System for the regulation of the internal temperature of a structure

Abstract

A system for regulating the internal temperature of a structure such as a domicile or office is described. The system is configured to employ a series of inter-wall channels, designed to direct air originating from at least one HVAC unit and at least one heat exchanger in order to equalize the temperature within the walls, ceiling, and the flooring of a conventional structure. In this manner, the system employs air as an effective insulator, supplementing the existing fiberglass insulation of a structure with a dynamic, temperature sensitive means of insulation, helping to keep heating and cooling costs down, and limiting strain on the HVAC units of the structure.

Claims

1. A system for regulation of temperature in a structure, comprising: a first series of channels disposed between an interior wall and an exterior wall, continuing into a ceiling and a floor of the structure, said first series of channels configured to direct temperate air; a second series of channels disposed alternatingly adjacent to said first series of channels, said second series of channels configured to direct temperate air; wherein said interior wall and said exterior wall are separated by a spacing planks; wherein said spacing planks serve as dividers between each channel of said first series of channels and each channel of said second series of channels; a first heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit in communication with said first series of channels; a second heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit in communication with said second series of channels; wherein each channel of said first series of channels and said second series of channels completely circumscribes a livable human environment of the structure; wherein each channel of said first series of channels follow the following path within the structure: across a floor of the structure, up a first wall of the structure, across a ceiling of the structure, down a second wall of the structure, and returning to the first wall of the structure; wherein each channel of said second series of channels follows the following path within the structure: up the second wall of the structure, across the ceiling of the structure, down the first wall of the structure, across the floor of the structure, and returning to the second wall of the structure; wherein air contained within said first series of channels does not mix with air contained within said second series of channels; and wherein said first series of channels and said second series of channels are configured to prevent air within said series of channels from entering said livable human environment of the structure.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit is positioned centrally in the structure.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising said first heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit positioned in an attic of the structure.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: wherein said first heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit is disposed in an attic of the structure; and said second heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit positioned outside of a lowest floor of the structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a flow chart detailing the process of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as it relates to the flow or path of air.

(2) FIG. 2 depicts an outline of the components and path of air of the present invention while in use.

(3) FIG. 3 is a diagram exhibiting the preferred placement of HVAC units and the routing of water heater exhaust to the system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(4) The present invention is a system designed to aide in the regulation of the temperature of a house or similar structure. The overall intent of the system of the present invention regarding temperature regulation is to provide an effective means of further insulating a structure. The preferred embodiment of the present invention primarily consists of a series of channels (10), a first HVAC unit (20), a second HVAC unit (30), and in some embodiments, ducting (40). The present invention may also employ additional sheets of drywall (50), otherwise known as sheetrock, although wood or other surfacing materials may be employed rather than conventional sheetrock. In order for the system of the present invention to function, the series of channels (10) must be implemented into the walls, ceiling, and flooring of the structure.

(5) The channels (10) of the present invention are preferably constructed on the inside of the structure by affixing a series of spacing planks (60) (with the approximate dimensions of 12) to the interior drywall of the structure, including the drywall lining the walls, and ceiling of the structure. The channels (10) are preferably arranged in linear lines, providing for there to be both even and odd numbered channels when referred to sequentially. Additionally, the channels are incorporated underneath the flooring of the structure as well, forming complete channels that link together at the junction of the walls, floor, and ceiling. The spacing planks (60) are then covered by a second piece of drywall (70), completing the rectangular channels and causing them to remain relatively air tight. The spacing planks (60) are preferably aligned with the wooden studs beneath the first piece of drywall. The studs of the framework will provide a solid and secure surface. The ceiling and flooring surfaces are ideally the exterior ceiling and floors, rather than interior ceilings and floors. The spacing planks (60) could be similar to wooden 12's, which are approximately 1 or even thinner or even wider for that matter if necessary to facilitate the adequate flow of conditioned air. Plywood or other materials may be used rather than drywall to create a subfloor with the channels (10) between the floor and the subfloor. Ceilings and floors between levels within the house are preferably not equipped with these channels (10).

(6) It should be understood that the four walls that compose the channels (10) include the first piece of drywall (the original interior wall of the structure), the spacing planks (60), and the second piece of drywall (70). When the channels enter the ceiling of the structure, the channels (10) are preferably routed either above the original ceiling drywall, into the attic, or the channels (10) may be installed under new ceiling drywall, similar to the manner in which the channels (10) are established within the walls.

(7) The first HVAC unit (20) is preferably placed as far from the second HVAC unit (30) as possible in order to aide in the equalization of the temperature of the air within the channels. Therefore, if the structure has multiple levels, the first HVAC unit (20) may be placed outside of the ceiling or attic while the second HVAC unit (30) is preferably placed on an opposite side of the structure, downstairs. Both the first HVAC unit (20) and the second HVAC unit (30) are envisioned to be relatively small HVAC units, in order to maintain low energy costs, and because such little conditioning is required for such a small volume of air. Additionally, the present invention may employ the heat lost from a conventional house-hold water heater to augment the system.

(8) The preferred path of air flow through the odd-numbered channels of the present invention is as follows: Air in a first channel leaves the first HVAC unit (20) and begins to travel up a first wall. Next, the air leaves the first wall and traverses across the ceiling. Then, the air passes through a second HVAC unit (20) and is redirected to channels (10) that are opposite or adjacent to the prior channels (10). Next, the air flows down a second wall. Subsequently, the air then flows underneath the flooring of the structure, and back to the first HVAC unit (20). This path is reversed for air originating from the second HVAC unit (30), which is routed to the even-numbered channels of the present invention initially, and then is recycled through the first HVAC unit (20), and then routed back to the second HVAC unit (10) through the odd-numbered channels.

(9) It should be noted that the nature of the channels (10) requires that they have junctions at the ends or corners of the structure. It is envisioned that a plenum exists that runs down the middle of the ceiling or attic portion of the channels (10), as well as on the lowest level or basement channels (10), which will preferably T-off in the shape of a T. The T shape of the channel (10) will run the distance from the midline of the drywall to the sides of the structure. It is at the end of the structure that the cold air return and the warm air supply will be accessible for maintenance and installation of the present invention.

(10) Alternate embodiments of the present invention include the use of the exhaust from a conventional house-hold water heater. While the present invention does not directly employ the air originating from the exhaust from the water-heater, it is envisioned that a heat exchanger (80) could be employed to transfer the heat from the water-heater exhaust to the air being circulated through the channels (10) within the structure. In this embodiment, strain on the first HVAC unit (20) and the second HVAC unit (30) are further diminished, as less energy is lost to wasted heat. This embodiment is more applicable in the winter, when the user ideally wishes to have warmer temperatures indoors.

(11) Similarly, in other embodiments of the present invention, the system of the present invention may employ a total of two heat exchangers to work in tandem and conjunction with the first HVAC unit (20) and the second HVAC unit (30) in order to effectively equalize the air within the channels (10), and expedite the effective insulation of the structure.

(12) The overall intent of the system of the present invention regarding temperature regulation is to provide an effective means of heating or cooling a structure while also, reducing the energy consumed. It is envisioned that, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, additional HVAC units can be added as necessary depending on the size, shape, and insulation of the structure. The additional HVAC units are preferably spaced at adequate distances from one another in order to maximize the efficacy of the HVAC units. Conditioned air from the first HVAC unit (20) could be channeled around the structure and back to the return side of the first HVAC unit (20), and likewise, the conditioned air from the second HVAC unit (30) would then be channeled around the structure in alternate channels (10) to the return side of the second HVAC unit (30).

(13) Alternatively, conditioned air from the first HVAC unit (20) could be channeled around the structure and back to the return side of the second HVAC unit (30), and the conditioned air from the second HVAC unit (30) is channeled around the structure and back to the return side of the first HVAC unit (20). It should be noted that the channels (10) employed by variations of the present invention may be configured to travel up one side of the structure and then down the other side of the structure, or conversely, they could alternate laterally or horizontally like the stripes of a zebra.

(14) Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred path of air flow provided by the system of the present invention can clearly be seen. First, the Basement HVAC air leaves the first HVAC unit and travels through ducting to the air channels. (100) Next, the air from the first HVAC unit enters the odd numbered air channels. (110) Within the odd numbered air channels, the air flows up the first wall, toward the ceiling. (120) Next, the air leaves the first wall and traverses within the odd numbered air channels across the ceiling. (130) The air then flows into the second wall within the odd numbered air channels. (140) The air then flows within the odd numbered air channels, down the second wall toward the floor. (150) The air then flows underneath the flooring of the structure. (160) The air is returned to the first HVAC unit. (170) Heat is exchanged and the cycle begins anew. (180) Simultaneously, Attic HVAC Air leaves the second HVAC unit and travels through ducting to the air channels. (200) The air from the second HVAC unit enters the even numbered air channels. (210) Within the channels, the air flows down the second wall towards the floor. (220) Next, the air leaves the second wall and traverses within the even numbered channels across the floor. (230) The air then flows into the first wall within three even numbered channels. (240) Subsequently, the air then flows within the even numbered channels up the second wall toward the ceiling. (250) The air then flows across the ceiling of the structure. (260) The air is returned to the second HVAC unit. (270) Finally, Heat is exchanged, and the cycle begins anew (280).

(15) Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.