Patent Abstract:
A system and method for regulating the temperature of a building interior, the building including at least one thermal mass for receiving and holding heat, distribution vents and an air return, the method including receiving and holding heat in the at least one thermal mass, enabling an air flow from the at least one thermal mass using the distribution vents, and returning the air flow to the at least one thermal mass via the air return, wherein the air flow tends to maintain a generally constant temperature in the building.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to devices and/or systems for regulating the temperature in a building, and to methods of making and using such devices and/or systems. In some embodiments, it relates to regulating building temperatures using so-called “green energy,” e.g. using solar and geothermal energy, heat transfer and temperature gradient principles, applicable thermal energy and transfer principles, and structures and/or features of the building to heat and cool the building. 
     Solar and geothermal energy are excellent sources of green energy, i.e. energy typically involving lower levels of carbon dioxide than, for example, burning coal or oil. They are also useful and have been used for temperature regulation in buildings. While there are various systems and methods that use green energies, there is a lack in the art of temperature regulation systems and/or methods optimally harnessing them to cool and heat buildings across different seasons. Additionally, many known methods and systems rely heavily on supplemental energy sources, e.g. fans, pumps, etc., for temperature regulation. 
     Thus, there exists a need for a system and method for efficiently regulating the temperature of a building using radiant solar and geothermal energy. Particularly, there exists a need for a system and method for storing and utilizing solar and geothermal energy such that a building may be kept at a stable temperature across seasons and outside temperature variations. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for regulating the interior temperature of a building, the building including at least one thermal mass for receiving and holding heat and/or remaining relatively colder when it is not receiving heat than when it is, distribution vents and an air return, the method comprising: receiving and holding heat and/or cold in the at least one thermal mass, enabling an air flow across and/or adjacent to the at least one thermal mass using the distribution vents and building shape, and returning the air flow to the at least one thermal mass via the air return, wherein the temperature of the at least one thermal mass is distributed through the building by the air flow. In some embodiments, the air flow is convective and, in some embodiments, wholly free or natural, i.e., not driven to flow by an external power such as a fan. 
     In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for regulating the temperature of a building, including capturing thermal energy in an energy sink, store or storage structure associated with the building. Air is enabled to flow freely and/or naturally from the energy store throughout the building via distribution vents, and is returned to the energy store via a return air shaft. The thermal energy is thus distributed through the building by a cyclical air flow enabled and/or facilitated by structures, features, the arrangement of the structures and/or features, and/or the shape of the building. 
     In one embodiment, a building and system in accordance with the present invention operates passively under the thermal principle that everything wants to be the same temperature. During the day, a thermal mass, or energy sink or storage structure, is exposed to sunlight and absorbs and holds heat; when the energy sink or storage structure is warmer than the building, it releases heat. When it is cooler, it absorbs heat. Thus, a cyclical air flow within the building is generated. 
     The present invention relates to a temperature regulation system and method wherein a building according to the present invention efficiently utilizes solar and geothermal energy to heat and cool the building. In some embodiments, a solarium collects and stores radiant energy from the sun, and conduction draws cold from the ground through the floor or footprint of the building. The solar and/or geothermal energy is then utilized to heat and/or cool the building through conduction and convection, which are enabled, facilitated and/or improved by air flow characteristics of the building. Because the system and method in accordance with the present invention involve using renewable energy sources and passive, or natural or free, air flows, they have a low ecological impact. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational view of an embodiment of a solarium of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2   a  depicts an embodiment of the solarium including an embodiment of solarium roof exhaust vents. 
         FIG. 3  shows a portion of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of a foundation in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   a  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a portion of an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the base of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a portion of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a portion of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view, partially in cross-section, depicting an airflow through an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 10   a , partially in cross-section, depicts an airflow through an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view, partially in cross-section, depicting an airflow through an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 11   a , partially in cross-section, depicts an airflow through an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a portion of a building in accordance with the present invention depicting interaction of sunlight and the building. 
         FIG. 13  is an elevational schematic of an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention depicting interaction of sunlight and the building. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a portion of a building in accordance with the present invention, partially exploded. 
         FIG. 16  depicts an embodiment of a portion of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  depicts an embodiment of a portion of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  depicts an embodiment of a portion of a building in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 18   a  depicts an embodiment of a portion of a chimney in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Any reference to “the invention” herein shall not be construed as a generalization, limitation or characterization of any subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except if and/or where explicitly recited in a claim(s). With regard to fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting components, unless specifically described as otherwise, conventional mechanical fasteners and methods may be used. Other appropriate fastening or attachment methods include adhesives, welding and soldering, including with regard to an electrical system, if any. In embodiments with electrical features or components, suitable electrical components and circuitry, wires, wireless components, chips, boards, microprocessors, inputs, sensors, outputs, displays, control components, etc. may be used. Generally, unless otherwise indicated, the materials for making embodiments and/or components thereof may be selected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys, ceramics, plastics, etc. Unless otherwise indicated specifically or by context, positional terms (e.g., up, down, front, rear, distal, proximal, etc.) are descriptive not limiting. Same reference numbers are used to denote same parts or components. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention. The building  20 , and the temperature regulation system it and/or its features provides and/or enables, includes an interior building space  22  to be temperature regulated, a solarium  24  having one or more solarium windows  26 , an energy storage pool  28 , an apron  30 , an exchange wall  32 , a base  34 , and a chimney  36 , and a computer control system  38 . The energy storage pool  28 , exchange wall  32 , base  34 , and chimney  36  may be referred to and/or thought of as an energy absorber, a thermal mass or simply the mass. The building  20  allows for heat to be received and collected or held by the mass, and for heated and/or cooled air to be cycled through the building  20  back to the mass. The computer system  38 , including a suitable processor and/or control unit and temperature sensors and displays suitably located in the building, may be operably coupled to the solarium windows  26  to mitigate and control heat loss and gain. This may be accomplished by opening and closing, in some embodiments automatically in response to sensed temperatures, the windows  26  to cool and/or heat the building  20 . 
     The solarium  24  receives, collects and stores radiant energy from the sun. This activates cycles of convection and conduction. Conduction allows cool temperature to be pulled from concrete, e.g. in and/or below the base  34 , and/or cool ground beneath the building  20 . Convection means air, heated by the mass, in turn heated by the sun, flows and is distributed throughout the building  20  cyclically. The stored energy combined with the building design moderates and creates a balanced temperature year-round. The energy storage mass provides heat for long periods of cold without sun and, conversely, cool for periods of greater warmth. 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2 , the solarium  24  may be designed to include 45 degree angled windows  26  to catch both the morning and afternoon sun at the southeast and southwest corners, and the roof of the building, and/or solarium, may include one or more skylights  40 . The skylights  40  may be configured to be operable, e.g. openable, to exhaust heat. Suitable sensors (not shown) may be located throughout the building  20 , including near the uppermost or highest interior portion of the building where heat may collect. Opening the skylights  40 , e.g. using small motors coupled to the skylights  40  and controlled by the computer system  38 , vents excess hot air. Other and/or additional vents  41 , including passive exhaust and/or attic-type vents may be used as well. See, for example,  FIG. 2   a . The depicted and described configuration of the solarium  24  maximizes the exposure of the solarium  24  to the sun. Large glass areas allow for maximum capture and storage of the solar radiant energy. In some embodiments, other angles may be used to maximize or minimize sunlight capture by the solarium  24 . The precise angles and exposure to the sun may vary depending on the location of the building  20 . Exposure to sunlight and capture of heat may be further regulated through the use of window coverings, such a blinds or shades, insulated glass or so-called “smart” glass. Such peripherals may expand or restrict the amount of solar energy coming through the solarium glass. Such peripherals, including optional interior, operable glass or window walls  27  may be used to control energy and/or air flow entering the rest of the building  20 . Of course, window coverings and/or smart glass may further be operably coupled to the computer and/or sensor system  38  to automatically vary the window&#39;s transparency to sunlight to adjust energy capture. Sun exposure to the solarium  24  may further be regulated through landscaping options, such as planting trees outside the solarium windows  26 . For example, as latitude increases and decreases, sunlight strikes the building  20  at different angles. In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the angles associated with the solarium  24  may be selected to facilitate capturing and/or reflecting solar energy at a particular location. The solarium apron  30 , formed of, e.g. concrete, may encompass the area below and/or surrounding the solarium windows, and lies between the outside and the pool  28 . Together and/or separately, the apron  30  and pool  28  may be referred to and/or thought of as the main collectors of solar heat. In some milder climates, the pool  28  may not be necessary for heat energy storage. In some embodiments, the pool  28  may be used for potable water storage. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of the solarium interior and the apron  30 . The apron  30  may be black to help collect the maximum radiant energy available, and may be thin to facilitate quick heat transfer and conduction to the pool  28 . Conduction may be pulled down into the pool  28 , then back into the rest of the building for storage. In some embodiments, the solarium  24  may be 25% of the depth of the building to provide a suitable amount of radiant energy capture and storage. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  11  and  12 , the mass functions as a thermal capacitor, i.e., the pool  28 , chimney  36 , exchange wall  32 , and base  34  all permit energy storage. The centrally located chimney  36  may serve as a structural center support for the entire building  20 , in addition to its energy storage function. The mass experiences sunlight and captures energy during the daylight hours through the solarium  24 , and then functions as a heat store or sink during night, as well as during days without sunlight. 
       FIG. 4  and  FIG. 11   a  illustrate embodiments of a foundation  46  for a portion of the building  20 , e.g. under the solarium  24  and the rest of the building. In some embodiments, the foundation  46  may include and/or be thought of as comprising, a footing or base  34 , a solarium base  35 , exchange wall posts  48 , the foundation element  37  and horizontal fins  50 , which also may support the first floor  39 . The exchange wall posts  48  may be one point of contact with the ground. The base  34  may be another point of contact with the ground for cooling purposes, and may be set according to latitude and climate, and in some embodiments, may be made of concrete other suitable material. The base  34  may be set on undisturbed ground, and may include 6 inches of crushed rock or other suitable material (not shown) in the center with rigid insulation. The perimeter of the base  34  may also function as a vapor harrier. In some embodiments, the base  34  may not be part of the heat store, and instead may be part of the outside wall  52 . Multiple, and variable, areas and/or degrees of contact or isolation make a building designed in accordance with the present invention adaptable to many latitudes. For example, more insulation or less insulation may be used between the foundation and the ground depending on latitude and climate. The relatively constant temperature of the ground can be used to draw and store heat or, in the summer, cool, thereby helping to maintain a relatively constant temperature in the mass. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 5   a , above the foundation, i.e. the base  34  and fill material, first floor concrete walls  56  may also be isolated from the foundation according to the location of the building. This may determine the amount and length of heat storage available. Less isolation in southern latitudes will create a shorter heating storage period and cooler level in summer. To further facilitate cold air falling, a door  58  may be added in the air return shaft  60  (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , utilities  62  may be run inside to save breaks of outside walls. The utility channel  62  may further run next to the chimney  36  as pictured, and/or on both sides and/or inside the chimney, as well as in and/or through the foundation or where convenient.  FIG. 6  provides another view of the first floor walls and foundation, which is insulated and provides a vapor barrier from the outside. This arrangement turns the basement into heat store, augmenting the mass. Also observable in  FIG. 6  are the raised basement floors  64 , which may rest on the horizontal fins  50 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the foundation  46 , and the horizontal fins  50 , exchange wall  32 , and pool  28 . Surrounding the pool  28  may be one or more cold air vents  68  to facilitate cool air flow during hot days. In some embodiments, there may be one vent  68  on each side of the pool  28 . The pool  28  may further abut the exchange wall  32 . Within the exchange wall  32  are further vents  68  to promote air flow along the pool/exchange wall  32  to further stimulate cool air transfer. Air is cycled through the exchange wall vents  68 , which exit at the base of the horizontal fins  50 , to be guided among the horizontal fins  50 . The foundation and pool function as cold storage. Cold from the footings and/or earth is backed up into the foundation to fuel cycling through the vents  68 . The vents  68  may be controlled, e.g. opened and/or closed, by suitable operators coupled to the computer/sensor systems  38  to help maintain a substantially constant and stable temperature, e.g. by closing off or separating the solarium from the main living space of the building  20 . The position, structural and operational relationships of building components, e.g., the solarium, solarium base, chimney, exchange wall and foundation may be selected based on, for example, climate and/or the location of the building. With reference to  FIG. 18   a , further vents  69  for controlling and/or modifying the air flow through the building  20  may be associated with the chimney  36 . 
       FIG. 8  further illustrates the structural relationship and/or interaction between the horizontal fins  50 , exchange wall  32 , and the pool  28 . In some embodiments, the pool  28  may be covered. The first floor (see  FIG. 11   a ,  39 ) may rest on the horizontal fins  50 , and may abut the exchange wall  32  to further promote heat and/or cold transfer. The convection airflow or cycle runs under the raised basement floor, hits the exchange wall  32 , and is pulled underneath through the vents  68  at the base. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross section of the pool  28  and apron  30 . As radiant energy is pulled into the pool, heat goes to cold. Part of the convection cycle occurs in the pool  28 . The pool cover (if used), exchange wall  32 , and chimney  36  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) receive direct sunlight. The exchange wall  32  and chimney connect directly to the mass in the first floor, and therefore help to maintain a constant temperature. In colder northern climates, the pool  28  may be isolated from the ground. This may help prevent overcooling or freezing. As cold penetrates the solarium windows  26  above the cold air vents  68 , it falls through the vents  68  into storage underneath. 
       FIGS. 10 ,  10   a ,  11 ,  11   a  and  11   b  illustrate an embodiment of an air flow cycle for maintaining constant temperature according to the method of the present invention. Starting at the base  34  of the building  20 , air rising from the exchange wall  32 , pool  28 , and chimney mass cycles inside the building  20  to distribute heat or cold throughout the building  20 . For example, heat rises from the mass adjacent to the first floor, and is guided into the second floor by a third floor extension  70  over the solarium as shown. The remainder of the air continues to rise to the third floor  72 . As the warm air rises, it is distributed throughout the home cyclically. As it cools, it may be guided down the return air shaft  60 . The return air shaft  60  may run from the third floor all the way down to the base  34  of the building  20  to facilitate an efficient air cycle. The location of the return air shaft in the pointed structure of the building  20  helps minimize temperature “dead spots” within the building  20 , where temperatures are not regulated due to lack of air flow. The air flow may then encounter the raised basement floor  74  and be guided across the horizontal fins  50 . As the air hits the exchange wall  32 , the heat within the mass may be carried with the air, which may then be pushed out the exchange wall vents  68 , and up into the solarium  24  to continue the cycle. 
       FIGS. 11 and 11   a  provide another view depicting the air flow cycle. Air runs underneath the raised basement floor until it encounters the vents  68  at the base of the exchange wall  32 . The air is then drawn up through the vents  68  against the mass, and the cycle repeats. The heated air then rises up the solarium  24  and into the upper second and third floors  72  to be drawn across the building  20 . As shown, the third floor  72  may be located underneath eaves  78  to provide additional protection from the weather. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  depict the varying angles of sunlight that may impact the solarium  24  during different months in different locations. For example, in June at noon, the sun angle may be 73.5 degrees, while in winter, a much more gentle 27 degree. A roof overhang  80 , above and/or part of the solarium  24 , may be selected and/or adjusted for more or less shade coverage to maximize sunlight in colder climates during the winter months, while not permitting overheating during the summer.  FIG. 13  is a cross section of the building  20  schematically depicting how the angle of the sun affects heat gain throughout the building  20 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  are exploded views of an embodiment of a building and temperature regulation system, and components of the building  20 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. The building components are commonly numbered in accordance with the preceding Figs.  FIG. 15  shows the pool  28 , apron  30  and exchange wall  32  separated from the building  20  to show how the air flow cycle extends under the basement floor  86  above the fins  50 . 
       FIGS. 16-18  further depict the relationship among building components, including the pool  28 , exchange wall  32 , vents  68  and fins  50 , and how they and their location and structural relationship contribute to the conductive and/or convective flows provided and/or enabled by embodiments of the present invention. 
     A building and system in accordance with the present invention may be constructed and/or composed of suitable sustainable and/or renewable materials and resources, e.g. wood, stone, recycled material, etc. This can have the added benefit of safer construction and manufacturing processes, while maintaining long lasting structures. While the embodiments illustrated in the Figs. generally reflect a building model with dimensions of 48 feet north to south and a solarium with a depth of 12 feet, the building may be scaled up or down to facilitate larger or smaller needs. Further, the building may be more or less insulated from the ground depending on the climate, and may have suitable insulation between the first floor walls and the ground to prevent heat exchange. In some embodiments, additional vents between interior areas and/or between interior and exterior may be used, and vents may be shifted in location according to circulation needs and/or building location. Within the United States, northern buildings are generally in colder climates and therefore should be capable of storing heat longer, while southern buildings require less heat storage, and therefore less insulation from the ground. Some embodiments according to the present invention may use approximately 25% of the building surface area for windows, and 25% of the building area for heat storage. However, other ratios are also possible while maintaining a substantially constantly regulated building temperature. 
     An appendix is attached, and shows exemplary specifications, operational and performance factors and calculations for exemplary embodiments of a building and system in accordance with the present invention. 
     Embodiments of the present invention, including preferred embodiments, have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms and steps disclosed. The embodiments were chosen and described to illustrate the principles of the invention and the practical application thereof, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8