Ventilator Device For Dehumidification

Abstract

A ventilation device and the method of use thereof for dehumidification of residential attached or detached garages, sheds, greenhouses, RVs, motorhomes and other similar structures. This device and method uses an extraction ventilator to dry out the structure's environment, and reduce the interior humidity using a motorized fan to expel moisture latent air out of the structure. The fan continuously runs at minimal speeds to continuously exhaust interior air and ventilate the structure, thereby controlling the garage environment, while eliminating backdrafts, and preventing animals, snow and rain from entering the structure. The device uses a dehumidistat control to activate the fan to maximum ventilation capacity when the humidity reaches the set point, exhausting ambient air and extracting excess humidity from the structure. Once the humidity drops below the set point, the dehumidistat deactivates and returns the ventilator to minimum speed operator.

1 . A ventilation device for dehumidification of an annex structure includes a duct extending between the interior and exterior of the structure, a fan adapted to transfer ambient air from the interior of the structure to the exterior, and a motor with associated speed and dehumidistat controls, whereby the motor operates the fan continuously at controlled low speeds, but with elevated humidity in the interior of the structure, as determined by the dehumidistat, the speed control is bypassed such that the fan and motor operate at an increased speed.  
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the speed control is a capacitor, an induction coil, a transformer or a triac.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2 , further including an on/off switch.  
   
   
       4 . The use of the device of  claim 2  at an elevation adjacent a floor level of the structure.  
   
   
       5 . The use of the device of  claim 2  at an elevation in proximity to a floor level of the structure.  
   
   
       6 . The use of the device of  claim 2  within 3 feet of a floor level of the structure.  
   
   
       7 . A method of reducing humidity in an annex structure utilizing a ventilation device as set out in  claim 1  including the steps of running the device continuously at: 
 i) low speed when humidity is below a set point on the dehumidistat, and    ii) higher speed when the humidity exceeds the set point.