The present application relates to an arrangement for reducing thermal energy loss through a sill assembly of the type used with a door or window. The sill assembly includes at least one sill member. The at least one sill member has a hollow region therein. The sill assembly further includes a baffle disposed within the at least one sill member. The baffle spans a length of the at least one sill member and divides the at least one sill member into a plurality of chambers thereby limiting interaction of warmer air and cooler air within the at least one sill member. The baffle reduces heat transfer through the hollow region via convection.

A ventilation unit is for ventilating an indoor space, and incorporates an air cleaning device and mechanical restrictor for controlling a restriction to a flow resulting from a pressure differential across the unit. There is determination of the inside and outside air pressures in the vicinity of the unit and of air quality parameters inside and outside. The air cleaning device and the mechanical restrictor are controlled in dependence on the determined air pressures and air quality parameters. This provides a fan-less, and hence low-power ventilation unit, which relies on throttling the natural air flow across the unit to provide flow control, and hence enable control of air quality. The air cleaning device may be operated only when the flow is into the inside space, saving power.

An improved double skin facade system for buildings is disclosed. In one embodiment, the double skin facade system is a multi-functional device that can be used in a variety of ways to provide heat, produce and store solar and wind electricity, take advantage of natural and biological properties of plants, and provide cooling and natural ventilation. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of a mounting structure, and multiple columns of interconnected modules. Through the interconnected movable modules, the double skin facade system can easily switch functionalities between a heater, ventilator and cooling system. The device is easy and inexpensive to operate and its functionalities can be changed with simple touches of buttons.

An improved solar heater and ventilator device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the solar heater and ventilator system is a multi-functional device that can be used in a variety of ways to provide heat, produce and store electricity, and provide natural ventilation. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of a main frame, multiple columns of interconnected movable cubes and a distributor panel. Through the interconnected movable cubes, the solar heater and ventilator system can easily switch functionalities between a solar heater and a ventilator and cooling system. The device is easy and inexpensive to operate, as it does not require any external electricity, and its functionalities can be changed with simple touches of buttons.

A coaxial ventilator exchanges atmosphere between parts of a building that are at differing heights. The coaxial ventilator includes an outer conduit that extends from an upper end thereof downward to a lower end thereof. The outer conduit surrounds an inner conduit that extends substantially the entire length of the outer conduit. Both the outer and inner conduits are open at their respective upper ends and lower ends. Temperatures of atmosphere both surrounding and within the outer conduit and the inner conduit induce an exchange of atmosphere between the coaxial ventilator and surrounding atmosphere.

A vapor management system includes a monitoring service system configured to communicate one or more system parameters with at least one vapor mitigation system. The monitoring service system is further configured to generate a user interface. The user interface is configured to display and permit adjustment of the one or more system parameters.

A modular canopy system rests upon a solid surface of the earth. The modular canopy system includes a supporting structure including a plurality of pillars disposed on edges of the solid surface of the earth. The modular canopy system further includes a plurality of modules resting upon the supporting structure. Each of the plurality of modules includes: (i) a hollow frame; (ii) a first translucent plastic layer for shielding the solid surface of the earth from heat and allowing sunlight to enter through; (iii) a second translucent plastic layer for shielding the solid surface of the earth from heat and allowing sunlight to enter through; and (iv) a photovoltaic layer including a plurality of photovoltaic panels for receiving solar radiation and converting the solar radiation to electricity. The modular canopy system further includes a rainwater collection and harvesting module for receiving and collecting rainwater.

A vapor management system includes a monitoring service system configured to communicate one or more system parameters with at least one vapor mitigation system. The monitoring service system is further configured to generate a user interface. The user interface is configured to display and permit adjustment of the one or more system parameters.

A coaxial ventilator exchanges atmosphere between parts of a building that are at differing heights. The coaxial ventilator includes an outer conduit that extends from an upper end thereof downward to a lower end thereof. The outer conduit surrounds an inner conduit that extends substantially the entire length of the outer conduit. Both the outer and inner conduits are open at their respective upper ends and lower ends. Temperatures of atmosphere both surrounding and within the outer conduit and the inner conduit induce an exchange of atmosphere between the coaxial ventilator and surrounding atmosphere.

A vapor management system includes a monitoring service system configured to communicate one or more system parameters with at least one vapor mitigation system. The monitoring service system is further configured to generate a user interface. The user interface is configured to display and permit adjustment of the one or more system parameters.