Space Heating and Cooling

About

Brief Description This invention relates to an air temperature regulating assembly using thermal storage. The air temperature in an enclosed air space is raised or lowered to cause the temperature to approach, or be maintained in, a target temperature range. The system has a range of applications including chicken broilers, vegetable production enclosures, warehouses, shopping malls, homes and offices. Target Market Chicken poultry farms, particularly for use in broiler and breeder houses Vegetable producers Property developers, architects, the construction industry Warehouses, homes, offices and shopping malls Value Proposition / Benefits The technology comprises a multipurpose sustainable space heater and cooler and is considerably less dependent on the power grid than conventional heating/cooling systems. Conventional gas and electric air heating systems are increasingly expensive to operate due to increasing energy and water costs. The proposed system only requires pumping power to overcome air pressure variations. It utilises rocks for thermal storage and uses a minimal amount of water. This system is far more environmentally friendly than conventional systems and the rocks used are inexpensive by comparison with other heat storage materials and are generally easily obtainable. Unique Characteristics A much cheaper, scalable, and more environmentally-friendly alternative to electric air conditioners Existing space-heaters and coolers typically use an absorber plate heater to heat up air to store energy. A separate evaporation module is then required for cooling. This proposed system combines the evaporative cooling functionality directly with heat storage and eliminates the need for two separate modules. Technical Description A packed rock bed is exposed to solar radiation. Air is forced over the packed rocks which heats the air and transfers heat to the rest of the rock bed. A variable speed fan and a multiplicity of ducts and dampers regulate the air flow over the rock bed. Cooling is achieved by charging the air space over the rock bed with cold ambient air during the night and protecting the rock bed from solar radiation during the day. A series of water sprinklers is provided for spraying the top surface of the rock bed as required for evaporative cooling. Innovation Status A provisional patent application has been filed (2014/05114).