Solar-powered soffit fan

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The solar-powered soffit fan includes an electric fan that is 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. Mounting the fan over the soffit vent obviates the necessity of attic entry, roof access, and the like. Use of the roof-mounted solar panel obviates the necessity of running electrical power conductors from an external source, such as an electrical power 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.

[0011]These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

Problems solved by technology

The air becomes more humid, and surface dampness can result.

Passive ventilation works in ideal ambient conditions, however may not be effective on windless days when the ambient air is hot, humid, and stagnant.

However, traditional soffit fans require running an electrical cable from the building circuit box to the unit.

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