U.S. patent application number 13/853459 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for sport field cooling system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brian F. Storm. Invention is credited to Brian F. Storm.
Application Number | 20130284397 13/853459 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49261275 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130284397 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Storm; Brian F. |
October 31, 2013 |
SPORT FIELD COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A system and associated method is disclosed for manipulation and
control of air temperature in sport field and associated
environments, wherein geothermally and/or mechanically cooled
source air is distributed, via one or more air handling unit or air
handling component, to the requisite environment through one or
more pipes and a plurality of associated, uniquely configured,
supply air nozzles. Such system and associated method of use and
application solves, or dramatically reduces, the problem of
elevated playing surface and/or elevated player envelope
environmental temperatures.
Inventors: |
Storm; Brian F.; (Canton,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Storm; Brian F. |
Canton |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49261275 |
Appl. No.: |
13/853459 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61617937 |
Mar 30, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
165/45 ;
454/305 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/10 20130101;
F24T 10/10 20180501; E01C 13/08 20130101; F24F 7/06 20130101; F24F
5/0007 20130101; E01C 13/02 20130101; E01C 13/083 20130101; F24T
10/00 20180501; Y02B 10/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/45 ;
454/305 |
International
Class: |
F24F 5/00 20060101
F24F005/00; F24F 7/06 20060101 F24F007/06; F24J 3/08 20060101
F24J003/08 |
Claims
1. A cooling system for control of air temperature in association
with a sport field comprising: an air intake; a cooling source; an
air handling unit; a plurality of supply air nozzles; means for
directing air from said air intake, through said cooling source,
through said air handling unit, and into said plurality of supply
air nozzles; whereby cooled air is dispersed from said supply air
nozzles to said sport field.
2. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said cooling source
comprises a subsurface geothermal cooling source.
3. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said cooling source
comprises a mechanical cooling source.
4. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said air handling unit
comprises a fan.
5. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said air handling unit
comprises an air handling chamber, a plenum chamber, a plenum wall,
and a fan, said fan passing air from said air handling chamber to
said plenum chamber.
6. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein air is drawn by said air
handling unit, through said air intake, through said cooling
source, and into said air handling unit.
7. The cooling system of claim 6 wherein air is blown from said air
handling unit into distribution means feeding cooled air to said
plurality of supply air nozzles.
8. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of supply
air nozzles are in spaced-apart relationship across the surface of
a sport field.
9. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said field further
comprises an associated, ancillary, or auxilliary area.
10. The cooling system of claim 1 further comprising a condensate
drainage means.
11. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said means for directing
air comprises a pipe or tubular member.
12. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said supply air nozzles
comprise a latex outlet.
13. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said supply air nozzles
pass from tubular, subsurface distribution means, through a ground
layer, and through a turf layer of the sports field.
14. An air cooled sports field comprising: an air intake; a cooling
source; an air handling unit; a plurality of supply air nozzles
distributed across the sports field; tubular means fluidly
connected with said air intake, said cooling source, said air
handling unit, and said plurality of supply air nozzles, said
tubular means for directing air from said air intake to said
nozzles.
15. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said cooling source
comprises a subsurface geothermal cooling source.
16. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said cooling source
comprises a mechanical cooling source.
17. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said air handling unit
comprises a fan.
18. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said air handling unit
comprises an air handling chamber, a plenum chamber, a plenum wall,
and a fan, said fan passing air from said air handling chamber to
said plenum chamber.
19. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein air is drawn by said air
handling unit, through said air intake, through said cooling
source, and into said air handling unit.
20. The cooling system of claim 19 wherein air is blown from said
air handling unit into distribution means feeding cooled air to
said plurality of supply air nozzles.
21. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said field further
comprises an associated, ancillary, or auxilliary area.
22. The cooling system of claim 14 further comprising a condensate
drainage means.
23. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said supply air nozzles
comprise a latex outlet.
24. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said supply air nozzles
pass from tubular, subsurface distribution means, through a ground
layer, and through a turf layer of the sports field.
25. A nozzle for a sport field cooling system comprising, at a
first end thereof, retaining ears or barb-like members to retain
said nozzle within a subsurface tubular air distribution member,
and, at a second end thereof, a soft tubular air outlet tube.
26. A method for cooling a sports field, and/or associated,
ancillary, or auxilliary areas, the method comprising the steps of:
drawing intake air from the ambient environment and into one or
more subsurface intake pipes; cooling the intake air by geothermal
means; directing the cooled air to a sports field, and/or to
associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas.
27. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step of filtering
the supply air.
28. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step of cooling
the intake air by mechanical means.
29. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step of passing
intake air through fan means from a source side to a plenum side of
an air handling unit.
30. The method of claim 29 further comprising the step of directing
cooled air from said plenum side into a tubular distribution means
interconnected with a plurality of spaced-apart nozzles for
directing the cooled air to the sports field, and/or to associated,
ancillary, or auxilliary areas.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/617,937, filed Mar. 30, 2012, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The subject matter of the present invention relates,
generally, to manipulation and control of air temperature above
sports fields or other playing surfaces, and/or to manipulation and
control of air temperature in or about facilities associated
therewith; and it relates, more particularly, to a novel system and
associated method for manipulation and control of air temperature
in such environments, wherein geothermally and/or mechanically
cooled source air is distributed, via one or more air handling unit
or air handling component, to the requisite environment through one
or more pipes and a plurality of associated, uniquely configured,
supply air nozzles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A commonly recognized, persistent problem associated with
outdoor, field-based sports is that of elevated playing surface
and/or elevated player envelope environmental temperatures. For
purposes of this discussion, the "player envelope" is defined as
that volume of air wherein human play occurs for a particular
sport. The player envelope may be thought of as that volume of air
between the field level surface and the maximum playing
elevation--for example, the maximum anticipated player jump
height--of the sport under consideration, across the expanse of the
typical playing surface. In some instances, the definition of
"player envelope" may be extended to include associated, ancillary,
or auxilliary areas wherein players, coaches, managers, medical
personnel, media representatives, and/or others may be stationed or
positioned, or wherein they may traverse from time-to-time.
Representative examples of such associated, ancillary, or
auxilliary areas might include sidelines, bullpens, dugouts,
on-deck circles, warm-up/warm-down areas, warning tracks, end
zones, and other player boundaries, and/or the like.
[0004] This problem of elevated playing surface and/or elevated
player envelope environmental temperatures has been recognized
across many sports, including, but not limited to, football,
soccer, baseball, track and field, rugby, lacrosse, and others. For
reasons that will be discussed in greater detail below, the problem
is most often associated with synthetic playing surfaces; however,
natural playing surfaces certainly are implicated, as well.
[0005] Variables, such as local weather conditions, humidity,
geographic location, the specific characteristics of the playing
surface, the specific characteristics of any associated, ancillary,
or auxilliary areas, the occurance of natural air convection
currents, the existence of areas of shading, and the like, may each
have an impact upon the extent and magnitude of the problem.
Further exacerbating the problem are the added weight and
insulating characteristics of player clothing and protective gear.
Temperatures may be merely uncomfortable, or they may become so
elevated as to be dangerous, or, in some instances, even
deadly.
[0006] Of course, with increasing temperatures, there are often
associated reductions in an athlete's physical performance, output,
and stamina. On one hand, a player may experience mere discomfort
from modestly elevated temperatures. As temperatures rise, however,
a player may become dehydrated, he or she may be exposed to any of
a variety of medical risks associated with such elevated
temperatures, and, in some cases, a player may require
hospitalization or even may die.
[0007] As temperatures increase, coaches and trainers must remain
mindful of and manage their players' physical conditions, both
individually and in the aggregate, while keeping in mind attendant
performance and medical guidelines, and while trying to manage
practice or game-related activities occurring on the field. This
is, of course, no easy task. Additionally, coaches, owners,
organizers, field operators, and the like, remain concerned about
risk and liability to themselves and their organizations, given the
above-described potential for injury or death.
[0008] Just how bad can the problem be? In 2003, Brigham Young
University ("BYU") conducted a study on synthetic turf sports
fields, comparing temperatures within the playing field perimeter
to those outside of the perimeter. The findings of that study
showed that temperatures inside the playing field perimeter could
be up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit higher than those outside the
playing field perimeter. The BYU study demonstrated that,
regardless of ambient air temperature, a synthetic turf surface
rapidly absorbs heat from sunlight and, in return, radiates it from
the surface; thus, creating increased and hazardous playing level
temperatures.
[0009] During development of the subject matter of the present
invention, a mock-up study of an hydronic cooling system was
performed. The goal of the study was to test the efficacy of an
hydronic cooling system installed below a synthetic turf surface;
and, specifically, to test the ability of such a system to reduce
the temperature of the synthetic turf surface, as well as the air
temperatures between the surface and 72 inches above the surface.
Two test configurations were used. First, a water dispersion system
was used to replicate an irrigation cooling system. Second, a
closed loop, subsurface radiant cooling system was used.
[0010] FIG. 1 provides representative study equipment and the
associated setup configuration. Temperatures were recorded at the
following depths: [0011] at the topping stone level, where the
cooling tubing was installed (-4 inches); [0012] at the turf
surface (0 inches); [0013] 24 inches above the synthetic turf
surface; and [0014] 72 inches above the synthetic turf surface.
[0015] A heat lamp was used to replicate direct sunlight to the
surface of the synthetic turf. Prior to initiation of either
hydronic cooling system, temperatures were taken to verify that
temperatures shown in the earlier-referenced BYU study could be
replicated with the test system, and to serve as a basis to
extrapolate that test system results would be compatible with the
findings of the BYU study. Accordingly, the following temperatures
were replicated: [0016] 150 degrees Fahrenheit at the field
surface; [0017] 120 degrees Fahrenheit at 24 inches above the field
surface; and [0018] 90 degrees Fahrenheit at 72 inches above the
field surface.
[0019] Following replication of the BYU results, each cooling
system was activated in-turn. Surface, air, and water temperatures
were recorded, as were water flow rates.
[0020] FIGS. 2-4 provide data representative of three testing
scenarios, wherein the testing proved the hydronic cooling system
to be unsuccessful.
[0021] FIGS. 2A-2B demonstrate the results of a study simulating a
sunny, 65 degree Fahrenheit day, with circulation of 65 degree
Fahrenheit water. The objective of this study had been to simulate
starting the day with an ambient temperature of 65 degrees
Fahrenheit. As sunlight (represented by application of a heat lamp)
was applied, the surface temperatures of the turf drastically
increased, as did the temperatures at heights of 6 inches and 36
inches above the turf. The ground temperatures beneath the turf
continued to maintain a constant temperature. 65 degree Fahrenheit
water was circulated, and appeared to have no impact on
temperatures observed above the turf
[0022] FIGS. 3A-3D demonstrate the results of a study simulating a
sunny, 100 degree Fahrenheit day. As sunlight (represented by
application of a heat lamp) was applied, the turf surface
temperatures increased to 146 degrees Fahrenheit. As cooling was
applied, the base temperatures decreased. Air temperatures also
decreased, but very minimally. The large decrease in ambient
temperature did not take place until the sunlight was removed. This
study demonstrated that a hydronic cooling system does have impact
on the base; however, the air and surface temperature had
relatively minimal temperature change due to the hydronic cooling
system.
[0023] FIGS. 4A-4D demonstrate the results of a study simulating a
sunny, 68 degree Fahrenheit day. This study simulated a 68 degree
Fahrenheit day with sunlight (represented by application of a heat
lamp) applied. The base temperatures were affected by the sunlight
the closer to the turf surface. The ambient temperature continued
to rise as a result of the turf surface increasing in temperature.
The cooling system in this test does not demonstrate the ability of
a hydronic cooling system to reduce the temperatures at or above
the turf surface level.
[0024] Thus, although the objective had been to prove that cooling
of the synthetic turf could be achieved by installing a hydronic
cooling system below the turf surface, after in-depth testing, it
was discovered that the cooling differential needed to make a
difference in ambient and/or surface temperatures associated with
the synthetic turf surface was in excess of that which was
achievable through the hydronic cooling system. It was observed in
all three testing scenarios that the turf backing layer, also known
as the "e"-layer, contributed in large part to the inability of the
hydronic cooling system to reduce temperatures at or above the turf
level.
[0025] What is needed, but not currently available, is a system and
related methods of use and application for cooling a sports field
and/or its associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas. Such a
system and related methods should be effective in reducing the
average ambient temperature of the player envelope, or a specified
portion thereof, and should be extensible to cooling associated,
ancillary, and/or auxilliary areas not able to be cooled according
to conventional systems and methods.
[0026] Accordingly, it is to the disclosure of such a system, and
related methods of use and application, that the following
disclosure is directed.
SUMMARY
[0027] In general, the present disclosure is directed to the
manipulation and control of air temperature above sports fields or
other playing surfaces, and/or to manipulation and control of air
temperature in or about associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas
associated therewith. Specifically, and pursuant to a preferred
embodiment of the present disclosure, a system and associated
method is disclosed for manipulation and control of air temperature
in such environments, wherein geothermally and/or mechanically
cooled source air is distributed, via one or more air handling unit
or air handling component, to the requisite environment through one
or more pipes and a plurality of associated, uniquely configured,
supply air nozzles. Such system and associated method of use and
application solves, or dramatically reduces, the problem of
elevated playing surface and/or elevated player envelope
environmental temperatures. Such system and associated method of
use and application is further extensible to cooling associated,
ancillary, and/or auxilliary areas not typically able to be cooled
according to conventional systems and methods.
[0028] Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the subject field cooling
system comprises three principal parts. First, the system comprises
a cooling source. Second, the system comprises a fan system to draw
air from the cooling source and send it to the field and/or
associated, ancillary, and/or auxilliary areas. Third, the system
comprises an air distribution means further comprising a plurality
of supply air nozzles.
[0029] The cooling source may comprise geothermally cooled air,
such as may be drawn from underground geothermal air piping.
Alternatively, the cooling source may comprise mechanical cooling,
such as, but not limited to, air cooled chillers, dry coolers, and
water cooled chillers. Still further alternatively, the cooling
source may comprise a combination of geothermally and mechanically
cooled air.
[0030] The fan system may comprise an enclosed "box"-type air
handling unit and/or air handling component that separates the
source cooling and supply cooling components.
[0031] The air distribution means comprises air distribution piping
and a plurality of spaced-apart supply air nozzles. This part of
the system carries cooled air through the distribution piping and
upwardly through the turf or ground layer via a plurality of
associated, uniquely configured, supply air nozzles.
[0032] Thus, in operation and use, the fan system draws cooled air
from the cooling source, and sends the cooled air to the air
distribution means and plurality of supply air nozzles, whereafter
the cooled air is provided to the field and/or any associated,
ancillary, and/or auxilliary areas and acts to reduce the player
envelope environmental temperatures.
[0033] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments of such a sports field cooling system, and the
associated method or methods of use and application, as set forth
within the present disclosure, will become more apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following Detailed
Description of Illustrative Embodiments and the Claims in light of
the accompanying drawing Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Accordingly, the within disclosure will be best understood
through consideration of, and with reference to, the following
drawing Figures, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed
Description of Illustrative Embodiments referring thereto, in which
like reference numbers throughout the various Figures designate
like structure, and in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of various study
equipment and associated setup configuration for certain testing
described hereinbelow;
[0036] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate certain study results obtained in
association with the configuration of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate certain further study results
obtained in association with the configuration of FIG. 1;
[0038] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate certain additional and further study
results obtained in association with the configuration of FIG.
1;
[0039] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment
of a sport field cooling system according to the present
disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 6A is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a sport
field cooling system according to the present disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 6B is a section view of an alternate embodiment of a
sport field cooling system according to the present disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a portion of a sport field
cooling system shown in FIGS. 6A-6B;
[0043] FIG. 7 depicts in perspective view an alternate embodiment
of an air handling unit for use in association with a sport field
cooling system according to the present disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 8 depicts in perspective view an alternate embodiment
of a supply side air distribution system for use in association
with a sport field cooling system according to the present
disclosure; and
[0045] FIGS. 9A-9D depict perspective views of an alternate
embodiment of an air supply nozzle for use in association with a
sport field cooling system according to the present disclosure.
[0046] It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended
solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are,
therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to
any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except
insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0047] In describing the several embodiments illustrated in the
Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity.
The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the
specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that
each specific element includes all technical equivalents that
operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
Additionally, in the Figures, like reference numerals shall be used
to designate corresponding parts throughout the several
Figures.
[0048] Illustrated in FIG. 5 is a representative system schematic,
or overview diagram, for an exemplary embodiment of a system and
associated method for manipulation and control of air temperature
in association with sports fields and/or associated, ancillary, or
auxilliary areas. System 100 comprises geothermal intake unit 120,
an enclosure which is positioned upon ground G at a location
somewhat removed from sports field F for reasons which will become
apparent from the more detailed explanation provided hereinbelow.
Geothermal intake unit 120 provides an entry point into system 100
for ambient temperature air A through one or more air inlet hoods
130. In some embodiments, geothermal intake unit 120 may be
provided with floor 140, operable for support of personnel,
maintenance equipment, tools, and the like. Below ground G are
provided one or more intake pipes 150, first ends 160 of which rise
through ground G and terminate inside geothermal intake unit 120.
In some embodiments, floor 140 may comprise one or more filters
170, comprising appropriate filtration media, operable in
association with intake pipes 150 to prevent incursion of dust,
dirt, particulates, insects, and the like, into system 100.
[0049] In some embodiments, intake pipes 150 comprise 8 inch
corrugated drain pipes; however, it will be appreciated that intake
pipes 150 may be of any size, shape, and configuration suitable for
the purposes and uses described herein. Importantly, in some
embodiments, intake pipes are inset below the surface of ground G
in order to take advantage of the relatively cooler subsurface
ground temperatures to cool intake air A substantially below
ambient, above-ground intake temperatures. In designing system 100,
one would consider the geographic region in which system 100 will
operate, average subsurface temperature gradients, the nature of
subsurface materials and conditions, the space available for
placement of intake pipes 150, the number of intake pipes 150 that
can fit into such space, and other such constraints and design
considerations, in order to ascertain an appropriate subsurface
depth at which to place intake pipes 150. The subsurface depth of
intake pipes 150 should be appropriate so as to be able to cool
intake air A sufficiently to meet design output temperature
specifications. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, intake pipes
150 may be located 4-8 feet below ground G surface. Of course, in
other embodiments, intake pipes 150 may be shallower or deeper than
this, for example from 1-10 feet below ground G surface. Intake
pipes 150 travel underground at such a depth, and for such a
distance, so as to provide sufficient residence time to cool intake
air A according to design specifications.
[0050] In order to draw intake air A into geothermal intake unit
120, and thereafter into intake pipes 150, system 100 is provided
with air handling unit 220. In some embodiments, air handling unit
220 comprises two chambers, source side air handling chamber 220a
and supply side plenum chamber 220b, separated by plenum wall 220c.
Air handling unit 220 further comprises access door 230 so as to
allow passage of personnel, equipment, tools, and the like into air
handling unit 220. In some embodiments, air handling unit 220 may
be provided with floor 240, operable for support of personnel,
maintenance equipment, tools, and the like. Air handling unit 220
provides an enclosure within which second ends 260 of intake pipes
150 terminate, after having traversed underground from geothermal
intake unit 120. Intake pipes 150 thereafter rise through ground G
and terminate within air handling unit 220. In some embodiments,
floor 240 may comprise one or more filters 270, comprising
appropriate filtration media, operable in association with intake
pipes 150 to prevent incursion of dust, dirt, particulates,
insects, and the like, into air handling unit 220.
[0051] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, an air mover, such as
source side air fan 280, is mounted on, or in proximity to, plenum
wall 220c, between air handling chamber 220a and plenum chamber
220b. Source side air fan 280 operates to draw intake air A from
the ambient environment, through intake unit 120, and into intake
pipes 150, as has been described in greater detail hereinabove. As
source air fan 280 continues to draw intake air A through
subsurface intake pipes 150, the air is cooled relative to its
former temperature by its interaction with the cooler ground
temperatures associated with subsurface intake pipes 150. Cooled
intake air A is pulled by source air fan 280 into air handling
chamber 220a of air handling unit 220, first being filtered by
interaction with filters 270.
[0052] Source air fan 280, having drawn cooled intake air A into
air handling chamber 220a of air handling unit 220, then operates
to force that cooled intake air A through one or more appropriately
sized and positioned openings or ducts passing through plenum wall
220c. Cooled intake air A, thereby, is forced by source air fan 280
into plenum chamber 220b. It will be apparent that cooled intake
air A within plenum chamber 220b is at relatively higher pressure
than the air within air handling chamber 220a. Accordingly, this
relatively higher pressure air may then be distributed as supply
air to a sports field, and/or associated, ancillary, or auxilliary
areas, as will next be described.
[0053] As can be seen with continuing reference to FIG. 5, plenum
chamber 220b houses one or more first end 290 of one or more supply
air piping 300. Supply air piping 300 may, in some embodiments,
comprise 4 inch drain piping; however, it will be appreciated that
supply air piping 300 may be of any size, shape, and configuration
suitable for the purposes and uses described herein. Supply air
piping 300 is open at first end 290, and is generally capped or
otherwise closed at a second, terminal end (not shown). Supply air
piping 300 travels downwardly into ground G from plenum chamber
220b, whereafter it traverses at an appropriate design depth
beneath sports field F. In some embodiments, wherein a plurality of
supply air piping 300 may be provided, the supply air piping may be
appropriately interconnected to assure complete distribution of
supply air to field F.
[0054] Due to the higher supply air pressure within plenum chamber
220b, supply air passes from plenum chamber 220b, through first end
290 of supply air piping 300, and is thereafter distributed
throughout the expanse of supply air piping 300 residing below
sports field F. A plurality of uniquely configured, supply air
nozzles 320 are fluidly connected to supply air piping 300 via
riser tubes 330, and rise at spaced-apart intervals through ground
G, and through the turf surface of sports field F, wherein supply
air nozzles 320 allow the cooled supply air to exit system 100. The
cooled supply air builds from ground G level upwardly, cooling
and/or displacing the ambient, warmer air as the supply of
relatively cooler air is maintained. Over time, the player envelope
is established and can be maintained by continual operation of
system 100.
[0055] For further details of the various components and
embodiments of a system and associated method for manipulation and
control of air temperature in association with sports fields and/or
associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas, as described herein, we
next turn to FIGS. 6A-6C. FIG. 6A depicts, in plan view, FIG. 6B
depicts, in section view, and FIG. 6C depicts, in perspective view,
an embodiment of a system such as has been described hereinabove;
however, with those modifications and further details as will next
be described.
[0056] In system 600, source air A is drawn, via one or more fans
605 contained within a source side of air handling unit 610,
through air inlet hood 615, and into earth tube field 620. Earth
tube field 620 comprises subsurface intake pipes 630, where source
air A is cooled below ambient temperature, as the source air
traverses through intake pipes 630 of earth tube field 620 to air
handling unit 610, all as was described in greater detail above.
Cooled air is blown by the fan or fans into a supply side of air
handling unit 610, whereafter it is distributed through
interconnected, subsurface, supply air piping 640 to a plurality of
spaced-apart nozzles 650 penetrating sports field F. Best seen with
reference to the embodiment of FIG. 6A, supply air piping 640a may
comprise 12 inch supply air piping, interconnected with a plurality
of 6 inch supply air piping 640b; however, it will be appreciated
that supply air piping 640a, 640b may be of any size, shape, and
configuration suitable for the purposes and uses described herein.
Supply air piping 640b is, in turn, capped with, for example, a 5/8
inch outlet plug, in order to maintain supply air pressure in the
supply side of system 600. In some embodiments of system 600, and
best seen with reference to FIG. 6B, condensate pits 660 may be
provided in one or more convenient and appropriate locations within
system 600, in order to provide subsurface drainage of any
condensate that may be separated from the air as it is cooled by
operation of system 600.
[0057] Turning next to FIG. 7, an embodiment of air handling unit
720 is shown with more particular detail. As can be seen, air
handling unit 720 comprises two chambers, source side air handling
chamber 720a and supply side plenum chamber 720b, separated by
plenum wall 720c. As was discussed above, air handling unit 720
provides an enclosure within which the second ends of the intake
pipes terminate, after having traversed underground from the
geothermal intake unit. The intake pipes thereafter rise through
the ground and terminate within source side air handling chamber
720a of air handling unit 720.
[0058] Within the embodiment of FIG. 7, a rack and filter system
730 are shown. Rack and filter system 730 may comprise framework
740, along with one or more filters 750 operably associated with
framework 740. Filters 750 comprise appropriate filtration media,
operable in association with the intake pipes disposed therebelow,
to prevent incursion of dust, dirt, particulates, insects, and the
like, into air handling unit 720. Framework 740 may provide
structural support for personnel, maintenance equipment, tools, and
the like. Additionally, framework 740 serves to provide structure
to accept insertion of filters 750, and to provide support for
holding filters 750 against the force of air rising through the
intake pipes.
[0059] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a pair of air movers,
such as source side air fans 760, are mounted on, or in proximity
to, plenum wall 720c, between air handling chamber 720a and plenum
chamber 720b. Source air fans 760 each may be mounted and supported
through additional supporting framework 770 associated with
framework 740. Source air fans 760 may comprise industrial-type
blower fans, with sheet metal enclosure, insulation and access
panels, line voltage wiring, electrical disconnects and motor speed
controls, all features which are known in the art.
[0060] In use and operation, source side air fans 760 operate to
draw intake air from the ambient environment, through the intake
unit, and into the intake pipes, as has been described in greater
detail hereinabove. As source air fans 760 continue to draw intake
air through the subsurface intake pipes, the air is cooled relative
to its former temperature by its interaction with the cooler ground
temperatures associated with the subsurface intake pipes. Cooled
intake air is pulled by source air fans 760 into air handling
chamber 720a of air handling unit 720, first being filtered by
interaction with filters 750.
[0061] Source air fans 760, having drawn cooled intake air into air
handling chamber 720a of air handling unit 720, then operate to
force that cooled intake air through one or more appropriately
sized and positioned openings or ducts 780 passing through plenum
wall 720c. Cooled intake air, thereby, is forced by source air fans
760 into plenum chamber 720b. It will be apparent that the cooled
intake air within plenum chamber 720b is at relatively higher
pressure than the air within air handling chamber 720a.
Accordingly, this relatively higher pressure air may then be
distributed as supply air to a sports field, and/or associated,
ancillary, or auxilliary areas, through one or more first end 790
of one or more supply air piping 800.
[0062] Turning now to FIG. 8, but with continuing reference to FIG.
7, supply air piping 800 travels downwardly into the ground from
plenum chamber 720b, whereafter it traverses at an appropriate
design depth beneath sports field F. In some embodiments, such as
the embodiment shown within FIG. 8, a plurality of supply air
piping 800 may be provided, and the supply air piping may be
appropriately interconnected to assure complete distribution of
supply air to field F.
[0063] Due to the higher supply air pressure within plenum chamber
720b, supply air passes from plenum chamber 720b, through first end
790 of supply air piping 800, and is thereafter distributed
throughout the expanse of supply air piping 800 set below sports
field F. A plurality of uniquely configured, supply air nozzles 820
are fluidly connected to supply air piping 800 via riser tubes, and
rise at spaced-apart intervals through the ground, and through the
turf surface of sports field F, wherein supply air nozzles 820
allow the cooled supply air to exit the system. As previously
described, the cooled supply air builds from ground level upwardly,
cooling and/or displacing the ambient, warmer air as the supply of
relatively cooler air is maintained. Over time, the player envelope
is established and can be maintained by continual operation of the
system.
[0064] Turning now to FIGS. 9A-9D, an exemplar embodiment of a
supply air nozzle, such as described previously with regard to the
embodiments of supply air nozzles 320, 820, will be described in
greater detail. In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, supply air nozzle 920
is fluidly connected at first end 930 to supply air piping 940,
such as was previously described in other embodiments with
reference to supply air piping 300, 800. Best seen with reference
to FIG. 9B, first end 930 may comprise cross-linked polyethylene
("PEX") material that is threaded on an upper end (relative to its
assembled position as shown in FIG. 9A). First end 930 may be
provided with a plurality of retaining ears 950 or barbs to prevent
first end 930 from being pulled or extracted from its assembled
position within supply air piping 940. As best seen in FIG. 9C,
threads 960 pass through supply air piping 940, through rubber
flexible bushing 970, and into polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") sleeve
980. PVC sleeve 980 is internally threaded and, thereby, receives
threads 960 in cooperating engagement. PVC sleeve 980 is similarly
threaded at its opposite end, wherein it cooperatively receives a
first end of threaded PEX insert 990, best seen with reference to
FIGS. 9A and 9D. The opposite end of PEX insert 990 is affixed to
flexible latex tube 1000.
[0065] So assembled, supply air nozzle 920 passes from supply air
piping 940, through ground layer G, and through the turf layer of
field F. Because supply air nozzle 920 is hollow throughout its
interior, supply air can pass from supply air piping 940, through
nozzle 920, and outward to field F, and/or associated, ancillary,
or auxilliary areas. As was previously described, the cooled supply
air builds from ground level G upwardly, cooling and/or displacing
the ambient, warmer air as the supply of relatively cooler air is
maintained. Over time, the player envelope is established and can
be maintained by continual operation of the aforedescribed
system.
[0066] It is important to note that tube 1000 serves an important
role in the use of the aforedescribed cooling system. Because tube
1000 comprises flexible latex, or another similarly durable, but
flexible, material, it does not interfere with play or other
activities occurring on field F. Thus, persons on field F will not
be injured if (or when) they fall upon supply air nozzle 920 during
activities on the field; nor will they be impeded when running,
jumping, or otherwise participating in activities on the field.
[0067] As was generally described above, in situations where the
system will require supplementary or dedicated cooling to achieve
design output temperatures, mechanical equipment, such as water or
air cooled chillers, condensing units, and dry-coolers may be used,
either as an adjunct to, or a replacement for, geothermal source
air cooling. Where such adjunct or combined systems are used, the
system fans may be configured, for example, to draw ambient air
from the surrounding area, through the subsurface earth tube field,
then through the mechanical cooling system, and into the source
plenum of the fan assembly. All such combinations, uses, designs,
and constructs are contemplated for use in association with the
presently disclosed system.
[0068] As was also generally described above, the field cooling
system of the present disclosure can be applied to, and/or used,
for many different purposes and applications, also referred to
in-part hereinabove as associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas.
Accordingly, the following is a non-limiting list of exemplary
applications where field specific and/or generalized cooling
according to the present system and method would be beneficial:
[0069] All types of outdoor natural grass playing fields; [0070]
All types of outdoor synthetic turf playing fields; [0071] Bullpens
and dugouts; [0072] Indoor Synthetic Turf Fields; [0073]
Supplementary HVAC systems for building acclimation; [0074] Common
areas; [0075] Indoor cooling for building space under a playing
field; [0076] Spectator seating areas, whether of flat or stadium
type; and [0077] Tracks and associated interior fields.
[0078] In addition, the aforedescribed field cooling system can be
adapted to provide overhead cooling. In situations such as dugouts
for baseball, a branch line can be installed from the field cooling
system to deliver conditioned air to above ground spaces, such as
dugouts. This system and method may utilize a "jet nozzle" type
distribution, which allows for spot cooling.
[0079] The above described system and associated disclosure may now
be seen to further describe a method for cooling a sports field,
and/or associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas. In accordance
with such method, intake air is drawn from the ambient environment
and into one or more subsurface intake pipes, as has been described
in greater detail hereinabove. As intake air continues to be drawn
through the subsurface intake pipes, the air is cooled relative to
its former temperature by its interaction with the cooler ground
temperatures associated with the subsurface intake pipes. Cooled
intake air is then directed as supply air to a sports field, and/or
to associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas.
[0080] Optional steps of the described method may include filtering
the supply air, as desired. Other optional steps may include
cooling the intake air by one or more mechanical cooling system.
Further optional steps may include passing the air through any one
or more of the various elements, component parts, and subsystems as
have been described more fully hereinabove. Still further optional
steps may include combinations of any of the above described
steps.
[0081] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the subject
matter of the present disclosure, it is noted that the within
disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives,
adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope and
spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present subject
matter is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated
herein, but is only limited by the following claims.
* * * * *