Managing air flow

Abstract

Enclosure assemblies for managing air flow. Such assemblies include an enclosure and at least one inclined pathway in contact with the enclosure, each pathway including a pair of side wall portions and a top wall portion that collectively extend between spaced apart openings to define an air mass. One opening having a lower boundary and the other opening having an upper boundary, with the lower boundary being at an elevation higher than that of the upper boundary, such that when a temperature differential exists within a given pathway, warmer air will be trapped in an upper portion of the air mass and above the upper boundary, thereby impeding air flow from the enclosure.

Claims

1. An enclosure assembly for managing air flow, comprising: an enclosure forming a cavity and accessible by at least one first opening; at least one inclined pathway in contact with the enclosure and accessible to the at least one first opening, the inclined pathway bordered by a pair of laterally-spaced side wall portions and a top wall portion, the side and top wall portions extending downwardly from the first opening to at least one second opening, the inclined pathway together with said side and top wall portions sealably cooperating with the enclosure to contain an air mass therein, the first opening having a lower boundary and the second opening having an upper boundary, with the lower boundary of the first opening being at an elevation higher than that of the upper boundary of the second opening; and a conditioned air flow source configured to form an air flow across and/or along an air barrier layer at or above the inclined pathway and extending between the side wall portions below the lower boundary and above the upper boundary; wherein, when there is a temperature differential above the inclined pathway, warmer air will be trapped above the air barrier layer, thereby impeding migration of warm air from the enclosure through the air barrier layer and through the second opening.

2. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one inclined pathway includes an assembly line.

3. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein the conditioned air flow source includes at least one blower.

4. The enclosure assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one blower is substantially horizontally aligned with the lower boundary of the first opening.

5. The enclosure assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one blower includes a plurality of blowers, which are operable to deliver the air flow to the air barrier layer in a substantially horizontal direction.

6. The enclosure assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one blower is operable in conjunction with a heat source and/or a number of heat ducts.

7. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein the conditioned air flow source includes a number of ducts for delivering the air flow to the air barrier layer.

8. The enclosure assembly of claim 7, wherein one of the ducts is in communication with an interior space of the enclosure for drawing warm air therefrom.

9. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein the conditioned air source includes a heat source.

10. The enclosure assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one first opening includes a plurality of first openings, each with a corresponding inclined pathway.

11. An enclosure assembly for managing air flow, comprising: an enclosure forming a cavity to contain an air mass and including a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening; a first inclined pathway, in contact with the enclosure at the first opening and extending downwardly from the first opening to a third opening; a second inclined pathway, in contact with the enclosure at the second opening and extending downwardly from the second opening to a fourth opening; each inclined pathway bordered by a pair of laterally-spaced side wall portions, and a top wall portion; each of the inclined pathways together with the corresponding side and top wall portions sealably cooperating to define respective first and second air masses; and each of the first and second openings having a lower boundary and the corresponding third and fourth openings having an upper boundary, the lower boundary of each of the first and second openings being at an elevation higher than that of the upper boundary of each of the corresponding third and fourth openings; and at least one conditioned air flow source configured to form an air flow across and/or along an air barrier layer at or above each inclined pathway and extending between the first and third openings and between the second and fourth openings, respectively; wherein, when there is a temperature differential above a given pathway, warmer air will be trapped above the air barrier layer, thereby impeding migration of warmer air flow from the enclosure through the air barrier layer and through the corresponding third or fourth opening.

12. The enclosure assembly of claim 11, further comprising a conveyor extending upwardly from the fourth opening and along the second pathway, the conveyor entering the second opening, through the enclosure, and exiting the first opening and extending downwardly along the first pathway to the third opening.

13. The enclosure assembly of claim 11, wherein the conditioned air flow source includes at least one blower.

14. The enclosure assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one blower includes a plurality of blowers, each substantially horizontally aligned with the lower boundary of the corresponding first and/or second opening.

15. The enclosure assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one blower includes a plurality of blowers which are operable to deliver the air flow to the air barrier layer in a substantially horizontal direction.

16. The enclosure assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one blower is operable in conjunction with a heat source and/or a number of heat ducts.

17. The enclosure assembly of claim 11, wherein the conditioned air flow source includes a number of ducts for delivering the air flow to the air barrier layer of each inclined pathway.

18. The enclosure assembly of claim 17, wherein one of the ducts is in communication with an interior space of the enclosure for drawing warm air therefrom.

19. The enclosure assembly of claim 11, wherein the conditioned air flow source includes a heat source.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a side cross sectional view of an entranceway of enclosure;

(3) FIGS. 1a and 1b are side cross sectional views of an entranceway with a vehicle;

(4) FIG. 1c is a side cross sectional view of a portion of the entranceway and a blower;

(5) FIGS. 1d and 1e is a top perspective view of the entranceway of the enclosure;

(6) FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view of the entranceway of the enclosure with a pedestrian; and

(7) FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view of the two entranceways of an enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

(8) Referring to the figures, there is provided an entranceway 10 to an enclosure 12 having a first opening 14. The entranceway has a frame 16 including a pair of laterally-spaced side wall portions 18 and a top wall portion 20. The frame 16 is adapted to be in contact with an exterior wall 22 of the enclosure 12 and in surrounding relation to the first opening 14. The side wall portions 18 extend outwardly from the exterior wall 22. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1a, there is an inclined pathway 24 that, in cooperation with the side and top wall portions 18 and 20, defines a second opening 26 that is distally located to the exterior wall 22. The first opening 14 has a lower boundary 28 and the second opening 26 has an upper boundary 30. The lower boundary 28 is at an elevation higher than that of the upper boundary 30. As will be discussed, when there is a temperature differential within the entranceway 10, the warmer air will be trapped, or otherwise contained, in an upper portion 32 of the entranceway 10 and above the upper boundary 30.

(9) As illustrated in FIG. 1b, the pathway 24 may have at least one portion which is inclined, that is by having a distal inclined portion adjacent the second opening 26 and a substantially horizontal (or non-inclined) portion adjacent the first opening 14. However, the converse may also be used in other cases as desired. FIG. 2 illustrates another example which employs two inclined portions joined by an individual horizontal portion.

(10) The frame 16 may be constructed of steel or other suitable materials. The frame 16 may be a retrofit to an existing enclosure and may be sold as a kit (to be discussed later) or may be incorporated in the construction of a new enclosure. The side and top wall portions 18 and 20, in this example, may be provided with a level or grade (such as an R value) of insulation that provides adequate insulation. Generally, the greater the R value of insulation, the greater the ability of the enclosure to function in its role as a trap for warm air. In other words, the greater the control or reduction of heat dissipation, the greater the operating efficiency of the entrance way in its function to trap or contain warm air. This may be particularly the case where the entranceway is exposed to the relatively cold environments, such as during the winter months, presenting a large temperature differential between the trapped warm air inside the enclosure and the exterior ambient air. Thus, in one example, one or more of the side wall and top wall portions may have an R value ranging from 0.1 to 70. In another example, one or more of the side wall and top wall portions may have an R value ranging from 1 to 45. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a first layer 50 for establishing an operating boundary layer and a second insulating layer 52 may be provided. The first and second layers 50 and 52, respectively may each be comprised of wood, glass, concrete or combinations thereof so as to provide protection from the elements and insulation.

(11) As shown in FIG. 1d, each entranceway has a single opening in the enclosure. However, as illustrated in FIG. 1e, the enclosure may have several first openings 14 (for example to provide access to neighbouring loading docks). Further, the second opening 26 may be of a reduced width relative to the laterally-spaced side wall portions.

(12) The inclined pathway 24 and the side and top wall portions 18 and 20 cooperate to form a cavity 34 within the entranceway 10 to define an air mass 36 therein.

(13) In this case, the top wall portion 20 may be formed with a flat, domed, A-framed or other configuration, provided that it provides, with the side wall portions, the cavity 34 in a form to effectively receive and contain the air mass 36. As illustrated in FIG. 1 at 38, an air barrier layer may be created between a relatively warmer air region 40 and a relatively cooler air region 42. In this case, the inclined pathway 24 may include a prepared or unprepared ground surface, a layer of concrete and/or other building materials, and may also be formed to provide a level of insulation in order to moderate the relatively cooler air region 42, thus lowering the temperature differential between the relatively warmer air region 40 and the relatively cooler air region 42. While not intending to be bound to any one particular operating configuration, the enclosure in one example, may be considered to be working effectively with a relatively warmer air region 40 when being maintained at a temperature ranging from 29.8 to 42.0 degree Celsius when the relatively cooler air region 42 has a temperature ranging from 21.6 to 28.2 degree Celsius, with the exterior ambient air outside the enclosure at a temperature ranging from 16.8 to 17.1 degree Celsius. As with any gas, air contains molecules that move or agitate. This movement or agitation becomes greater as the temperature rises and the molecules occupy more space. This causes the mass of the air to expand. Although the total mass of the air has not changed, it occupies a greater volume, so any given cubic area will be lighter. Thus the air barrier layer 38, in dead calm conditions, may be generally horizontal. However, the air barrier layer 38 may bend or fluctuate away from the static horizontal position shown.

(14) It should be borne in mind that the air barrier layer, in this case, may only be identifiable by a relatively sharp temperature transition between the warmer and cooler air regions 40 and 42, such as a temperature transition of 10 to 20 degrees Celsius over the distance of about 6 to about 18 inches, for instance. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the air barrier layer 38 may not occupy a discrete region but may represent instead a transition zone between the relatively warmer air region 40 and the relatively cooler air region 42.

(15) Now referring to FIGS. 1, 1a and 1b, the pathway 24 may be used for vehicular, pedestrian and/or wheelchair use. Other uses have been contemplated, for example in manufacturing wherein the pathway may be a conveyor or an assembly line, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, the pathway may travel through a heated enclosure having a first entranceway leading into the enclosure and a second entranceway leading out. The heated air mass is trapped within the cavity created by the side and top wall portions of each entranceway.

(16) Now referring to FIG. 1c, the enclosure may be provided with one or more blowers, one of which is shown at 44 to increase air flow across or along the air barrier layer 38. In this example, the blower 44 is associated with the enclosure 12 just under the lower boundary 28 of the first opening 14. In another configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the blower 44 (in this case in a group of blowers) may be perpendicular to the pathway 24 and thus blowing in a sideways direction rather than lengthwise as is the case with the blower 44 in FIG. 1c. In yet another example, the blower may work in conjunction with, or be replaced by, a heat source for conditioning the air mass. In the example of FIG. 1c, the heat source 46 is provided in the form of a number of heat ducts 46, and is associated with blower 44 for continuously circulating warm air 40 within the entranceway 10 to enhance the air barrier layer 38. The heat source 46 may be, for example, a natural gas heater, or other fossil fuel or electric heater, and is associated with the entranceway. Alternatively, the heat source may be provided in the form of a duct in communication with an interior space of the enclosure or another heat source inside the enclosure for drawing warm air from the enclosure to the warmer air region. Another example for providing a heat source 46 for the entranceway 10 may be to heat the pathway 24 or a portion of the pathway 24, by way of radiant heating circuits, such as by electrical or circulating heating fluid for instance.

(17) As illustrated in FIG. 1b, there may be provided at least one venting unit 48 to remove fumes from inside the cavity 34 and/or to draw in fresh air thereto. In this example, the venting unit 48 is located in the top wall portion 20. There may also be a venting unit for use in the summer months to regulate the temperature differential within the entranceway. Further, there may be an additional trap with a vent for fumes as illustrated in FIG. 1b at 49.

(18) There may also be provided, a kit or combination of parts for retrofitting an entranceway to an enclosure. The kit or combination of parts may include a frame comprising a pair of laterally-spaced side wall portions and a top wall portion. The kit may also include fasteners for assembly of the frame and/or attachment of the frame to an exterior wall of the enclosure in a surrounding relation to the first opening. The side wall portions are assembled in an outwardly extending fashion from the exterior wall. In this case, the walls may either cover an existing inclined pathway or a pathway may be constructed so that the upper boundary 30 of the second opening is below the lower boundary 28 of the first opening 14. The kit may further include one or more heat sources, fans and/or vents or the like.

(19) The entranceway manages air flow by providing a cavity created by a pair of laterally-spaced side wall portions and a top wall portion. The side wall portions extend outwardly from the exterior wall and, with the top wall portions, cooperate to define a second opening projecting from the exterior wall. The second opening is arranged so that its upper boundary is at a lower elevation than the corresponding lower boundary of the first opening. In the presence of a temperature differential within the entranceway, relatively warmer air is trapped in an upper portion of the cavity and above the upper boundary. When relatively warmer air is found within the cavity and above the upper boundary and at a temperature which is equal to or greater than the air inside the enclosure, air flow from the enclosure to the cavity through the first opening should generally be impeded, or at least reduced, while allowing the first and second openings to indeed remain open. In this instance, the relatively warmer air may itself have a temperature differential between the air barrier layer and the inside surface of the wall and roof portions. The entranceway is believed to provide maximum benefit when the temperature of the relatively warmer air in the warmer air region 40 is equal to or greater than the air inside the enclosure, as aided, in one example, by the use of blowers or heating ducts. Meanwhile, there may also be beneficial effects when the temperature of the relatively warmer air is below the temperature of the air inside the enclosure. The blowers may provide the benefit of reducing the temperature differential by constantly mixing the relatively warmer air while the heat source may thus function to add heated air to overcome air leakage or heat loss as the case may be. The speed or interval of operation of the blowers and the heat sources may also be adjusted according to the changing temperatures of the exterior ambient air, wind conditions of the exterior ambient air, and the temperatures of the relatively warmer air region and the relatively cooler air region, that is on either side of the transition zone.

(20) Another benefit of the entrance way may lie in the fact that the transition zone is above the upper boundary of the second opening and below the lower boundary of the first opening, thereby reducing air flow at both the first and second openings. This may be especially relevant at the second opening if the blowers and/or heat sources are configured to provide only sufficient air movement and heat to maintain a relatively stable and even temperature through out the relatively warmer air region while reducing the growth of the mass of the relatively warmer air region so that it does not migrate downwardly and induce an alternate escape route for the relatively warmer air at the second opening as shown by the dashed arrow E in FIG. 1.

(21) Further features of exemplary entranceway embodiments according to the invention may be found in the reference materials submitted as Appendix to the Specification.

(22) While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.