Split air convection pile

Abstract

An air convection pile for transferring heat from a medium surrounding the lower end of the pile is disclosed to the colder ambient air. A pipe of sufficient length to extend from the air-medium interface downward into the medium is adapted to be opened to the ambient air near its upper end. A flow dividing partition is placed longitudinally within the pipe. The partition has two longitudinal edges which contact the inner wall of the pipe to divide the interior volume of the pipe into two flow channels. The partition is adapted near the lower end of the pipe to allow the flow of air between the flow channels. Apparatus for controlling the flow of air through the pile is also disclosed. A hood encloses the open upper end of the pile. It is adapted to allow the flow of air between the ambient air and the flow channels. Within the hood, there is a temperature responsive, or manual, means for closing off the flow channels from the ambient air.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.