally securing components. FIG. 7 illustrates the assembled
connector system. FIG. 8 is a pre-assembly isometric of the
components. Generic solar or insulating panels in the assembly are
represented by beams 31C and 31D that have inside skins 61F and 61G
formed around lower bulbs 43C and 43D. These are attached to girder
72B which consists of a beam flange 72C and a beam web 72D.
[0109] A relatively rigid connector 91 has a major arch portion 91F
that continues into two minor arched portions 91B and ends at two
rounded tip portions 91C. Connector 91 is shown with a length
approximately equal to the width of girder 72B. A structural
bracket 92 works with connector 91 to clamp and secure beams 31C
and 31D to each other and to flange 72C.
[0110] A pair of punched apertures 91D in the rigid connector and a
pair of bracket holes 92A in the structural bracket allow passage
of carriage bolts 93 and 93A through the connector system. A pair
of elongated holes 72E and 72F in beam flange 72C serve as
attachment points to the building frame. The roof deck is assembled
to the girders using a flat washer 95, a lock washer 96 and a nut
94 that is tightened from the inside of the building to slightly
flatten unactuated shape 91A (FIG. 8) to the actuated shape of
rigid connector 91 seen in FIG. 7.
[0111] A lower bracket surface 92D is flush against beam flange 72C
in the completed assembly. An upper bracket surface 92B serves to
resist and deflect movement of the minor arched portions during
actuation to lock tip portions 91C into engagment with lower angles
46C and 46D. In FIG. 7, a pair of bracket ends 92C engage lower
bulbs 43C and 43D to secure the panels, resist lateral movement,
and wind uplift of the roof deck. Major arch portion 91F in the
actuated shape maintains about 60% or more of the height that it
had above upper bracket surface 92B in its unactuated shape. In the
relatively rigid connector system, the width change on actuation
from tip portion 92C at the right to tip portion 92C at the left
does not change to the extent that flexible connector 85A does,
(reference FIG. 5 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,827).
[0112] If it is desired to allow for some movement of roof deck to
allow for thermal expansion perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 7, a
very small clearance between the actuated position of the assembled
rigid connector system and the lower dovetail channels can be
designed into the assembly.
[0113] The preferred materials for the rigid connectors and the
structural bracket are aluminum extrusions where the angle I beams
are composed of aluminum. Other suitable materials would be steel,
spring steel and reinforced composites. The most common material
used in the girders is steel. Holes 72E, and 72F can be cut into
existing or new beams using a portable hydraulic punch system, (not
shown).
[0114] An alternate construction of the present invention would use
both an elongated rigid connector 91A and an elongated structural
bracket 92 containing four sets of holes for the carriage bolts.
Two carriage bolts would engage beam flange 72C and two carriage
bolts would serve to secure the connection between the panels
outside the width of the beam.
[0115] The combination of using the angle I beams to replace
purlins and the relatively rigid connector system 118 allows for
material cost savings in the construction of a commercial or light
industrial building. Labor cost reductions obtained through use of
the system are discussed with FIGS. 11 to 14.
[0116] The flexible connectors, (FIG. 5), allow for expansion and
contraction of the roof deck in a direction perpendicular to the
angle I beams. The rigid connector system can allow for expansion
and contraction parallel to the angle I beams. Problems with
expansion and contraction of roof decks are one of the key causes
of leakage and complaints for prior art roofing systems.
[0117] It is not desired to limit the relatively rigid connector
system to the specific application described here. The relatively
rigid connector system can be used to clamp a variety of components
in housings, as a removable assembly (as shown here) or used in
conjunction with adhesives (not shown) to form permanent
assemblies.
[0118] This capability is not strictly limited to dovetail shaped
channels as the clamping action entails tip portion 91B working
against interior connector surface 44 (FIG. 1) to maintain a normal
force between bracket 92 and interior shelf surface 45. The basic
action of connector system 118 involves the tip portion of the
rigid connector working against one surface of a housing opposed to
a second surface that is roughly congruent to the mating surface of
the clamped component.
OPERATION--FIGS. 4, 5 AND 9
[0119] An alternate embodiment of the invention relating to a
building fire safety system 75 is shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 9. The
central feature of the system revolves around flexible connector
85A being produced from a thermoplastic material that will deform
and release in the extreme temperatures of a fire but not during
normal operation.
[0120] FIG. 5 shows the fire safety system assembled and in place
before a fire. FIG. 9 shows the altered structure and action of the
fire safety system during fire 97 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 depicts a
connection between two solar panels, while FIG. 9 depicts a
connection between insulating panels 58C and 58D. The fire safety
system can be utilized with a variety of different types of
panels.
[0121] As described earlier, flexible connector 85A is attached to
exterior bracket 86 by means of a pair of grippers 85D which engage
connector bulb 88.
[0122] Wavy arrows indicate heat 98 rising from the interior to
actuate the fire safety system As shown in FIG. 9, the heat has
caused a deformation of the shape of interior strip 89A to the
shape of interior strip 89B. The concave edges shown in FIG. 5 have
melted and released the interior strip from the space between the
lower bulbs. Strip 89B is falling under the influence of gravity,
vector 101, and has opened a space between panels 58C and 58D. The
heat is propagating between the angle I beams and softened/deformed
flexible connector 85B. Strip 89B is shown pulling connector 85B
downward by means of chain 99.
[0123] In FIG. 9, grippers 85C have released from connector bulb
88B. Heat impinging on the aluminum exterior bracket has melted and
shrunk a foam strip similar in shape to 84A to the shape of foam
strip 84B, releasing the exterior weather-strip seal. The
configuration of system 75 can be arranged to hold the frangible
components of the roof deck captive to prevent debris falling from
the roof during the fire.
[0124] FIG. 9 occurs later in the fire relative to the time frame
of FIG. 4, where flame and smoke have appeared on the roof in the
area of the fire. In FIG. 9, fire fighters (not shown) have
arrived, identified the area of the fire, and are spraying the fire
with water 100. The water has run down the roof deck, is moving
through the space between panels 58C, and 58D, and is entering the
building in the area of the fire. As the panels are mounted
horizontally across the roof deck, the area corresponding to heat
release is the same area that will receive the bulk of the water
applied by fire fighters.
[0125] In a conventional metal building, particularly a sloped roof
`systems` building, fire fighters ordinarily have a difficult time
locating a fire. They often have to cut a hole in the roof to put
water on the fire. Very often, the interior of the building has
already flashed over because heat and smoke are contained by the
metal roofing system and fiberglass insulation. Low cost fiberglass
insulation can be a source of significant smoke if binder content
is high.
[0126] Fire safety system 75 provides means to detect the location
of a fire, to release heat/smoke from the building and to aid fire
fighting while reducing personal hazard to the occupants and the
fire fighters.
DESCRIPTION/ASSEMBLY--FIGS. 10 TO 13
[0127] FIG. 10 details an air distribution assembly 145 consisting
of branch tee 78A, connection boot 79C, plenum covers 48C and 48H,
a supply duct 77S, a return duct 77R, a duct aperture 77C and a tee
aperture 102A. FIGS. 11 through 13 describe the sequence of
assembly of a typical embodiment of the invention, a commercial
building 148 with daylighting, (also described in FIGS. 14-20).
[0128] The branch tee has a main portion 78B and a branch portion
78C which distributes flow to two connection boots, (only one is
shown in FIG. 10). It is preferably formed from sheet metal and
extends down to two snap tabs 78D which secure the branch tee in
supply duct 77S by insertion into duct aperture 77C.
[0129] The supply duct consists of an outer duct section 77A and an
inner duct section 77B which is secured to girder 72G. The two duct
sections are shown assembled using conventional sheet metal snap
seams. Duct aperture 77C lies outside the edge of the flange of
girder 72G. Tee 78A would be inserted into aperture 77C after the
structural connection between panels was established, (see FIGS.
7-8 and 11-13). The structural connections to the beam and the
panels themselves have been omitted in this drawing to clearly
illustrate the air distribution assembly.
[0130] Return duct 77R is mounted on the far side of girder 72G and
carries a perforation for a duct aperture 77D which has not been
opened by the installer. At the next joint between panels, the next
duct aperture in return duct 77R will be used to pipe return air
back to the HVAC system.
[0131] As tee 78A is placed into duct aperture 77C, branch portion
78C is pushed into tee aperture 102A and the corresponding tee
aperture in the connection boot nearest the observer, (not shown in
order to provide a clear illustration). Dashed aperture 102B
indicates the position of the tee aperture if the viewed air
distribution assembly was being used for return air.
[0132] Plenum covers 48C and 48H are placed over the upper and
lower angles of appropriate panels, (not shown) and contain/seal
the ends of boot 79C. In the completed assembly 145, supply air
from duct 77S will pass through the branch tee into a lumen 103 at
the interior of the connection boot and into the corresponding air
plenum as illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0133] Tee 78A is preferably made from sheet metal. Alternate
materials would be rubber, blow molded or injection molded
thermoplastics. Boot 79C is preferably made from rubber, an
alternate material would be a thermoplastic elastomer extrusion.
Supply duct 77S and return duct 77R are preferably made from sheet
metal. Acceptable alternate materials would be fire retardant
composites.
[0134] The sequence of assembly for the air distribution assembly
would be to install the connection boots and plenum covers after
the structural connections shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The supply and
return ducts as well as the branch tees could be installed before
the actions shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0135] An alternate configuration 145' of assembly 145 would employ
an elbow 78L to utilize and connect aperture 102B to aperture 77D.
At each panel joint, a second elbow, (not shown) would connect duct
aperture 77C with the corresponding tee aperture closes the
observer, (not shown). The alternate configuration would produce
air flows up the roof deck through the capillary films in all the
solar panels. Each panel joint would contain a supply and a return
connection going to the supply and return ducts.
[0136] FIGS. 11 through 13 show the installation sequence common to
the radially expandable edge connector system of U.S. Pat. No.
5,134,827 and the rigid connector system described in FIGS. 7 and
8. FIGS. 11 through 13 also introduce parts used in FIGS. 14
through 20. They show a structure without the fire safety features
of FIGS. 5 and 9 and an I beam girder 108 instead of tee beam
girder 72 shown earlier. The figures demonstrate the general
applicability of the angle I beam based panels and the air
distribution system to a variety of connector types and building
frames.
[0137] FIG. 11 looks down the roof slope toward two solar panels
59C and 59D that have been assembled earlier. The next panel 59E
that will run across girder 108 has not as yet been placed.
Structural bracket 92F is first placed on girder 108 followed by
rigid connector 91E and carriage bolts 93B and 93C. As panel 59E is
placed across girder 108, the structural bracket serves to
establish proper spacing on the roof as bracket sides 92E, (FIG.
8), butt against the lower bulbs of solar panels 59C, 59D, and 59E,
(FIG. 12).
[0138] As panels 59C and 59D are pushed toward one another, arrows
104, end gasket 60E forms a seal between the panels. The rigid
connector is then actuated by tightening bolts 93B and 93C to
establish the connection between the panels and the building
frame.
[0139] The weather-strip/outside connection can then be assembled
by first sliding exterior bracket 109B through the space between
upper angles 36E and 36D into upper dovetail channel 41B. Exterior
bracket 109B is then rotated, arrow 110, into position to span
channels 41A and 41B.
[0140] Covers 48E and 48F are then installed. Bracket 109B has an
exterior bracket seal 109A and a pair of screw ledges 109C. A flex
connector 111 is then assembled to bracket 109B using a series of
self tapping screws 112 driven by a nut driver extension 113 and a
portable drill 116. On completion of the joint according to U.S.
Pat. No. 5,134,827, seal 109A is pushed against upper bulbs 33E and
33D to weather-strip the joint. Final steps in the joint assembly
are placement of an insulation batt 115 into the space between the
panels and locking an inside strip 114 into place as the interior
facing of the joint.
[0141] At a later point in the building assembly, duct sections 77E
and 77F can be attached to girder 108 by means of bolts 107. Dashed
duct section 77G is shown before (dashed) and after (solid) it has
been snapped onto duct section 77F. A decorative duct cover 105 is
snapped arrow 106, over the supply/return ducts and beam 108 to
provide an interior surface in the completed building.
[0142] Brackets 109B, and 109D are preferably formed from the same
materials as exterior bracket 86. Flex connectors 111 and 111A are
preferably formed as flexible composites produced using resins such
as the newer thermoset urethanes produced by several manufacturers.
Alternative materials would include fairly rigid thermoplastic
elastomers or filled thermoplastic extrusions.
[0143] A conventional metal building is assembled in a series of
passes across the roof deck. Some of these are: 1) attachment of
purlins, 2) insulation rollout, 3) insulation stapling, 4)
attachment of corrugated sheets, 5) sealing of standing seam or
corrugated overlap joint, and 6) perimeter sealing. The present
invention appears to be capable of assembly in one or perhaps two
passes across the roof deck, allowing for considerable labor
savings and profit improvement for the contractor. Because most of
the work can be done from a lift platform inside the building,
further improvements in crew safety and productivity can be
expected compared to conventional operations conducted from outside
the roof deck.
DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 14 THROUGH 18
[0144] FIGS. 14 through 18 depict an alternate embodiment of the
invention in the form of a daylighting panel 141 installed in
commercial building 148. Panel 141 is assembled from four angle I
beams 121 and 121A as shown in FIG. 14. A series of cross braces
52D, 52E, 52F, etc is used to assemble the panel frame in the same
way that panels were assembled in FIG. 3A. Brace 52F is shown in
FIG. 15 but omitted from FIG. 14.
[0145] Beam 121 has an outside flange 122 and an inside flange 137
connected by a central web 127. A connector angle 124 and a bracket
angle 125 branch off the central web near the outside flange. A
connector angle 134 and a bracket angle 135 branch off the central
web near the inside flange. A series of louvers 131 are suspended
between a pair of pivot guides 138 and 138A when the daylighting
panel is installed in a commercial roof deck 142.
[0146] Periodic cooling holes 128 and 128A, (FIG. 17), are drilled
through central web 127. The daylighting panels are fitted with
plenum covers 48G, and 48H which fit over connector angles 124 and
134 to form plenums such 50C, and 50G. These plenums are fed by the
air distribution assembly of FIGS. 5 and 10.
[0147] Louvers 131 each have an extruded shape consisting of an
upper tube 131A, a reflective face 131B and a lower tube 131C. In
the area of the pivot guides, face 131B is removed to form posts
out of the tubes 131A and 131B. As seen in FIG. 15, guide 138 is a
Z shaped extrusion with a pivot face 138C bending through the Z
shape into an anchor ledge 126 that locks into the space between
angle 125 and flange 122. A series of guide holes 138B serve as the
mounting point for the tubes 131A.
[0148] On one side of panel 141, a movable glide 132 is mounted
between brace 52F and angle 135 in an inside channel 136. Inside
channel 136 is formed by angle 135, web 127 and flange 137. A glide
ledge 132D is contained but free to move along axis 140. Glide 132
has a toothed aperture 132B that engages a pinion shaft 129A from a
stepper motor drive 129. Lower tubes 131C of the louvers can be
positioned by a series of slots 132C cut into the medial portion of
glide 132.
[0149] As shown in FIG. 14, the daylighting panel is assembled by
taking the frame with installed louvers and louver adjusting system
and attaching an outside glazing 120 and an interior glazing 130.
An end plate 139 is inserted between the central webs of the four
angle I beams and attached to the central webs and the cross
braces.
[0150] Glazing 130 is thermoformed to create a left tab 130A and a
right tab 130B that extend to an interior bend line 130C. A lower
end tab 130D is bent at bend line 130C to cover the assembled end
plate 139 and is adhesively bonded to it in the completed panel.
Glazing 130 is formed around an inside bulb 133 carried on the
inside flange of the four angle I beam as illustrated with interior
glazing 130E in FIG. 17.
[0151] Glazing 120 is thermoformed to create a left side tab 120A
and a right side tab 120B that extend to a bend line 120C. An end
tab 120D is bent at line 120C to cover tab 130D and is adhesively
bonded to it in the completed panel. Glazing 120E is formed around
the outside bulb (FIG. 17). A preferred material for both glazing
120 and glazing 130 is polycarbonate sheet stock between 1.5 and 8
mm thick. An alternative material is acrylic sheet of similar
thickness.
[0152] FIG. 16 is an interior elevation of commercial roof deck 142
and commercial building 148. The roof deck contains solar panels
such as 59F and 59G as well as daylighting panels such as 141A.
Vertical wall 143 can be produced using either masonry construction
or metal system methods. Windows and doors can also be included,
(not shown). A merchandise display unit 146 is shown on the floor
with an interior light sensor 147 mounted to it that can be used as
part of the control system, (FIGS. 19-20).
[0153] Alternating air distribution assemblies such as 145S and
145R feed air to the panels and return it to the HVAC system. Duct
covers 105A and 105B conceal vertical plenums 144A, 144B and 144C
which connect to the air distribution assemblies.
[0154] Plenum 50F in solar panel 59F is formed by cover 48J
assembled over the upper angle and the lower angle of the angle I
beam. In the assembled construction as shown, insulation batt 115A
fills the space between the two panels. Exterior bracket 109D with
exterior bracket seal 109G provide the weather strip seal between
the panels in the completed joint formed using flex connector 111A
and self drilling screw 112A. The interior trim is provided by
inside strip 114A.
[0155] FIG. 18 is a plan view of commercial building 148 located on
a parking lot site 149. An exterior sensor 150A is mounted at the
peak of the roof. Two other exterior sensors 150B and 150C are
mounted atop light posts in the parking area. Shadow 151 denotes
the position of a cloud. The motion of shadow 151 is indicated by
arrow 152 and can be tracked by the exterior sensors which feed
information to a daylighting control system (FIG. 19).
OPERATION--FIGS. 14 THROUGH 18
[0156] FIG. 17 shows the operation of the daylighting panels in
roof deck 142. A connection between daylighting panel 141A and
solar panel 59F is detailed. The same air distribution system that
allows for solar collection enables removal of excess heat from the
daylighting panels.
[0157] Holes 128 and 128A meter and distribute air flow 81G from
the plenum into the interior of the daylighting panel. Air flow 81F
through manifold holes 38C in solar panel 59F is heated in the
capillary film to become warm air flow 82F.
[0158] Movable glides 132 and 132E are driven by stepper motors 129
to arrive at proper positioning for lighting control. The louvers
have a diffusely reflective surface that will scatter light back
towards the exterior as they are closed down by moving the angle
between the louvers and the four angle I beam away from 90 degrees
and toward 180 degrees.
[0159] Ledge 132D is secured by and moves between bracket angle 135
and periodic cross braces such as 52F along axis 140. In simpler
and lower cost panels that might be used for greenhouses, stepper
motors 129 could be replaced by alternative gearboxes 119, (FIG.
14), to position the louvers manually using a hand crank with a
hook (not shown).
[0160] It is anticipated that between one fourth and one eighth of
the area of commercial roof deck 142 should have daylighting panels
installed to satisfy lighting needs of the commercial building. As
the dynamic range of natural light available is quite large, the
need for significant light damping by louvers 131 and 131D occurs
on brighter days. Heat dissipation can be accomplished through air
flows such as 81G through the daylighting panels. This heat capture
can be used elsewhere in a DSM energy system.
[0161] During evening hours, louvers 131 can be substantially
closed against one another to limit heat transfer by convection.
Louvers 131 are preferably produced from foamed, extruded
thermoplastics further aiding night insulation. At night, the
diffuse reflectance of the louvers will aid in keeping artificial
light in the building and cutting costs. Based on the model of a
465 m.sup.2, (5000 square foot), building in Boston, monthly
daylighting savings from the invention estimated at $240 are
obtained over the heating season.
[0162] The present invention affords a practical, easy to use
system for incorporating daylighting panels into a roof deck, for
dealing with heat buildup and loss, and providing a modem actuator
system for daylighting control, (see FIG. 19.) The daylighting
panels can also be utilized in a variety of structures that include
but are not limited to: greenhouses, solariums, porch additions,
and transit stops.
[0163] Periodic cooling holes 128 cut through the web of the angle
I beams or the four angle I beams permit internal heat exchange
flows through panels. The holes 239 shown in FIG. 3B, cut through
the web in the area of the dovetail channels can also be utilized
in this manner. It is not desired to limit the applicability of the
present invention to only daylighting panels. Flows to the interior
of panels from plenums 50 formed from angle I beams can provide
heat exchange capability to a variety of applications: These
include but are not limited to panels for heat storage tanks (FIG.
20), solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels without Argon
insulation, and heated commodity storage tanks, (not shown).
[0164] In cases where heat flow is extreme, flows inside the panels
can be combined with flows outside the panels as shown in FIG. 5
and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,827. Nothing restricts the use of
external heat exchange capability (invention shown in FIGS. 5, 6,
10, 16, 17, 20) in conjuction with internal heat exchange
capability (invention shown in FIGS. 2, 10, 16, 17) within the same
panel. Such a combination would be particularly useful in panels
used in capturing concentrated solar energy; such as those used in
solar thermal power plants and high flux concentrating
photovoltaics.(not shown)
DAYLIGHTING SYSTEM OPERATION--FIG. 19
[0165] FIG. 19 illustrates an additional embodiment of the
invention in the form of a lighting control system 161. System 161
is represented by a block diagram for control. Operation of
daylighting in the commercial building is most efficiently
implemented through the use of a modern computerized control
system. (Text has been used in the figure to represent a standard
block diagram)
[0166] A daylighting plant consisting of daylighting panels 141,
stepper motors 129 and motor drivers (not shown) modulates the
ambient exterior light, disturbance d, consisting of sunlight 76
and shadow 151. Exterior sensors such as 150A, 150B, and 150C
monitor the exterior light level and the speed, direction and
frequency of cloud motion at the site. Data from the exterior
sensors is fed to a multiple input, multiple output MIMO lighting
control and to a comparator module.
[0167] An interior sensor system consists of an array of interior
light sensors 147 and signal conditioning and processing elements,
(not shown). The total light from the daylighting plant and an
electrical lighting plant is averaged by the interior sensor
system. The electrical lighting plant consists of luminaires such
as 160A, and 160B, lamp power supplies, wiring, and
fusing/disconnects, (not shown).
[0168] The projected output of the electrical lighting plant is
estimated by an electrical lighting performance model. The
performance model will take the output of the MIMO lighting control
to the electrical lighting plant and introduce delays due to
actuation times and decline in luminaire performance due to bulb
efficiency drops to arrive at the present projected output of the
electrical lighting plant.
[0169] The projected output of the electrical lighting plant is
subtracted from the total interior light detected by the interior
sensor system to arrive at a feedback signal for daylighting
contribution to the interior lighting. Both the projected output
and the feedback signal are subtracted from a setpoint lighting
reference r to provide a control error signal to the
comparator.
[0170] The comparator module receives an error signal, data from
exterior sensors, and data from a solar model. The solar model
provides time based information relating to theoretical sunlight
intensity, historic cloudiness, and projections for short term
exterior light insolation based on up to date weather information.
The comparator module provides two outputs to the MIMO lighting
control, one representing the daylighting error and another
representing an electrical lighting error. A preferred form for the
comparator module is a fuzzy logic software system.
[0171] The MIMO lighting control has inputs from the exterior
sensors, and the comparator. It has outputs to the electrical
lighting plant, the daylighting plant, and the performance model. A
preferred form for the MIMO lighting control is an adaptive control
system that attempts to minimize electrical lighting plant control
action and maximize energy savings through use of a cost
function.
[0172] The daylighting control system provides a convenient means
to maintain a desired lighting level in a commercial or light
industrial building. It allows for a smooth daylighting environment
and excellent cost savings when used with high efficiency
electrical lighting such as metal halide.
DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM--FIG. 20
[0173] FIG. 20 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention
in the form of a demand side management, DSM system 180. FIG. 20 is
a process and instrument drawing, P&ID, showing the integration
of the daylighting, solar and insulating panels as part of the DSM
system for conservation of costs and resources in a building 178.
The DSM system can be used in both a heating mode of operation and
a cooling mode of operation.
[0174] The DSM system has two process loops. An energy exchange
loop 181 circulates air through a collector array 59N and a heat
transfer jacket 172J on a thermal storage tank 172 by means of a
collector blower 171. An hvac loop 182 uses a pump 175 to circulate
water through a water source heat pump 176 which provides space
heating and cooling for the building.
[0175] The collector blower is preferably a variable speed unit
controlled by a speed controller SC171. The speed controller
functions to maintain a desired temperature in a process air flow
82N returning from collector array 59N to the suction side of the
collector blower. A thermocouple TE82 immersed in process air flow
82N supplies a temperature input to speed controller SC171.
[0176] Thermal storage tank 172 is filled with water 100A which is
in contact with heat transfer jacket 172J. Process air flow 82N
from the discharge of blower 171 is conditioned by water 100A and
becomes supply air flow 81N which is fed to the collector array
through a roof deck supply system 173S. In the heating mode of the
system, supply air flow 81N is heated by solar insolation 76A.
[0177] Thermal storage tank 172 can be a conventional rolled steel
tank with a welded or mechanically attached heat transfer jacket
172J. Alternatively, it can be produced by assembly of modular heat
exchange panels (not shown) according to the present invention
and/or U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,827.
[0178] A preferred method for building the modular panels would
utilize flange 32T, bulbs 33T, slots 33S and holes 38T shown in
FIG. 2 and disussed in Operation FIGS. 14 through 18. The modular
panels would be fabricated and connected similarly to FIGS. 1, 3,
5, 7, 8, and 10-13 with the exception that the capillary films,
insulating films, and connection to the building frame would be
omitted. Interior air flow would occur between exterior skin 60 and
facing 63, supplied through thermal slots 33S.
[0179] In the cooling mode of the system, supply air flow 81N is
cooled by radiation losses to the night sky/convection losses to
the ambient air 179. Process air flow 82N returns from the
collector array by means of a roof deck return system 173R. Both
the roof deck supply system and the roof deck return system contain
the mechanical components of air distribution assembly 145 as well
as vertical plenums 144 and other duct work necessary to connect
the components shown in FIG. 20.
[0180] Water 100A from thermal storage tank 172 or an alternate
water source 100B is selected by positioning of a suction three way
valve 174 as the feed stream to pump 175. Control of a discharge
three way valve 177 is slaved to the positioning of valve 174. When
water 100A is the feed to pump 175, valve 177 is positioned to a
return water flow 100C. When water flow 100B is the feed to pump
175, valve 177 is positioned to an alternate return water flow
100D
[0181] A rough schematic of water source heat pump 176 has been
provided to show the operation of hvac loop 182. It does not
include reversing valves and many other detailed components and
controls specific to any particular manufacturer of heat pumps of
this nature. Heat pump 176 takes a building return air flow 178R,
heats or cools it using an air handling coil 176A, and a heat pump
blower 176B to produce a building supply air flow 178S.
[0182] A discharge flow 100E of pump 175 passes through one side of
a liquid heat exchanger 176H while a refrigerant flow 176R from a
compressor 176C passes through the other side of exchanger 176H,
and coil 176A. Although the figure shows the water flow through the
tube side of exchanger 176H, it is not desired to limit the
invention to a particular exchanger piping arrangement. In the
heating mode of hvac loop 182, the water is the heat source for
heat pump 176. In the cooling mode of the hvac loop, the water is
the heat sink for the heat pump.
[0183] The temperature of the building is measured by temperature
element TE142 and controlled using temperature indicating
controller TIC142. The preferred form of temperature indicating
controller TIC142 from a operational cost standpoint is a computer
control system. Alternatively, the temperature indicating
controller can be a simple thermostat controller.
[0184] The temperature indicating controller can optionally output
a data stream (dash dot line) to speed controller SC171. Other
optional inputs to the speed controller are a signal from a tank
temperature element TE172, an exterior temperature element TE179
and a light sensor AE147 measuring an interior light level 76B.
Operation of energy exchange loop 181 can thus be optimized for
maximum efficiency of operation and coordination with the demand
generated by the hvac loop and lighting control system 161.
[0185] The choice of alternate water source 100B would be made by
the design group for the building from a variety of options that
include but are not limited to; a ground water source, a closed
loop ground circulation system, a natural gas, fuel oil or propane
heated water tank, a cooling tower or other evaporative cooler
loop, an electrically heated water tank, a process heat recovery
loop, a surface water source, a wind driven fluid friction heat
source, a water loop heated by a fire, a water loop cooled by a
wind system as the prime mover, or a ventilation heat recovery
loop.
[0186] DSM system 180 also affords the opportunity to utilize the
capability of insulating panels 58 and solar panels 59 to cut
building cooling costs through the use of radiation losses to the
night sky/convection losses to the ambient air 179. Prior art
systems often accomplish this objective through the use of costly
and corrosive adsorbent chemicals. Most areas with abundant solar
resources require cooling capabilities. Off peak time electrical
usage and the capability to add modules to the basic P&ID of
FIG. 20 for ice storage are additional advantages of the DSM
system.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE
[0187] My invention provides for a low cost installation and low
operating costs by using a single building mechanical system for
space heating and cooling that utilizes both renewable and
conventional energy sources. Demand side management energy savings
from improved insulation, daylighting, space heating, and cooling
on the order of 187 petrajoules, (177 trillion Btu), in year 12 and
326 petrajoules, (309 trillion Btu), in year 20 are possible with
the system, with similar reduced pollutant releases
[0188] The heat produced by the solar panels and stored in tank 172
could alternately be used in conjunction with commercially
available solid state thermal electric generators (not shown) to
provide electrical power at the site. This could provide night
power for lighting, refrigeration equipment, charging of electric
vehicles, and other applications. Another potential use of the heat
would be to produce power through the vaporization of a low boiling
point working fluid and expansion through a turbine, (not shown)
The stack draft generated by the solar panels and air distribution
assembly can be the source of a variety of ventilation
applications.
[0189] Beyond operating cost savings, the system offers attractive
incentives to both the commercial building owner and the building
contractor in the form of higher profitability. It affords the
users of the building a more pleasant working and shopping
environment through the use of daylighting systems.
[0190] The fire safety features of the invention allow for an
improved building that resists flashover for a longer period of
time by releasing heat from the building. While not mentioned in
the specifications, the heat exchange capability of the roof deck
and the energy storage system shown in FIG. 20 could be used to
resist a nearby forest fire or building fire from spreading to the
protected building. The capability to show the location of a fire
inside the building and facilitate fire fighting efforts is an
important pair of tools in reducing building damage and loss of
life in metal building fires.
[0191] By providing a secure structural connection to the building
frame and a continuous mechanical joint between panels, the
invention distributes the localized stresses that are often seen in
conventional metal building roofs. This should reduce the impact of
disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes on the
building and occupants. The continuous joint and distribution of
stress in the assembly should also produce improvements in leak
tightness of the building.
[0192] In looking at other potential applications for both the
angle I beams and the rigid connector system of the invention,
there are a variety of energy savings options in transportation and
advantages in disaster preparedness that can be gained. Constraints
on the length of the patent and number of drawings have precluded
description of numerous advantages from use of the invention in
developing countries.
[0193] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the
claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples
given.
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