Fan Supplemented Induction Unit

Abstract

The present invention provides an induction unit having a primary air inlet area, a return air inlet area, and an outlet area. A baffle separates the housing of the induction unit into first and second air flow paths. A source of primary air is attached in fluid communication with the air inlet area and a bank of nozzles is positioned within the first air flow path and in fluid communication with the air inlet area. A return air vent is positioned in fluid communication with the return air inlet area. Heat exchange tubes are positioned adjacent the return air vent and within the return inlet area of the housing, and at least one fan is mounted within the housing and in the second air flow path, wherein the fan will accelerate return air passing over the heat exchange tubes, through the second air flow path, and out of the air exit vent.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An induction unit, comprising:
 a) a housing having a primary air inlet area, a return air inlet area, and an outlet area;   b) a baffle that separates the housing into first and second air flow paths;   c) an inlet to which a source of primary air may be attached and positioned in fluid communication with said air inlet area of said housing;   d) a plurality of nozzles positioned within said first air flow path of said housing and in fluid communication with said air inlet area;   e) a return air vent in fluid communication with said return air inlet area;   f) an air exit vent positioned in said outlet area of said housing and in fluid communication with said first and second air flow paths;   g) a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned adjacent said return air vent and within said inlet area of said housing; and   h) at least one fan mounted within said housing and in said second air flow path, wherein said fan will accelerate return air passing over said heat exchange tubes, through said second air flow path, and out of said air exit vent.   
     
     
         2 . The induction unit according to  claim 1 , further comprising a control system that permits operation of the induction unit in one of three modes of operation. 
     
     
         3 . The induction unit according to  claim 1 , further comprising a low voltage power supply that is electrically connected to said at least one fan. 
     
     
         4 . An induction unit adapted to be installed in a room's wall extending in a vertical plane, comprising:
 a) a housing comprising a front wall having upper and lower sections and that is adapted to extend co-planar with the room's wall, a floor, a rear wall, a ceiling, and a pair of side walls; a primary air inlet; a return air inlet formed in said lower section of said front wall; and an outlet formed in said upper section of said front wall;   b) a baffle that extends in a spaced, parallel plane to said front wall separates the housing into first and second air flow paths;   c) an inlet to which a source of primary air may be attached and formed through said floor and in fluid communication with said air inlet area of said housing;   d) a plurality of nozzles positioned within said first air flow path of said housing and in fluid communication with said air inlet area;   e) a return air vent in fluid communication with said return air inlet area;   f) an air exit vent positioned in said outlet area of said housing and in fluid communication with said first and second air flow paths;   g) a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned adjacent said return air vent and within said inlet area of said housing; and   h) at least one fan mounted within said housing and in said second air flow path, wherein said fan will accelerate return air passing over said heat exchange tubes, through said second air flow path, and out of said air exit vent.   
     
     
         5 . The induction unit according to  claim 4 , further comprising a control system that permits operation of the induction unit in one of three modes of operation. 
     
     
         6 . The induction unit according to  claim 4 , further comprising a low voltage power supply that is electrically connected to said at least one fan.