Solar-powered soffit fan

a solar-powered soffit fan and fan body technology, which is applied in the direction of ventilation systems, heating types, piston pumps, etc., can solve the problems of air becoming more humid, surface dampness, and ineffective

a solar-powered soffit fan and fan body technology, which is applied in the direction of ventilation systems, heating types, piston pumps, etc., can solve the problems of air becoming more humid, surface dampness, and ineffective

US20110217194A1Inactive Publication Date: 2011-09-08RANDALL PETER L
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  • Solar-powered soffit fan
  • Solar-powered soffit fan
  • Solar-powered soffit fan

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0021]As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6, the solar-powered soffit fan, designated generally as 10 in the drawings, includes an electric fan 20 which can be surface, flush or insert mounted over a soffit vent 11 that has free air access to the attic 12 of a house H or other type of building. At least one photovoltaic solar panel 25 mounted on the building structure, e.g., roof-mounted, and aimed at the sun delivers power via a power cable 40 to the soffit fan 20. During daylight hours the photovoltaic solar panel 25 provides sufficient electrical power to activate the soffit fan 20, which provides forced attic ventilation through the soffit vent 11. At night the fan 20 automatically powers down when sunlight no longer impinges the solar panel 25. As shown in FIG. 6, a thermostat 30 and / or humistat 35 can be included for additional control of the fan 20.

[0022]An optional charge-control device 78 and battery B can be added for operations into nighttime, or when there is insufficient sunl...

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Abstract

The solar powered soffit fan includes an electric fan mounted over a soffit vent. A roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panel aimed at the sun delivers power to the soffit fan. During daylight hours, the photovoltaic solar panel provides sufficient electrical power to activate the soffit fan, which provides forced attic ventilation through the soffit vent. At night, the fan automatically powers down when sunlight no longer impinges the solar panel. A thermostat and / or humistat can be included for additional control of the unit. The fan can accept power from an optional rechargeable battery. Multiple soffit fans can be configured to service larger buildings.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 282,604, filed Mar. 5, 2010.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to building attic ventilation, and more specifically to an easily installed solar-powered soffit fan.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Buildings usually incorporate ventilation systems in their attics to limit the adverse effects of heat and humidity build-ups in said spaces. The air in an attic is heated by solar energy through the roof and related supporting exterior structure. During night, roofs radiate heat and cool to ambient air temperature. This, in turn, cools and condenses air below the roof in attics. The air becomes more humid, and surface dampness can result. When the sun rises, it starts to heat the roof and facing structure, which in turn heats the air space in the attic.[0006]The transfer of heat from the at...

Claims

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Application Information

Patent Timeline
08 Sep 2011
Publication
US20110217194A1
IPC
F04D25/06; F24F7/02; F24F11/053; F24F7/06; F24F7/04; F24F11/76
CPC
F04D25/06; F24F7/02; F24F11/053; F24F7/06; F24F7/04; F24F11/76; F24F2005/0067; F24F7/025
Inventors
RANDALL, PETER L.