초록 ▼

An apparatus and method are disclosed by which the temperature of an enclosure can be prevented from reaching extremely high or extremely low points. The enclosure provides a functional area whose temperature is adjusted by heated or cooled water contained within a water container which is located a

An apparatus and method are disclosed by which the temperature of an enclosure can be prevented from reaching extremely high or extremely low points. The enclosure provides a functional area whose temperature is adjusted by heated or cooled water contained within a water container which is located above the functional area and below the ceiling of the enclosure. The water in the water container is heated or cooled, depending on the desired effect, by exposing the water to atmospheric conditions while passing through a radiator/absorber located on the roof of the enclosure. The radiator/absorber has an inclined configuration, with higher and lower ends. The water passes from the water container to the radiator/absorber and back again to the water container through a pair of conduits. A warm water conduit runs between one end of the water container and the higher end of the radiator/absorber, while a cold water conduit runs between the other end of the water container and the lower end of the radiator/absorber. The water will passively travel from the water container to the radiator/absorber during warm weather by creating a thermal siphon at night. A pump is attached to the cold water conduit and used to circulate water in cold weather when heating is desired.

대표청구항 ▼

1. Apparatus for using water to control the internal temperature of an enclosure having a roof exposed to the atmosphere and an enclosed functional area, said apparatus comprising:a container for water located within the enclosure and having opposite ends; a generally flat hollow inclined radiator/a

1. Apparatus for using water to control the internal temperature of an enclosure having a roof exposed to the atmosphere and an enclosed functional area, said apparatus comprising:a container for water located within the enclosure and having opposite ends; a generally flat hollow inclined radiator/absorber proximate and exterior to the enclosure having a higher end and a lower end, said radiator/absorber having a surface exposed to the atmosphere; a pair of conduits including a warm water conduit between one end of the container and the higher end of the radiator/absorber and a cold water conduit between the other end of the container to proximate the lower end of the radiator/absorber; and a pump operatively connected with the cold water conduit, whereby the container, radiator/absorber, and conduits can be completely filled with water when cooling is desired so that the water will thermal siphon through the radiator/absorber to provide cooling at night, and whereby the container, radiator/absorber, and conduits can be partially filled with water when heating is desired and the pump actuated during periods of sunshine to provide solar heating.