Fireplace make-up air heat exchange system
US6729551B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E20/34
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The need to maintain the quality of air in a home has become more of a problem in new high efficiency tight houses so that governmental regulations are being proposed for a minimum change of fresh air. If too much cold outside fresh air is introduced into such homes at a single source, the room with the fresh air is usually too cold and/or unbalanced.The present invention avoids cooling any one room while maintaining heat efficiency. When the home has a gas fireplace, the exhaust gases are preferably directed through an air-to-air cross flow heat exchanger which preheats the quality air passing into a forced air furnace system.In modified embodiments of the present invention, make-up quality air is mixed with the room air and heated in the heat exchanger of the fireplace. The preheated room air from the fireplace is preferably connected to the supply/return of a forced air furnace system and distributed to all rooms to provide uniform heating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.