Boundary layer energy recovery apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for recovering thermal energy escaping through a wall structure. The apparatus comprising a wall structure ( 2 ) provided with a thermal energy recovery layer, the thermal energy recovery layer having an arrangement of one or more air breathable sections provided adjacent one or more non-air breathable sections. Rising or falling air ( 3 ) at an outer surface of the wall structure ( 2 ) passes over the one or more non-air breathable sections to collect escaping hot or cold thermal energy before passing through the one or more breathable sections to thereby be recovered. Further provided is an air collection means ( 4 ) for collecting warmed air rising up or cold air flowing down an external wall of said building. The air collection means comprising a tapering converging guide member extending outwardly from the building's wall ( 2 ) for collecting and directing rising or falling air into the building.

1 . An apparatus for recovering thermal energy escaping through a wall structure, said apparatus comprising:
 a wall structure provided with a thermal energy recovery layer, the thermal energy recovery layer having an arrangement of one or more air breathable sections provided adjacent one or more non-air breathable sections,   whereby air at an outer surface of the wall structure passes over the one or more non-air breathable sections to collect escaping thermal energy before passing through the one or more breathable sections to thereby be recovered.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the thermal energy is heat and the one or more breathable sections are generally vertically elevated with respect to the one or more non-breathable sections. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the wall structure comprises an outer layer, an outer cavity being formed between the outer layer and the recovery layer. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the outer layer has one or more vents for introducing air into the outer cavity. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the wall structure further comprises an inner layer, an inner cavity being formed between the recovery layer and the inner layer. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein air recovered through the recovery layer is collected in the inner cavity and channeled into a structure bounded by the wall structure. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a converging collection member provided at or adjacent the vertical extent of the wall structure. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the converging collection member takes the form of an upturned scoop in cross-section. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the converging collection member collects air up to 25 cm from the external surface of the outer layer. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the breathable and non-breathable sections are provided as panels. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the breathable sections have graduated filtering profiles, for progressively filtering air passing therethrough. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus for recovering thermal energy escaping from a building through a wall structure, said apparatus comprising:
 air collection means for collecting rising warmed air or falling cooled air from an external surface of said wall structure;   a main cavity for collecting said rising warmed air or falling cooled air from the air collection means, said main cavity comprising one or more inlets to a breathable insulating filter section through which said warmed or cooled air can pass, before being channeled for introduction into said building.   
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the collection means comprises a wall structure configuration having:
 an outer layer;   a heat recovery layer, and   an inner layer,   wherein external air is provided to an outer cavity between the outer layer and the heat recovery layer, the heat recovery layer being permeable to allow air to pass therethrough to an inner cavity which collects and directs air to said main cavity.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein said main cavity is provided in the roof structure of a building. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the main cavity is formed between the roof wall and the breathable insulating filter section. 
     
     
         19 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An apparatus for recovering a hot or cold air flow resulting from escaping thermal energy at an outer surface of a building, said apparatus comprising:
 an air collection means for collecting warmed air rising up, or cooled air flowing down an external wall of said building, said air collection means comprising a tapering converging guide member for coupling at or adjacent the building's external wall,   the guide member, in use, extending outwardly from the building's wall for collecting and directing rising or falling air into the building.   
     
     
         22 . An apparatus for recovering thermal energy through a wall structure, said apparatus comprising:
 a wall structure provided with an energy recovery layer, the energy recovery layer having an arrangement of one or more air breathable sections provided adjacent one or more non-air breathable sections,   whereby air at an outer surface of the wall structure passing over the one or more non-air breathable sections is heated or cooled thereby, and then rises or falls before passing through the one or more breathable sections.   
     
     
         23 - 24 . (canceled)