Solar-powered soffit fan
OwnerPeter L. Randallinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The solar powered soffit fan includes an electric fan mounted over a soffit vent. A roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panel aimed at the sun delivers power to the soffit fan. During daylight hours, the photovoltaic solar panel provides sufficient electrical power to activate the soffit fan, which provides forced attic ventilation through the soffit vent. At night, the fan automatically powers down when sunlight no longer impinges the solar panel. A thermostat and/or humistat can be included for additional control of the unit. The fan can accept power from an optional rechargeable battery. Multiple soffit fans can be configured to service larger buildings.
Claims10
A solar-powered soffit fan, comprising:
- at least one exterior soffit fan and housing therefor adapted for mounting over a clear airflow opening in a soffit of a building structure;
- a solar photovoltaic panel adapted for mounting on the building structure proximate the fan;
- an electrical power cable electrically connecting the solar photovoltaic panel to the soffit fan;
- and
- a protective screen attached to the soffit fan housing over an intake-exhaust portion of the soffit fan housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.