Turbine Fan

About

Brief Background There is an increased international awareness and adoption of environmentally friendly ventilation systems, especially in countries where the control of indoor air quality, temperature and humidity account for a high percentage of total energy consumption. Many of the current ventilation technologies available on the market rely on electricity whilst current natural or mechanical ventilation systems have restricted volumetric flow rates resulting in poor indoor air conditions. The Turbine Fan Inlet (TFI) was designed as a renewable and sustainable natural ventilation system that reduces electricity consumption in the building envelope and contributes to the reduction of a buildings’ carbon footprint. Target Market  The manufactures and distributors of commercial and residential wind and hybrid powered rotary ventilators, evaporative cooling systems and static ventilation devices. Value Proposition/ Benefits The Turbine Fan Inlet (TFI) increases volumetric flow rates in a building cavity without requiring the use of energy derived from fossil fuels or any other source that leaves a significant carbon footprint. Designed not to inhibit air flowing into natural ventilation systems if no wind energy is available. Unique Characteristics  Can be used in conjunction with an evaporative cooling assembly installed within the duct. May be solar assisted by virtue of a solar chimney. Can be manufactured from various materials such as aluminium and UV resistant plastics. The device can be utilised as an air-inlet and air-outlet configuration. Technical Description  The Turbine Fan Inlet (TFI) configuration consists of a vertical axis wind turbine, guide vanes and coupled fan. The vertical wind turbine can be a Savonius, Darrieus, Giromill, Cycloturbine or modified types of vertical axis wind turbines having helically extending blades or blades following an otherwise twisted path that serves to even out torque developed over a revolution of a vertical axis wind turbine. The fan is either secured to a shaft rotated directly by a vertical axis wind turbine so that it rotates in unison therewith or coupled to the turbine by way of gears providing for a reduction or increase in the speed of rotation of the turbine. The guide vanes force wind to flow onto the concave part of the blades and block the wind from its convex side. The configuration has a roof structure that houses a bearing and protects against rain. A second bearing is connected to the shaft and an outer structure that provides rigidity to the configuration.  A PCT International patent application (application number PCT/IB2015/055573) has been filed.