Cool Air Loop Structure Cooling System

Abstract

A system and method for cooling structures by pulling air underground through corrugated pipe is disclosed. The system allows the air to cool down prior to being pulled back into the structure. The system comprises: a trench located outside the structure; an elongated pipe resting in the trench, having a first end and a second end; a first manifold connected to the first end of the elongated pipe, and a second manifold connected to the second end of the elongated pipe; a first airtight duct connecting the first manifold to the structure, and a second airtight duct connecting the second manifold to the structure; a duct fan coupled to the second set of ducting such that the duct fan causes air to flow through the first airtight duct to the first manifold, then to the elongated pipe, then through the second manifold, then through the second airtight duct back into the structure, thereby cooling the structure due to a naturally cooler temperature of the elongated pipe located in the trench.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This Application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 13/538,876 which was filed on Jun. 29, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to cooling systems and to methods for cooling structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for cooling structures by pulling air underground through corrugated pipe, which allows the air to cool down prior to being pulled back into the structure.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Given the increasing worldwide demand for energy, the need to conserve energy is manifest. A need exists for an energy-efficient cooling system that is installed in the ground for the continuous cooling of air. It will dramatically lower the worldwide demand for energy by reducing the cost of air conditioning. Not only will this cooling system lower the global demand for energy, it will prevent major power outages by lowering the overall demand for electricity needed to run air conditioners. One bonus feature of this system is that it will provide cool air during power outages in structures with extreme high temperatures, thereby saving human and animal life in areas with extreme high temperatures.

SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention

[0004] The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

[0005] The ability to cool structures cost-effectively.

[0006] The ability to cool almost any structure, including, but not limited to, tents, barns, multi-million-dollar homes, temporary structures, permanent structures, new structures, remodeled structures, military structures, residential structures, and commercial structures.

[0007] The ability to cut consumers' costs of air conditioning.

[0008] The ability to prevent major power outages by lowering the overall demand for electricity needed to run air conditioners.

[0009] These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0010] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a trench located outside the structure; an elongated pipe resting in the trench, having a first end and a second end; a first manifold connected to the first end of the elongated pipe, and a second manifold connected to the second end of the elongated pipe; a first airtight duct connecting the first manifold to the structure, and a second airtight duct connecting the second manifold to the structure; a duct fan coupled to the second set of ducting such that the duct fan causes air to flow through the first airtight duct to the first manifold, then to the elongated pipe, then through the second manifold, then through the second airtight duct back into the structure, thereby cooling the structure due to a naturally cooler temperature of the elongated pipe located in the trench.

[0011] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a top view of the Cool Air Loop System, which in this embodiment includes a solar panel.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the trench.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a top view of the manifold

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the manifold.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the manifold.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an end view of the corrugated pipe.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of the corrugated pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0019] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which from a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a system for cooling the interior of a structure comprising: a trench located outside the structure; an elongated pipe having a first end and a second end, wherein the first elongated pipe rests in the trench; a first manifold connected to the first end of the elongated pipe, and a second manifold connected to the second end of the first elongated pipe; a first air duct connecting to the first manifold; a second airtight duct connecting the second structure to the second manifold; a duct fan coupled to the second set of ducting such the duct fan causes air to flow through the first airtight duct to the first manifold, then to the elongated pipe, then though the second manifold, then through the second air duct back into the structure, thereby cooling the structure due to a naturally cooler temperature of the elongated pipe located in the trench.

[0021] The first airtight duct may be connected to the structure thereby allowing air to be recirculated through the system. Preferrably, the trench is at least 5 feet deep and the elongated pipe is corrugated

[0022] The system may further include a plurality of lava rocks covering the elongated pipe ideally located approximately 3 inches above the elongated pipe and further comprising insulation covering the lava rock.

[0023] The insulation may optionally be approximately wherein the insulation is 2 inches thick and resistant to rodents.

[0024] The trench would optimally be backfilled with dirt and be at least 30 feet long;

[0025] They system may be coupled to a thermostat thereby allowing temperature to be controlled.

[0026] As well, the system may comprising a solar electricity system, wherein the duct fan is powered by the solar electricity system.

[0027] Optionally, the system may include a first rubber coupler and a second rubber coupler, wherein the first rubber coupler couples with the first manifold and the second rubber coupler couples with the second manifold.

[0028] The following is a listing of the reference numbers included in the original drawings and the element that each reference number corresponds to and a brief description: [0029] 1. Top view of Cool Air Loop System. The system allows hotter air inside a structure to be cooled by the ground as it is pulled underground through corrugated pipe and cooled, prior to the cooler air being pulled back inside the structure. [0030] 2. Solar Panel. This is an 18 volt solar panel, 15 inches square, which allows relief on the power grid during the hottest part of the day. The system also has a 110 AC and a DC power backup. [0031] 3. Duct Fan. This is a 6 inch duct fan powered either by solar power or by 110 AC. [0032] 4. Structure. The system has the ability to cool almost any structure, including, but not limited to, tents, barns, multi-million-dollar homes, temporary structures, permanent structures, new structures, remodeled structures, military structures, residential structures, and commercial structures. [0033] 5. Air Flow. The arrows show the airflow in the corrugated pipe, which is installed in the main trench, and in the 6 inch PVC plastic pipes, which are installed in trenches dug between each manifold end and the structure. [0034] 5B. Trenches from Manifold Ends to Structure. This shows the trenches that hold the 6 inch PVC plastic pipes, which are dug between each manifold end and the structure, [0035] 6. Manifold. This is the manifold, which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. Two separate manifolds are connected to each end of the corrugated pipe. [0036] 6B. Air Flow. The arrows show the airflow through the corrugated pipe. [0037] 7. Corrugated Pipe. This is the corrugated pipe, which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 and 7. The corrugated pipe is contained in the main trench. [0038] 8. Thermostat. This is the thermostat, which is used to control the interior temperature of the structure. [0039] 9. Return Air Duct. This is the return air duct, which returns hotter air inside the structure to the cool air loop system to be cooled. [0040] 10. Side View of Trench. This is a side view of the main trench that contains the corrugated pipe and the manifolds. [0041] 11. Main Trench. This is the main trench that contains the corrugated pipe and the manifolds. This trench should be dug near the structure, and it should be at least 30 feet in length, 2 feet in width, and 5 feet in depth. [0042] 12. Ground Level. The arrow indicates ground level. [0043] 13. Dirt. The arrow indicates dirt, which is carefully backfilled into the trench above the 2 inch rigid, rodent-proof insulation. [0044] 14. Rigid Insulation. The arrow indicates the 2 inch rigid, rodent-proof insulation, which is installed below the dirt and above the 3 inch lava rock. [0045] 15. Upper Lava Rock. This is the 3 inch lava rock that is installed above the corrugated pipe and the manifolds. [0046] 15B. Lower Lava Rock. This the 3 inch lava rock that is first installed in the empty trench, below the corrugated pipe and the manifolds. [0047] 16. Corrugated Pipe. This is the corrugated pipe that is installed in the trench above the lower 3 inch lava rock and below the upper 3 inch lava rock. [0048] 17. Top View of Manifold. This is a top view of the manifold, which is connected to each end of the corrugated pipe. [0049] 18. Inside Dimension of Manifold. This shows the inside 6 inch dimension of the manifold, which is connected to each end of the corrugated pipe. [0050] 19. Length of Manifold: This shows the 21 inch length of the manifold. [0051] 20. Inch Height of Manifold. This shows the 12.200 inch height of the manifold. [0052] 21. Width of Manifold. This shows the 6.350 inch width of the manifold. [0053] 22. Inside Dimension of Manifold. This shows the 3.350-inch inside dimension of the manifold. [0054] 25. End View of Corrugated Pipe. This shows an end view of the corrugated pipe. [0055] 26. Side View of Corrugated Pipe. This shows a side view of the corrugated pipe. [0056] 27. End Thickness of Corrugated Pipe. This shows the 3/16 inch end thickness of the corrugated pipe. [0057] 28. Field Thickness of Corrugated Pipe. This shows the 1/32 inch field thickness of the corrugated pipe.

Claims

1. A system for cooling the interior of a structure comprising: a. a trench located outside the structure; b. 2 or more elongated corrugated heat exchange pipes made of plastic, each of the elongated heat exchange pipes having a first end and a second end, wherein the elongated pipe rests in the trench, and wherein each of the corrugate elongated pipes are corrugated throughout their length; c. a first manifold connected to the first end of each elongated pipe, and a second manifold connected to the second end of each elongated pipe; d. a first duct with a first end connected to the first manifold and a second end connected to the structure; e. a second duct with a first end connected to the second manifold and a second end connected to the structure; f. a duct fan positioned such that the duct fan blows air out of the second duct creating a partial vacuum which pulls air as follows: from the structure through the first duct to the first manifold, then to the elongated pipes, then though the second manifold, then through the second duct back into the structure, thereby cooling the structure due to a naturally cooler temperature of the trench; g. wherein the first and second ducts are made of PCV pipe, wherein the first and the second manifold have a tapered design comprising: i. a first rectangular portion having a first end and a second end wherein the second end is positioned opposite to the first end ii. wherein the first end of the first rectangular portion connects each manifold to its respective duct; iii. wherein the second end of the first rectangular portion opens into a trapezoidal portion, iv. the trapezoidal portion has a shorter parallel side, a longer parallel side, and 2 non-parallel sides; v. the shorter parallel side connects to the first rectangular portion; vi. the longer parallel side connects to a second rectangular portion, the second rectangular portion having a first elongated side connected to the longer parallel side of the trapezoidal portion, and an opposite elongated side connected to the elongated corrugated pipes, and 2 shorter sides; vii. whereby this tapered design provides more equal air flow among the elongated pipes; h. a first plurality of lava rocks forming a first layer placed in the trench underneath the elongated pipe; i. a second plurality of lava rocks forming a second layer placed in the trench covering the elongated pipe; j. a layer of insulation covering the second layer of lava rocks throughout the length of the trench.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the corrugated heat exchange pipes being no more than 1/16 of an inch thick.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the trench is at least 5 feet deep.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the insulation is 2 inches thick and resistant to rodents.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the trench is backfilled with dirt.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the trench is at least 30 feet long.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a thermostat coupled to the system.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a solar electricity system, wherein the duct fan is powered by the solar electricity system.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second layers of lava rocks are each 3 inches deep.