Multiple zone building structure

Abstract

Abstract A building structure wherein concrete beams perform multiple functions is disclosed. The beams are supported by spaced supported girders, and have at least one generally vertical web and a substantially horizontal upper surface. The upper surfaces of the beams form a substantially horizontal floor, while the lower sides thereof constitute a ceiling with a plurality of dependent ribs extending in general parallelism the length thereof and forming a plurality of adjacent, inverted, generally U-shaped channels. Lighting fixtures, disclosed as fluorescent fixtures in substantially end-to-end position are mounted in alternate ones of the U-shaped channels, while duct-completing panels close the U-shaped channels between those in which lighting fixtures are mounted. Alternate ones of such ducts are made supply ducts, by connection to means for supplying conditioned air thereto, while the remaining ducts are made return air ducts by connection to means for withdrawing air therefrom. The U-shaped channels in which lighting fixtures are mounted are divided by panels to form at least one heated air chamber within each channel. An opening is provided through which air can flow between each heated air chamber and an adjacent return air duct. The structure additionally includes means for withdrawing air from each zone of the building, for effecting heat transfer from each of the lighting fixtures to the withdrawn air, and for introducing the heated, withdrawn air into an adjacent heated air chamber. The structure also includes a plurality of generally U-shaped mixing tubes positioned in spaced relationship in the U-shaped channels in which lighting fixtures are mounted. Each tube has a conditioned air inlet communicating through an opening with an adjacent supply air duct, a room air inlet, a heated air inlet communicating with an adjacent return air duct, an air outlet, dampers for the room air inlet and for the heated air inlet, and at least one nozzle operable when air flows through the conditioned air inlet to tend to induce a flow of air into the tube through both the room air inlet and the heated air inlet. Finally, the structure includes means for controlling the dampers of the mixing tubes to control zone temperature within the building.

Inventors

• 👤 G Meckler

Bibliographic Details