HK1097309B - An energy transfer system for integration with a building - Google Patents

Description

Energy transfer system for use in conjunction with a building

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a biological tower, which is an electrical generator that utilizes energy from the sun, wind and waste heat of buildings, as well as applying energy converted from waste in urban environments.

Background

The problem of addressing global warming is known in the scientific community as well as in the industry of one of the common challenges of our age. The use of solar energy to alleviate the need for greenhouse gas generation methods for power generation is one aspect that helps to address this problem.

The problem with higher than usual temperatures, known as the "heat island effect", which afflicts urban centers worldwide, mainly caused by waste heat from air conditioning systems, is a matter of urgent concern.

Disclosure of Invention

These problems are solved by the present invention, which provides a novel method of harnessing solar radiation to capture the heat of the sun in such a way as to extend the organic life for energy production, convert the energy, and filter and condition the amount of solar energy entering the man-made structure so that the filtered energy can be converted into electrical energy in the process.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an energy transfer system for use in conjunction with a building, the energy transfer system being capable of receiving naturally occurring energy from a first location and capturing the energy for transfer to another location in order to increase the energy requirements of the building; the system includes a standpipe associated with the building and having at least one inlet opening into at least one passage in the standpipe, each of the at least one inlet opening receiving air drawn from a source of air external to the building; said air source generating an air flow upon entering said at least one inlet, thereby moving said air flow from said first location to said another location; at least one passageway in the standpipe communicating between the at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and each passageway receiving a flow of air drawn from the air source; the airflow moves in the channel due to energy generated by the naturally occurring energy; wherein the riser duct receives passing atmospheric air that is used to augment a selectable source of heated air drawn from within the building.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy transfer system for use in conjunction with a building, the energy transfer system being capable of receiving naturally occurring atmospheric wind or thermal energy from a first location and capturing the energy for transfer to another location in order to increase the energy requirements of the building; the system includes a standpipe associated with the building and having at least one inlet opening into at least one passage in the standpipe, each of the at least one inlet opening receiving air drawn from a source of air external to the building; said air source creating an updraft spiral upon entry into said at least one inlet to move said air flow from said first position to said another position; the inner shape has means for generating said air spiral; at least one passageway in the standpipe communicating between the at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and each passageway receiving a flow of air drawn from the air source; the airflow moves in the channel due to energy generated by the naturally occurring energy; wherein the riser duct receives passing atmospheric air that is used to augment a selectable source of heated air drawn from within the building; wherein energy from the moving air stream is usable to energize an energy receiving device within the building to transform or convert the energy stream into an alternate form of energy; said means for creating said air helix comprises first and second helical formations extending longitudinally along said standpipe and defining first and second helical channels, respectively; and wherein said first and second helical channels are separated from one another by a valve assembly that selectively permits air communication between said first and second channels.

The current invention, referred to herein as a "Biotower", is generally directed to creating one or a combination of various aspects of air movement that can be converted into electrical energy and, if desired, to exhausting contaminated air from a municipal environment and, if also desired, to purifying the air moving downward.

The bio-tower may preferably be used to: exhausting the used air; electricity is generated from places such as city centers by utilizing heat from air conditioning systems in surrounding buildings and/or heat from solar energy and/or by utilizing wind energy.

Aspects of this current invention include:

conversion of waste materials (mainly comprising sewage and waste paper and other organic wastes) to biogas (mainly comprising methane gas) and to heat and to fertilizers. The heat released by any of these processes may preferably be used to enhance the system;

the biogas thus produced can then be stored and used to power a direct fuel cell, which produces heat and electrical energy. The heat generated in such a process can be used to enhance the effect of the biological column and the electricity generated can preferably be used to enhance the electricity output of the steam turbine generator of the biological column and to provide electricity when the electricity output of the same steam turbine generator is low. The fuel cell may incorporate a turbine generator for the production of auxiliary electrical power before the waste heat is used to enhance the air rise in the tower;

-use of heat generated by decomposition of sewage and organic matter into manure to enhance the bio-tower system;

-the use of impurities extracted from the air used in the sewage converter;

the use of heat from roads and other heat absorbing surfaces (in particular those that tend to capture and contain the heat of the sun) to enhance the action of the biotower;

use of heat from tunnels (in particular subway tunnels, motor vehicle tunnels and other heat absorption or generation sources) to enhance the action of the biotower.

The bio-tower may incorporate all the methods simultaneously in such a way that they reinforce each other. Also preferably, when the bio-tower system is used with a greenery (vegetation covered) interior of the tower, preferably constructed in a spiral configuration, air may be drawn into the tower through a cooling process associated with heat extraction from water collected from air conditioning systems (and other heat generating sources) from surrounding buildings, tunnels, roadways, and the like; and in doing so, the air may be oxygenated and purified, and the impurities captured by the cooling process and the water may be fed into the surface and so filtered. This same process may be cycled two or more times to cool the water to the desired temperature and enhance the downward flow of air. The above-described system of using air temperature differences to induce downward air flow along the earth's surface may thus be enhanced or replaced if the system is configured to create a low air pressure at the base of the biotower for use in drawing air down the tower.

Each of these above aspects may preferably be used together in such a way as to enhance the overall effect of the overall system. They may also be used as separate systems or in any combination. One aspect of the invention (heat chimney) utilizes heat exhausted from the air conditioning system, collected from heat absorbing surfaces, tunnels and other heat sources, and with it generates air extraction in the tower, which can be utilized by use of a power generating turbine, either within the tower or connected to the air inlet of the tower feeding the air extraction in the tower, and/or to the output of the same tower. In addition to generating electricity, it may also be used to exhaust dirty or used air from urban areas in close proximity to buildings having mechanical air conditioning systems or other sources of heat. It is also preferred that the tower can be combined with other functions. For example, it may also be used as a viewing tower with restaurants and other entertainment or tourist facilities. And the system may preferably be incorporated into a design in the form of an office building or other building.

Preferably such a system is used to help prevent the build up of hot air around large cities (commonly referred to as the heat island effect) by extracting heat from buildings and other heat sources and releasing the same in a heat chimney and discharging it into the upper atmosphere above the cities, and preferably generating electricity for the cities in the same process. The electricity may preferably be connected to an existing power system (often referred to as a grid).

Another aspect of the invention (heat capture) relies on the heat of the sun to generate hot air within the tower. It collects the heat of the sun by capturing the heat of the sun's rays in the air cavity between the two glass layers. The outer glass layer allows heat from the sun's rays to pass through it from the outside to the inside, yet it prevents most of the same heat from passing back through the same glass from the inside to the outside atmosphere. Once the heat from the sun's rays passes through the air cavity, most of it is prevented from passing through the second glass layer, which reflects the same heat radiation, and thus the heat is kept in the same air cavity, effectively capturing the heat.

Preferably this same heat capture can be incorporated into the external front face of the bio-tower which is preferably configured to incorporate the spiral cavity aspect of the invention, and the same heat capture system can also be incorporated into the glass roof structure at the base of the tower and connected thereto in such a way that heat can flow from the heat capture cavity in the glass roof into the heat capture cavity in the front face of the tower (which can also act as a spiral cavity and thereby enhance the system).

Preferably this same heat capture can be incorporated into the preferably exterior facade of a tall building and the same heat capture system can also be incorporated into the glass roof structure at the same tower foundation and connected thereto in such a way that heat can flow from the heat capture cavity in the glass roof into the heat capture cavity in the facade of the tower and thereby enhance the system. This form of the invention relies on heat capture around the building perimeter to function in a similar manner to the "heat chimney" in that it forms a riser containing warm air rises. It has the added benefit of allowing light to enter the building while filtering out most of the radiant heat from the sun. This aspect of the invention can be added to existing buildings or incorporated into the design of new buildings and it serves to enhance the ventilation of the building into which it is incorporated, as the air rise in the facade cavity can be obtained from the interior space of the same building with a vent that enhances the effect of the so-called Venturi (Venturi) effect that can be used to draw air from the building into the updraft in the cavity. If the suction created by this aspect of the invention is used to draw air through habitable areas into heat capturing facades via cooled areas, such as greenery spaces or spaces filled with water-laden air such as fountains or fine mist sprays, or other cooling and preferably purification systems, the invention can also be used to regulate the air temperature in buildings in such a way as to minimize the need for mechanical air conditioning. Since the present invention can be used to prevent most of the solar radiant heat from entering a building, the need for an air conditioner to remove the same heat is greatly alleviated. The energy saved by this aspect of the invention can thus be a significant savings in power generation, and a higher proportion of outside air can preferably be admitted into the habitable portion of the building when the outside air temperature is appropriate, creating a healthier interior environment.

Preferably this same heat capture can also be incorporated into the glass roof structure at the basis of the heat chimney aspect of the invention. Glass roofs are desirable for providing shelter over large public squares, as they allow sunlight to illuminate a space while preventing excessive heat build up and making the space available regardless of weather conditions. The heat captured in the roof cavity flows into the chimney, preferably made of glass, which allows most of the solar radiant heat to enter the chimney but not to exit, and thus increases the heat absorption capacity of the system, and enhances or entirely provides air lift therein. Preferably heat from all applicable heat sources (e.g. air conditioning systems, road surface heat, underground tunnel heat, etc.) should be released into the same chimney. In this way, heat from the air conditioning system, the road surface, and other heat sources, as well as heat directly captured by the present invention from the sun, combine in a chimney to create the updraft. This rising air can preferably be used to drive generators to generate electricity and to draw dirty and polluted air from the street level of the city and from the tunnels.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the provision of means for the conversion of electromagnetic radiation, in particular from the sun, to heat a liquid or gas in a cavity between two or more layers of glass or other preferably transparent or translucent material, which liquid or gas can then be transported to the bio-tower and/or other apparatus, which can extract the same heat and use it for useful purposes, or store the liquid for later use.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for exposing microorganisms, such as algae, to solar radiation in a liquid, such as water, which is preferably maintained at a temperature suitable for the growth and replication of the microorganisms, which may preferably be used to enhance the functioning of the biological column and/or other associated processes and connection systems, for example in the decomposition of organics and the production of methane gas.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for regulating the amount and type of solar radiation entering a building or other structure.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating or enhancing the movement of a fluid or gas within one or more chambers enclosed by glass or other preferably transparent or translucent materials using thermosiphon, and/or capillary action and/or mechanical pumping, which can preferably be used to transport the same liquid or gas to the bio-tower and/or other connected system in order to exploit the energy and/or organics contained within the liquid or gas.

In another form of the invention and applicable to all forms thereof, the Plasma Glazing (Plasma Glazing) may also be formed with one or more air channels that utilise thermal energy not collected by the fluid and gas within the cavity in order to create movement of air within a building or the like, preferably distributing heat into the building space when the external temperature is below a comfortable range, and preferably the same air channel may be used to ventilate air within the building space when appropriate. In this way, the energy of the sun can be utilized in various ways; it is a portion of its radiant energy that is filtered and converted to heat in the fluid cavity for use in the bio-tower and/or for other purposes, and no convective heat captured by the same fluid can be used to create air movement within the structure, while the remaining solar radiation is used to illuminate the interior of the same structure, while also preferably providing an external view of the same structure.

In another form of the invention and applicable to all forms thereof, said plasma glazing may also form a solar radiation collector comprising a method and a plant for hydrogen production using natural photosynthetic organisms or a biomimetic/artificial photosynthetic system, and said hydrogen produced is preferably used in said biological tower to enhance its action, preferably by burning the same hydrogen gas to enhance the air rise inside said chimney, and/or by powering a direct fuel cell with the same hydrogen gas to produce electric energy and heat; the same electrical energy produced enhances the production of electrical energy from the turbine-driven generator of the same biological tower, and the heat from the fuel cell is directed into the tower's stack to enhance its updraft.

Spiral cavity

Another aspect of the invention is a method and apparatus for creating or enhancing updraft within a biological tower by creating a helical formation in the facade of said tower in such a way as to collect wind flowing around the tower and direct it into a helical cavity following the shape of the helical facade and thereby force the wind to draw air from a lower region within the same cavity up the helical cavity. The spiral front face should preferably allow air to enter its cavity but not to exit, in such a way that the air pressure caused by the wind entering the spiral cavity will force the air up the spiral cavity, since it can only escape from the top of the tower.

Preferably the towers will combine all said methods of creating an upward movement of air in such a way that they reinforce each other. Preferably the helical cavity is divided into two sections: upper and lower sections along their length. The upper section may be vented to the outside atmosphere and use a gate, valve or other device, which may preferably be computer controlled and, in most instances, serves to allow wind to be drawn into the upper section and prevent the same wind from leaving the same upper section unless it is near the top of the tower. As the air flows up the tower, a low air pressure is created at the base of the tower, drawing air through air inlet devices and/or through solar heated air cavity type "heat capture" in the glass roof at the base of the tower. The lower section of the chamber is preferably demarcated from the upper section by the use of a gate, valve or other device, which may preferably be computer controlled and, in most instances, serves to allow air to be drawn from the lower section into the upper section and to prevent the same wind from returning into the lower section. The lower section is preferably connected to an air inlet of the tower, preferably at the base of the tower, and may thus form a means for supplying air to the upper section along the entire length of the tower via said damper, valve or other means.

Air from the lower section of the chamber may be drawn into the upper section of the chamber by one or both of the two described devices. In the first device, when the air pressure in the upper section is lower than the air pressure in the lower section, air is drawn into the upper section, thus causing air to flow from the lower section to the upper section of the spiral chamber in order to equalize the air pressures. The air pressure difference between the upper and lower sections is caused by the movement of air up the spiral chamber, creating a lower air pressure in the upper section closer to the base of the tower. Furthermore, it is preferably possible to prevent wind from entering the upper section of the same cavity in the area close to the foundation, and this is preferably adjusted by the computer (or other means) in such a way as to maximise the airflow lift and suction power caused by the wind in the spiral cavity.

The centrifugal force acting on the air may also cause an air pressure difference as it moves upwards in a spiral pattern, causing a greater air pressure at the outer periphery of the upper section of the spiral cavity. A valve, gate or other means preferably dividing the upper section from the lower section should be used to allow air to flow from the lower section into the upper section where the air pressure differential is at its greatest (i.e. it is closest to the inner core).

The second means by which air can be drawn from the lower section into the upper section of the spiral tower is by a method which exploits the characteristic in which the flow of air through an opening draws air into the same opening and into a slipstream of air. A gate, valve or other device that divides the upper section from the lower section may preferably be used to maximize air draw from the lower section into the upper section of the spiral chamber. This effect, which is established when the flowing air in the upper section passes over the opening separating it from the lower section, should preferably be regulated by computer control or by other means in order to achieve maximum air flow rise when required.

The wind-excited movement of air up the helical cavity of the tower naturally depends on the speed of the surrounding wind and is therefore irregular. The same upward air movement within the tower is also enhanced by the upward movement of the hot air (hot air is air that is warmer than the outside atmosphere).

The heat chimney method, which produces hot air along with the heat capture method, will cause the air to flow up the spiral cavity of the tower regardless of wind speed. Such a system may also preferably incorporate a vertical shaft connecting an upper spiral cavity at the tower base to a lower spiral cavity near the top of the tower, providing two passageways, since the air to flow and depending on the combination of all conditions will flow in the direction of the lowest air pressure. Since the valve, gate or other device is preferably positioned along the length of the upper spiral chamber between the vertical shaft and the upper spiral chamber, the system may also be enhanced by air flow between the vertical shaft and the upper spiral chamber, as appropriate. When the pressure differential between the upper spiral chamber and the vertical shaft is sufficiently great, it will draw air from the vertical shaft into the upper spiral chamber and thereby increase the velocity of the air moving up the vertical shaft. Preferably this vertical shaft should be located close to the core and preferably around the core in such a way that the centrifugal forces acting on the air flowing up the spiral chamber can be utilized to induce an increased air flow lift in the vertical shaft.

Also preferably, the system may be used with vegetation and vegetation (interior ground surfaces) built into the core of a building and configured to purify and oxygenate incoming air, and also to direct air to provide a healthy atmosphere for people nearby (e.g., in large public places or parks that may be covered with the grass roof structure). Such an internal ground surface may preferably be constructed in a spiral configuration such that air entering from the upper rim of the tower and flowing down the greening spiral is enhanced in its downward flow by the ground surface cooling-cooling effect as it flows. Preferably, the cooling effect can be enhanced by using a spiral tower to cool water piped from air conditioning units of surrounding buildings (especially office buildings). A by-product of extracting heat from the water of the air conditioning system is cooling water. As previously mentioned, water is used in the outer cavity of the tower to enhance the air flow upward, and the cooling water irrigates the ground in the form of a fine mist spray. After filtration through the surface, the same water is piped back into the air conditioning system from which they originated, and the cycle is thus completed.

Preferably, an internal spiral is greened, which purifies the air entering from above. Plants may preferably be incorporated into the helical configuration. The evaporative effect caused by the plants and their irrigation system cools the air and causes it to flow down a spiral, as a river draws air from above. The plants disinfect and oxygenate air delivered to public spaces, habitable areas, and the like, and preferably push up and push out the used air. Water drawn from the cooling tower of the ambient air conditioning apparatus may preferably be used to help irrigate the plants by creating a fine mist spray over the plants in the central spiral. The heat released by this method rises and can be guided via computer-regulated channels into the outer cavity of the structure, which itself forms a double helix and becomes heat capture by means of suitable glazing, causing an upward movement of the hot air and regulating the heat gain in the inner helix. The shape of the front face of the structure, with the aid of computer-regulated gates, can preferably be used as a wind tunnel-capturing the wind and forcing the air to spiral upwards inside the tower. The adjacent and lower spiral cavities form the air inlet of the system. The vacuum created by the upward movement of air in combination with the computer regulated "venturi effect" acting along the entire length of the double outer spiral chamber creates a huge air pump inside the inner spiral, augmented by the heat released from the surrounding building via its air conditioning system. Solar heat captured in the outer helical cavity may also be used to enhance the system.

Depending on its size, such a system can greatly facilitate the mitigation of the "heat island effect" that threatens most large cities. On windless days, where little wind blows off hot air, the tower conceivably creates a hot bubble by transporting a large amount of heat high above the city to a single point, which pushes up and actually tears through the warm bubble around the city, and causes an upward movement, thus "discharging" the air into the upper atmosphere.

The internal spiral may be a stepped floor that purifies the air entering from above. The evaporative effect caused by the plants and their irrigation system cools the air and causes it to flow down a spiral, as a river draws air from above. Water from the cooling tower of the ambient air conditioning apparatus may be used to help irrigate the plants by creating a fine mist spray over the plants in the central spiral. The heat released by this method rises and can be guided via computer-regulated channels into the outer cavity of the structure, which itself forms a double helix and becomes heat capture by means of suitable glazing, causing an upward movement of the hot air and regulating the heat gain in the inner helix. The front of the structure is shaped like a spread leaf of a tree, which becomes a huge wind tunnel by the use of computer regulated gates-capturing the wind and forcing the air to spiral upwards. The adjacent and lower spiral cavities form the air inlet of the system. The vacuum created by the upward movement of air combined with the computer regulated "venturi effect" acting along the entire length of the double outer spiral chamber creates a huge air pump inside the inner spiral, augmented by the heat released by the green inner spiral and the solar heat captured in the outer spiral chamber.

The bio-tower may be constructed in any suitable proportion. A small, wind-driven version of the spiral-type biotower can be used to pump air.

Since so-called waste products are valuable resources, the present invention provides a device by which waste heat of an air conditioning system (if necessary in combination with heat from other resources) is combined to utilize sewage, paper and other organic waste in order to produce electric energy, gas and manure.

This is made possible by the fact that: when sewage and most organic waste are subjected to decomposition under appropriate conditions, biogas (mainly including methane gas) is produced. For this process to occur in a rapid and convenient manner, it is preferred that the contaminated water and other organic waste be maintained at a temperature of approximately 35 degrees celsius in a sealed container.

The water discharged from mechanical air conditioning systems commonly used in office buildings and the like is typically at a temperature of 35 degrees celsius prior to its cooling, which is a suitable temperature for promoting the decomposition of sewage and other organic waste. Preferably the contaminated water should be contained in the gas extraction mechanism and preferably maintained at an appropriate temperature by use of heat transferred from the air conditioning system and/or other heat source and transferred to the same contaminated water and other organic waste by means of a suitable heat exchange system and thus facilitate the process of gas extraction. Once the decomposition of the sewage and other organic waste begins, the heat exchange system only needs to maintain the most suitable temperature, and if the process of decomposition causes a temperature increase (which is too high for the efficient functioning of the system as a whole), excess heat can preferably be extracted through the same heat exchange system and used to enhance the functioning of the biological column.

The gas should preferably be extracted from the same sewage and other organic waste and should preferably be stored in a pressurized tank for later use.

After methane and other gases have been extracted from sewage and other organic waste, the material should preferably be transferred to another confined area and heat extracted appropriately (preferably during its normal cooling process) in order to serve to enhance the functioning of the biological tower.

The effluent in the confined area (post methane withdrawal) should preferably be converted to fertilizer by use of suitable worms, suitable microorganisms and suitable bacteria, and generally kept under suitable conditions to promote conversion to fertilizer. Preferably, the same confinement region should be of appropriate depth and size to allow for the accumulation of heat during the conversion process, and excess heat should preferably (if applicable) be extracted with an appropriate heat exchange system and used to enhance the functioning of the biological column.

Preferably the invention can also be enhanced by the use of so-called "direct fuel cell" technology, which has the ability to convert gases such as methane into heat and electrical energy without the use of combustion. It does this through the use of chemical processes. As part of the process, the methane is converted to hydrogen, which becomes the fuel for the direct fuel cell. Since heat is a byproduct of this process and the same heat can preferably be used by the biological column to enhance the system. The generated electrical energy is preferably used to augment the electrical output of a turbine driven generator incorporated in the bio-tower and/or connected to an electrical grid or system in the area where the tower is constructed.

In summary, the transfer of excess heat from various processes performed as part of a bio-tower system may preferably be achieved by the use of a heat exchange system, which preferably comprises water as its medium if an evaporative heat exchange system is included for heat release into the tower.

For example, the heat released by the fuel cell can be released into the biological tower through the use of a suitable heat transfer mechanism that can utilize a water pathway in a pipe network where the same water is used to absorb the heat generated by the fuel cell, and then pumped preferably through a well-insulated pipe network before passing through a suitable heat extraction system such as an evaporative water cooling system that releases heat from the water through the creation of a fine mist spray, which is carried up through the rise within the biological tower. If this process does not lower the temperature of the water to the optimum temperature required to operate the system, the same cooling system can be repeated at a lower height of the column.

To further promote a clean environment, the methane produced by the biological column may be used to operate automobiles, or may be converted to hydrogen or other suitable gas and used to operate automobiles. Methane gas can be converted to hydrogen during times when the output of the column is not fully utilized, if at all, and excess energy is best expended on other internal functions such as gas conversion.

As mentioned in the heat chimney of the present description, much of the heat used to power the biological tower according to the present invention may preferably be collected from a variety of sources. These sources are preferably close enough to allow heat to be transferred to the biological tower using any means that is feasible and practical.

The heat source may include heat extracted from buildings using mechanical air conditioning systems, heat from the road surface, heat from concrete and other masonry surfaces, heat from tunnels, heat from automobiles, kinetic energy from automobiles and any practical means of harvesting energy that may be used to enhance the action of the biological tower. For example, since roads are typically very dark in color, they tend to absorb the heat of the sun. This same heat is stored in the mass of the pavement and in the underlying layers. This same heat can be transferred to the biotower by various means, including the use of water in pipes buried under the road surface, which are constructed in a manner that facilitates the absorption of the road heat into the water in the pipe network. The same water can preferably be pumped to the biotower and cooled, so that the heat comprised in the water is released into the chimney of the biotower before preferably being recirculated.

The pipe network can be installed in the road surface by cutting the grooves to the same surface, laying the pipe network in the same grooves and preferably connecting the pipe network to the biotower so that the water can be recirculated after the heat has been removed to the tower. The buried pipe network thus forms a type of heat exchange system which can be gradually installed in an urban environment.

Vehicles running on the same road may preferably be used to generate the energy required to circulate water from the road surface to the biotower. One possible method for achieving this goal is to use a pressure operated mechanism built into the road surface that has the ability to pump water. This may be achieved by the use of a one-way valve or the like which allows water to pass in one direction but not the other. If water is forced out of the mechanism as the car is driven over it, the water can proceed in one direction and when the same pressure is released, new water can enter the mechanism ready to be pumped by the weight of another vehicle. Preferably the pumping means is computer controlled to maximise the efficiency of the overall system, as is the case for the various aspects and operational parts of the invention.

One suitable version of the bio-tower may be powered primarily by heat collected from the roadway and used virtually anywhere near the roadway, for example for power generation and/or ventilation of tunnels.

Heat may also be collected from the tunnel and vented to the bio-tower. A similar heat exchange system as described for use with road surfaces may also be used, which transfers the collected heat by means of the use of water. Since the heat of the tunnel can also be directly conducted into the biological tower, the same heat exchange system can be used to cool the air in the tunnel, which is required to advance in the downwardly inclined tunnel in order to be passed into the chimney of the biological tower. The bio-tower may therefore use more than one method to extract heat from the heat source, and preferably both methods complement each other.

Water pipes cast in concrete may also form another form of heat exchange that is particularly useful for removing heat from floors that are warmed by the sun in urban environments. Preferably the water tubes are configured so as to allow water to circulate between the biotower and the heat source in such a way as to maximise this heat exchange.

Any feasible means may be used to transfer heat from a suitable energy source to the bio-tower, particularly if the energy source is problematic, as is the case with heat removal from an air conditioning system.

Another energy source that may preferably be employed is the so-called "plasma glazing" (as named by the authors of the present invention).

For example, microwave technology has also proven to be a good way of transferring energy into a biological tower. Energy can be transmitted to the tower from virtually any location, including from satellites that can convert the radiant energy of the sun into microwaves that can preferably be transmitted to the top of a biological tower that should preferably be as tall as possible to avoid as many birds as possible. Extraneous electromagnetic radiation can be collected and transmitted to the bio-tower by microwave techniques. All of the above configurations and systems, or any combination of the above systems, may be integrated with subway and/or road tunnel systems in order to ventilate them and enhance the above systems using heat rejected from them. In this manner, heat generated from automobiles, trains and other equipment, as well as humans, can be used to preferably generate electricity, and preferably to facilitate clean air entry into cities and other environments.

Drawings

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate examples and schematic representations of the invention. It is to be understood that the form of the invention as described and illustrated is not intended to be limiting.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be used to identify like features, except where specifically indicated.

In the drawings:

figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of one example of a biological tower according to the invention, comprising a hot air chimney with its foundation at ground level, the chimney being connected to an air conditioning system.

Fig. 2 represents in plan view the same example of a biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 1, and the section line 10 indicates where the cross section of fig. 1 is seen with respect to the plane of fig. 2.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one example of a bio-tower according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 represents in plan view the same example of a biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 3, and the section line 10 indicates where the cross section of fig. 3 is seen with respect to the plane of fig. 4.

Fig. 5 and 6 each show a cross-sectional view of an example of a bio-tower according to the present invention.

Fig. 7 represents in plan view the same example of a biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 6, and the section line 10 indicates where the cross section of fig. 6 is seen with respect to the plane.

Fig. 8 shows a front view of the same example of the bio-tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 6.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram indicating an example of possible relationships of various functions of a bio-tower according to the present invention.

Fig. 10 and 11 each show a schematic cross-sectional view indicating an example of a bio-tower according to the present invention.

Fig. 12 represents in plan view the same example of a biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 11, and the section line 10 indicates where the cross-sectional view of fig. 11 is seen with respect to the plane.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic diagram indicating an example of a bio-tower according to the present invention.

Fig. 14 shows in plan view the same example of the biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 13.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic front view indicating an example of a bio-tower according to the present invention.

Fig. 16 shows in plan view the same example of the biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 15.

Fig. 17 shows a schematic front view indicating an example of a bio-tower according to the present invention.

Fig. 18 shows in plan view the same example of the biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 17.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating one form of bio-tower according to the present invention.

Figure 20 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating one form of an adiabatic plasma glazing in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 21 shows a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating one form of plasma glazing in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 22 shows a schematic view indicating one form of plasma glazing according to the invention, seen facing a transparent member.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating one form of plasma glazing in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 24 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating one form of plasma glazing included in a canopy structure according to the present invention.

Fig. 25 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating one form of canopy structure utilizing dual glazing in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one form of a heat absorbing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one form of a heat absorbing system according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

With reference to fig. 1, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises, in a very basic manner, a high vertical chimney 1, the base of which is installed at ground level 9. The same biotower comprises an air intake system 2 at the lower part of said chimney 1 and an air outlet 3 at the top thereof. Heat collected from the air conditioning system 4 of a nearby building is released into the vertical shaft 11 within the chimney 1 by means of the use of the heat exchange means 5 to create an upward flow of air 7, the air 7 preferably being used to drive a turbine 8 or other means for generating electricity.

The outer and inner claddings 14, 15 may comprise opaque, translucent or transparent materials, however it is preferred that they are made of transparent materials that allow as much or as practically possible of the radiant solar energy to pass through it into the shaft 11 and prevent the same energy from passing back out again and thereby effectively capturing a substantial portion of said heat within the shaft 11 of the chimney 1 in order to enhance the rise of the air 7 within the chimney 1.

This said biotower should preferably be connected to as many air conditioning systems 4 as are practically possible and/or as many as possible, in particular to air conditioning systems used to cool office buildings and other large air-conditioned buildings with a large central cooling system 4, in order to reduce the heat island effect and to generate as much power as possible, which is preferably used to serve the same city. The generated updraft of air 7 may preferably be used to free the urban environment from polluted air, in addition to generating electricity.

The water, normally heated by said air conditioning system 4, can be sent to the column via the line 6 and the heat is released by a process using the "evaporation effect" to separate the thermal energy from the water and to release the same into the air inside the shaft 11 of the chimney 1 and thus cool the water. This cooling water should preferably be returned to the air conditioning system 4 from which it came and work by means of continuous circulation and form a circulation system.

With reference to fig. 2, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises a chimney 1, which chimney 1 comprises at least one vertical shaft 11, which vertical shaft 11 has means for letting air into the same shaft 11 using a preferably controllable air suction system 2.

Refrigerants or suitable gases may also be used to transfer the same heat from nearby structures to the bio-tower. Any other feasible means of transferring heat from nearby structures and heat sources to the bio-tower may also be used.

The collected heat should preferably be released in the biological tower in such a way as to maximize the upward flow of air 7 and thereby maximize the system capacity for generating electricity and/or ventilating the urban environment.

Figure 3 shows a cross-section of an example of a biological tower according to the invention, comprising a double glass roof 16 and its foundation chimney 1 at ground level 9, the chimney 1 being connected to an air conditioning system 4.

Fig. 4 represents in plan view the same example of a biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 3, and the section line 10 indicates where the cross section of fig. 3 is seen with respect to the plane of fig. 4.

With reference to fig. 3, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises, in a very basic manner, a high vertical chimney 1, the base of which is installed at ground level 9. The same biological tower comprises an air intake system 2, preferably at the perimeter of the glass roof 16, and an air outlet 3 at the top of said biological tower. Heat collected from the air conditioning system 4 of a nearby building is released into the vertical shaft 11 within the chimney 1 by means of the use of the heat exchange means 5 to create an upward flow of air 7, the air 7 preferably being used to drive a turbine 8 or other means for generating electricity.

The outer and inner claddings 14, 15 may comprise a transparent material that allows as much or as practically possible of the radiant heat to pass through it into the shaft 11 and prevents the same heat from passing back out again and thereby effectively capturing a substantial portion of said heat within the shaft 11 of the chimney 1 in order to enhance the rise of the air 7 within the chimney 1. This said biotower should preferably be connected via a suitable heat transport/circulation system 6 to as many air conditioning systems 4 as are practical and/or possible, in particular to air conditioning systems for cooling office buildings and other large air-conditioned buildings with a large central cooling system 4

The outer layer 14g of the glass roof allows heat and light to pass in from the outside, but prevents the majority of the heat from passing back out from the inside to the outside.

The inner layer 15g of the glass roof reflects the heat back so that it remains in the cavity between the two glass layers 15g and 14g and the system is configured in such a way that the same captured heat will flow up into the shaft 11 of the biotower.

It is also preferred that cold clean air from the outside of the chimney 1 can be drawn down to provide cold clean air to the space under the glass roof, and this can be achieved by configuring the system in such a way that the low air pressure created by the updraft of air rising in the tower, generated at the base of the tower, is used to draw the downward flowing air 7d through the air inlet 2d into a shaft, duct or air chamber 11d which surrounds or is within the biological tower, and which is preferably located on the side of the tower which receives little or no sunlight.

With reference to fig. 4, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises a chimney 1, which chimney 1 comprises at least one vertical shaft 11, which vertical shaft 11 has means for making air enter the same shaft 11, generally through a glass roof 16, using a preferably controllable air intake system 2.

Refrigerants or suitable gases may also be used to transfer the same heat from nearby structures to the bio-tower. Any other feasible means of transferring heat from a nearby structure to the bio-tower may also be used.

The collected heat should preferably be released in the biological tower in such a way as to maximize the upward flow of air 7 and thereby maximize the system capacity for generating electricity and/or ventilating the urban environment.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a bio-tower according to the invention comprising a glass roof 16 and a chimney 1 laying its foundation at ground level 9, the chimney 1 being connected to an air conditioning system 4 and the bio-tower also comprising a commercially rentable, habitable or usable space 13 for purposes other than power generation or urban ventilation.

With reference to fig. 5, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises a high vertical chimney 1, the base of which is installed at ground level 9, and comprises an air intake system 2 at the perimeter of a glass roof 16 and an air outlet 3 at the top of said biological tower. Heat collected from the air conditioning system 4 of a nearby building is released into the vertical shaft 11 within the chimney 1 by means of the use of the heat exchange means 5 to create an upward flow of air 7, the air 7 preferably being used to drive a turbine 8 or other device to generate electricity.

The outer and inner claddings 14, 15 comprise a transparent material which allows as much or as practically possible of the radiant heat to pass through it into the shaft 11 and prevents the same heat from passing back out again and thereby effectively captures a substantial portion of said heat within the shaft 11 of the chimney 1 in order to enhance the updraft of the air 7 within the chimney 1.

This said biotower should preferably be connected via a suitable heat transport/circulation system 6 to as many air conditioning systems 4 as are practical and/or possible, in particular to air conditioning systems for cooling office buildings and other large air-conditioned buildings with a large central cooling system 4.

Preferably a glass roof 16 may be used to capture heat radiated from the sun in order to enhance the updraft of air in shaft 11. The outer glass layer 14g allows heat and light to pass in from the outside, but prevents most of the heat from passing back out from the inside to the outside. The inner glass layer 15g reflects the heat back so that it remains in the cavity between the two glass layers 15g and 14g and the system is configured in such a way that the same captured heat will flow up into the shaft 11 of the bio-tower.

Habitable areas 13 including office spaces, hotels, apartments, sightseeing and restaurants may be integrated with the biotower so that the building may accommodate more than one function and increase its economic viability.

Preferably the frontal cavity 17 may be used to capture heat radiated from the sun in order to enhance the ascent of air in the shaft 11. The outer glass layer 14f allows heat and light to pass in from the outside, but prevents most of the heat from passing back out from the inside to the outside. The inner glass layer 15f reflects the heat back so that it remains in the cavity between the two glass layers 15f and 14f, and the system is configured in such a way that the same captured heat will flow up into the shaft 11 of the bio-tower.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a biological tower according to the invention, comprising a glass roof 16 and a chimney 1, which lays its foundation at ground level 9, the chimney 1 being connected to an air conditioning system. Also represented is a commercially rentable, habitable or otherwise available space 13 for purposes other than power generation or city ventilation.

Fig. 7 represents in plan view the same example of a biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 6, and the section line 10 indicates where the cross section of fig. 6 is seen with respect to the plane.

Fig. 8 shows a front view of the same example of the bio-tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 6.

With reference to fig. 6, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises a high vertical chimney 1, the foundation of which is mounted at ground level 9. The same biological tower comprises an air intake system 2, preferably at the perimeter of the glass roof 16, and an air outlet 3 at the top of said biological tower. Heat collected from the air conditioning system of a nearby building is released into the vertical shaft 11 to create an upward flow of air 7, the air 7 preferably being used to drive a turbine or other device used in the generation of electrical energy.

The outer and inner claddings 14, 15 comprise a transparent material which allows as much or as practically possible of the radiant heat to pass through it into the shaft 11 and prevents the same heat from passing back out again and thereby effectively captures a large part of said heat within the shaft 11 of the chimney 1 in order to enhance the ascension of the air 7.

This said bio-tower should preferably be connected via a suitable heat transport system 6 to as many air conditioning systems 4 as are practical and/or possible, in particular to air conditioning systems 4 for cooling office buildings and other large air conditioning buildings with a large central cooling system 4.

Preferably a glass roof 16 may be used to capture heat radiated from the sun in order to enhance the rise of air in the shaft 11. The outer glass layer 14g allows heat and light to pass in from the outside, but prevents most of the heat from passing back out from the inside to the outside. The inner glass layer 15g reflects the heat back so that it remains in the cavity between the two glass layers 15g and 14g and the system is configured in such a way that the same captured heat will flow up into the shaft 11 of the bio-tower.

Habitable areas 13 including sightseeing and restaurants may be integrated with the biotower so that the building may accommodate more than one function.

Preferably the upper spiral chamber 20 and the lower spiral chamber 22 may be used to capture heat radiated from the sun in order to enhance the rise of air. The outer glass layer 14 allows heat and light to pass in from the outside, but prevents most of the heat from passing back out from the inside to the outside.

The glass roof 16 may also be used to filter heat radiated from the sun. The outer glass layer 14g allows heat and light to pass in from the outside, but prevents most of the heat from passing back out from the inside to the outside. The inner glass layer 15g reflects the heat back so that it remains in the cavity between the two glass layers 15g and 14g and the system is configured in such a way that the same captured heat will flow up into the shaft 11 of the bio-tower. The space 18 under the glass roof 16 may preferably be adapted as a habitable space, which may be used as a covered park or as a large all-weather public facility for people, plants and animals.

The louvers 19 allow wind to pass through and into the upper helical cavity 20, forcing the wind to flow up the helix. The same louvers 19 also prevent wind from escaping from the upper helical cavity 20 to the outside atmosphere, especially when the louvers 19 are on the leeward side of the tower. Preferably the louvers 19 are transparent to allow light and heat to enter the upper spiral cavity 20.

Valves, gates, computer-regulated openings between the vertical shaft 1 and the upper and lower screw cavities 20 and 22 may preferably be used to regulate the flow of air between the two vertical shafts 1 and the upper and lower screw cavities 20 and 22 and may be used to increase the efficiency of the system.

Valves, gates, computer-regulated openings between the upper spiral chamber 20 and the lower spiral chamber 22 may preferably be used to regulate air flow and may be used to increase the efficiency of the system, as well as to draw air from the lower spiral chamber using air passages in the upper spiral chamber.

Preferably, the rise of air 7 created by the system can generate electricity by means of the use of a turbine (not shown) located within the tower or within the air inlet to the glass roof or within the glass roof itself, and preferably, can include a combination of all three of the above.

Preferably, the interior part of the tower may have a greening area 23 configured in a spiral formation in such a way that air, as it is cooled, can be drawn down into the central shaft 24 through the inlet 2u into the spiral greening area 23, preferably through the plants in the greening area. In this manner, this downwardly flowing air is further cooled and oxygenated by contact with various plants. The same air flowing to the bottom of the tower can then be directed to an area preferably beneficial to humans and/or animals, such as a large public urban space 18 below the glass roof 16. The air intake openings 2u may preferably be on four sides of the top of the central shaft 24. The air inlet 2u may preferably be computer regulated so that one, two, three of the four openings are operable depending on wind conditions and other factors, which are generally determined by factors that maximize system efficiency.

Referring to fig. 7, it can be seen that a bio-tower according to the present invention includes a transparent roof 16 surrounding the foundation of the bio-tower housing spiral cavities 20 and 22 and spiral floor 23. The same biological tower comprises an air intake system 2 preferably at the perimeter of the glass roof 16.

With reference to fig. 8, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises a tower cladding 14, preferably of transparent material, and has a means of drawing through the skylights 19 into the helical cavity about the tower in such a way as to create an air flow rise within the tower, drawing air through the glass roof 16 through the air intake system 2 around its periphery.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram indicating an example of possible relationships of various functions of a bio-tower according to the invention, comprising a glass roof 16, and a chimney 1 whose foundation is at ground level 9, below ground level 9 indicating functions that can preferably be performed below ground level. Including various functions of generating heat as a byproduct for enhancing the ascent of air in the shaft 11. But also means a space that includes a commercially rentable, habitable, available space 13 or for purposes other than power generation or city ventilation.

With reference to fig. 9, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises a high vertical chimney 1, an air intake system 2 preferably at the perimeter of a glass roof 16 and an air outlet 3 at the top of said biological tower. Heat collected from the air conditioning system of a nearby building is released into the vertical shaft 11 within the chimney 1 by means of the use of the heat exchange means 5 to create a flow of air 7, the air 7 preferably being used to drive a turbine 8 or other means for generating electricity.

The outer and inner claddings 14f, 15f comprise a transparent material which allows as much or as practically possible of the radiant heat to pass through it into the shaft 11 and prevents the same heat from passing back out again and thereby effectively captures a substantial portion of said heat within the shaft 11 of the chimney 1 in order to enhance the rise of the air 7 within the chimney 1.

Preferably a glass roof 16 may be used to capture heat radiated from the sun in order to enhance the rise of air in the shaft 11. The outer glass layer 14g allows heat and light to pass in from the outside, but prevents most of the heat from passing back out from the inside to the outside. The inner glass layer 15g reflects the heat back so that it remains in the cavity between the two glass layers 15g and 14g, and the system is configured in such a way that the same captured heat will heat the air in the same cavity and flow up into the shaft 11 of the bio-tower.

This said biological tower should preferably be connected via a suitable heat transport/circulation system 6 to as many air conditioning systems 4 as is practically possible and/or as many as possible serving the building 37.

The air conditioning system 4 typically transfers heat energy extracted from the interior of the structure to the water by some form of heat transfer mechanism 5 to facilitate heat dissipation to the air. Instead of transferring this thermal energy 43 to the outside air, the thermal energy may be piped to the bio-tower via water pipes or some other form of heat transfer means 6 and released into the upgoing air 7 in the shaft 11 and thereby increase the velocity of the upgoing air 7. This same thermal energy 43 can also be used to increase the temperature of the effluent 38 (and other organics 32 such as paper and food waste) from the building via the effluent system 35 within the airtight container 29 before it is released into the shaft 11, in order to promote the production of methane gas which can then be stored in the container 27. After the methane is extracted from the organics in the vessel 28, heat may be extracted via the heat transfer means 5 or otherwise released into the shaft 11 to enhance the rise of the air 7 within the chimney 1. When thermal energy 43 is not needed in organic matter vessel 28, it may be directed to heat exchange apparatus 5 in shaft 11 via bypass loop 46.

After the thermal energy 43 is transferred to the air 7 in the shaft 11, the cooled heat transport medium (e.g., water) 42 is preferably recirculated to the various heat sources via the heat transport/circulation mechanism 6.

The methane gas (biogas) stored in the container 27 may preferably be used to fuel the direct fuel cell 26, which direct fuel cell 26 converts the biogas (containing methane gas) into hydrogen for conversion into electrical energy and heat. The electrical power output from the same fuel cell 26 may preferably be used to enhance the electrical power output of the bio-tower 25, particularly when the updraft of air 7 in the shaft 11 is rising at a relatively low velocity. The heat output of the same direct fuel cell 26 can preferably be released into the shaft 11 and enhance the updraft of air 7 and further increase the capacity of the system to generate electricity. The same heat release into the shaft 11 can be achieved via the heat transfer means 5 and the heat transport/circulation means 6 or by directing the heat emitted from the direct fuel cells 26 into the shaft 11 via direct air flow.

After the organic matter (including sewage) in vessel 28 has been extracted with biogas (including methane) and stored in vessel 27, it may then be stored in vessel 29 and further decomposed. The heat released by this process can be used to enhance the updraft 7 in the shaft 11. Worms and microorganisms may preferably be used to further break down organic matter in the container 29, and excess water may preferably be used to irrigate parks and gardens or for other useful purposes.

Where possible and/or feasible heat from other resources may be used to enhance the system. The underground tunnel 45 may be used as a heat source. The air heated by the vehicle in such a tunnel 45 can be directed into the shaft 11 of the chimney 1 through a riser duct or duct 11u, which riser duct or duct 11u is preferably vertical and below the shaft 11, in order to maintain the momentum of the air flow 7. In addition to air entering the tunnel 45 through the inlet, downwardly flowing air 7d may be drawn into the tunnel through the shaft 11 d. Heat may also be extracted from the tunnel 45 via the heat transfer/circulation system 6 by the heat exchange system 34, the heat exchange system 34 operating in a similar manner to the transfer of heat from the air conditioning system 4 to the bio-tower.

If the heat carrier medium 42 used is mostly water and if the thermal energy 43 is released into the air by creating a fine mist spray, the air 7 will be ionized, enhancing the extraction of impurities from the same air 7 to the same heat carrier medium 42. This water may be preferably freed of impurities by use of a filter mechanism 44 before being recirculated. The impurities may preferably be deposited in the organic waste confinement 29 and suitably converted therein by a biological process.

The biogas stored in the restraint mechanism 27 may be transferred to the biogas-to-hydrogen conversion mechanism 30 and stored in the hydrogen storage mechanism 31 after being converted into hydrogen, when necessary, and may preferably be used to power the hydrogen-fueled vehicle via the re-fueling mechanism 40. The biogas stored in the methane storage mechanism 27 may be used to fuel the vehicle via the re-fueling mechanism 41.

The air source 39 may be utilized by any of the processes 29 including biomass breakdown and conversion requirements.

Methane-producing free bacteria 52, fermenting bacteria 53, and hydrogen-producing acetone gene (acetogenic) bacteria 54 may also preferably be included in the present invention and used in any practical manner to enhance the functionality of the present invention.

The updraft of air in shaft 11 may be augmented by a wind driven pump or extraction mechanism 3.

Habitable areas 13 including office spaces, hotels, apartments, sightseeing and restaurants accessed by the exit device 47 may be integrated with the bio-tower so that the structure may accommodate more than one function and increase its economic viability.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating an example of a bio-tower according to the invention comprising a glass roof 16 and a cavity front 1 f. Various functions described with respect to fig. 9 of the present invention and other examples of the invention that generate heat as a by-product may be used to enhance the updraft of air in shaft 11. Also shown is an available space 13 including habitable space for purposes other than power generation or city ventilation. The building 1b is supported on a column 48, the column 48 having a foundation at ground level 9.

With reference to fig. 10, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises a high vertical cavity front 1f, an air intake system 2 preferably at the perimeter of a glass roof 16 and an air outlet 3 at the top of said biological tower. Heat collected from the air conditioning system 4 of a nearby building is transferred to the air within the cavity front 1f between the transparent liners 14f and 15f by means of the use of the heat exchange means 5 to create a flow of air 7, the air 7 preferably being used to drive a turbine 8 or other device for generating electricity.

The outer cladding 14f and the inner cladding 15f comprise a transparent material which allows as much or as practically possible of the radiated heat to pass through it into the cavity shaft 11c and prevents the same heat from passing back out again and thereby effectively captures a large part of said heat within the cavity shaft 11c in order to enhance the updraft of the air 7 within the cavity front face 1 f.

The cavity front 1f is preferably divided into several cavity shafts 11c and these cavity shafts 11c are preferably arranged adjacent to each other in a vertical configuration and cover the entire front of the building. An upward movement of the air 7 will be generated in the cavity shaft 11c exposed to the rays 49 of the sun. The upward flow of air 7 may preferably be enhanced if heat is transferred into the cavity shaft 11c from a source other than direct solar radiation, such as from the air conditioning system 4. This same updraft of air 7 can be used to enhance the ventilation system of the building by drawing air through ducts, voids, cavities, spaces, etc. within the building. Since the air is relatively cool in the cavity shaft 11c not exposed to the solar rays 49 with respect to the cavity shaft 11c not exposed to the solar rays 49, the downward flowing air 7d can be generated in the cavity shaft 11c not exposed to the same solar rays 49. In this way, air from the area near the upper portion of the building may be drawn to ventilate the habitability area of the building and thus improve the interior air quality.

Preferably a glass roof 16 may be used to capture heat radiated from the sun in order to enhance the updraft of air in the cavity shaft 11 c. The outer glass layer 14g allows heat and light to pass in from the outside, but prevents most of the heat from passing back out from the inside to the outside. The inner glass ply 15g reflects the heat back so that it remains in the cavity between the two glass plies 15g and 14g, and the system is configured in such a way that the same captured heat will heat the air in the same cavity and flow up into the shaft 11c exposed to the solar radiation 49.

The greenery space 50 within the structure may be preferably used in accordance with the present invention as an entertainment space for the inhabitants of the building, as well as for cleaning and oxygenating the air passing therethrough. The large aperture 51 allows light to enter the building and regulates the flow of air into and out of the structure.

This said biotower should preferably be connected via a suitable heat transfer/circulation system 6 to as many air conditioning systems 4 as are practically feasible and/or as much as possible serving the building 37.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating an example of a biological tower according to the invention comprising a glass roof 16, a double spiral shell 55 and a central shaft 11, the central shaft 11 containing an updraft of air heated by hot water from an air conditioning system and other sources of heat. Various functions described with respect to fig. 9 of the present invention and other examples of the present invention may be included in this example of the present invention. Also shown is an available space 13 including habitable space for purposes other than power generation or city ventilation. The building is supported in a column 48 placed at ground level 9.

Fig. 12 represents in plan view the same example of a biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 11, and the section line 10 indicates where the cross-sectional view of fig. 11 is seen with respect to the plane.

With reference to fig. 11 and 12, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises a double spiral-shaped envelope 55, an air intake system 2 preferably at the periphery of the glass roof 16 and an air outlet 3 at the top of said biological tower. The heat collected from the air conditioning system 4 of the nearby building is transferred into the shaft 11 by means of the use of the heat exchange means 5, which is preferably used to drive a turbine 8 or other means for generating electricity.

The outer 14f and inner 15f claddings comprise a transparent material that allows as much or as practically possible of the radiated heat to pass through it into the upwardly flowing helical front cavity 56 and prevents the same heat from passing back out again and thereby effectively capturing a substantial portion of the heat within the same front cavity 56 so as to enhance the updraft of air 7 within the front cavity 56.

Preferably, a transparent louver, shutter, computer or manual adjustment or other wind directing device 59 to the front face 14f of the spiral cavity 56 may direct the wind air stream 58 into the spiral front face cavity 56 in such a manner as to force the air to flow in an upward flow spiral-type motion.

The same louver or other wind directing device 59 also prevents wind 58 from escaping from the same helical cavity 56 to the outside atmosphere, particularly when the louver is on the leeward side of the tower, and thus creates a continuous movement of air up the helical cavity 56. Preferably, the same spiral cavity 56 expands in volume as its height increases, which may be accomplished by increasing its width as the spiral cavity 56 rises and/or by increasing its slope as the spiral cavity 56 rises.

Preferably, the updraft of air 7 created by the system can generate electricity by means of the use of a wind turbine 8, the wind turbine 8 being positioned within the tower 1f or within the air inlet 2 to the glass roof 16, within the glass roof 16 itself and/or to the discharge of the tower 1 f. Also, combinations of all of the above locations may be included.

Preferably, a computer or manually adjusted transparent louver, shutter, or other wind directing device 59 to the front face 14f of the spiral cavity 57 may direct the wind air flow 58 into the spiral front face cavity 57 in such a way as to force the air to flow in a downward flow spiral-type motion 7 d.

This same air flow 7d may be used to ventilate the habitability area 13 of the tower 1f, as well as for ventilation of the space 18 under the glass roof 16 and ventilation of the tunnel 45, or for any other useful and suitable purpose including power generation.

According to other forms of the invention, the central shaft 11 may be used as a hot air chimney into which thermal energy may be transferred from the air conditioning system 4 and from other suitable sources of heat, and this transfer into the biotower will help alleviate problems associated with the so-called heat island effect, and the generation of electricity through the use of turbines 8. The updraft created within the shaft 11 may preferably be combined with the upward movement of air created within the helical chamber 56 to drive the turbine 8. Air heated by solar radiation within the glass roof 16 between the components 14g and 15g may preferably be used to enhance the updraft of air 7 within the shaft 11 and/or the spiral cavity 56 and thus increase the capacity of the biotower to generate electricity and/or ventilate spaces and areas.

Habitable spaces 13, including commercial, residential property, may be included in this current form of the invention and disposed between the central shaft 11 and the double helical shell 55. Light preferably enters the habitable space 13 through the helical shell 55 because the cladding layers 14f and 15f are preferably transparent.

If appropriate, greening may be included in the spiral cavity 57 allowing public access. The air flowing downward is purified by the plants inside.

The space 18 under the glass roof 16 is preferably greened. A glass roof 16 may be built above the park to provide all weather access and the air from the downflow spiral chamber directs clean air into the city center.

One similar form of this current invention includes a single helical structure that directs air in an upward helical motion or in a downward helical motion; usually with an upward spiral for power generation and city ventilation.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic diagram indicating an example of a bio-tower according to the present invention. Various functions described with respect to fig. 9 of the present invention and other examples of the present invention may be included in this example of the present invention.

Fig. 14 shows in plan view the same example of the biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 13.

Referring to fig. 13 and 14, it can be seen that the biological tower according to the invention comprises a double helical shell 55 tower 1d and a single helical shell 56 tower 1s as an adjunct to the alternative structure 13 b.

The double spiral shell 55 wind pump tower 1d and the single spiral shell 56 tower 1s are used in conjunction with the large building 13b to concentrate the wind 58 as the wind 58 flows through the spiral towers 1d and 1 s.

The spiral chamber 57, in addition to directing the wind 58 in the downward flow spiral 7d, may also be used as spiral stairs for multi-storey buildings and/or for ventilation purposes and/or for power generation. The elevator can also be comprised in the central shaft 11 of the helical towers 1d and 1 s. Risers may be included in the central shaft 11 of the helical towers 1b and 1s to contain the updraft of air for the purpose of utilizing heat from the air conditioning system of the nearby building and to drive the power generating turbine.

The spiral cavities 56 in the towers 1d and 1s, in addition to guiding the wind 58 in the upwardly flowing spiral air 7, may be used for ventilation purposes and/or for power generation.

The connecting structure 60 connects the helical towers 1b and 1s to the main structure 13b and may be used as a walking bridge connected to stairs to the main structure 13b within the cavity 57 and/or for ventilation ducts and other services and functions.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic front view indicating an example of a bio-tower according to the present invention.

Fig. 16 shows in plan view the same example of the biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 15.

Referring to fig. 13 and 14, it can be seen that a bio-tower according to the present invention comprises a single helical shell 56 tower 1s, an adjunct to another structure 13 b. This example of the invention is similar in many respects to the example of the helical tower 1s shown in figures 13 and 14, except that it is connected to a plurality of buildings and is shown suspended above the street level 9. As described in this other example of the present invention, the tower 1s may be used to generate electricity and provide urban ventilation. When connected to the air conditioning system of a nearby building, heat can be released into the central shaft 11 by means of a heat transport/circulation mechanism and used to drive the power generating turbine. When the tower 1s does not comprise a central shaft 11, said heat from the air conditioning system can be released into the spiral chamber 56 and enhance the upward flow of air generated by the main air flow, and also provide convection inside the chamber 56 when there is little or no main air flow acting on the tower.

The connecting structure 60 can be used to carry mechanical services and, if desired, an outlet device, since the tower 1s can also be used as an outlet device.

The main wind 58 is forced to advance between the existing buildings 13b, thereby increasing its speed. The tower 1s may utilize this concentrated wind flow by directing it into an upward flowing helical air stream within the tower 1 s.

Towers 1s and 1b, with or without central shaft 11, can be utilized with existing structures and terrain, particularly where wind patterns enhance the functionality of the towers. The new structure can be designed to be used with the towers 1s and 1b in order to guide the air flow in a suitable manner, in order to enhance the action of said towers 1s and 1b and to improve the suitability for use with plants and animals in the surrounding vicinity.

Fig. 17 shows a schematic front view indicating an example of a bio-tower according to the present invention.

Fig. 18 shows in plan view the same example of the biological tower according to the invention depicted in fig. 17. The reference numerals used follow from previous examples of the current invention.

Referring to figures 17 and 18, it can be seen that a bio-tower according to the present invention comprises a double helical shell 55 tower 1d flanked on four sides by towers 1d comprising habitable structures 13 b. In the center of tower 1d is habitability area 13 b. The four said flanks act to guide the main wind 58 towards the tower 1d in order to increase the wind speed close to the tower 1 d. In this way, the habitable structure can be designed as part of a bio-tower in order to enhance its functionality, in particular with regard to power generation, ventilation of urban spaces and passive ventilation of the habitable area 13b of the structure itself.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating one form of bio-tower according to the present invention.

Referring to fig. 19, it can be seen that the plasma glazing according to the invention comprises a chimney 1, which chimney 1 contains a convective gas flow 7 driving a turbine 8 within a shaft 11, via the same turbine driving a generator to generate electricity 25. Heat from the air conditioning system 4 and from the solar radiation 49 captured by the plasma glazing 61 is transferred to the air in the shaft 11 via a heat transport/circulation mechanism 6, typically a water pipe, to create said convective air flow 7.

So-called plasma glazing 61 filters heat from the sun and typically allows light to pass through to illuminate the interior of a building or to provide a transparent partition such as a railing. The plasma glazing 61 comprises a transparent outer layer 14p, which transparent outer layer 14p allows heat and light from the sun to pass through and prevents a large portion of the heat inside from going backwards out. The inner transparent layer 15p allows light to pass through and reflects as much radiant heat as possible, so that the same heat is captured between the two transparent layers 14p and 15p, between which water or another heat or energy carrying medium 62 can pass. In this way, heat can be captured and transported to the heat exchange mechanism 5 by means of the use of plasma glazing, which preferably appears like ordinary glazing.

Figure 20 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating one form of an adiabatic plasma glazing 61v according to the invention.

Referring to fig. 20, it can be seen that an adiabatic plasma glazing 61v according to the present invention includes three transparent or translucent members 14po, 14i and 15pv mounted generally in a parallel configuration relative to each other. The transparent members 14po and 14pi are separated by a vacuum or a transparent insulating substance such as a gas or a combination of gases. The components 14pi and 15pv are separated by a chamber through which a heat carrying medium 62, such as water, can pass, the heat carrying medium 62 being circulated to the bio-tower via the transport mechanism 6. The insulating chamber 63 enhances the retention of heat within the plasma enamel. The transparent member 14pi preferably has the ability to absorb heat (e.g., dyed glass) as solar radiation passes through it. This heat is preferably transferred to the heat carrying medium 62 and the insulating chamber 63 minimizes heat loss into the outside atmosphere, which is important when the insulating plasma glazing 61v is used as glazing in windows and other window apertures. A thermally insulated chamber 63 may be used on either side of the insulated plasma glaze 61v, and if desired, a plurality of thermally insulated chambers 63 may be used on either side of the insulated plasma glaze 61 v. The plasma glazing may preferably be used as a cladding for the glass roof 16 of the present invention, or generally as an outer cladding for various forms of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating one form of plasma glazing 61b in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 22 shows a schematic view indicating one form of plasma glazing 61b according to the invention, seen facing the transparent member 14 p.

Referring to fig. 21, it can be seen that the plasma glazing 61b according to the invention comprises two transparent members 14p and 15p separated by a cavity through which a microorganism-bearing transparent fluid 62m can flow. The inner, preferably transparent, spacer 64i directs the flow of fluid 62m and gas 65 within the chamber. Through which the microorganism-bearing transparent fluid 62m circulates via a conveying means 6, typically a pipe network.

Referring to FIG. 22, it can be seen that a plasma-applied glaze 61b according to the present invention includes a transparent member 14p (shown in FIG. 21) separated from a transparent member 15p by spacer members 64 and 64 i. The microorganism-bearing transparent fluid 62m is pumped or otherwise caused to flow into the chamber via the conveying/circulating mechanism 6, and may reach a maximum height 62mh before flowing over the top of the lowermost interior divider 64i (indicated by 62 mo) before being discharged from the plasma-applied glaze 61b to the conveying/circulating mechanism 6. Preferably the microorganism-bearing transparent fluid 62m contains photosynthetic compounds for the production of hydrogen 65 or other fuels, which hydrogen 65 or other fuels are directed out of the cavity by means of the use of the internal and peripheral partitions 64i, 64 and thus create a fluid-free channel for the flow of hydrogen 65 or other gases. The same hydrogen 65 is preferably used to fuel the fuel cell incorporated with the bio-column, or for other useful purposes. The transparent members 14p and 15p may also function to capture radiant heat in accordance with the examples described in fig. 19 and 20 in order to maintain an optimal operating temperature for the operation of photosynthetic and other processes, and this said operating temperature may be adjusted by circulating the microorganism-bearing medium 62m to the bio-tower, wherein excess heat may thus be released from the same medium 62m, thereby further enhancing the functionality of the bio-tower.

The example shown in fig. 22 is useful if there is no frame for the top and side requirements of the plasma glazing and the transparent members 14p and 15p are self-supporting, which is particularly useful when the plasma glazing is required for frameless glass balustrades which are fixed only at the bottom edge. If a pipe network or other transport/circulation mechanism 6 is suitable for the top and bottom of the plasma-applied glaze 61b, internal baffles 64i may not be required.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one form of plasma-applied glaze 61p in accordance with the present invention that can be used as an architectural or hydrological feature such as a reflecting pool (reflection pool).

Referring to FIG. 23, it can be seen that a plasma-applied glaze 61p according to the present invention includes a transparent member 14t separated from a microorganism-bearing fluid 62m by a layer of hydrogen 65 or other gas.

This form of the invention is a solar radiation collector designed to expose a microorganism-bearing fluid 62m, such as water or a water-based synthetic mixture, to solar radiation 49 within one or more glass layers or other preferably transparent or translucent members 14 t; the microorganism-bearing fluid 62m preferably contains an artificial compound that is capable of utilizing solar energy and using it to generate hydrogen from water through the process of artificial photosynthesis. Such artificial photosynthesis for producing hydrogen from solar light and water by direct photochemistry in the synthesis mixture 62m should preferably produce hydrogen (or other fuel) from solar energy and water. The heat captured in the carrier medium 62m as a result of its exposure to the solar radiation can then be circulated or transferred via piping or conduits, etc., to a biological tower, other device, which can extract the same heat and use it for a useful purpose; the solar radiation collector 61p should preferably be used as a construction element or a hydrological feature such as a pool. Hydrogen 65 or other useful substances produced by such processes via artificial photosynthesis or by natural photosynthesis should preferably be captured by the solar radiation collector 61p and transported by pipe or for use away hydrogen 65 for use in the bio-tower fuel cell 25 (fig. 9) or for other useful purposes.

Fig. 24 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating one form of plasma glazing 61a included in a canopy structure according to the present invention, which can be used as a building device to provide shelter for pedestrians. It comprises a support structure 48, a transparent roof in the form of a plasma glazing 61a, and is attached to a building 13b, which building 13b has a plasma glazing 61 for its facade.

Referring to fig. 24, it can be seen that the plasma glazing 61a according to the invention serves to provide shading over the urban walkway 9f, while still allowing sunlight to pass through. Preferably most of the ultraviolet light and heat from the sun's rays 49 will be captured by the plasma glazing 61a for use in the biotower.

The canopy structure 48 may also be used to support a network of pipes for the heat delivery/circulation mechanism 6, which heat delivery/circulation mechanism 6 circulates hot water 62 (or other energy carrying medium) from the air conditioning system 4 or other energy source to the bio-tower. Any form of plasma glazing according to the invention may be used as a canopy cover, a sidewalk cover, and the like.

Preferably, to produce hydrogen from solar light and water by direct photochemical in the synthesis mixture 62m using artificial photosynthetic plasma glazing, hydrogen gas 65 will be produced for use in the fuel cell 26 (fig. 9) that is part of the bio-tower system. Excess heat, preferably captured by the same synthetic mixture type carrier medium 62m, will be used to augment the bio-column system via appropriate heat transport/circulation and transfer mechanisms, and in order to optimize the temperature levels in the plasma glaze for the production of hydrogen 26 or select fuels.

The synthesis mixture type support medium 62m will be maintained at a maximum height of 62mh above which the hydrogen will be collected for delivery to the column via pipe 65.

Preferably rain water will be collected and drained by the roof gutter 68 into the down pipe 67 and used to replenish water converted by the plasma glazing system into hydrogen 65 and/or other fuel, or water for other parts of the bio-tower system.

Fig. 25 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating one form of canopy structure utilizing dual glazing in accordance with the present invention. It comprises a support structure 48, a transparent roof in the form of double glazing 14p and 15p, and is attached to a building 13b having a roof garden 70.

Referring to fig. 25, it can be seen that the double glazing 73 according to the invention serves to provide shading over the urban walkway 9f, while still allowing sunlight to pass through. Preferably most of the ultraviolet light and heat from the sun's rays 49 will be captured by the double glazing 73 for use in the biotower. The canopy structure 48 may also be used to support a network of pipes for the heat delivery/circulation mechanism 6, which heat delivery/circulation mechanism 6 circulates hot water 62 from the air conditioning system 4 or other energy source to the bio-tower, as for the form of the invention described in fig. 24.

Water drained through soil on the roof garden may preferably be reused in other parts of the system or connected to a storm water system. Grey water from the building or from the biological tower wastewater treatment system 29 may be supplied to the soil 69 as appropriate for irrigation of the roof garden and further purification of the water. After irrigation, the same water may be drained through a drainage system 74 into a gutter 68a extending along the length of the canopy 73. When this water flows, it is exposed to solar radiation 49 and, if conditions are appropriate, algae suitable for promoting methane production in the preferred anaerobic digester 28 may be employed if the biological tower includes such a methane producing wastewater treatment system 28.

The algae laden water preferably drained from the biological canopy should only be added to the digester at the appropriate temperature to enhance the production of biogas, including methane. Preferably, if the water temperature is not appropriate, water with algae can be separated from the water and added to the system in order to enhance biogas production.

Roof garden 70 may preferably be covered with a housing 72, which housing 72 regulates the appropriate amount of light and air entering the same roof garden 70. Some or all of the output of air circulated by air conditioning system 4 may be circulated through enclosed roof garden 70 to clean and sanitize the same air. An appropriate amount of outside air may also be added to the system.

FIG. 26 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one form of a heat absorbing system according to the present invention.

Referring to fig. 26, it can be seen that a roadway heat transfer system 75 according to the present invention comprises a series of pipes located beneath the surface of the roadway 9r through which a heat carrier medium 62 such as water can be circulated to a heat carrier medium transport/circulation mechanism 6 such as a water pipe which circulates the same medium 62 to a bio-tower.

The heat carrier medium 62 is heated by solar radiation 49 absorbed from the roadway 9r and other hard surfaces and preferably serves as a heat source to enhance the action of the biological tower. After the same heat carrier medium 62 has transferred its latent heat to the biological column, it is recirculated to the hard surface heat transfer system 75 to be reheated.

Fig. 27 shows a schematic cross-sectional view indicating one form of heat absorbing system according to the present invention added to the exterior of a present surface such as a road 9 r.

Referring to fig. 27, it can be seen that the surface heat transfer system 75 according to the present invention comprises a series of pipes located below the surface of the roadway 9r through which a heat carrying medium 62 such as water can be circulated to a heat carrying medium transport/circulation mechanism 6 such as a water pipe which circulates the same medium 62 to the bio-tower. The heat carrying medium 62 is heated by solar radiation 49 absorbed from the roadway 9r and other hard surfaces and preferably serves as a heat source to enhance the action of the biological tower. After the same heat carrying medium 62 has transferred its latent heat to the biological tower, it is recirculated to the hard surface heat transfer system 75 to be reheated.

In this document the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the present invention. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention as broadly described in this document.

Claims (31)

1. An energy transfer system for use in conjunction with a building, the energy transfer system being capable of receiving naturally occurring atmospheric wind or thermal energy from a first location and capturing the energy for transfer to another location in order to increase the energy requirements of the building;

the system includes a standpipe associated with the building and having at least one inlet opening into at least one passage in the standpipe, each of the at least one inlet opening receiving air drawn from a source of air external to the building;

said air source creating an updraft spiral upon entry into said at least one inlet to move said air flow from said first position to said another position;

the inner shape has means for generating said air spiral;

at least one passageway in the standpipe communicating between the at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and each passageway receiving a flow of air drawn from the air source;

the airflow moves in the channel due to energy generated by the naturally occurring energy; wherein the riser duct receives passing atmospheric air that is used to augment a selectable source of heated air drawn from within the building;

wherein energy from the moving air stream is usable to energize an energy receiving device within the building to transform or convert the energy stream into an alternate form of energy;

said means for creating said air helix comprises first and second helical formations extending longitudinally along said standpipe and defining first and second helical channels, respectively; and

wherein the first and second helical channels are separated from one another by a valve assembly that selectively allows air communication between the first and second channels.

2. The energy transfer system of claim 1, wherein air from the first passage communicates with the second passage when the valve assembly is actuated.

3. The energy transfer system of claim 2, wherein air is drawn into one of said helical segments when the air pressure in said one helical segment is lower than the air pressure in the other helical segment.

4. The energy transfer system of claim 3, wherein air is introduced into each of said helical formations through an opening at the base of the standpipe.

5. The energy transfer system of claim 4, wherein air entering the standpipe through said opening at the base progresses upwardly in said helical formation.

6. The energy transfer system of claim 5, wherein air entering at the riser base is directed into the riser by an air inlet means at the riser base, and including means for forcing air into the riser to create said air flow spiral.

7. The energy transfer system of claim 6, wherein said means for creating a flow spiral is a baffle for directing said air along a path in said stack.

8. The energy transfer system of claim 7, wherein said baffle is computer controlled.

9. The energy transfer system of claim 8, wherein the inlet of said standpipe includes an adjustable louver.

10. The energy transfer system of claim 9, wherein said riser is integrated with a high rise building.

11. The energy transfer system of claim 10, wherein said building further comprises an envelope defining at least one interior space between the envelope and an exterior surface of the building.

12. The energy transfer system of claim 11, wherein air in said at least one interior space is heated by solar energy.

13. The energy transfer system of claim 12, wherein said cladding comprises at least one glass layer that allows solar radiation to pass therethrough, thereby heating air in said at least one space that supplements air drawn into said standpipe from the atmosphere.

14. The energy transfer system of claim 13, wherein the at least one space is capable of receiving water for heating by solar energy.

15. The energy transfer system of claim 14, wherein the heated air rising in the helical spiral is supplemented by air heated in the space between cladding and the monument.

16. The energy transfer system of claim 15, wherein the at least one space comprises a solar radiation collector.

17. The energy transfer system of claim 16, wherein each solar radiation collector comprises at least one air channel that receives thermal energy to supplement the heating of air drawn into the building.

18. The energy transfer system of claim 17, wherein condensate from the cladding surface is collected by a network of pipes for use as a water source.

19. The energy transfer system of claim 18, wherein a power generation device provides power to the building.

20. The energy transfer system of claim 19, wherein the power generation device is at least one turbine at an air inlet of the tower.

21. The energy transfer system of claim 20, wherein the standpipe is internal to the building.

22. The energy transfer system of claim 21, wherein the heat is provided by water circulating in a space created by the glazing system.

23. The energy transfer system of claim 22, wherein the heat is provided by heat absorbed by a hard surface roadway.

24. The energy transfer system of claim 23, wherein the heat is provided by heat captured by a glass roof.

25. The energy transfer system of claim 24, wherein the heat is provided by piped hot water.

26. The energy transfer system of claim 25, wherein the standpipe is located outside of the building.

27. The energy transfer system of claim 26, wherein the heat is provided by waste heat from an air conditioning system of a nearby structure.

28. The energy transfer system of claim 27, wherein the air is also introduced into the standpipe via an opening at the top of the standpipe.

29. The energy transfer system of claim 28, wherein the air introduced into the top of the standpipe proceeds downwardly in the direction of the standpipe base.

30. The energy transfer system of claim 29, wherein one of the helical formations is vented to atmosphere at the top of a standpipe via a louver assembly.

31. The energy transfer system of claim 30, wherein air entering the top of the standpipe so that it enters one of said helical formations opposes air rising in the other of said helical formations.