Solar Attic, Inc.

Attic Technology, Inc.

Edward G Palmer

Ephraim M Sparrow

The apparatus can distribute and collect air. As a collector, a fan draws air from the proximal end of an elongated tube disposed in an air-environment. The tube is closed at the distal end but receives air all along its length through its air-permeable wall. The wall is more permeable to air at its distal end than at its proximal end. Wall permeability gradually increases from the proximal end to the distal end so that a substantially constant rate of air ingestion occurs at all points along the wall. A reversal of the airflow direction converts the air collector into an air distributor for distributing air evenly along its length.

Air distributor or collector

A self-sufficient apparatus and method for conveying solar heat energy from an attic (20) under a solar energy absorbing roof (10) to a place remote from the attic. A synergetic combination of in-attic air controlling devices such as fans and motorized vents (40a, 40b) are energized by stored electrical energy generated by a sunlight-to-electrical-energy panel (14), located adjacent the roof. The panel, preferably a photovoltaic array, has a limited size, providing just sufficient electrical energy to operate the electrical elements of the apparatus. It will not impair the heat absorbing capability of the roof and can be located where it is not aesthetically objectionable. In a preferred embodiment a forced-air-to-water heat exchanger (30) provides solar heated domestic hot water (90). In another embodiment solar heated attic air is drawn into a fan (50) and forced via a duct to another part of the building (100).

Self-sufficient apparatus and method for conveying solar heat energy

The 'unmodified' roof (32) and 'unmodified' attic (34), of a residential or similar building, are used in conjunction with an 'attic based' air to liquid forced air heat exchanger (46) to form an active 'attic solar energy vehicle'. This solar (30) based system is used to heat swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, domestic hot water and in providing space heating/cooling and in cooling overheated swimming pools or other bodies of water--in a cost efficient way. Low operating cost forced air convection principles that make use of the temperature differentials present are applied. The 'unmodified' roof (32) functions as a massive solar (30) collector. The 'unmodified' attic (34) functions as a heat transfer and storage medium. The forced air to liquid heat exchanger (46) takes hot attic (34) air directly off of the interior of the roof structure (32) and transfers it to water or other liquid. When used for swimming pool (76) heating, the 'attic solar energy vehicle' can save 90% of the fossil fuel normally required to heat swimming pools (76). In addition, an active solar energy system is presented without the corresponding problems associated with roof (32) mounted solar panel systems.

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Elk River, MN, United States of America

Edward G Palmer