ENERGY RECOVERY APPARATUS

Abstract: Building structure comprising wall and/or roof element(s) (1) for retrieval of energy and for transmitting daylight into the building structure. The novel and inventive features of the invention are a double shell (2) in each wall and/or roof element (1), having a first layer (3) facing the exterior surroundings and being adapted for transmitting incident solar radiation into the building, and a second layer (4) separating the interior of the building structure from a climate zone (5) between the first and the second layer, a duct system (6) which preferably is adapted for natural ventilation and which is integrated with the building structure, a first liquid circulation system (7) which forms an integrated part of the building structure, adapted for exploiting solar energy, daylight transmitter(s) (8) arranged in each wall and/or roof element (1) for transmitting daylight into the interior of the building structure, a sun screening means (9) arranged on the exterior side of the double shell (2), exposed to the surrounding, and a control system (10) comprising sensors at least for incident solar radiation and adapted at least for controlling the sun screening means (9). An important aspect of the invention is that energy and light is utilised by means of co-operation between the double shell (2), the duct system (6), the first liquid circulation system (7), each of the daylight transmitters (8), the sun screening meand (9) and the control system (10).

Description: ENERGY RECOVERY APPARATUS The present invention relates to a building structure comprising wall and/or roof element (s) for retrieving energy and transmitting daylight into the building body. Background of the Invention Energy consumption in buildings is for the time being strongly increasing. This is considered to be detrimental, as the energy resources in nature are deemed to be limited. Thus, it is an object to reduce the energy consumption, indirectly resulting in reduced energy costs. Development of so-called environmental effective buildings requires a new manner of approach with respect to the construction of the building structure. It should be acknowledged that wall and/or roof elements facing the sunny side(s) of the building can have a different design and structure, and other properties than facade (s) facing away from the sun. The reason is that the building structure should be adapted to the climatic conditions, primarily to the condition of sun and sunlight. Thus, the energy requirement can to a substantial degree be reduced, while the admission of daylight into the building structure can be substantially enhanced. The following table should be noted, which specifies the number of sunny hours in several cities in Norway: Table 1 : Number of sunny hours in certain towns in Norway. It should be noted that the sun also provides substantial amounts of energy in the period from March/April to September/October, and not only during the three summer months . Solar energy has so far been a lowly exploited energy resource. If only a fraction of the incoming solar radiation may be retrieved, e.g., for heating purposes, this will result in reduced energy consumption and indirectly to reduced energy costs. The use of daylight for lighting purposes leads to reduced need for electricity-consuming illumination means, such as lamps. Natural ventilation of buildings involves briefly explained utilising the temperature difference between the indoor air and the surrounding air outside the building, making the warm air within the building to flow upwardly and is vented near the top of the building, while air inlets commonly is located close to the ground for supply of fresh air. In hot weather, circulating fans, or similar, may be required in order to increase the pressure difference. Such a combined system is called a hybrid ventilation system. On the background of the above, a building structure is developed, comprising integrated technical solutions for ventilation, heating, lighting and cooling. Prior Art US patent No. 4,642,958 describes a building wherein a natural ventilation system is applied for circulating air through the building body, the outer wall being made of bricks. No ventilation of the interior of the building structure, and incident solar radiation is not utilised, neither for the purpose of energy retrieval nor for lighting the interior of the building structure by means of daylight. US patent No. 5,524,381 describes a building wherein solar cell panels constitute the roof elements of the building. Neither natural nor hybrid ventilation is utilised for ventilating the building. Further, no disclosure of cooperation between multiple co-function between several thermal engineering means and ventilation means and utilisation of daylight has been described. In addition, this solution is considered to be expensive. US patent No. 5,384,994 discloses a building on which daylight transmitters are arranged on the roof. The building comprises a control system for the usage of energy. Ventila- tion takes place in a conventional manner, by means of forced circulation of air (fans) . None of the patent publications desribed above disclose the use of double shells comprising a climate zone. Neither are several heat and ventilation installations combined with daylight transmitter (s) for lighting purposes. The building structure according to the invention is a relatively cost effective solution, and can be standardised or tailor made according to requirements. The various elements can advantageously be pre-manufactured for assembly at the construction site. The reduction of energy consumption for such a solution is substantial, even for conditions as far north as Norway, which leads to reduced energy costs. Summary of the invention A building structure is developed, comprising wall and/or roof element (s) for retrieval of energy and for transmitting daylight into the building structure. Novel and inventive features of the invention is a double shell in each wall and/or roof element, having a first layer facing the exterior surroundings and being adapted for transmitting incident solar radiation into the building, and a second layer separating the interior of the building structure from a climate zone between the first and the second layer, a duct system which preferably is adapted for natural ventilation and which is integrated with the building structure, a first liquid circulation system which forms an integrated part of the building structure, adapted for exploiting solar energy, daylight transmitter (s) arranged in each wall and/or roof element for transmitting daylight into the interior of the building structure, a sun screening means arranged on the exterior side of the double shell, exposed to the surroundings, and a control system comprising sensors at least for incident solar radiation and adapted at least for controlling the sun screening means. Energy and light is utilised by means of co-operation between the double shell, the duct system, the first liquid circulation system, each of the daylight transmitters, the sun screening means and the control system. An object of the invention is to provide a building structure in which the energy consumption is reduced compared to conventional building structures. An important aspect of the present invention is the interaction between installations in the building structure for heating, ventilation and lighting purposes. Another object of the invention is to utilise daylight in as great an extent as possible, in order to reduce the consumption of man made energy for lighting purposes. Because the replacement of air preferably takes place by natural ventilation, an advantage of the building structure according to the invention is that a better interior climate is achieved, compared to conventional building structures . A further advantage is that each wall and/or roof element, including required installations, such as, e.g., ventilation, heating, or similar, can be adapted to the building structure as required, both for new buildings and on buildings to be refurbished. Adaptions might be performed in co-operation with architects and/or civil engineers. However, each wall and/or roof element may also be pre- manufactured and standardised for assembly at the construction site. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 shows a schematic and simplified horizontal cross section through a building structure according to the invention, figure 2 shows a schematic and simplified vertical cross section through the building structure according to the invention, showing a pattern of air circu- lation within the building, figure 3 shows a cross section taken partly along the line A-A in figure 1, in which a sun screening means is included, a first liquid circulating system, and daylight transmitter (s) , figure 4 is a schematic and simplified view of the second liquid circulating system, figure 5 is a section through a lamella, which in a strongly simplified manner indicates the operational mode for lamellas of the sun screening means, figure 6 shows a section through a lamella with a portion of a second liquid circulation system, figure 7 shows a simplified section through a portion of the building structure located proximate to each wall and/or roof element and a portion of the building body located proximate to the opposite side of the each wall and/or roof element, figure 8 shows a schematic and simplified diagram of an exit, such as an escape route or similar, which is situated in a climate zone between a first layer and a second layer in a double shell. The present invention will be described more detailed below, referring to the drawings and the claims. Detailed dscription of a preferred embodiment of the invention Figure 1 shows a simplified and schematic horizontal section through a building structure according to the invention, comprising wall and/or roof element (s) for retrieval of energy and transmittal of daylight. A double shell 2 is arranged in each wall and/or roof element 1, having a first layer 3 facing the exterior surroundings and being adapted for transmitting incident solar radiation into the building, and a second layer 4 separating the interior of the building structure from a climate zone 5 between the first and the second layer. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second layer 3,4 in the double shell 2 have different transmission properties for incident solar radiation. According to one solution this implies that light is transmitted through both layers 3,4, and that heat radiation is transmitted through the first layer 3, but in a lesser degree, or not at all, through the second layer 4. The first and second layer is preferably made of glass. A duct system 6 is preferably adapted for natural ventilation and is integrated with the building structure. The duct system 6 can also be adapted for hybrid ventilation, which is particularly advantagous in hot days. Hybrid ventilation implies that circulation fans or similar are applied, in addition to natural ventilation for circulating air through the building structure. The duct system 6 may according to one embodiment of the invention comprise at least one ventilation duct 16 arranged in connection with each wall and/or roof element 1. For further utilisation of wall and/or roof areas, sun energy absorbers 17, such as e.g. solar panels or similar, may be arranged on the wall(s) 16A of the ventilation duct(s) 16, facing the surroundings. Figure 2 schematically shows the principle of air circulation through the building. Air enters at the lower end of the room and exits the room close to the ceiling. Further, used air ascends upwards through the duct system, e.g. through the venting duct 16. Below the wall and/or roof element (s), a separate room 21, for housing required technical equipment and machinery. The idea is to assemble all technical installations in one place. For supply of incoming air from the surroundings outside the building, the duct system 6 comprises a culvert duct 18 from the surroundings of the building, extending through the ground to each wall and/or roof element 1. According to one embodiment of the invention, a cooling system for the building structure is based on the duct system 6, for flow of outdoor air, which is relatively colder than the indoor air, through the interior of the building structure. Cooling by means of this principle is particularly relevant in hot seasons, in which cool night air can be used for cooling the building. A first liquid circulation system 7 is incorporated in the building structure for utilising solar energy, as indicated in figures 3 and 4. Heat energy emanating from the incident solar radiation may be absorbed by the circulating fluid and is circulated through the building structure for heating purposes. The circulating liquid in the first liquid circulation system 7 is preferably water, but also other types of liquids may be used, in particular liquids having high heat capacity. The first liquid circulation system 7 may according to one embodiment of the invention comprise at least a solar energy absorber 12 arranged in each wall and/or roof element 1 for absorption of solar energy. Each solar energy absorber may preferably be arranged below a window section 11 in each wall and/or roof element 1. It is an object to utilise as much of the wall area as possible for retrieval of energy and utilisation of daylight. For lighting purposes, daylight tracking reflector (s) 8 is/are arranged in each wall and/or roof element 1 for transmitting daylight to the interior of the building structure. Transmittal of the daylight to the interior of the building structure can be achieved by means of a system of reflectors, as shown in figure 3, or any other arrangement to the purpose. Each daylight reflector 8 is preferably arranged adjacent to a window section 11 in each wall and/or roof element 1, but can also be arranged in any other suitable manner. Figure 3 also shows an embodiment of the sun screening means 9 arranged on the exterior side of the double shell 2 , facing the surroundings . The purpose of the sun screening means is to allow daylight to enter into the building, while infrared sun rays are collected and extracted in order to prevent the temperature within the building structure from becoming uncomfortably high. According to one embodiment of the invention, the sun screening means 9 comprises lamellas 14 , arranged at a certain distance apart . According to a preferred embodiment the lamellas 14 are dark on the exterior side and light on the interior side for facilitating absorbtion of heat energy. In addition to the first liquid circulation system 7, a second liquid circulation system 15 can be incorporated in the lamellas 14 of the sun screening means 9, the purpose being to absorb even more solar energy. This is shown in figures 4-6. Means for liquid communication can advantageously be arranged between the first and the second liquid circulation system 7,15. Referring now to figures 3-5, a control system 10 comprising sensors for monitoring at least the incident solar radiation is arranged in connection with the building. The control system is at least adapted to control the sun screening means 9. As indicated in figures 4 and 5, the lamellas 14 can be rotatably arranged in order to be adjusted in accordance with the solar inclination. A conventional electric motor or similar can be used for rotating the lamellas 14 of the sun screening means 9. Between the lamellas 14, flexible means 25 such as, e.g., pipe muffs of rubber or metal, may be arranged in order to prevent leakage form the liquid circulation system of the lamellas 14, as shown in figure 6. In another embodiment, the control system 10 can also comprise sensors for monitoring the content of C0 2 in the air within the building and/or the temperature, e.g. for monitoring the supply of fresh air. The control system 10 may also comprise exhaustion control mechanisms in the duct system 6, preferably in the form of throttle valves 21 in each ventilation duct for exhaustion of "used" air. An important feature of the building structure according to the present invention is utilisation of energy and light at least in cooperation with the double shell shell structure 2, the duct system 6, the first liquid circulating system 7, each daylight transmitter 8, the sun screening means 9 and the control system 10. This involves reduced energy consumption in connection with heating and lighting of the building structure. If the energy consumption is reduced by 10%, this will also cause reduced cost of energy. The body of the building structure 20 as such can be an accumulator of thermal energy, thereby controlling the temperature within the building structure. The portion of the building structure situated on the far side of each wall and/or roof element 1, may be given a larger building mass than the part of the building body being close to the wall and/or roof element 1. In this manner, a more even temperature distribution is achieved, thereby avoiding large temperature variations. Reference is made to figure 7. Figure 8 shows that exits from the building structure, such as escape routes 19 or similar, can be arranged in the climate zone 5, for optimal utilisation of available space.

Claims: C l a i m s 1. Building structure comprising wall and/or roof element (s) (1) for retrieval of energy and for transmitting daylight into the building structure, c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y a double shell (2) in each wall and/or roof element (1) , having a first layer (3) facing the exterior surroundings and being adapted for transmitting incident solar radiation into the building, and a second layer (4) separating the interior of the building structure from a climate zone (5) between the first and the second layer, a duct system (6) which preferably is adapted for natural ventilation and which is integrated with the building structure, a first liquid circulation system (7) which forms an integrated part of the building structure, adapted for exploiting solar energy, daylight transmitter (s) (8) arranged in each wall and/or roof element (1) for transmitting daylight into the interior of the building structure, a sun screening means (9) arranged on the exterior side of the double shell (2), exposed to the surroundings, and a control system (10) comprising sensors at least for incident solar radiation and adapted at least for controlling the sun screening means (9) ; whereby energy and light is utilised by means of cooperation between the double shell (2) , the duct system (6) , the first liquid circulation system (7) , each of the daylight transmitters (8) , the sun screening means (9) and the control system (10) . 2. Building structure according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n t h a t the first and the second layer (3,4) in the double shell (2) have different transmission properties for incident solar radiation. 3. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t daylight transmitters (8) is located above a window section (11) in each wall and/or roof element (1) . 4. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the control system (10) comprises sensors for monitoring and controlling the C0 2 content and/or the temperature of the internal air. 5. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the circulation liquid in the first liquid circulation system (7) is water. 6. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n t h a t the first liquid circulation system (7) comprises at least a solar energy absorber (12) arranged on each wall and/or roof element (1) . 7. Building structure according to claim 6, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n t h a t each solar absorber is arranged below a corresponding window section (11) on each wall and/or roof element (1) . 8. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the sun screening means (9) comprises lamellas (14) for retrieval of further solar energy. 9. Building structure according to claim 8, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n t h a t the second liquid circulation system (15) is arranged in conjunction with the lamellas (14) of the sun screening means (9) for retrieval of further solar energy. 10. Building structure according to claim 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the lamellas (14) have a dark exterior surface and a light interior surface for appropriate absorption of solar energy. 11. Building structure according to claims 9-10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y liquid connection between the first and the second liquid circulation system (7,15). 12. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the duct system (6) comprises at least a ventilation shaft (16) arranged in connection with each wall and/or roof element (1) . 13. Building structure according to claim 12, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t solar absorbers (17) , such as solar cell panels or similar, are placed on the wall(s) (16A) of the ventilation shaft (16) facing the surroundings . 14. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n t h a t the control system (10) comprises control means in the duct system (6) for exhausting air, preferably in the form of valves (21) in each ventilation shaft. 15. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d b y a cooling system for the building structure based on the duct system (6) , for flow of outdoor air, which is relatively colder than the indoor air, through the interior of the building structure. 16. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the duct system (6) comprises a culvert (18) extending from the surroundings outside the building structure, through the ground to each wall and/or roof element (1) for supply of incoming air from the surroundings of the building structure. 17. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n t h a t exits from the building structure, such as escape routes (19) or similar, are arranged in the climate zone (5) . 18. Building structure according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n t h a t the body of the building structure (20) as such function as an accumulator of heat energy for controlling the temperature inside the building structure, and that the portion of the building structure being close to the far and opposite side of each wall and/or roof element has a larger mass than the part of the building structure being close to the wall and/or roof element (1) .

Inventors: BRATAAS JAN, BRATAAS, JAN
Applicants: BRATAAS JAN, SOERVEGGEN AS, BRATAAS, JAN
Application year: 2001
Main classification: E04B1
IPC codes: E06B9, F21S11, F24F5, F24J2