Solar Powered Active Roof Ridge Vent

Abstract

A solar powered roof ridge vent apparatus is provided for actively conducting warm air from an attic space of a home or building to the ambient environment. The roof ridge vent apparatus includes a series of electrically powered axial fans fastened to openings formed in a laterally flexible main panel which is installed at the ridge opening of a roof on a home or building. The laterally flexible main panel seals to the roofline. The series of fans are protected from the elements by a shroud. The shroud is fastened to the laterally flexible main panel and forms a cavity surrounding the fans in which the fan drawn air is first introduced prior to passing through a vent to the ambient environment. The fans are powered using electricity generated by a solar panel, which is mounted to the main panel. A thermostat is employed to deactivate the electrical fans at lower ambient temperatures when attic ventilation is undesirable. The apparatus can be installed as a single unit to the exterior of the home.

1 . An attic ventilation apparatus for use with structure having a pitched roof, with a ridge vent opening at the apex, the ventilation apparatus comprising:
 A main panel to be mounted over a roof's ridge vent opening;   A fan or fans fastened to the main panel to exhaust air from the attic space; and   A shroud assembly, fastened to the main panel enclosing the fan or fans along said panel   
     
     
         2 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said panel is installed on top of the ridge opening. 
     
     
         3 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said panel is attached to the exterior periphery of the ridge vent opening using fasteners. 
     
     
         4 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said panel provides spacing for said fan or fans above the said ridge opening and/or ridge beam (ridge board). 
     
     
         5 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said panel provides a fluid path for said fan or fans above the said ridge opening and/or ridge beam (ridge board). 
     
     
         6 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said panel seals along the exterior of the ridge opening (lengthwise). 
     
     
         7 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said panel is flexible to allow panel fit to the roof ridgeline. 
     
     
         8 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said panel is hinged to allow panel fit to the roof ridgeline. 
     
     
         9 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said panel and shroud will facilitate the installation of roofing shingles to their exterior. 
     
     
         10 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said fan or fans are axial fan(s). 
     
     
         11 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 6 , where in the said fan or fans incorporate electric motors. 
     
     
         12 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 6 , where in said fan or fans have a plurality of fan blades. 
     
     
         13 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said fan or fans are fastened over openings in the main panel to allow airflow through the openings in the main panel via the fan activity. 
     
     
         14 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said fan or fans are mounted parallel to the tangent of the roofs apex, above the ridge slot and/or ridge beam (ridge board) 
     
     
         15 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where the said fan or fans are powered by a solar panel. 
     
     
         16 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where said fan or fans are activated by a thermostat. 
     
     
         17 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in said main panel has a solar panel fastened to its exterior. 
     
     
         18 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said shroud is forms a secondary air cavity above said fans above the ridge slot and above the main panel. 
     
     
         19 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said shroud mates with an integral solar panel to form secondary cavity above the ridge slot and above the main panel. 
     
     
         20 . The attic ventilation apparatus according to  claim 1 , where in the said shroud includes vents to exhaust air to the ambient environment.