Solar Energy Attic Air Heat Reservoir System

Abstract

A solar energy attic air heat reservoir system including methods for selecting, installing and operating air movers coupled with HVAC components, air filters, and thermostatic control devices operating systematically for space heating. Solar insolation conducted through building roof materials heats the large volume of attic airspace sealed from normal ventilation during heating season to preserve heat energy, with heat transfer coefficient of convection contributing to and sustaining heating of attic air. Thermostatic digital temperature control devices communicate in series between the building attic and interior for optimum used of heated air supply for environmental control. Methods include computer program applications for feasibility, apparatus selection, operation, and energy cost accountability to enable optimizing space heating using the limited daily solar induced heat. Methods include advantageous containment of thermal energy stored in building interior materials as gathered from attic-heated air for later release through diurnal temperature variation to augment space heating.

Claims

1. Apparatus and methods for acquiring heated air from within the under roof enclosed attic airspace (or upper crawl space) of a building structure to include controlling the operation of a blower (also described as a fan, or air mover) selected for its effective output to supply such heated air contained therein for space heating. Such apparatus and methods identified as an attic air heat reservoir system (AAHR system or present invention) is for use principally during the heating season in geographic locations having adequate solar energy. The present invention utilizes such blower(s) to transport heated attic air through a preferred closed loop network of HVAC components and supply duct terminating at a diffuser leading into a building structure interior space comprising: A building attic air space generally sealed from outside ambient air with attic air ventilation openings mostly closed to become a reservoir for the solar heated air thus preventing heated air from communicating with a large volume of colder ambient air through the attic air vents generally placed in the roof or the attic exterior walls. Such attic air ventilation openings being mostly covered ensures adequate heat retention within the attic air space thus allowing air temperature to rise substantially in the attic peak area, which promotes increase of Btu measure for optimum space heating performance; Furnace air filter(s), commonly designed for HVAC use, placed at the heated air intake for filtrating attic air to an acceptable quality prior to entering the present invention HVAC ducts for the intended space heating purpose; A plurality of thermostatic control devices communicating with remotely located temperature sensors to transmit real time reading of temperature within the attic as well as temperature reading within the building interior. Such thermostatic devices regulate the flow of heated attic air under management of user-controlled parameters programmed therein to maintain a desirable interior space temperature level. Remote temperature sensors communicate temperature signals to solid-state digital temperature programmable control devices set with parameters for start/stop temperatures and hysteresis (differential temperature) to manage the building interior environment suitable for humans, animals, equipment, agricultural enterprise, etc.; Economical and scalable HVAC network components including blower(s)/fan(s) [air mover(s)] selected to supply attic-heated air at a normally predetermined constant volume airflow. Such blower airflow volume, expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM), is published in specifications and literature by the manufacturer to enable the user to select an appropriate blower unit. The blower regardless of the location's altitude typically moves at a constant volume during operation, with such airflow transported through an HVAC duct of suitable volume dimension for capacity to supply the heated air. The HVAC blower(s) selected is capable of supplying the heated attic air in volume sufficient for space heating during sunlight hours of the day, throughout the heating season when solar generated heat is available. Such HVAC components and air movers are readily available off the shelf in commonly scalable sizes up to and including industrial size air movers and components; Methods to include computer programs using formulas incorporated within a plurality of stepped analytical applications to determine the amount of solar heat energy available in the attic air obtained through temperature and relative humidity data logging. Such methods including computational programmed spreadsheets that can specify the required apparatus configuration of the present invention for space heating. The computer program methods provide data to determine economic accountability of energy savings when such energy is measured using thermodynamic formulas designed for analyzing space heating performance of the present invention apparatus; Such configuration of the apparatus, computer programmed devices, and methods operate within the comprehensive system of the present invention for enablement and maximum utilization of the sun's available heat energy to raise temperature in attic air during sunlight hours for purpose of space heating with solar energy becoming the heating fuel source, which is claimed.

2. A method to incorporate a particular component for solar energy used in space heating identified as thermal mass of structural elements within the interior building assemblies and contents. Specific heat capacity measured from thermal mass is included in a reconciliation of total heat supplied from the attic air heat reservoir, during its daily operation, as accounted for in the measured heat provided through space heating of the present invention. Accounting for total heat load within the building interior is important for optimum use of attic-heated air. Heat load (design heat loss) of a building is based on the building envelope assemblies that meet the outside air, ignoring interior assemblies and related elements such as interior wall surfaces and all interior components including dcor (furniture, etc.), fixtures, interior walls and cabinets. Such interior assemblies and related elements have the ability to retain heat beyond that normally considered as heat load, but HVAC principled computations made for design heat loss ignore thermal mass of interior assemblies. This thermal mass phenomenon manifests in the diurnal temperature effect made possible when the interior materials retain such heat. Although thermal mass for building interior elements is difficult to quantify accurately, because of enormous variance in their mass, nevertheless, such heat retention value can be determined from known data regarding thermal mass of building materials and other substances available from a wide range of sources in the fields of architecture and building science. The non-envelope interior assemblies and materials become heat storage elements during daytime operation of the present invention as it supplies the attic-heated air into the building interior. The present invention methods include calculations using specific heat capacity per square foot of area, translated into the mass volume of the building interior assemblies and contents, using values from reference sources showing specific heat value that can be stored in such material mass volume. This transfer of heat emulates a passive solar heating process when sunlight enters a window as solar radiation beams directly onto interior surfaces such as floors and walls. Btu measure as retained in the building interior materials becomes a supplemental heat reservoir for use by the present invention to offset normal heat loss through the building envelope. Such supplement heat contributes to increasing or maintaining interior air temperature when accounted for in the diurnal temperature variation, which is an important factor for efficient use of the heated attic air, for space heating, which is claimed.

3. Methods employing mathematical formulas to optimize the collection of attic heated air determined by assessing the volume of airflow through the blower, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), as necessary for space heating. Such methods are atypical in normal HVAC heating system sizing. The methods for employing such mathematical formulas of the present invention is facilitated through use of thermodynamic principles to determine available heat energy in the attic air at the given altitude location of the building structure. The present invention methods determine the HVAC network for best system performance by employing mathematical formulas by computer program calculations or by manual calculations. The mathematical formulas include the thermodynamic variable enthalpy, to determine Btu measure of heated air flowing through the present invention apparatus as it supplies heat to the building interior. Such formulas calculate the present invention HVAC network character to perform best within a range of attic air space temperature and humidity levels through establishment of airflow volume required of the blower (air mover) for optimum gathering of the heat energy available within the attic air. The mathematical formulas use data obtained from interval measurement logging of temperature and relative humidity levels within attic air during sunlight hours of operation to determine the Btu total of available heat energy. The present invention methods includes heat loss calculations for the given building structure, for input into such mathematical formulas. Heat absorption properties (thermal mass) of interior building materials is also integral to the mathematical modeling formulas based on the specific heat calculation of such materials. Data elements from the actual building design heat loss are also necessary in the mathematical formulas for such modeling. The mathematical modeling provides a reconciliation of heat load of the building to balance with sufficient Btu measure supplied by the present invention apparatus. The formulas determine the potential output of Btu measure of attic-heated air moving through the blower to balance with interior air volume along with heat energy stored as specific heat in each material type in a reconciliation of the total Btu required for operation during a typical day of moderate outside temperature. The formulas also include provision to require an estimate of any moderate temperature gain in the building interior as planned for by the user during the daily solar heat excursion. The calculation formulas make up a comprehensive mathematical modeling vehicle performing specific steps for the elements of discovery. The calculation formulas includes the recognition of Btu measure of the specific heat absorbed by all types of materials within the building interior which are subsequently affected by the diurnal temperature variation. The present invention apparatus operation can contribute to sufficient temperature rise within the building interior to reach levels that meet guidelines for human comfort going as high as 24.5 C. (76 F.) with relative humidity level scaling from as high as 60% down to 20%, which is tolerable for humans, animals and plants. Allowing such temperature rise to occur inside the building helps promote increasing the effect of thermal mass, which contributes to diurnal temperature variation to the benefit of the overall space heating process. Such methods of utilizing mathematical formula applications are designed to model the present invention space heating contribution to benefit the prospective user to include necessary information from known and estimated variables, including specific heat capacity of materials, blower output, and expected energy cost savings within their building prior to installation which is claimed.

4. A method employing computer programmed instructions integrated into a specialized attic/interior matching temperature controller to sense temperature of the building structure in two locations: (1) supply outlet diffuser (or attic supply duct near the diffuser), and (2) building interior living or working area, to manage the distribution of heat retained in the attic to avoid conflict of the two atmospheres' temperatures. The specialized attic/interior matching temperature controller periodically polls temperature to manage the building environment by area or zone to ensure optimum supply of heat from within the attic air heat reservoir. A temperature sensor polls attic heated air temperature as such heated air exits through the HVAC supply duct diffuser, to enable the temperature controller operatively to prohibit colder air of the attic from entering the interior when such interior air temperature (also polled by the controller using a separate temperature sensor) is higher than the attic air temperature at the end of the daily solar cycle. Determining when attic air temperature is lower than interior air temperature is required to avoid supplying the interior with colder air from the attic than that of the current interior temperature of the building. This specialized temperature controller requires minimal user intervention. The specialized attic/interior matching temperature controller permits use of the maximum amount of heat energy within the attic during the daytime operation without forcing the air in the interior to lose heat at the end of the daily operating cycle of the present invention, which is claimed.

5. A method as to claim 1 utilizing attic air space as a reservoir of heat, rather than employing a costly manufactured solar heat collector apparatus comprising specialized material or unique design form necessary to retain such solar heated air. Solar generated heat energy contained within the attic air space generally has favorable temperature excursion from early morning into the early afternoon peak when sunlight contributes adequate heat energy as it rises to maximum temperature level then lowers as the sun recedes on the horizon. Such heat captured within the attic air space, which is the attic air heat reservoir, is subject to a daily time limit during which sufficient Btu measure becomes available for space heating when location, sunlight hours and weather conditions dictate. Hours of sunlight are uncertain due to variable weather patterns that can affect the buildup of necessarily sufficient heat from solar energy for absorption into a building's roofing materials and the surrounding attic structural materials. Such uncertainty and limited hours of sunlight make it necessary to operate the present invention in an effective manner to draw as much heat energy as possible from said attic air heat reservoir for space heating. The attic air heat is isolated therefore undisturbed from influences such as wind or rain. The circulation of attic air within a sealed attic space, by suction of the blower, causes a positive physical effect of fresh ambient air and waste heat to come in contact with the heated attic ceiling as suction of the blower accelerates heat transfer to induce convection coefficient of heat energy throughout the attic air. The attic air heat reservoir therefore relies on multiple thermodynamic features for efficient capture of heat energy contained therein for space heating, which is claimed.

6. A method as to claim 1 employing a digital temperature controller set for cooling mode to communicate with a remote temperature sensor strategically located in the attic. The controller functions in a manner similar to an attic air ventilator, with attic-heated air transported into the building interior rather than ventilated outside the attic. The attic temperature controller stores temperature parameters to start and stop the blower operation, as established by the user, when attic air is warm enough for space heating. The attic temperature controller is a device comprising (a) a digital processor; (b) a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and (c) a remote temperature sensor. The attic temperature controller contains an electric wire coil relay switch, typically a normally open SPST type (single pole, single throw), activated by the digital temperature controller's processor responding to the parameter settings programmed into the device. A more robust relay switch is necessary when operating blowers of higher energy load. The temperature controller features a wide range for its hysteresis adjustment to compensate for cooler HVAC components in the morning enabling the blower to start at a higher temperature than the stopping temperature. The attic temperature controller set to cooling mode feature is ideally suited to manage the present invention for space heating while the attic temperature rises and falls during sunlight hours, which is claimed.

7. A method as to claim 1 for determining attic air temperature using a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor or thermistor strategically located in the attic to enable real time communication with a digital temperature controller containing multiple variable parameter settings for the efficient operation of the present invention. With solar energy being the unique heating fuel source, the excursion of temperature within the volume of heated air, so contained in the attic space as temperature increases then lowers, offers usable heat energy for an unknown period during sunlight hours. Such remote temperature sensor in communication with the temperature controller enables placement of such temperature controller console inside the building for convenience of user thermostatic management decisions. Remote location sensing of temperature coupled with differential temperature parameter setting thereby allows the attic temperature controller to manage operation with precision, which is claimed.

8. A method as to claim 1 whereby the present invention temperature controllers manage operation with minimal user attention during an entire heating season. The thermostatic control starts when attic temperature is high enough and stops when attic temperature can no longer be useful during sunlight hours. Changes to attic thermostatic control start and stop temperature settings, throughout the course of heating season weather pattern shifts, necessitate strategy change for optimum use of the heat energy that is available within the attic air heat reservoir as well as thermal mass of interior materials. Daily operation, during absence of occupants, can prevent the building interior from cool-down. The present invention apparatus supplies heated attic air into the building interior even while occupants are away from the premises, daily or intermittently, enabling pre-heating of the interior environment when the existing traditional heating appliance is off, to ensure optimum use of available attic heat, which is claimed.

9. A method as to claim 1 of the present invention comprising versatile, robust and scalable apparatus employing commonly produced HVAC components that are affordable for the user to benefit from a respectable economic payback for their investment outlay. The present invention apparatus components are readily available as off the shelf in the marketplace to include common and easily understandable parts and materials for those who may desire to perform a do it yourself (DIY) home or business installation. Professional solar device installers, HVAC jobbers and electricians would prefer the versatility and scalability features. Such professionals are normally conversant in the present art technology with an advantage of ease in implementing present invention apparatus for their customer needs. The simplicity of the system offers potential for wide adoption where solar heating energy is practical. The versatility and affordability of the present invention shows by example using an ordinary electric timer, or even just a simple electric switch, to turn on or turn off the air supply blower, instead of using digital thermostatic devices, which may further reduce installation expense. Respectable economic payback is a benefit through the present invention novel approach in configuring components of lower cost than that suggested for most present art devices. Versatility, affordability and scalability is known in the selecting of HVAC components within the present invention, while also offering flexibility to allow for modification or enhancement of space heating apparatus, which is claimed.

10. A method as to claim 1 to reduce inherent static pressure and velocity pressure within the present invention HVAC network of components in favor of a simplified rigid duct configuration for gathering the available, but limited, heated attic air efficiently. The attic air heat reservoir has a limited time in which heat is available throughout the sunlight hours of operation. Air friction inside the air handling equipment is a critical element for efficient movement of such limited available heated air. The present invention use of low friction rigid ducts with very few duct turns reduces static pressure and velocity pressure that would cause air mover and HVAC network inefficiency. Reducing static and velocity pressure in the HVAC duct network thereby enables conserving as much heat as possible during peak hours when solar energy heating reaches its maximum level, which is claimed.

11. A method as to claim 1 to optimize containment of heated air in the attic air space whereby a majority of attic air ventilation openings are covered by shutters, panels or other suitable materials to enable solar generated heat to substantially increase attic air temperature during the hours of sunlight. Blocking the attic ventilation openings reduces outside colder ambient air from exchange within the attic air space. However, air exchange will accelerate during operation in sunlight hours when sufficient heat is available and contained to the advantage of the present invention as the blower sucks in such heated air. Therefore, when covering the ventilation opening at the perimeter of, or at the ceiling of the attic structure, the air temperature resists cooling by ambient air of a lower temperature entering through any open attic air vents. Covering air ventilation openings would also avoid any wind accelerating the cooling effect upon such cooler air entering the attic air space. The preferred method of closing attic air vents for containment of heat and humidity enables the present invention to perform adequately as a space-heating appliance during heating season, which is claimed.

12. A method as to claim 1 for employment of the attic air space under the roof structure of common architectural design and suitable roofing materials that absorb heat. Such roof structure becomes an ad hoc solar heat collector protected from outside weather conditions. Although roofing materials enable absorption of solar insolation at varying efficiencies, such materials nonetheless become a receptacle for solar heat with such heat conducted into the attic ceiling and throughout the structural elements of the voluminous attic without requiring partitioning or any major building structural changes. Roof slopes in normally colder climates are very steep and attics more voluminous, but such attics can retain necessary heat near the attic peak area. The present invention draws heated air from near the attic ceiling peak to benefit from the attic area of warmest temperature and optimum Btu measure during the sunlight hours of the day. Typical roofing materials facilitate good solar absorption and heat transfer. A preponderance of material types presently used on building structures such as asphalt shingles, concrete tile, and a number of other well-qualified roofing material types facilitate heat conduction and convection inside the attic air space; therefore, such attic air space ideally functions as the reservoir for heated air, which is claimed.

13. A method as to claim 1 to make use of relative humidity normally resident in the attic air during the nighttime, such humidity is subject to weather conditions and changing dew point during heating season. The present invention draws warm humid air contained within the attic space during its daily sunlight operation with such warm humid air having increased level of Btu measure for supply to the building interior as the day begins. The relative humidity level within the attic space gradually falls during sunlight operating hours as humidified air moves to the drier and colder interior of the building structure during action of the present invention. Removing humidity from the attic air can reduce mold, mildew and stagnation through better ventilation of the attic, when moist warmer attic air transports into the building interior while being agitated by action of the present invention blower. Intake air filters ensure cleansing the humid air in normal HVAC fashion before supply to the building interior. There is a benefit to human comfort, during heating season, as humidity mixes with drier air inside a building structure. Interior air dryness is endemic during the heating season as traditional heating appliances operate in poorly ventilated building interior conditions closed to outside fresh air and lack of natural ventilation as windows are usually closed. Closing attic air vents therefore helps to reduce humidity in the attic air as a benefit while operation of the present invention also cause some increase of humidity in the building interior by transfer of such humidity, both desirable traits in the respective atmospheres of a building attic and interior space during the heating season, which is claimed.

14. A method as to claim 1 whereby the present invention HVAC apparatus is enclosed within the attic to provide a safe haven from outside weather elements and harmful solar radiation while also eliminating the need for ordinarily costly installation methods such as those required to secure externally mounted solar collector apparatus to rooftops or other building assemblies. Housing of the present invention HVAC elements within an enclosed attic avoids the cost of significant study and planning by professional engineers to determine weight factors and stress points of a building construction including calculations of capacity to hold weight during earthquakes, high winds, or snow conditions. A typical attic is already engineered and designed to support the heavy weight of roofing material with its structural and load bearing members, while the attic floor or ceiling structure is often used to contain HVAC appliances, duct systems, and storage of personal effects that would weigh much more than present invention HVAC components. Exterior mounted solar equipment is subject to effects of outside airborne chemical contaminants and dust that can be extremely harsh on such equipment. Further, externally mounted solar energy apparatus exposed to direct solar insolation and hot and cold temperatures can limit its operating lifetime affecting the long-term economics of the equipment. The current invention employs standard HVAC components designed for temperature extremes inside an attic where cooling season temperature excursions can increase to 60.0 C. (140 F.) or more, and heating season temperatures would dip below 18.0 C. (zero F.). Such HVAC components generally operate in a majority of building structures that contain attics/upper crawl spaces. The present invention demonstrates utility for the user by including components of reasonable cost that can withstand extremes of temperature and humidity to reduce potential for operational problems while being sheltered inside the attic with minimal weight distributed over the building structure, which is claimed.

15. A method as to claim 1 whereby scalability of the present invention apparatus enables collaboration with other solar heating modality such as a solar heat collector device for supplemental preheating to include the glazed or unglazed perforated solar heat collector (TSAC). The user can also combine the present invention system with a surface mounted solar collector placed outside the building to intake solar heated air through a duct inserted into a building structure attic vent with such heated air then merged. Supplemental heated air in the attic from external sources comes from concentrated form when using a heat exchanger or other externally mounted solar collector. Use of heat exchangers for heated air containment may be from a variety of solar heating units available in the marketplace. The user must be aware that solar collectors may provide only minimal Btu measure based on thermodynamic conduction and convection expected from such devices. Such collectors, however, would enhance solar heat gathering in partnership with the present invention apparatus regardless. The present invention system in partnership with other modality solar heating devices can result in increased solar space heating performance, which is claimed.

16. A method as to claim 3 using present invention computer programs to account for space heating energy cost savings versus cost of heat energy consumed in the resident traditional artificial heating appliance with such heat energy replaced by solar generated heat. Energy cost savings using the present invention requires measuring the psychrometric variable enthalpy, which determines the Btu/ft.sup.3 of air gathered by the system during operation. With such method, the consumer has the ability to calculate energy cost saving from measurement of attic air temperature and relative humidity monitored at their location by making recordings over relevant monthly periods during heating season. Such measurement enables determining energy value captured throughout the sunlight hours from start time to stop time of operation using the CFM airflow rate of the HVAC blower in the calculation. Monitoring of the temperature and relative humidity employs an inexpensive remote or wireless logging device that measures temperature and relative humidity in short intervals. The temperature/humidity logging device connects to a laptop or a desktop computer USB port for download of logged data. A dollar value in savings is determined from such logged data by measuring cost of heating fuel typically used to produce the same amount of Btu measure supplied at virtually zero cost for fuel using solar energy heated air. The cost savings of the present invention is readily accounted for using methods provided within the present invention computer programs for the benefit of the consumer, which is claimed.

17. A method as to claim 1 for selection of an air mover (blower) to produce required airflow velocity change of such blower thereby modifying heated air supply volume during space heating. A changing CFM airflow results through action of a variable speed control type motor engaged inside the blower activated by an independent controller that is computer programmed with necessary parameter HVAC operational factors. Variable airflow delivery can thereby provide additional flexibility in managing withdrawal of the limited resource of solar heated air within the attic, which is claimed.

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0123] For an understanding of this disclosure and its operation, reference is made to the following descriptions of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0124] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of the embodiment of the present invention in a configuration according to its apparatus components located within the building structure attic area and within the building structure interior area to include the thermostatic controlling mechanisms;

[0125] FIG. 2 illustrates the thermostatic controls in a simple configuration utilizing a line voltage temperature controller and line voltage bimetal thermostat for operation of the present invention;

[0126] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of an alternative embodiment of the present invention to include a plurality of thermostatic devices to manage supply of heated air of the attic space into the building interior, to include the present invention specialized attic/interior matching temperature controller;

[0127] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of a plurality of temperature controllers for operational management of the present invention, to include the specialized attic/interior matching temperature controller of the present invention, which is used to determines when the attic temperature becomes lower than the interior temperature, thus necessitating shutdown of operation to avoid colder attic air coming into the building interior at the end of the daily solar heating cycle;

[0128] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the present invention method of computer program logic used by the attic/interior matching temperature controller to manage operation of the AAHR system by default, based on daily weather conditions occurring toward the end of sunlight hours, to cause a halt of such operation when the attic temperature becomes equal to or is lower than the interior temperature to avoid cooler air from flowing into the interior from the attic space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0129] In the following, the parts of the invention are referenced by numerals applicable to FIG. 1, and FIG. 3: [0130] 1 attic air heat reservoir system (AAHR system) [0131] 2 building attic peak area [0132] 3A attic area air ventilation grille opening(s) [0133] 3B attic air ventilation grille cover(s) [0134] 4 air filter material installed over air intake boot [0135] 5 air intake boot [0136] 6 intake duct components (rigid type straight duct, tees, elbows, and wyes as required) [0137] 7 blower/fan unit (air handler) [0138] 7A optional blower/fan unit (variable speed control type) [0139] 8 HVAC supply duct components (rigid type straight duct, tees, elbows, and wyes as required) [0140] 9 diffuser, vent register (with mounting box) [0141] 10 wiring to blower from thermostatic control devices [0142] 11 remote temperature sensor probe located in attic space leading to controller 12 [0143] 12 attic temperature controller (set to cooling only mode) [0144] 12M temperature controller programmable memory [0145] 12P temperature controller solid-state processor [0146] 13 thermostat wiring to temperature sensor in attic space from temperature controller 12 [0147] 14 interior temperature controller, programmable thermostat or standard line voltage bimetal thermostat [0148] 14M temperature controller programmable memory [0149] 14P temperature controller solid-state processor [0150] 15 temperature controller remote temperature sensor for interior use [0151] 16 attic/interior matching temperature controller (polls temperatures of attic versus interior) [0152] 16M temperature controller programmable memory [0153] 16P temperature controller solid-state processor [0154] 17 remote temperature sensor probe located near diffuser with lead wire to controller 16 [0155] 18 wiring for joining attic temperature controller to a line voltage interior bimetal thermostat(s), or to an interior temperature controller that uses a remote sensor [0156] 19 fuse to protect digital temperature controller in event of main power amperage spikes main power source to the AAHR system (120Vac, 220Vac, 12Vdc or other) within sub-panel optional duct muffler

[0157] In the following, the parts of the invention are referenced by numerals in accordance with the list applicable to FIG. 2. [0158] 1 temperature controller electric power port (hot) 120Vac 10 A example [0159] 2 temperature controller electric power port (neutral) [0160] 3 temperature controller electric power port (hot) in association with 1 [0161] 4A temperature controller electric power port (hotwhen relay is energized) to interior thermostat [0162] 4B temperature controller electric power port (hotwhen relay is energized) from interior thermostat to blower [0163] 5/6 temperature controller ports for remote temperature sensor [0164] 5A/6A two lead wires for communicating sensor signal to temperature controller [0165] 7 temperature controller chassis rear port area [0166] 8 temperature controller chassis console (panel) with operating buttons and display screen. [0167] 9 interior thermostat (line voltage type) using bimetal temperature sensing apparatus [0168] 10 blower/fan (air mover) [0169] 11 NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) temperature sensor probe located in attic [0170] 12 main power source circuit breaker [0171] 13 electricity (hot) [0172] 14 electricity (neutral) [0173] 15 ground (earth) [0174] 16 sub panel to contain wiring connections for AAHR system operation [0175] 17 fuse to protect temperature controller when amperage rating dictates

[0176] In the following, the parts of the invention are referenced by numerals in accordance with the list applicable to FIG. 4. [0177] 1a attic temperature controller electric power port (hot) [0178] 2a attic temperature controller electric power port (neutral) [0179] 3a attic temperature controller electric power port (hot) [0180] 4a attic temperature controller electric power port (hotwhen relay is energized) [0181] 5a/6a attic temperature controller ports for remote temperature sensor [0182] 1b interior temperature controller electric power port (hot) [0183] 2b interior temperature controller electric power port (neutral) [0184] 3b interior temperature controller electric power port (hot) [0185] 4b interior temperature controller electric power port (hotwhen relay is energized) [0186] 5b/6b interior temperature controller nodes (ports) for remote temperature sensor [0187] 1c attic/interior matching temperature controller electric power port (hot) [0188] 2c attic/interior matching temperature controller electric power port (neutral) [0189] 3c attic/interior matching temperature controller electric power port (hot) [0190] 4c attic/interior matching temperature controller electric power port (hotwhen relay is energized) [0191] 5c/6c attic/interior matching temperature controller (ports) for remote temperature sensor used to read interior temperature [0192] 7c/8c attic/interior matching temperature controller (ports) for remote temperature sensor located in attic duct or at supply diffuser for attic air temperature read [0193] 9 attic temperature controller terminal ports (rear) [0194] 10 interior temperature controller terminal ports (rear) [may be substituted with interior thermostat (line voltage type) using bimetallic temperature reading apparatus] [0195] 11 attic/interior matching temperature controller terminal ports (rear) [0196] 12 main power source circuit breaker and/or sub panel with circuit breaker/fuse [0197] 13 electricity (Hot) [0198] 14 electricity (Neutral) [0199] 15 ground (earth) [0200] 16 NTC temperature probe located in attic for communicating with ports 5a/6a [0201] 17 NTC temperature probe located in interior communicating with attic/interior matching temperature controller ports 5c/6c [0202] 18 NTC temperature probe located in attic communicating with attic/interior matching temperature controller ports 7c/8c [0203] 19 NTC temperature probe located in interior communicating with interior temperature controller ports 5b/6b [0204] 20 heated air supply diffuser exiting at ceiling blower/fan (air mover)

[0205] Notes regarding descriptors on the numbering above: [0206] A. The term port is synonymous with terms of: wire connection, terminal, or node; as a point at which a wire makes solid connection for electrical input and output. [0207] B. Lead wires for communicating temperature sensor signal to the temperature controller terminal ports relating to FIG. 4 are: sensor 16=5a/6a, sensor 17=5c/6c, sensor 18=7c/8c and sensor 19=5b/6b. [0208] C. The temperature controllers 10, 11, and 12 console front panel with operating buttons and display screen is not displayed in FIG. 4.
There are other aspects and features of the disclosure that will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The AAHR system and methods can be availed upon with modifications and alternative constructions not limited to those detailed below, therefore the intention is to cover all modifications and alternative constructions or any similar configurations falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Referring now to the drawings, the AAHR system and related HVAC component descriptions and methods are illustrated in the Figures to include drawings as shown.

[0209] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the AAHR system 1 with HVAC apparatus contained within the building attic peak structural area 2, with the view showing separation of the interior space depicting the thermostatic controls below the attic floor/interior ceiling junction. This drawing describes the system with its blower and supporting HVAC duct network placed within the attic space. Attic air ventilation grille(s) 3A are sealed from ambient colder air reaching the attic space through fully closed or partially opened air ventilation grille cover(s) 3B thereby avoiding excessive air volume exchange that could lower attic temperature. The AAHR system 1 space heating process draws heated attic air by suction of blower 7. Blower 7 is normally a turbine rotational unit (a scirocco type) for residential and small buildings. Blower 7 sucks heated attic air through HVAC intake boot(s) 5 fitted with material of a standard furnace air filter 4. Heated attic air moves by such suction past air filter 4 through HVAC intake boot(s) 5 into HVAC duct component(s) 6 with such duct network supplying the heated air by blower 7 through rigid HVAC supply duct components 8. The HVAC supply duct components 8 are comprised of rigid type duct, tee, wye, elbow, and the like, leading to the interior outlet diffuser 9 which is placed in a cavity located between the attic floor and interior ceiling to supply heated attic air into the building interior.

[0210] The AAHR system primary thermostatic control begins with temperature changing components 12 and 14 in communication with the indoor blower 7. Electric wiring 10 communicates hot electric power to blower 7 governed by action of the temperature changing components that include attic temperature controller 12 and interior temperature controller 14, both containing internal electric powered relay switches that are in a normally off status. A bimetal thermostat may substitute for controller 14. Attic temperature controller 12 communicates through electric wiring 13 with attic remote temperature sensor 11. Attic temperature controller 12 operates in series with interior temperature controller (or bimetal thermostat) 14 operating in partnership to manage blower 7 to an on or off state by reacting to the temperature of attic air and the temperature of interior air. Remote temperature sensor 11, located in the attic, transmits the attic temperature value in real time in communicating with the attic temperature controller 12. A starting (turn-on) temperature parameter value, when encountered in real time, will cause the attic temperature controller 12 to activate its onboard relay switch in communication with the interior temperature controller 14 that must be in a power on status to begin powering blower 7 to supply heated attic air for space heating. The attic temperature controller 12 operates in cooling mode in the manner of an electrically operated ventilator to demand suction of available heated air from the attic air heat reservoir by communicating power to blower 7 as controller 12 reacts to increased temperature during sunlight hours. The heated attic air moves by blower 7 at a temperature above the minimum parameter set point temperature recognized by attic temperature controller 12 when attic air is suitable for space heating. Weather variability or intermittent cloud conditions that cause temperature changes would result in occasional stops and restarts of blower 7. Such intermittent conditions and subsequent fluctuations in temperature of the attic air heat reservoir may be a normal occurrence on days experiencing marginal solar radiation or fluctuating outside temperature to cause attic temperature to waver near the programmed setting of attic temperature controller 12. Solar radiation during sunlight hours promotes heat conduction and convection to increase temperature in the attic-heated airspace to become the source of natural heating fuel of the present invention. Waste heat from the building interior can also rise into the attic by natural upward momentum as it exfiltrates to mix with the attic air before being drawn into air filter 4 for transport through blower 7. Electricity powered wires 18 connect the attic temperature controller 12 to the interior bimetal thermostat or temperature controller 14 in series mode. Thermostatic controllers operate in series mode, whereas if only one thermostatic unit reaches its programmed temperature setting to an off state, the operation of the AAHR system will shut down. Therefore, each thermostatic unit 12 and 14 must be active in an on status simultaneously for the system to be operational.

[0211] Although, an HVAC plenum enables a plurality of supply ducts to communicate with the outlet side of blower 7, the AAHR system performs best without such plenum. Use of a plenum can result in airflow friction and air pressure with a degrading (negative) effect on the AAHR system performance. The preferred method for an efficient airflow is to incorporate a single short length of rigid HVAC intake duct components 6 while employing a minimum of the HVAC supply duct components 8 leading to the ceiling or wall mounted diffuser 9 located centrally in the building structure. The short length rigid HVAC duct network is most efficient when joined with HVAC supply duct components 8 that include a plurality of wyes or tees leading to a plurality of diffusers 9 when necessary. The intake duct 6 fluidly communicates with the inlet side of the blower 7. The HVAC supply duct components 8 extend from blower 7 communicating with the building interior diffuser 9. Diffuser 9 allows heated air supply to exit through its orifice control mechanism (vent register) used to regulate the volume of air supplied to the building interior. The preferred positioning of diffuser 9, comprised of a movable vent (vent register with control lever), is in a fully open status during the sunlight hours of use throughout the heating season. Diffuser 9, vent register may be closed if cold air is incoming, if the building is not in use, or if the attic area temperature remains at a level below that suitable for space heating for some period. Emphasis is on use of a short HVAC network of supply duct components 8 to avoid air friction on the cornered surfaces of HVAC components such as elbows and tees, or flexible duct having multiple ridges. It is important to recognize air molecules have mass and although invisible to the eye can slow down during transit when the mass of such molecules move against HVAC component surfaces that essentially bump against each other causing turbulence, thus causing inefficient airflow. Additionally, the actual surface features of many HVAC metals or plastics can result in more friction thus reducing efficient delivery of the heated attic air so supplied.

[0212] The AAHR system 1 control management mechanisms starting with attic digital temperature controller 12 physically located in the building interior for convenience of the user to make settings for operation. The attic temperature controller 12 relies on electronic input transmitted by the remote temperature sensor 11 located inside the attic area. The attic temperature controller 12 contains a solid-state electronic memory 12M supporting an onboard processor 12P capable of storing and controlling temperature parameters including hysteresis (differential temperature), start temperature and stop temperature. Additional parameters contained in memory 12M are entered in controller 12 console to include settings for lower limit temperature, upper limit temperature, and starting delay time in minutes. Interior temperature controller 14, comprised of either an interior bimetal thermostat or a temperature controller of the same type as attic temperature controller 12 set for heating mode communicates operatively in series with interior temperature controller 14 to maintain precise control of the attic heat transported by blower 7 to the building interior. The interior thermostat of a bimetal type 14 (with its own onboard temperature sensor) or an interior temperature controller 14 communicating with temperature sensor 15 allows the user to set a desired temperature for a particular building interior zone associated therewith. Digital interior temperature controller 14 communicates with temperature sensor 15 for temperature reading at an interior wall location to manage a specific interior zone, or for managing the entire building interior heated air supply. The interior zone may require a plurality of blowers or multiple HVAC components 8 such as tees and wyes to divert the airflow through a vane(s) to become an element within HVAC supply duct network 8 for the specific application with such vane(s) either manually or electronically controlled. The AAHR system is limited to use in the heating season, although optional use would be possible during cooling season by reversing flow of blower 7 for removal of heated air from the building interior. During cooling season, removal of heated air from the building interior to the attic area through opened attic air ventilation grilles occurs by reversing airflow with physical rotation of the blower mounted on a rotatable table (for seasonal directional change), or by electrical motor reversal method if such motor has this capability. Such heated air removal would normally occur at nighttime, with HVAC A/C off, or may be toggled in daytime using low differential degree setting without sacrificing HVAC cooling.

[0213] Integration of an optional variable speed motor within the AAHR system configuration, involves a motor of a preferred model with a manufactured variable actuating controller operatively coupled to optional blower 7A. Use of a programmable temperature control apparatus would be required to operate such variable speed motor. The user enters a desired temperature and airflow parameter into a variant of thermostat 14, with data transmitted to a variant of system temperature controller 12 recognizing the user selected criteria for communicating with such temperature controller 12 to manage status of alternate blower 7A to an on or off state accordingly. The attic temperature controller 12 would communicate a control signal to the optional blower 7A via the programmable control apparatus peculiar to the variable speed motor at a desired rated rotational speed (rpm) to produce the required level of airflow volume. A desired motor speed rating for blower 7A should be of sufficient volume airflow that may be associated with a specific operating parameter, such as the differential temperature setting established to control the desired room temperature or under unusual conditions such as interior area doors opening and closing. Motor control devices include those that respond to airflow rate and motor speed to communicate with a computer memory of a digital control device based on standard airflow specifications of such motors; such motor control device operates in association with the turbine type blowers manufactured to interface with such motor control device.

[0214] An alternative duct muffler 21, within the HVAC supply duct components 8 of the AAHR system configuration, suppresses high velocity noise of a 12Vdc computer type fan, or otherwise to accommodate for occupant noise discomfort.

[0215] A pertinent item not shown in FIG. 1 is an HVAC damper for use when the AAHR system configuration must supply heated air through an existing primary HVAC duct network in association with an artificial space-heating appliance. A damper may also be suitable for use in extreme cold weather conditions that can cause ice dams, by pulling heated air from the attic for transport to the building exterior, thereby avoiding thawing and refreezing of sensitive building structural areas where the roof intersects.

[0216] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an elementary configuration using the thermostatic temperature controls of the AAHR system to include wiring and electric components using typical 110/120Vac (alternating current) power for the line voltage temperature controller 7/8 and a line voltage interior thermostat(s) 9 for operational control of the AAHR system. The line voltage temperature controller 7 wiring terminal ports include the following functions: Port 1 connects to 120Vac hot wire 13 while port 3 connects to 120Vac hot wire 13 to power the temperature controller's on-board relay. Port 4 receives hot power to energize the AAHR system fan when the attic temperature controller 7/8 activates upon sensing the start-up temperature setting selected. The temperature setting parameter is comprised of the hysteresis value (in degrees) added to the shutdown temperature (in degrees) as desired. The temperature setting entered on the temperature controller console (front) 8 illustrates an example setting of 22.5 C. (72.5 F. shown) on the console display screen as the turn-off/shut-down temperature. With a hysteresis setting of 1.1 C. (2 F.) the AAHR system activates at start-up when the attic temperature reaches 23.6 C. (74.5 F.) in this example and turns off at 22.5 C. (72.5 F.). Temperature controller 7 port 5 and port 6 connect to NTC type temperature sensor 11 via paired wires 5A and 6A, which are thermostatic type low voltage wires that carry the signal for communicating with the digital solid-state computer of the attic temperature controller 7/8. Interior thermostat 9 is a line voltage type connected to temperature controller 7/8 port 4, which becomes hot when the temperature controller relay has been activated sending hot current through wire 4A to interior thermostat 9. If the interior thermostat 9 is set higher than the interior room temperature, wire 4B is then energized to hot communicating with the blower/fan 10 to provide power. If the temperature setting of interior thermostat 9 is lower than the interior room temperature, thermostat 9 will reject power submitted through wire 4A, therefore blower 10 will be off/unpowered. The primary electricity service of a building is the main electric service breaker box 12 supplied by the electrical utility company. The main power is protected by a circuit breaker leading to a sub panel 16 located inside the building. The Main power source electric service separates into hot wire 13, neutral wire 14, and ground wire 15 leading through the AAHR system powered sub panel 16. A separate disconnect, either a switch or a fuse (or circuit breaker) 17, or a combination thereof, communicates safe and controlled power to the temperature controller to avoid amperage spike or overload that can cause harm to the electronic equipment or to the blower/fan unit. Amperage rating of relay coil and digital circuitry of the controllers may be no more than 10 amps depending on specification. This amperage rating requires any modification to the fuse protection devices, to include the main breaker of 20 amps for example, at the service main, changed to a circuit breaker of 10 amps. Otherwise, the sub panel must include the circuit breaker of 10 amps to avoid AAHR system temperature controller digital devices (normally 10 amp rated) from dangerous overload. The user may choose to employ an alternate relay apparatus of different electric current rating or type between the digital device and the blower/fan. An alternate relay would be necessary in event the electric current cannot satisfy the power requirement of the blower/fan amperage rating with line voltage thermostatic devices limited by lower amperage load. Use of a low voltage thermostatic control configuration requires an appropriate amperage rated relay switch to deliver the required 120Vac alternating current to the blower apparatus. The same can be true for situations where 12Vdc or other voltage direct current configuration may involve higher amperage demand than the 12Vdc temperature controller(s); therefore, an appropriate amperage value relay must separate the two incompatible circuits required of the thermostatic devices from the blower/fan apparatus of the different electric power type.

[0217] An alternate type of electricity source can power the AAHR system installation configuration illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternate electric power source may include a 12-volt direct current as the line voltage source within the series of thermostatic devices and air movers to manage attic, interior, and zone temperature controllers designed for 12Vdc current. When using 12Vdc power as the source, grounding would be required for any metal blower chassis parts to a direct earth ground for safety. Line voltage thermostats designed for 110/120Vac can usually operate on direct current circuits such as a 24Vdc or 12Vdc power source emanating from a solar photovoltaic panel electric generating system or other direct current power source such as a 12Vdc battery. The source power for a fan of 12Vdc requires a circuit fuse to prevent electrical damage to blower/fan motors and thermostats that operate on such 12Vdc. A 12Vdc configuration may not require a separate ground wire, but would require an overcurrent protection (fuse) within the operating circuit. 12Vdc would have a positive lead and a negative lead with the negative lead then acting as would a neutral wire on a 120Vac circuit, which is an ostensible ground, when the power source is a converter or battery. A 12Vdc temperature controller chassis is ungrounded within its operation as is the 110Vac and 220Vac models of temperature controller 7.

[0218] FIG. 3 discloses a component diagram of an alternative embodiment for AAHR system management of temperature using three temperature controllers or thermostats, or combination thereof, to regulate supply of heated air for transport from the attic space into the building interior. Reference is made of the numbered elements for FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 in the remainder of this discussion. FIG. 3 introduces the specialized attic/interior matching temperature controller 16 capable of reading attic atmosphere temperature and the interior atmosphere temperature by using an interior temperature sensor probe 15 and an attic temperature sensor probe 17 (located in the attic supply duct or near the outlet diffuser). The specialized digital temperature controller 16 contains digital memory 16M for storing parameters, and a solid-state processor 16P programmed to poll temperature of both the attic and interior at a selected interval (15 minutes or 30 minutes). The attic/interior matching temperature controller 16 works in concert with attic temperature controller 12 by communicating through wiring items 10, 13, and 18 leading to the interior thermostat (or temperature controller) 14. Such action by controller 16 terminates AAHR system blower operation at the end of the day when the attic air temperature matches, or has become lower than the interior temperature as determined by temperature polling of controller 16, for which such action is required to avoid reducing interior temperature needlessly. Therefore, the specialized attic/interior matching temperature controller 16 of the AAHR system configuration is necessary to prevent attic air of lower temperature than interior air temperature from entering the building interior. The user is required to establish an upper limit interior temperature setting using interior thermostat/temperature controller 14. When the interior temperature is equal to that of the attic temperature in the late afternoon as attic temperature declines the AAHR system will stop. The attic temperature is no longer useful for space heating as it gradually becomes lower than the interior space temperature. The remainder of reference items 1 through 9 and items 19 and 21 as disclosed in FIG. 3 appear in the FIG. 1 discussion.

[0219] FIG. 4 illustrates embodiment of the AAHR system in its form of operation for more precise temperature management. Three temperature controllers manage the AAHR system operation during the daily solar heating excursion of attic air. Joint entry is made of parameter settings for the attic initial startup temperature, the attic shutoff temperature, and the desired interior temperature with one of the controllers used to poll the attic temperature and the interior temperature to monitor the difference in temperatures of the attic and the interior. FIG. 4 shows the relationship of the three temperature controllers starting with the attic temperature controller 9 in the primary role of managing startup and shutdown based on the attic temperature setting by the user. The interior temperature controller 10 is in the secondary role to manage the interior temperature deemed desirable by the user. The attic/interior matching temperature controller 11 takes the tertiary role of shutting down the AAHR system operation when both the attic temperature and the interior temperature match (becoming equal) or the attic temperature is lower than the interior temperature at the end of the day's operation thus avoiding overlap of colder temperature entering the warmer building interior. Action of the attic/interior matching temperature controller 11 may occur periodically throughout the course of the day when outside weather conditions dictate to cause a halt of operation of the AAHR system, however the system restarts if air temperature in the attic has increased to a level above that of the then current interior air temperature. The attic/interior matching temperature controller 11 polls the attic temperature in communication with temperature sensor 18, and polls the interior temperature in communication with temperature sensor 17. The temperature polling by digital program of controller 11 occurs in intervals of fifteen minutes or more to avoid any erratic action on the part of the controller. Controller 11 increases flexibility of the AAHR system by requiring minimal user intervention to be necessary for optimal system space heating performance. FIG. 4 illustrates the three temperature controllers of the AAHR system hierarchy as a schematic to show the necessary electric power configuration and controller functions to demonstrate how each controller interacts with the other controllers. The three controllers work in series such that all three controllers must be active simultaneously to operate the AAHR system blower when power communicates with each controller's relay switch represented as port pair's 3a/4a, 3b/4b, and 3c/4c. Each port pair represents the power source of the onboard relay switch that activates to power the load as commanded within each individual controller responding to its programmed parameters. If power is not communicating with any one of the controllers' relay switch port pairs 3a/4a, 3b/4b, or 3c/4c, due to programmed parameter action by the controller, the AAHR system is quiet. The attic temperature controller 9 is the overall governing controller based on a satisfactory temperature level for the attic-heated air using temperature sensor 16 in communication with controller 9 temperature sensor ports 5a/6a. Controller 9 receives electric power through hot wire 13 directed into controller 9 port 1a to power the onboard digital electronics memory processor. Controller 9 port 3a receives electric power from hot wire 13 to energize relay switch port pair 3a/4a when temperature parameter of the attic dictates. Controller 9 communicates electric power with controller 11 port 1c and port 3c through the action of Controller 9 relay switch port pair 3a/4a when energized. Controller 11 activates port pair 3c/4c relay switch dictated by polling attic and interior temperature status. The electricity neutral wire 14 communicates with controller 9 port 2a, controller 10 port 2b, controller 11 port 2c, and blower 21 neutral. There is no separate earth grounding of the digital temperature controllers 9, 10, and 11; however, earth ground 15 is required for the metal body of the blower 21 in compliance with electric codes. The secondary interior temperature controller 10 receives its electric power through port 1b to energize the onboard digital electronics processor for interior temperature and operating parameter settings. The tertiary attic/interior matching controller 11 receives its power through port 1c from controller 9 port 4a to energize controller 11 onboard digital electronics memory and processor. FIG. 4 AAHR system operation process begins with attic temperature controller 9 during the daily solar excursion when attic air temperature is satisfactory for the program parameter to cause energizing relay switch ports 3a/4a thus completing the electrical power circuit to start the system. Controller 9 port 4a communicates with controller 11 port 1c to power controller 11, and communicates with controller 11 port 3c to provide power to relay switch port pair 3c/4c. Controller 11 program changes relay switch ports 3c/4c to on status, when it is true that the attic temperature is higher (not equal or lower) than the interior temperature. Controller 11 relay switch port pair 3c/4c causes the relay to disconnect when the program determines the temperature condition to be false, thereby forcing a shutdown of the AAHR system. Controller 11 attic temperature sensor 18 communicates through temperature sensor port pair 7c/8c. Controller 11 interior temperature sensor 17 communicates through port pair 5c/6c. Controller 11 program logic functions by polling the temperature of the attic in communication with temperature sensor 18 placed inside or near the diffuser 20 while monitoring interior temperature through temperature sensor 17. Attic temperature controller 9 communicates power through port 4a to controller 11 port 1c and relay switch port 3c when the attic temperature is sufficient thereby enabling controller 11 to communicate power through port 4c to controller 10 port 3b. Interior temperature controller 10 maintains power to relay switch pair ports 3b/4b when the interior temperature remains below that of the set parameter required for space heating. Controller 10 communicates with temperature sensor 19 through temperature sensor port pair 5b/6b to determine interior temperature, governed by the parameter settings of such controller 10. The desired interior temperature setting of controller 10 enables operation of blower 21, which receives power from controller 10 through port 4b with such power communicating through relay switch port pair 3b/4b. Controller 10 relay switch port pair 3b/4b contact depends on program action of controller 11 temperature management resulting from attic and interior temperature polling results. Controller 10 port 3b is energized in the series of communication between controller 9 port 4a enabled by controller 11 port pair 3c/4c being energized. Controller 11 port 4c communicates power to controller 10 port 3b to ensure power to blower 21 through port 4b when relay switch port pair 3b/4b energize. Alternatively, controller 11, functions singularly as the AAHR system primary temperature controller, to exclude both controller 9 and controller 10, when the objective of the user is to employ the resident artificial heating source as the primary space heating apparatus. Such action places the AAHR system in secondary space-heating position when temperature in the attic is sufficient. Use of any combination of controllers 9, 10, and 11, with either one or two controllers being excluded in the AAHR system configuration can still accomplish the necessary temperature management as desired.

[0220] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating program instructions of the solid-state digital processor within the attic/interior matching temperature controller. The attic temperature controller, depicted on the left side of the flowchart, and the attic/interior matching controller depicted on the right side, function in their relationship to control the AAHR system based on attic temperature value and interior temperature value. The program computation process polls (1) attic temperature using the remote temperature sensor placed within the attic or near the supply diffuser, and (2) interior temperature using the remote temperature sensor inside the interior living/working space. The flowchart illustrates the attic/interior matching temperature controller polling such temperature values necessary to manage the AAHR system blower with the controller determining when the temperature in the attic has become equal to or is lower than the temperature level in the building interior in late afternoon as the daily solar energy cycle recedes. A timing element within the program logic of the attic/interior matching temperature controller sets the polling of temperature from each temperature sensor to occur at an interval of 15 or 30 minutes to avoid toggling a frequent on or off state of the controller relay switch if the temperature match is intermittent. When the attic temperature is satisfactory, the attic temperature controller begins the daily process providing power to the attic/interior matching temperature controller. The attic/interior matching temperature controller then assumes shared command to determine the temperature status in both the attic and the interior. The AAHR system responds to the attic/interior matching temperature controller through its relay switch resulting in the system ceasing operation to avoid colder attic air from entering the building interior. Steps taken in the flowchart indicate the start condition of the controller and the decision point when polling occurs to determine if the attic temperature is equal to or lower than the interior temperatures. The controller powers down the AAHR system by actuating the onboard relay switch to an off condition at the end of the daily solar cycle if not already forced off by action of the attic temperature controller with its commanding temperature setting. Otherwise, the system shuts down when reaching the desired turn-off temperature parameter setting of the interior temperature controller, or interior bimetal thermostat (not shown).

[0221] To conclude, the foregoing description represents elements that comprise the AAHR system operating as a solar energy space-heating device that emulates a typical HVAC system using common HVAC components. The teachings and disclosures used in conjunction with other types of HVAC systems known to those of ordinary skill in the art generally provide understanding of the methods employed for controlling the heating of a building. However, the AAHR system heating efficiency requires knowledge of environmental conditions that include solar insolation levels, outside temperature fluctuation, wind chill, relative humidity, and altitude location of the property, therefore those familiar with HVAC systems require added skill and understanding of solar energy principles in the undertaking.

[0222] Full disclosure of a product in the marketplace for patent effectiveness of the embodiments of the equipment and methods employed are tantamount to the entire set of claims and embodiments of the device. The specific disclosures herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art that allows for modifications and variations made with components and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure.