BigPatents India

An apparatus for pre-heating ventilation air for a building. The apparatus includes a first sunlight-absorbent collector panel on the building. The panel is exposed to ambient air and defines a first air collection space between itself and the building. The first sunlight-absorbent collector panel has a plurality of air inlet openings to allow the ambient air to pass through the openings to the first air collection space. A second sunlight-absorbent collector panel on the building is adjacent the first sunlight-absorbent collector panel and defines a second air collection space between itself and the building. The second sunlight-absorbent collector panel has a plurality of air inlet openings to allow air to pass through the openings to the second air collection space. A glazing covers the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel and defines an intermediary air flow chamber between itself and the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel. The intermediary air flow chamber is in communication with the first air collection space to receive air therefrom. The air inlet openings in the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel provide communication between the intermediary air flow chamber and the second air collection space. An air outlet extends from the second air collection space into the building for air flow therethrough. A fan communicates with the air outlet for moving air from the second air collection space into the building, through the air outlet. (FIG.1)