Energy efficient building environmental control apparatus and method

Abstract

A building includes exterior walls that form spaces which are selectively vented under control of a control system. Vents are operated to retain trapped air or exhaust trapped air to improve the energy performance of the building. Vents with selectively operable dampers may be located proximate a top of a wall or wall section of wall. Vents may also be located proximate a bottom of a wall or wall section to allow drainage of liquid and circulation of air. Various specific wall constructions provide for an air gap between layers of exterior sheathing of the exterior wall. The air gap may be in addition to a space between interior and exterior sheathing, which space may include a thermal insulation material (e.g., fiberglass batting).

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]This disclosure generally relates to the field of building construction and, more particularly, to energy efficient buildings.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]There is ever increasing concern regarding energy consumption. Reducing energy consumption may provide numerous benefits. For example, such may reduce the costs paid by individual consumers. Such may reduce the infrastructure costs incurred by energy suppliers, for example reducing the number of new generation facilities required. Such may also reduce negative environmental effects, for instance the generation of greenhouse gases or spoilation of the natural environment. In light of such concerns various governmental agencies or departments are promulgating new rules and regulations regarding energy conservation. Various private individuals and business are proposing new approaches and new technologies to address these concerns.[0005]The heating and cooling of buildings is on...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]A building includes exterior walls that form spaces which are selectively vented under control of a control system. Vents are operated to retain trapped air or exhaust trapped air to improve the energy performance of the building. Vents with selectively operable dampers may be located proximate a top of a wall or wall section of wall. Vents may also be located proximate a bottom of a wall or wall section to allow drainage of liquid and circulation of air. Various specific wall constructions provide for an air gap between layers of exterior sheathing of the exterior wall. The air gap may be in addition to a space between interior and exterior sheathing, which space may include a thermal insulation material (e.g., fiberglass batting).

Problems solved by technology

There is ever increasing concern regarding energy consumption.

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