METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EFFICIENTLY PRESSURIZING AND VENTILATING AN AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURE

摘要

A set of methods and apparatus for efficiently pressurizing and ventilati ng an air- supported greenhouse or other structure requiring pressurization and ventilation. A method for efficiently pressurizing and ventilating an ai r-supported structure comprises directing any external wind flow and externa l wind pressure into mechanical flow means, such as a fan, or fans in parall el, operating in the intake direction, and into the internal space of the ai r-supported structure and out of the internal space of the air-supported str ucture through internal pressure regulating exhaust means, whereby the inter nal space of the structure will be ventilated and pressurized with the assis tance of any external wind and the reliability of mechanical flow means (fan s). This method allows for the efficient, effective, and economical cooling, through ventilation, of a protected space created by a light permeable memb rane (cover), which is supported only by internal air pressure against the w eight of the membrane and dynamic pressures of the external wind, itself. Ap paratus for directing any external wind flow and external wind pressure into mechanical flow means are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for internal pre ssure regulation are also disclosed. Some benefits are less power consumptio n, minimal internal static pressure (just enough to overcome the external wi nd), less potential film breakage (than conventional frame- supported poly g reenhouses), more light transmission, less cost, and more portability.