A structure comprises at least one outer wall having an internal wall section and an outer wall section with an air flow passage therebetween. A circulation system circulates air through the flow passage to inhibit moisture accumulation and mold growth. A sensing system determines the presence of moisture in the flow passage and generates a signal in response thereto. A controller receives the signal from the sensing system and controls the circulation system to maintain a predetermined temperature and relative humidity in the flow passage.

An exterior insulation panel for installation in an exterior building envelope of a building. The insulation panel has an interior face for facing toward an interior space of the building, an exterior face lying opposite the interior face for facing away from the interior space of the building, and a foam core laminated with a perforated exterior facer on one or both faces of the panel, at which the exterior facer defines an uncovered outermost layer of the panel. Each perforated facer comprises openings therein through which moisture is migratable into the foam core during moisture-rich environmental conditions, for temporary holding of the excess moisture until such conditions subside.

Disclosed in the present invention is a structure for blocking heat transfer through a thermal bridge of a curtain wall building, including a curtain wall, an indoor metal frame, an outdoor metal frame and/or metal components, wherein: an integral thermal break strip, which is installed close to an outside and made of an aerogel thermal insulation blanket, is fixed between the indoor metal frame and the curtain wall and/or the outdoor metal frame and/or the metal components. The present invention has simple structure, convenient construction technology, great structural strength, excellent fireproof performance; low comprehensive construction cost and substantially improved energy-saving effect of the curtain wall.

A self-adhesive thermal insulation product is provided. The self-adhesive thermal insulation product includes a fibrous polymeric backing, an adhesive layer, an insulation batt attached to the central adhesive portion, and a release layer. An adhesive tape for home insulation is also provided. The adhesive tape for home insulation includes a fibrous polymeric backing, an adhesive layer on a front surface of the fibrous polymeric backing, and a release layer. An adhesive seal is also provided.

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.

An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a single zone, constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time.

Various apparatuses and methods for use in determining the density of insulation in a building cavity are provided. The density of the insulation can then be used for determining the R-value of the insulation. An insulation density measuring apparatus includes a sound wave source and a sound detecting device, such as a microphone, for measuring the sound wave attenuation of a sound wave that moves between the sound wave source and the sound detecting device through the insulation. The sound wave attenuation measurement is correlated with an insulation density.

A material for energy management and peak energy reduction in a building structure comprises a base construction material or article selected from cement composite; concrete; asphalt; adobe; brick; and stonework. It further comprises a first phase change material dispersed within the base construction material or article; and a functional polymeric phase change material dispersed within the base construction material or article that dynamically absorbs and releases heat to adjust heat transfer at or within a temperature stabilizing range and having at least one phase change temperature in the range between 10 C. and 100 C. and a phase change enthalpy of at least 5 Joules per gram, the functional polymeric phase change material including a plurality of polymer chains, the plurality of polymer chains including a backbone chain and a plurality of side chains, wherein a portion of the plurality side chains are mechanically entangled with the base construction material or article.

The present invention refers to a new concrete composition comprising fiberglass waste and an air-entraining additive. The concrete presents a thermo-insulating performance far superior to conventionally produced concretes. The present invention is mainly intended for the construction industry, in non-structural applications for thermal insulation. The use of fiberglass waste reduces the consumption of natural aggregates and allows for the use of waste which is expense to dispose of.

An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a single zone, constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time.