U.S. patent application number 12/927060 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-10 for method for actively insulating a structure.
Invention is credited to Francis H. Campisi, James F. Campisi.
Application Number | 20110056164 12/927060 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38049207 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110056164 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campisi; Francis H. ; et
al. |
March 10, 2011 |
Method for actively insulating a structure
Abstract
A method and related system for providing energy conserving
active thermal insulation to a building structure by employing
alternately spaced insulated air channels and insulated conductive
ply channels. A thin conductive ply conveys the energy by
conduction from the airflow into the adjacent conductive ply
channels that contain an additional layer of foam which improves
the conservation of energy. The conductive ply is placed above and
below structural openings which would otherwise restrict airflow.
The airflow is drawn from beneath the frost line, exhaust
ventilation or sunspace. A math model solution determines the
energy necessary to maintain a desired room temperature for each
hour of the day which characterizes the thermal resistance. As the
ambient temperature fluctuates, the resistance varies, however the
energy for 24 hours is used to determine the total apparent
resistance. Examples of apparent resistance R-value have been
improved beyond any published resistance values to date.
Inventors: |
Campisi; Francis H.;
(Waterford, CT) ; Campisi; James F.; (Waterford,
CT) |
Family ID: |
38049207 |
Appl. No.: |
12/927060 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11274820 |
Nov 14, 2005 |
7827743 |
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12927060 |
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60692512 |
Jun 21, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/741.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/74 20130101; F24S
20/66 20180501; Y02B 10/20 20130101; E04F 13/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/741.4 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/78 20060101
E04B001/78 |
Claims
1. A method for actively insulating a building structure at a
surface thereof, the method comprising the steps of: a) spacing a
first insulation layer from the surface to form an active air
channel adjacent to the surface between the surface and the first
insulation layer, b) spacing a second layer of insulation from the
first layer of insulation by a thermally conductive ply to form a
conductive ply channel between the first layer of insulation and
the second layer of insulation, wherein the conductive ply channel
is adjacent to the active air channel, c) directing a flow of a
volume of air through the active air channel, and d) conducting
energy from the active air channel to the conductive ply
channel.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein: a) the conduction of
energy through the thermally conductive ply causes a change in
temperature of the conductive ply channel, b) the temperature of
the conductive ply during a heating season is diminished along its
length in accordance with its length, thickness and conductivity
per square foot of surface, and c) the temperature gradient of the
conductive ply along its length and room temperature difference
results in a diminished conduction of energy across the conductance
of the building structure per square foot of conductive ply
surface.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of
placing the conductive ply channel beneath and above openings of
the building structure which would otherwise inhibit the airflow of
a similar active air channel.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of
deriving a total insulation resistance of the building structure
having the active air channel and conductive ply channel from a
mathematical model solution of the energy required to maintain a
constant room temperature of an insulated building structure for 24
hours by: a) iteratively determining airflow temperature within the
conductive air channel caused by the conduction of energy to
ambient temperature and the conduction of energy to the conductive
ply into the conductive ply channel plus the energy conducted from
the building structure into the conductive air channel for each
hour for 24 hours, b) iteratively determining a temperature
gradient of the conductive ply, c) determining the definitive
amount of energy conducted from a room of the building structure to
the airflow of the active air channel and the definitive energy
from the room of the building structure to the conductive ply in
the conductive ply channel each hour for 24 hours, and d)
determining the total definitive energy required to maintain the
room temperature of the building structure for 24 hours based on an
insulation resistance of the building structure characterized by an
apparent R-value which is represented by the product of temperature
differences between ambient temperature and room temperature and
surface area of the ambient surface including the active air
channel and the conductive ply channel divided by the total
definitive energy per 24 hours.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of
introducing exhaust ventilation air into the active air channel in
lieu of tempered ambient air.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the exhaust ventilation
is used to temper the airflow within the active air channel and is
derived from a solar sunspace or from exhausted stale and/or
contaminated air.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of
introducing air into the active air channel from beneath the frost
line.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of
introducing conditioned room temperature air into the active air
channel and returning or recycling a portion back to a room of the
structure for conservation of energy.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the active air channel
and the conductive ply channel are located on an exterior surface
of the building structure.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9 further comprising the step of
adding one or more additional active air channels and one or more
additional conductive ply channels on an interior surface of the
building structure.
11. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the active air channel
and the conductive ply channel are located on an interior surface
of the building structure, and wherein the interior surface is a
floor of an attic of the building structure.
12. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of
recycling conditioned room temperature air into the active air
channel, wherein the active air channel and the conductive ply
channel are located between a roof and a roof vent of the building
structure, wherein the building structure includes a cathedral
ceiling.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the surface of the
building structure is an insulated surface.
14. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of
insulating the building structure using one or more earth
tubes.
15. A method for actively insulating a building structure at a
surface thereof, the method comprising the steps of: a) applying a
thermally conductive ply to a portion of the surface of the
building structure, wherein the thermally conductive ply has
surface area dimensions, b) applying to the thermally conductive
ply a layer of insulation having surface area dimensions greater
than the surface area dimensions of the thermally conductive ply to
form a conductive ply channel at the thermally conductive ply
between the layer of insulation and the building structure surface,
and to form an active air channel adjacent to the conductive ply
channel between the layer of insulation and the building structure
surface, c) directing a flow of a volume of air through the active
air channel, and d) conducting energy from the active air channel
to the conductive ply channel.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the active air
channel and the conductive ply channel are located on an exterior
surface of the building structure.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising the step
of adding one or more additional active air channels and one or
more additional conductive ply channels on an interior surface of
the building structure.
18. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the surface of the
building structure is an insulated surface.
19. The method as claimed in claim 15 further comprising the step
of insulating the building structure using one or more earth tubes.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a division, and claims the
priority benefit, of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser.
No. 11/274,820, filed Nov. 14, 2005, entitled "ENERGY CONSERVING
ACTIVE THERMAL INSULATION" of the same named inventors, which
application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/692,512, filed Jun. 21, 2005, entitled
"INSUL-PLY THE ORIGINAL HEAT CONVEYOR ACTIVE INSULATION" of the
same named inventors. The entire contents of the prior applications
are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a method and related system
for active thermal insulation and its ability to conserve energy by
improving the thermal resistance, R, of an insulated structure
beyond known values published to date.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Building structures built for human occupancy contain
heating and cooling equipment to maintain a desired level of
comfort. Insulation is placed in the walls, floors and ceilings of
the building envelope. Insulation material relies upon trapped air
within or about the material. It is a passive material with a fixed
thermal resistance R for the conduction of energy.
[0006] The rate at which heat will flow through the wall or ceiling
by conduction is dependent upon at least two factors: (1) the
temperature difference and (2) the thermal resistance, R-value, of
the total structure between the ambient and room temperature. To
increase the efficiency of heating or cooling a structure to retard
the flow of heat, more insulation or more efficient insulation is
used. This has resulted in thicker walls to accommodate more
insulation. Ceilings beneath the attic space are inherently
unrestricted for additional passive insulation. Once the insulation
is installed the heat transfer characteristics remain fixed
regardless of the fluctuating ambient temperatures.
[0007] Several techniques to change the temperature difference
between the ambient and room temperature have used air currents
within the wall cavity. The air currents on occasion have been
tempered by earth thermal energy or solar energy. Pluralities of
air channels that carry the energy have been employed from both
bottom to top and top to bottom of the wall cavity. Complete
coverage of the building envelope in air channels has been proposed
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,864 which describes a building comprising an
exterior wall having a plurality of vertical air channels. The
5,761,864 patent does not disclose the treatment of an external
wall with structural openings. There is no airflow or conductive
ply to transfer the energy perpendicular to areas over and under
the structural openings. Phase change material within the wall
cavity accomplishes a constant temperature difference between the
room temperature and the phase change material. The phase change
material and containment are cumbersome because the material
changes from solid to liquid and back again. A source of energy is
required to accomplish the reversal.
[0008] There is therefore, a need in the art for a more efficient
method of insulating a building structure.
OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is a system to improve the insulation
of building structures. Several objects or advantages of the
present invention are that: [0010] (a) The present invention is an
insulation structure that may be applied to an internal building
structure but that is not specifically part of the internal
structure. The design and use of the internal structure is
therefore not compromised. [0011] (b) It is simple for a
manufacturer to produce and/or deploy because it includes a low
density plastic foam and a thin conductive ply. [0012] (c) It is
installed on a surface of a structure to form air channels and ply
channels. Air is introduced into each of the air channels. The ply
channels do not use any air, thus limiting the amount of airflow.
Openings, windows or doors do not limit the function of the ply
channel, and it is placed under and over these openings. [0013] (d)
A thin conductive ply conveys by conduction the energy to or from
the air channel to the ply channel, which becomes an "active
equivalent air channel" without the use of additional airflow. An
extra layer of plastic foam is placed against the ambient surface
of the structure within the ply channel since the conductive ply is
thin. [0014] (e) The efficiency of the ply channel to retard the
flow of energy into or out of the room of the structure is improved
by the addition of an extra layer of low density plastic foam. This
is an advantage over the efficiency of only air channels. [0015]
(f) The air that is used at the entry of the air channel may be
ambient air tempered by the earth's thermal energy from beneath the
frost line. The use of plastic tube or equivalent heat exchanger or
foundation drain of at least 4'' in diameter is ideal for tempering
the ambient air. That is, the present invention may involve the use
of earth tubes, or earth cooling tubes, as a way to convey cooled
or cooling air to the building structure including, but not limited
to, the active air channels. The invention may also be used to
supplement any insulative characteristics provided by the separate
use of earth tubes, which may be, or may have been, deployed at the
external surface of the building structure. Those of skill in the
art will recognize that the term "earth tubes" represents any sort
of mechanism used to conduct heat to or from the earth. [0016] (g)
The airflow in the air channel is modest, at a range of 35 to 65
cfm per 1000 sq. ft. of surface treatment. A small blower using
positive or suction pressure may accomplish the airflow. [0017] (h)
As the ambient temperature varies during the day, the airflow
temperature in the air channel is also affected by the variation.
The temperature of the airflow in the air channel is directly
related to the temperature difference for the determination of
R-values. The R-value is variable as the ambient temperature
fluctuates each hour. The average of R-values for a 24-hour period
is termed by an apparent R-value. [0018] (i) In locations where
earth thermal tempered air is not feasible, exhaust ventilation
from room temperature air is introduced at the entry of the air
channel. If the location has a supply of solar energy, the solar
assist can be used to increase the volume of room temperature air
exhaust. It is to be noted that the present invention as applied to
the exterior surface of the building structure may be used to
recycle air from within the building structure to the exterior
surface of the building structure at the active air channels and
back into the interior of the building structure as cooled or
warmed air. Further, the present invention as applied to the
interior surface of the building structure may be used to recycle
air from within the building structure to the interior surface of
the building structure at the active air channels and return it
back into the interior of the building structure as cooled or
warmed air. The present invention may also be used in combination
with the insulative effects of using one or more earth tubes at the
building structure to enhance active insulation of the building
structure. [0019] (j) The volume of air is determined by reference
to a graph of variation of apparent R-value vs. exhaust ventilation
flow for the purpose of selecting an improved apparent R-value.
[0020] (k) Examples of apparent R-values are much greater than the
known published resistance values, particularly when the active
insulation is applied in a 2'' thick envelope over a 2''.times.4''
stud wall with 31/2'' fiberglass insulation as compared to
2''.times.6'' stud wall with a 51/2'' fiberglass insulation. Table
1 of the ensuing description list the apparent R-value as high as
66.23 for the referenced examples for exhaust ventilation. These
are understood to be examples and in no way represent the entire
scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the art will
recognize that alternative insulation thicknesses and structural
dimensions may be established to produce different R-values. [0021]
(l) Additional graphs of advanced arrangements of active thermal
insulation are also included in the ensuing description. A math
model solution is used to create the graphs showing the variation
of R-values with an airflow expressed in cfm per 1000 sq. ft. of
active thermal insulation treatment. Graph 4 shows the variation of
apparent R-value for two arrangements of air channel to ply
channels area ratios for exhaust ventilation. The apparent R-value
increases with an increase of airflow in the air channel for a 1:1
ratio of air surface to ply surface.
SUMMARY FOR THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention is a structural system of insulative
and support materials designed in the arrangement described herein
to aid in conserving the energy in an insulated building structure
by improving the thermal resistance R of the building structure.
The invention is not part of the structure, but is applied to the
ambient surface of the structure. It is an active system employing
air channels and a conductive ply within insulated ply channels
alternately spaced.
[0023] One embodiment of the invention provides for a thermally
conductive ply to transport the energy perpendicular to the airflow
into an adjacent ply channel. The conductive ply become an "active
equivalent air channel" and performs as the vertical airflow in the
ply channel. The conductive ply, which is thin, allows the channel
space to accommodate an additional layer of low-density plastic
foam, which increases the resistance to the flow of energy to or
from the structure. The vertical airflow, which is restricted by
structural openings, is placed on both sides of the openings of
window, doors, fireplaces etc. The conductive ply channel, which is
not restricted, is placed under and over the openings. The
installation is repeated to cover the surface of the structure.
[0024] The volume and airflow temperature is determined by where
the air is drawn, either from beneath the frost line, from exhaust
ventilation, or from a sunspace. The invention provides a method
for actively insulating a building structure at a surface thereof
including the steps of: 1) spacing a first insulation layer from
the surface to form an active air channel adjacent to the surface
between the surface and the first insulation layer; 2) spacing a
second layer of insulation from the first layer of insulation by a
thermally conductive ply to form a conductive ply channel between
the first layer of insulation and the second layer of insulation,
wherein the conductive ply channel is adjacent to the active air
channel; 3) directing a flow of a volume of air through the active
air channel; and 4) conducting energy from the active air channel
to the conductive ply channel. This method results in the
conduction of energy through the thermally conductive ply that
causes a change in temperature of the conductive ply channel, the
temperature of the conductive ply during a heating season is
diminished along its length in accordance with its length,
thickness and conductivity per square foot of surface, and the
temperature gradient of the conductive ply along its length and
room temperature difference results in a diminished conduction of
energy across the conductance of the building structure per square
foot of conductive ply surface. Optionally, the conductive ply
channel may be placed beneath and above openings of the building
structure which would otherwise inhibit the airflow of a similar
active air channel. The method may include the step of deriving a
total insulation resistance of the building structure having the
active air channel and conductive ply channel from a mathematical
model solution of the energy required to maintain a constant room
temperature of an insulated building structure for 24 hours by: 1)
iteratively determining airflow temperature within the conductive
air channel caused by the conduction of energy to ambient
temperature and the conduction of energy to the conductive ply into
the conductive ply channel plus the energy conducted from the
building structure into the conductive air channel for each hour
for 24 hours; 2) iteratively determining a temperature gradient of
the conductive ply; 3) determining the definitive amount of energy
conducted from a room of the building structure to the airflow of
the active air channel and the definitive energy from the room of
the building structure to the conductive ply in the conductive ply
channel each hour for 24 hours; and 4) determining the total
definitive energy required to maintain the room temperature of the
building structure for 24 hours based on an insulation resistance
of the building structure characterized by an apparent R-value
which is represented by the product of temperature differences
between ambient temperature and room temperature and surface area
of the ambient surface including the active air channel and the
conductive ply channel divided by the total definitive energy per
24 hours. The method may also include the step of introducing
exhaust ventilation air into the active air channel in lieu of
tempered ambient air, wherein the exhaust ventilation is used to
temper the airflow within the active air channel and is derived
from a solar sunspace or from exhausted stale and/or contaminated
air. Further, the method may include the step of introducing air
into the active air channel from beneath the frost line, and/or the
step of introducing conditioned room temperature air into the
active air channel and returning or recycling a portion back to a
room of the structure for conservation of energy. It is to be noted
that the active air channel and the conductive ply channel are
located on an exterior surface of the building structure, and that
one or more additional active air channels and one or more
additional conductive ply channels may be added on an interior
surface of the building structure that has the active insulation on
the exterior surface. It is to be noted that when the active air
channel and the conductive ply channel are located on an interior
surface of the building structure, that interior surface may be a
floor of an attic of the building structure. Yet further, the
method may include the optional step of recycling conditioned room
temperature air into the active air channel, wherein the active air
channel and the conductive ply channel are located between a roof
and a roof vent of the building structure, wherein the building
structure includes a cathedral ceiling. It is also to be noted that
the surface of the building structure may be an insulated surface.
Additionally, the method may include the step of insulating the
building structure using one or more earth tubes. Alternatively,
the method of the present invention for actively insulating a
building structure at a surface thereof includes the steps of: 1)
applying a thermally conductive ply to a portion of the surface of
the building structure, wherein the thermally conductive ply has
surface area dimensions; 2) applying to the thermally conductive
ply a layer of insulation having surface area dimensions greater
than the surface area dimensions of the thermally conductive ply to
form a conductive ply channel at the thermally conductive ply
between the layer of insulation and the building structure surface,
and to form an active air channel adjacent to the conductive ply
channel between the layer of insulation and the building structure
surface; 3) directing a flow of a volume of air through the active
air channel; and 4) conducting energy from the active air channel
to the conductive ply channel.
[0025] During the heating season both the airflow and the
conductive ply temperature is cooled by conduction to the ambient
temperature, and at the same time heated from the room temperature
conduction. The conductive ply temperature diminishes according to
its length, thickness and thermal conductance into the conductive
ply channel.
[0026] A math model has been developed to determine the amount of
energy required to maintain a desired room temperature for a
selection of arrangements of air and ply channel surfaces and the
11 variables included in the math model for each hour of the day.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings, table, graphs,
trials and ensuing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a partial isometric view of the invention
installed upon the ambient surface of a conventional stud wall
containing a window opening.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of an air channel and a conductive
ply channel installed upon the ambient surface of a building
structure.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the three elements of the
invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the slope of R-value versus ratio
of cfm (cubic feet per minute)/1000 sq. ft. of surface for
different temperature differentials during winter conditions for a
50 sq. ft. arrangement of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the slope of R-value versus ratio
of cfm/1000 sq. ft. of surface for different temperature
differentials during summer conditions for a 50 sq. ft. arrangement
of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the slope of R-value versus ratio
of cfm/1000 sq. ft. of surface of a 50 sq. ft. surface arrangement
of the present invention using exhaust ventilation.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the slope of R-value versus ratio
of cfm for two different arrangements of the present invention
using exhaust ventilation of room temperature air.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0034] 10 Stud [0035] 11 Spacer [0036] 12 Fiberglass [0037] 13
Conductive Ply Segment [0038] 14 Exterior Sheeting [0039] 15
Conductive Ply [0040] 16 Base plate [0041] 17a First Layer Low
Density Plastic Foam Insulation [0042] 17b Second Layer Low Density
Plastic Foam Insulation [0043] 18 Transverse Stud [0044] 19 Ambient
Air Surface [0045] 20 Air Channel [0046] 21 Conductive Ply Channel
[0047] 20a Air Gap [0048] 22 Window Opening
[0049] Through all the figures, same or corresponding elements are
generally indicated by the same reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0050] FIG. 1 shows a partial isometric view of an active
insulation structure of the present invention. The active
insulation structure establishes one or more air channels 20 and
one or more thermally conductive ply channels 21. As shown in the
representative illustration of FIG. 1, the active insulation
structure is shown installed upon the exterior surface of the
exterior sheeting 14 forming part of a building structure to be
insulated, with the air channels 20 located outside of and adjacent
to both sides of a window opening 22. The window opening 22 is
formed between wall studs 10 and transverse studs 18. The exterior
sheeting 14 is fastened to the wall studs 10 and a base plate 16 of
the structure to be insulated. The air channel 20 extends from the
base to the top of the wall in areas of the structure where the
airflow is not obstructed by windows and/or other openings. The air
channel 20 is formed between first layer of insulation 17a,
preferably a low-density foam but not limited thereto, and the
exterior sheeting 14 of the building structure and includes for
each air channel 20 an air gap 20a between the first layer of
insulation 17a and the exterior sheeting 14. More specifically, the
air channel 20 surface area is formed between two low conductive
spacers 11 installed upon the exterior sheeting 14, with the air
gap 20a between the two spacers 11. The spacers 11 are preferably
constructed from the same low density foam as first layer of
insulation 17a, or alternatively from a higher density plastic
foam, wood, or equal plastic composite. It is to be understood that
the active insulation structure may be applied to an interior
surface of the building structure. The building structure may be a
new construction or the system may be retrofitted to an existing
building structure. The active insulation may be applied to either
or both of the exterior surface and the interior surface of the
structure. The surface to which the active insulation of the
present invention is applied may itself already have insulation.
For example, the present invention may be applied to the building
structure as a retrofit activity. In that situation, the active
insulation of the present invention may be applied to an insulated
surface of the building structure. The building structure may
include an attic with an attic floor. The building structure may
have a cathedral ceiling and the system applied to the roof thereof
between the roof and the roof vent.
[0051] The conductive ply channel 21 is formed between an adjacent
set of two low conductive spacers 11 and is filled with the first
layer of insulation 17a, a thermally conductive ply 15 and a second
layer of insulation 17b. As can be seen in the drawings, the
spacers 11 of the air channel 20 and the spacers 11 of the
conductive ply channel 21 have a spacer in common. The conductive
ply channel 21 is placed under and above the window opening 22 and
also adjacent to the air channel 20. A thermally conductive ply
segment 13, which is preferably a bent strip of conductive ply or
conductive angle, is placed over the spacer 11 so that it extends
into the air channel 20. The conductive ply segment 13, which is
preferably the same material as the conductive ply 15, is installed
over the spacer 11 for the purpose of conducting the air channel 20
airflow temperature to the conductive ply 15. The conductive ply 15
is preferably a thin metallic foil of high thermal conductivity
such as silver, gold or aluminum, whereas aluminum is the least
costly foil for its conductive properties. The conductive ply 15 of
the conductive ply channel 21 is installed over the spaces 11 and
conductive ply segment 13 and between the two layers of insulation
17a and 17b, as indicated, where the second layer of insulation 17b
bears upon the exterior sheeting 14 of the insulated structure. The
exterior sheeting 14 is the part of the insulated structure
fastened to the studs 10, which form spaces in the structure to be
insulated for the purpose of receiving conventional insulation
materials, such as fiberglass 12 having a specified selectable
insulation R-value. In an alternative embodiment of the invention,
the conductive ply 15 may be applied directly to the structure
surface rather than being spaced from the building surface by the
second layer of insulation 17b. In this alternative embodiment,
individual pieces of the conductive ply 15 are separated from one
another by the air channel 20, which is formed between the first
layer of insulation 17a, the surface of the structure and pieces of
conductive ply 15 spaced from one another. This embodiment may be
applied to either or both of the exterior surface and interior
surface of the structure.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement and
relationship between the air channel 20 and the conductive ply
channel 21. As noted, the air channel 20 is formed between the
exterior sheeting 14 of the structure and the first layer of
insulation 17a and bordered between spacers 11 and conductive
segment 13. As shown, the air gap 20a of the active air channel 20
is an elongated channel separating the pieces of insulation of the
second layer of insulation 17b between the first layer of
insulation 17a and the exterior sheeting 14 when the insulation
structure of the present invention is applied to the exterior
sheeting 14. The conductive ply channel 21 is formed of the
conductive ply 15 surrounded by the two layers of insulation 17a
and 17b. The conductive ply 15 is positioned between the two layers
of insulation 17a and 17b for the purpose of conveying energy by
conduction from the adjacent airflow of air channel 20 into the
conductive ply channel 21. The temperature of the conductive ply 15
diminishes along its length into the conductive ply channel 21 in
accordance with its thickness, length and conductivity per square
foot of surface area.
[0053] The volume and temperature of the airflow is dependent upon
from where the air is drawn; from beneath the frost line, exhaust
ventilation or sunspace. In one example of the invention, the
volume of airflow in the air channel 20 is modest at a range of
35-65 cfm per 1000 sq ft of surface area of the installation of the
conserving active thermal insulation. The air is admitted at the
entry of the air channel 20 and exhausts either to ambient or to an
area such as a cathedral ceiling containing additional active
thermal insulation or attic space for additional use of airflow
temperatures. During the heating season, the airflow in the air
channel 20 is cooled by the energy conducted to the ambient air
surface 19 and at the same time, heated by energy conducted from
the exterior sheeting 14 and cooled by the energy conducted to the
conductive ply segment 13 and conductive ply 15. The conductive ply
15 of the conductive ply channel 21 is also cooled by the energy
conducted to the ambient air surface 19 and heated by the energy
conducted from the exterior sheeting 14. The total energy, Btu/hr,
required to maintain the room temperature of the structure is the
sum of the energy conducted from the exterior sheeting 14 to the
air channel 20, and from the exterior sheeting 14 to the conductive
ply 15 of the conductive ply channel 21. The definitive amount of
energy, Btu/hr, conducted from the exterior sheeting 14 to the air
channel 20 is the temperature difference between the room
temperature of the structure and airflow temperature in the air
channel 20 multiplied by the conductance of the structure and
multiplied by the square feet of air channel 20 surface. The
definitive amount of energy, Btu/hr, conducted from the exterior
sheeting 14 to the conductive ply 15 in the conductive ply channel
21 is the temperature difference between the room temperature and
the conductive ply 15 temperature along its length multiplied by
the total conductance of the structure including the second layer
of insulation 17b multiplied by the square feet of conductive ply
channel 21 surface. During the summer season the conduction of
energy is reversed.
[0054] A math model solution for a number of arrangements was used
to determine the airflow temperature of the air channel 20 and the
temperature of the conductive ply 15, which diminishes along its
length into the conductive ply channel 21. The math model solution
determines the amount of energy, Btu/day, necessary to maintain a
desired room temperature within an insulated structure for each
hour as the ambient temperature fluctuates for arrangements of air
channel 20 surface area to ply channel 21 surface area. Related
FIG. 3 shows the cross-section of discrete components, the first
layer of the insulation 17a, the conductive ply 15, the second
layer of insulation 17b and conductive segment 13.
Mathematical Model Solution
[0055] A math model solution has been developed to determine the
amount of energy required to maintain a desired room temperature
for a selection of variables for each hour of the day. The amount
of energy, Btu/hr, is also the resistance to the flow of energy
required and is used to determine a value of R. As the ambient
temperature varies each hour during the day the resistance to the
flow of energy, R, also varies each hour. However, since the sum of
the energy is known for 24 hours, a value of R can be determined to
be an apparent R-value for the 24-hour period and expressed as:
Apparent R=A.DELTA.T24/Q
Where: A=Area, .DELTA.T=Temperature Difference, 24=Hours, and
Q=Btu/Day
[0056] The developed math model has the ability to determine the
effect of each variable upon the energy required to maintain a
specific room temperature of an insulated structure with an
arrangement of the active thermal insulation applied. The active
thermal insulation may use standard materials which are available
at affordable costs and that can be applied with little change in
construction practices. The math model solution allows a designer
to achieve an improved apparent R-value by selecting the variables.
The cost of design changes should be compared to the cost savings
in energy. The pay back period can be determined for each design
change which uses the conserving active thermal insulation.
[0057] The math model also allows a designer to achieve an improved
apparent R-value by selecting the variables. The variables are as
follows: [0058] a) Area size of the treatment, vertical
length.times.width (ft.sup.2) [0059] b) Area of the air channel
(ft.sup.2) [0060] c) Volume of the airflow (cfm) [0061] d) The
temperature of the airflow (.degree. F.) [0062] e) The surface area
of the conductive ply channel (ft.sup.2) [0063] f) The thickness of
the conductive ply (in) [0064] g) The length of the conductive ply
into the conductive ply channel (in) [0065] h) The conductance for
the flow of heat to or from the insulated structure (Btu/hr
ft.sup.2.degree. F.) [0066] i) The ambient temperature and its
variation (.degree. F.) [0067] j) The desired room temperature
(.degree. F.) [0068] k) The conductance for the flow of heat to or
from ambient (Btu/hr ft.sup.2.degree. F.)
[0069] The math model solution was checked against a full-scale
model test box formed substantially in accordance with the
structure shown in FIG. 1. At steady state conditions, the test box
of arrangements results agreed within 3% of the calculated heat
flow (Btu/hr) using the math model solution.
Math Model Solution Flow Chart
[0070] The math model solution uses an iterative solution for the
amount of energy necessary to maintain the room temperature of an
insulated building structure with an installation of arrangement of
active thermal insulation. The solution employs equations from The
Chemical Engineers Handbook utilizing the following steps: [0071]
1) Select an arrangement of air channel to ply channel surface
areas. [0072] 2) Select the thickness and surface dimension of low
density plastic foam whose thermal resistance is known. [0073] 3)
Place the air channel surface area on both sides of the structural
openings. The ply channel surface area is placed adjacent to the
air channel and over and under the structural openings. [0074] 4)
Determine the thermal conductance of the insulated building
structure. [0075] 5) Determine the total thermal conductance of the
insulated building structure with an extra layer of low density
plastic foam. [0076] 6) Select the thickness of the conductive ply
and its length into the conductive ply channel. [0077] 7) Select
the volume and temperature of the exhaust ventilation or ambient
airflow tempered by a heat exchanger beneath the frost line. [0078]
8) Select the ambient temperature and its sinusoidal variation for
each hour. [0079] 9) Select a constant or desired room temperature
for the insulated building structure. [0080] 10) Select a minimum
of 8 iterations for the first solution. [0081] 11) Determine the
airflow temperature for 1/8 of the air channel surface, which is
the first iteration of the first hour, by subtracting the energy
conducted to ambient plus the energy conducted from the insulated
building structure and by subtracting the energy conducted to 1/8
of the length and thickness of the conductive ply. [0082] 12)
Determine the temperature of the 1/8 of the conductive ply area,
which is the first iteration of the first hour, in accordance with
its thermal conductance minus the energy conducted to ambient plus
the energy conducted from the insulated building structure and
minus the energy conducted to the next iteration of conductive ply
area. [0083] 13) Determine the airflow temperature of the air
channel by subtracting the summation of energy conducted to the
conductive ply for the 8 iterations in accordance with the thermal
heat capacity of air. [0084] 14) Determine the energy conducted
from the structure to the conductive ply for the first hour, which
is the summation of energy of each iteration of the ply surface
area, multiplied by the temperature difference between the
iteration of ply temperature and room temperature, and multiplied
by the conductance of the insulated building structure with an
extra layer of low density plastic foam. [0085] 15) Determine the
energy conducted from the structure to the airflow for first hour,
which is the summation of each iteration of air channel surface
area multiplied by the temperature differences between each
iteration of the airflow and room temperature, and multiplied by
the conductance of the insulated building structure. [0086] 16)
Determine the energy conducted from the insulated building
structure for each additional hour at a new ambient temperature.
[0087] 17) The summation of energy conducted from the insulated
building structure to the air channel and ply channel for each hour
is a measure of the resistance of the insulated building structure
with an active thermal insulation, which is determined to be an
apparent R-value for a 24-hour period. [0088] 18) If a heat
exchanger is used, determine the airflow temperature of the ambient
air temperature by passing the airflow through a heat exchanger
surface beneath the frost line in accordance with the log mean
temperature difference for parallel flow within a heat exchanger
and continue from step number 8.
Math Model Application
[0089] Math model application is for arrangements of air channels
and ply channels surface areas which may be selected from the
availability of standard sizes of low density plastic foam or from
the examples discussed in advance design arrangements. The advance
design arrangements use a ratio of 1 air channel surface to 2 ply
channel surfaces or 1 air channel surface to 4 ply channel
surfaces. The selection of an arrangement is dependant upon where
the airflow is drawn. The ply channel is more efficient than the
air channel and is selected at lesser airflow volumes for the
conservation of energy from the exhaust ventilation of room
temperature air.
[0090] If ambient air is chosen, the air should be admitted from
ambient through a heat exchanger or foundation drain of at least a
standard 4'' diameter plastic pipe from beneath the frost line.
This path tempers the ambient air using the earth thermal
temperature of approximate 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit the year
around.
[0091] If the air channel utilizes exhausted ventilation air that
is generally required for industrial processes, and/or comfort
purposes, the air is exhausted in larger volumes within the air
channels.
[0092] The volume of air required for an active thermal insulation
is modest, between 35 and 65 cfm per 1,000 sq. ft. of treatment. By
selecting the airflow and temperature for winter or summer, one can
choose the amount of energy conservation desired for a particular
climate. During winter conditions the apparent R-value is larger if
air is drawn from room temperature exhaust. During the summer
season, the apparent R-value is larger if the air is drawn from
beneath the frost line. The efficiency of the active thermal
insulation increases as the ambient temperature cools during the
winter season as shown by an increase of apparent R-value.
Math Model Trial Results
[0093] Tabulated results from using the math model solution for an
arrangement of 2'' thickness of air channel containing a 1'' air
space and 2'' thickness of conductive ply channel over a standard
2''.times.4'' Stud wall 16'' on center with 3.sup.1/2'' of
fiberglass insulation are listed in Table 1.
[0094] Trial numbers 1 and 2 listed in Table 1 used ambient air
through a heat exchanger in winter conditions. Trial number 1 used
5 cfm of air through a 20'.times.4'' diameter plastic pipe heat
exchanger which has a surface area of 21 sq. ft. for heat transfer.
Trial number 2 used 10 cfm through a 42 sq. ft. of heat exchanger
surface. The apparent R-value was 30.62 for trial number 1 and
32.21 for trial number 2. It should be noted that conventional
3.sup.1/2'' of fiberglass insulation yields an R-value of 13. The
installation of an energy conserving active thermal insulation
would normally increase the R-value by the addition of passive
insulation; however, it is the use of airflow and conductive ply
that are responsible for the improved apparent R-values. Exhaust
ventilation air was selected in two trials, numbers 3 and 6. The
apparent R-value is in the 66 plus range of resistance for both
winter and summer ambient conditions.
[0095] Trial number 4 and 5 used the same volumes of air through
the same heat exchanger surfaces as trials 1 and 2 simulating
summer conditions of 90.degree. F. ambient air with a 15.degree. F.
sinusoidal variation. The apparent R-value was 99.58 for trial
number 4 and infinity for trial number 5. Trial number 4 required
cooling for 22 hours, the last two hours did not require cooling.
The apparent R-value was selected at the midpoint of 12 hour at
-241 Btu/12 hrs, which is 99.58. Trial number 5 did not require
cooling over the 24-hour period and thus the apparent R-value is
infinity for this example. However, upon further examination the
apparent R-value calculated to -65.5 which is not published in the
literature as a negative resistance. This occurs when the active
air temperature is below both the room temperature and ambient
temperature. The recycling of condition room temperature air using
earth thermal renewable energy within a pipe heat exchanger which
exhausts the air back to ambient is not feasible since any energy
savings will be lost in the exhausting of the conditioned air. The
addition of active air and ply channels upon the interior surface
of the wall will allow room temperature conditioned air to be
recycled within the room and apart from the pipe heat exchanger for
additional conservation of energy. Trial no. 5 can be shown to
demonstrate the process. The math model can use negative resistance
values. Trial no. 5 with additional 50 sq. ft of active thermal
insulation affixed to the interior room surface for recycling of 15
cfm of conditioned air calculated to a new apparent R of -207, a
217% gain in conservation of energy. The generated hourly results
from trials 1 through 6 are listed as Trial 1 through 6.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Apparent R-Value Determined by Mathematical
Model Solution 2'' Air Channel with 1'' Air Space and 2''
Conductive Ply Channel Over Conventional 2'' .times. 4'' Structure
with 31/2'' Fiberglass Insulation Heat Earth Exhaust Air Energy
Apparent Exchanger Temp. Air Temp. Volume Flow Conductance R-Value
Trial (sq. ft) (.degree. F.) (.degree. F.) (cfm) (Btu/day) (Btu/hr
ft.sup.2 .degree. F.) 1/U Winter Season Arrangement Ambient Air is
30.degree. F. with 15.degree. F. Variation; Room Temperature
controlled at 70.degree. F. 1 21 50 -- 5 3,135 0.0327 30.62 2 42 50
-- 10 2,980 0.0304 32.21 3 0 -- 70 5 725 0.0151 66.23 Summer Season
Arrangement Ambient Air is 90.degree. F. with 15.degree. F.
Variation; Room Temperature controlled at 70.degree. F. 4 21 50 --
5 0.565 0.0100 99.58* 5 42 50 -- 10 +700 0.0000 Infinity** 6 0 --
70 5 -362 0.0151 66.23 The over-all heat transfer coefficients were
constant for the both summer and winter arrangements. Variables 1)
Ply thickness for all Trials used 0.003 inches 2) Ply length for
all Trials used 12.5 inches 3) Surface area for both Air and Ply
channels for Trial 1, 2, 4 and 5 used 100 sq. ft. 4) Surface area
for both Air and Ply channels for Trial 3 and 6 used 50 sq. ft.
*Cooling was necessary for 22 hours, but not for the last 2 hours.
The apparent R value was calculated at the midpoint of 12 hours.
**No cooling was required to maintain 70.degree. F. room
temperature across the 2'' .times. 4'' conventional construction.
Trial No. 1 Hourly Results are for 2'' Air Channel Containing 1''
Air Space and 2'' Conductive Ply Channel over a 2'' .times. 4''
stud wall with 31/2'' fiberglass insulation The following
conditions were selected to simulate a New England summer or winter
season. Ambient Temperature 30.0.degree. F. with 15.0.degree. F.
sinusoidal variation Heat Exchanger surface area 21.0 sq. ft.
Over-all Heat-Transfer coef betwn ambient and airflow is U = 0.134
Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F. Earth Temperature is
50.0.degree. F., and Fan volume is 5 cfm Room Temperature is
70.0.degree. F. Over-all Heat Transfer coef. between airflow and
room temp. is U = 0.059 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F.
Conductive ply thickness is 0.003 inches, and length is 12.50
inches Over-all Heat-Transfer coef. between conductive ply and room
temp is U = 0.0457 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F. The
surface area of the air channel is 50.0 sq. ft. The surface area of
the ply channel is 50.0 sq. ft. The number of iterations is 8 times
The hourly tabulated results for computer trial are listed below:
Accumulative Ply Air Ambient Airflow Ply and Air Channel Channel
Temp. Temp. Channel Surface Surface Time (F.) (F.) (Btu) (Btu)
(Btu) (hr) 33.9 45.6 122.4 55.2 67.2 1 37.5 47.7 237.1 106.4 130.7
2 40.6 49.6 345.2 154.2 191.0 3 43.0 51.0 448.2 199.4 248.9 4 44.5
51.9 548.1 242.9 305.2 5 45.0 52.2 646.9 285.9 360.9 6 44.5 51.9
746.7 329.5 417.2 7 43.0 51.0 849.8 374.7 475.1 8 40.6 49.6 957.9
422.5 535.3 9 37.5 47.7 1072.6 473.7 598.8 10 33.9 45.6 1194.9
528.9 666.1 11 30.0 43.3 1325.6 588.3 737.3 12 26.1 41.0 1464.5
652.0 812.5 13 22.5 38.8 1611.0 719.6 891.5 14 19.4 37.0 1764.2
790.6 973.6 15 17.0 35.6 1922.4 864.2 1058.2 16 15.5 34.7 2083.8
939.5 1144.4 17 15.0 34.4 2246.3 1015.3 1231.0 18 15.5 34.7 2407.8
1090.6 1317.2 19 17.0 35.6 2566.0 1164.2 1401.8 20 19.4 37.0 2719.2
1235.2 1483.9 21 22.5 38.8 2865.7 1302.8 1562.9 22 26.1 41.0 3004.6
1366.5 1638.1 23 30.0 43.3 3135.2 1425.9 1709.3 24 Trial No. 2
Hourly Results are for 2'' Air Channel Containing 1'' Air Space and
2'' Conductive Ply Channel over a 2'' .times. 4'' stud wall with
31/2'' fiberglass insulation The following conditions were selected
to simulate a New England summer or winter season. Ambient
Temperature 30.0.degree. F. with 15.0.degree. F. sinusoidal
variation Heat Exchanger surface area 42.0 sq. ft. Over-all
Heat-Transfer coef betwn ambient and airflow is U = 0.134 Btu/hr
ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F. Earth Temperature is
50.0.degree. F., and Fan volume is 10 cfm Room Temperature is
70.0.degree. F. Over-all Heat Transfer coef. between airflow and
room temp. is U = 0.059 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F.
Conductive ply thickness is 0.003 inches, and length is 12.50
inches Over-all Heat-Transfer coef. between conductive ply and room
temp is U = 0.0457 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F. The
surface area of the air channel is 50.0 sq. ft. The surface area of
the ply channel is 50.0 sq. ft. The number of iterations is 8 times
The hourly tabulated results for computer trial are listed below:
Accumulative Ply Air Ambient Airflow Ply and Air Channel Channel
Temp. Temp. Channel Surface Surface Time (F.) (F.) (Btu) (Btu)
(Btu) (hr) 33.9 46.8 118.3 53.8 64.5 1 37.5 48.3 231.2 104.3 126.8
2 40.6 49.6 339.3 152.2 187.2 3 43.0 50.6 443.9 197.9 246.0 4 44.5
51.2 546.2 242.3 303.9 5 45.0 51.4 647.7 286.2 361.5 6 44.5 51.2
750.0 330.6 419.4 7 43.0 50.6 854.6 376.4 478.2 8 40.6 49.6 962.7
424.2 538.5 9 37.5 48.3 1075.6 474.7 600.8 10 33.9 46.8 1193.9
528.5 665.4 11 30.0 45.2 1318.0 585.7 732.3 12 26.1 43.6 1448.1
646.3 801.7 13 22.5 42.0 1583.6 710.2 873.4 14 19.4 40.8 1723.8
776.7 947.0 15 17.0 39.8 1867.5 845.4 1022.1 16 15.5 39.1 2013.6
915.4 1098.2 17 15.0 38.9 2160.4 985.9 1174.6 18 15.5 39.1 2306.5
1055.8 1250.6 19 17.0 39.8 2450.2 1124.5 1325.7 20 19.4 40.8 2590.4
1191.1 1399.3 21 22.5 42.0 2725.9 1254.9 1471.0 22 26.1 43.6 2856.0
1315.5 1540.4 23 30.0 45.2 2980.1 1372.7 1607.4 24 Trial No. 3
Hourly Results are for 2'' Air Channel Containing 1'' Air Space and
2'' Conductive Ply Channel over a 2'' .times. 4'' stud wall with
31/2'' fiberglass insulation The following conditions were selected
to simulate a New England summer or winter season. Ambient
Temperature 30.0.degree. F. with 15.0.degree. F. sinusoidal
variation Heat Exchanger surface area 0.0 sq. ft. Over-all
Heat-Transfer coef betwn ambient and airflow is U = 0.134 Btu/hr
ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F. Inlet Temperature is
70.0.degree. F., and Fan volume is 5 cfm Room Temperature is
70.0.degree. F. Over-all Heat Transfer coef. between airflow and
room temp. is U = 0.059 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F.
Conductive ply thickness is 0.003 inches, and length is 12.50
inches Over-all Heat-Transfer coef. between conductive ply and room
temp. is U = 0.0457 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F. The
surface area of the air channel is 25.0 sq. ft. The surface area of
the ply channel is 25.0 sq. ft. The number of iterations is 8 times
The hourly tabulated results for computer trial are listed below:
Accumulative Ply Air Ambient Airflow Ply and Air Channel Channel
Temp. Temp. Channel Surface Surface Time (F.) (F.) (Btu) (Btu)
(Btu) (hr) 33.9 55.0 27.3 16.0 11.3 1 37.5 56.5 51.8 30.3 21.5 2
40.6 57.8 74.0 43.3 30.7 3 43.0 58.8 94.4 55.2 39.2 4 44.5 59.4
113.6 66.5 47.1 5 45.0 59.6 132.5 77.5 55.0 6 44.5 59.4 151.8 88.8
63.0 7 43.0 58.8 172.2 100.7 71.4 8 40.6 57.8 194.4 113.7 80.6 9
37.5 56.5 218.9 128.1 90.8 10 33.9 55.0 246.2 144.0 102.1 11 30.0
53.4 276.3 161.7 114.6 12 26.1 51.8 309.5 181.1 128.4 13 22.5 50.3
345.3 202.1 143.3 14 19.4 49.0 383.5 224.4 159.1 15 17.0 48.0 423.5
247.8 175.7 16 15.5 47.4 464.7 271.9 192.8 17 15.0 47.2 506.2 296.2
210.0 18 15.5 47.4 547.3 320.3 227.1 19 17.0 48.0 587.3 343.7 243.6
20 19.4 49.0 625.5 366.0 259.5 21 22.5 50.3 661.4 387.0 274.4 22
26.1 51.8 694.5 406.4 288.1 23 30.0 53.4 724.7 424.1 300.6 24 Trial
No. 4 Hourly Results are for 2'' Air Channel Containing 1'' Air
Space and 2'' Conductive Ply Channel over a 2'' .times. 4'' stud
wall with 31/2'' fiberglass insulation The following conditions
were selected to simulate a New England summer or winter season.
Ambient Temperature 90.0.degree. F. with 15.0.degree. F. sinusoidal
variation Heat Exchanger surface area 21.0 sq. ft. Over-all
Heat-Transfer coef betwn ambient and airflow is U = 0.134 Btu/hr
ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F. Earth Temperature is
50.0.degree. F., and Fan volume is 5 cfm Room Temperature is
70.0.degree. F. Over-all Heat Transfer coef. between airflow and
room temp. is U = 0.059 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F.
Conductive ply thickness is 0.003 inches, and length is 12.50
inches Over-all Heat-Transfer coef. between conductive ply and room
temp. is U = 0.0457 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F. The
surface area of the air channel is 50.0 sq. ft. The surface area of
the ply channel is 50.0 sq. ft. The number of iterations is 8 times
The hourly tabulated results for computer trial are listed below:
Accumulative Ply Air Ambient Airflow Ply and Air Channel Channel
Temp. Temp. Channel Surface Surface Time (F.) (F.) (Btu) (Btu)
(Btu) (hr) 93.9 81.5 -8.2 -11.6 3.3 1 97.5 83.6 -24.1 -27.1 2.9 2
100.6 85.5 -46.6 -46.0 -0.6 3 103.0 86.9 -74.2 -67.5 -6.7 4 104.5
87.8 -105.0 -90.7 -14.3 5 105.0 88.1 -136.8 -114.4 -22.4 6 104.5
87.8 -167.6 -137.6 -30.0 7 103.0 86.9 -195.2 -159.1 -36.0 8 100.6
85.5 -217.7 -178.0 -39.6 9 97.5 83.6 -233.6 -193.5 -40.0 10 93.9
81.5 -241.8 -205.1 -36.7 11 90.0 79.2 -241.8 -212.4 -29.4 12 86.1
76.8 -233.5 -215.5 -18.0 13
82.5 74.7 -217.5 -214.6 -3.0 14 79.4 72.8 -195.0 -210.3 15.3 15
77.0 71.4 -167.4 -203.4 36.0 16 75.5 70.5 -136.6 -194.9 58.3 17
75.0 70.2 -104.7 -185.8 81.1 18 75.5 70.5 -73.9 -177.2 103.4 19
77.0 71.4 -46.2 -170.3 124.1 20 79.4 72.8 -23.7 -166.0 142.3 21
82.5 74.7 -7.7 -165.1 157.4 22 86.1 76.8 0.5 -168.2 168.7 23 90.0
79.2 0.6 -175.5 176.1 24 Trial No. 5 Hourly Results are for 2'' Air
Channel Containing 1'' Air Space and 2'' Conductive Ply Channel
over a 2'' .times. 4'' stud wall with 31/2'' fiberglass insulation
The following conditions were selected to simulate a New England
summer or winter season. Ambient Temperature 90.0.degree. F. with
15.0.degree. F. sinusoidal variation Heat Exchanger surface area
42.0 sq. ft. Over-all Heat-Transfer coef betwn ambient and airflow
is U = 0.134 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F. Earth
Temperature is 50.0.degree. F., and Fan volume is 10 cfm Room
Temperature is 70.0.degree. F. Over-all Heat Transfer coef. between
airflow and room temp. is U = 0.059 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2
.degree. F. Conductive ply thickness is 0.003 inches, and length is
12.50 inches Over-all Heat-Transfer coef. between conductive ply
and room temp. is U = 0.0457 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2
.degree. F. The surface area of the air channel is 50.0 sq. ft. The
surface area of the ply channel is 50.0 sq. ft. The number of
iterations is 8 times The hourly tabulated results for computer
trial are listed below: Accumulative Ply Air Ambient Airflow Ply
and Air Channel Channel Temp. Temp. Channel Surface Surface Time
(F.) (F.) (Btu) (Btu) (Btu) (hr) 93.9 72.3 23.3 -0.7 24.1 1 97.5
73.8 41.2 -4.7 45.9 2 100.6 75.1 54.4 -11.4 65.7 3 103.0 76.0 63.9
-20.2 84.1 4 104.5 76.7 71.2 -30.3 101.5 5 105.0 76.9 77.8 -40.9
118.7 6 104.5 76.7 85.1 -51.0 136.1 7 103.0 76.0 94.7 -59.8 154.5 8
100.6 75.1 107.9 -66.5 174.3 9 97.5 73.8 125.7 -70.4 196.1 10 93.9
72.3 149.0 -71.2 220.2 11 90.0 70.6 178.2 -68.5 246.7 12 86.1 69.0
213.3 -62.4 275.6 13 82.5 67.5 253.8 -53.1 306.8 14 79.4 66.2 299.0
-41.0 340.0 15 77.0 65.3 347.8 -26.8 374.6 16 75.5 64.6 398.8 -11.4
410.2 17 75.0 64.4 450.7 4.6 446.1 18 75.5 64.6 501.7 20.1 481.7 19
77.0 65.3 550.5 34.2 516.3 20 79.4 66.2 595.7 46.3 549.5 21 82.5
67.5 636.3 55.6 580.7 22 86.1 69.0 671.3 61.7 609.6 23 90.0 70.6
700.5 64.4 636.1 24 Trial No. 6 Hourly Results are for 2'' Air
Channel Containing 1'' Air Space and 2'' Conductive Ply Channel
over a 2'' .times. 4'' stud wall with 31/2'' fiberglass insulation
The following conditions were selected to simulate a New England
summer or winter season. Ambient Temperature 90.0.degree. F. with
15.0.degree. F. sinusoidal variation Heat Exchanger surface area
0.0 sq. ft. Over-all Heat-Transfer coef. betwn ambient and airflow
is U = 0.134 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2 .degree. F. Inlet
Temperature is 70.0.degree. F., and Fan volume is 5 cfm Room
Temperature is 70.0.degree. F. Over-all Heat Transfer coef. between
airflow and room temp. is U = 0.059 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2
.degree. F. Conductive ply thickness is 0.003 inches, and length is
12.50 inches Over-all Heat-Transfer coef. between conductive ply
and room temp. is U = 0.0457 Btu/hr ft{circumflex over ( )}2
.degree. F. The surface area of the air channel is 25.0 sq. ft. The
surface area of the ply channel is 25.0 sq. ft. The number of
iterations is 8 times The hourly tabulated results for computer
trial are listed below: Accumulative Ply Air Ambient Airflow Ply
and Air Channel Channel Temp. Temp. Channel Surface Surface Time
(F.) (F.) (Btu) (Btu) (Btu) (hr) 93.9 79.9 -18.0 -10.6 -7.5 1 97.5
81.4 -38.8 -22.7 -16.1 2 100.6 82.7 -61.9 -36.2 -25.7 3 103.0 83.7
-86.8 -50.8 -36.0 4 104.5 84.3 -112.8 -66.0 -46.8 5 105.0 84.5
-139.3 -81.5 -57.8 6 104.5 84.3 -165.3 -96.7 -68.6 7 103.0 83.7
-190.2 -111.3 -78.9 8 100.6 82.7 -213.3 -124.8 -88.5 9 97.5 81.4
-234.1 -137.0 -97.1 10 93.9 79.9 -252.1 -147.5 -104.6 11 90.0 78.3
-267.2 -156.4 -110.8 12 86.1 76.7 -279.4 -163.5 -115.9 13 82.5 75.2
-288.8 -169.0 -119.8 14 79.4 73.9 -295.9 -173.1 -122.7 15 77.0 72.9
-301.2 -176.2 -124.9 16 75.5 72.3 -305.3 -178.7 -126.7 17 75.0 72.1
-309.1 -180.9 -128.2 18 75.5 72.3 -313.3 -183.3 -130.0 19 77.0 72.9
-318.6 -186.4 -132.2 20 79.4 73.9 -325.7 -190.6 -135.1 21 82.5 75.2
-335.1 -196.1 -139.0 22 86.1 76.7 -347.3 -203.2 -144.1 23 90.0 78.3
-362.4 -212.0 -150.3 24
[0096] Although the illustrated examples have shown specific sizes
and overall heat transfer coefficient values for the determination
of energy that is required to maintain a desired room temperature
when applied to an exterior framed wall of an insulated building
structure, it is apparent that a number of changes, modifications,
or slight alterations may be made, without departing from the theme
of the invention. For example, the width of the air channel and
conductive ply channel may be modified to fit upon the structure
between the structural openings of windows, doors, fireplace, etc.
The range of material sizes available for low density plastic foam
may modify the thickness of the air channel and conductive ply
channel. The thickness of the conductive ply may be modified to
increase the conduction of energy into the adjacent conductive ply
channel for the purpose of retarding the energy flow necessary to
maintain a desired room temperature.
[0097] The volume of airflow, cubic feet per minute, heat exchanger
surface if used, and earth temperature may be modified because of
the location of the total structure and/or the desired R-value for
a particular project. The apparent R-value is paramount to
determine the building skin coefficient of conductance, Btu/hr per
degree Fahrenheit (Btu/hr .degree. F.). Additionally, the amount of
energy required to heat or cool the exhaust ventilation and
projected infiltration air when added to the building skin
coefficient of conductance, results in a measure of total hourly
energy requirements of the building structure. The annual thermal
energy required of a building structure is then determined by the
degree-days of the climate in question. It is significant to state
that the math model solution in the presence of a competent
designer affords him or her a solution of maximum energy saving at
a minimum material cost.
Advanced Design Arrangements
[0098] Graphs have been constructed to aid in the design and
engineering for advance compilation of arrangements of the active
thermal insulation. Graph 1 of FIG. 4 was created to show the slope
of apparent R-value vs. ratio of cfm air/1000 sq. ft. of surface
for .DELTA.T of 40.degree., 50.degree., and 60.degree. F. during
winter conditions for a 50 sq. ft. arrangement. The 50 sq. ft.
arrangement consisted of 1 air channel of 10 sq. ft. and 2 ply
channels of 20 sq. ft. each, a 1:4 ratio of air channel surface to
ply channels surface. The air was admitted from below the frost
line through a heat exchanger.
[0099] Graph 2 of FIG. 5 was created to show the slope of apparent
R-value vs. ratio of cfm air/1000 sq. ft. of surface for .DELTA.T
of 10.degree., 20.degree., and 30.degree. F. during summer
condition for a 50 sq. ft. arrangement. The 50 sq. ft. arrangement
consisted of 1 air channel of 10 sq. ft. and 2 ply channels of 20
sq. ft. each, a 1:4 ratio of air surface to ply channels surface.
The air was admitted from below the frost line through a heat
exchanger.
[0100] Graph 3 of FIG. 6 was created to show the slope of apparent
R-value vs. ratio of cfm air/1000 sq. ft. of a 50 sq. ft. of
surface arrangement using exhaust ventilation. The apparent
R-values are the same for both winter and summer conditions when
exhaust ventilation of 70.degree. F. room temperature air was used.
The 50 sq. ft. arrangements consisted of 1 air channel of 10 sq.
ft. and 2 ply channels of 20 sq. ft. each, a 1:4 ratio of air
channel surface to ply channel surface.
[0101] Graph 4 of FIG. 7, of two advanced arrangements, was created
to show the difference in slopes of apparent R-values of each
arrangements using exhaust ventilation of 70.degree. F. room
temperature air. The arrangements were 50 sq. ft. each as follows:
[0102] a) 1 air channel of 10 sq. ft. and 2 ply channels of 20 sq.
ft. each. A 1:4 ratio of air channel surface to conductive ply
channels surface. [0103] b) 1 air channel of 25 sq. ft. and 1 ply
channel of 25 sq. ft. each. A 1:1 ratio of air channel surface to
conductive ply channel surface.
[0104] The slope of apparent R-value vs. the ratio of cfm air/1000
sq. ft. of surface was the same for summer and winter conditions
for each arrangement. The slopes of apparent R-value crossed each
other at a ratio of 34 cfm air/1000 sq. ft. of surface.
[0105] It is noteworthy that the 1:4 ratio arrangements are
preferred when the exhaust ventilation of room temperature air is
at lesser cfm values. The 1:1 ratio arrangement would be selected
if a sunspace was available, or that an abundance of room
temperature exhaust ventilation is available.
[0106] The energy conservation was achieved within a 2'' envelope
of space using standard material sizes currently available. The 2''
addition converts the overall thickness from a 2''.times.4'' stud
wall structure to conventional 2''.times.6'' stud wall dimensions.
This invention may negate the continued use of a 2''.times.6''
framing in new construction, which was simply inaugurated to
improve upon the building insulation by using R-19 fiberglass
insulation. The 2''.times.4'' framing is more material and labor
efficient than to 2''.times.6'' framing. The use of the active
thermal insulation with the 2''.times.4'' framing is more cost
effective for both new construction and for retrofitting a building
structure which may require new windows, doors and insulation.
[0107] It can be concluded that an energy conserving active
insulation is new, novel and a more effective treatment for energy
conservation than conventional passive and/or reflective
insulation. The placement of the conductive ply between 2 layers of
low density plastic foam which conducts the energy perpendicular to
the air flow into the adjacent ply channel is the primary active
component since it performs as an equivalent vertical air channel
without additional space and use of airflow. The conductive ply
allows the ply channel to be filled with an extra layer of low
density plastic foam which further increases the resistance to the
flow of energy. The math model solution generated illustrations
used only 1'' of low density plastic foam over 1'' of air. The
adjacent conductive ply channel used a thin conductive ply and two
layers of 1'' of low density plastic foam. The use of this
technique shows that the ability of this invention is to increase
the insulation resistance beyond any current resistance values
published to date.
[0108] It is to be understood that the example active insulation
structure arrangements described herein are but representations of
options for the arrangement of the present invention. This
description is not intended to limit the principle concept of the
present invention. All equivalents are deemed to fall within the
scope of this description of the invention as described by the
following claims.
* * * * *