Modular building structure suitable for thermal conditioning therein

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular building structure comprising a frame comprising a plurality of bars and connectors interconnecting the plurality of bars together, the frame comprising void spaces delimited by corresponding ones of the plurality of bars; a plurality of panels, one of which is mounted within each void space and connected to the frame so as to create an interior; an air chamber layer within which air can circulate, the air chamber layer forming at least part of an outer surface of the interior; at least one upper valve system mounted in an upper portion of the structure; and at least one lower valve system mounted in a lower portion of the structure. The at least one upper valve system and lower valve system are selectively operable to regulate thermal conditions within the interior in dependence on meteorological conditions outside the modular building structure and a desired temperature within the interior. The present invention also relates to a method for operating the at least one upper valve system and lower valve system of the modular building structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to modular building structures, and more specifically to modular building structures including valve systems operable to control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) requirements to regulate thermal conditions within the structure according to climate changes occurring throughout the year. The invention further relates to a method for operating the valve system of a modular building structure. Background Technology

[0002] Modular building structures with thermal regulation within the structure already exist.

[0003] For example, ES1198233U discloses a modular building structure comprising multiple panels, several sides of which are adapted to be connected to each other to form a grid dome. Each panel includes a first panel and a second panel attached to both sides of a spacer. The spacer includes a peripheral wall forming an interior space between the first and second panels. Orifices are arranged through the peripheral wall such that when the panels are connected to each other, their respective interior spaces are in fluid communication with each other to form ventilation chambers. The lower panel at the base of the grid dome includes air inlets arranged toward the exterior of the dome, and airflow passes through these air inlets, circulating through the ventilation chambers to air outlets in the upper panel arranged at the top of the dome.

[0004] One drawback of this modular building structure stems from the fact that the ventilation chamber is only in airflow communication with the outside of the modular building structure, which may only affect the thermal conditions inside the dome to a certain extent.

[0005] JP2014051827 discloses a dome-shaped structure capable of suppressing condensation within a dome structure. To this end, the dome structure includes air inlet and exhaust ports respectively arranged on the lower and upper parts of the dome structure, and a ventilation layer extending from the air inlet to the exhaust port to promote ventilation within the dome walls and vertical walls. The dome structure further includes a ventilation structure located beneath the dome roof to draw air from the interior of the dome structure to the outside.

[0006] However, dome structures are only suitable for cooling and ventilation within the structure itself. Therefore, such structures are not suitable for regulating temperature according to climate changes that occur throughout the year.

[0007] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a modular building structure that includes an HVAC system for an optimal living environment within the structure that is unaffected by year-round climate change.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular building structure in which the structural components are easy to manufacture and assemble together. Summary of the Invention

[0009] These objectives are achieved through a modular building structure comprising a frame including multiple rods and a central connector interconnecting the rods. The frame includes open spaces defined by corresponding rods among the multiple rods. The modular building structure also includes multiple panels, one of which is installed within each open space and connected to the frame to create an interior. The modular building structure further includes air chamber layers within which air can circulate. The air chamber layers form at least a portion of the interior walls.

[0010] At least one upper valve system is installed in the upper portion of the modular building structure, while at least one lower valve system is installed in the lower portion of the modular building structure. The at least one upper valve system and the lower valve system can be selectively actuated to perform any of the following functions:

[0011] a) Air from outside the modular building structure is drawn into the air chamber layer via at least one lower valve system, and rising air is discharged from the air chamber layer to the outside of the modular building structure via at least one upper valve system.

[0012] b) Air is drawn into the air chamber layer from the interior through at least one lower valve system, and rising air is discharged from the air chamber layer into the interior through at least one upper valve system.

[0013] c) Seal the air chamber layer and the interior from the exterior, so that the air chamber layer acts as an insulating layer for the interior.

[0014] d) Air is drawn into the air chamber layer from the interior through at least one lower valve system, and the rising air is discharged from the air chamber layer to the outside of the modular building structure through at least one upper valve system, while the interior is in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure through at least one lower valve system.

[0015] e) Air from outside the modular building structure is drawn into the air chamber layer via at least one lower valve system, and rising air is discharged from the air chamber layer into the interior via at least one upper valve system, while the interior is in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure via at least one lower valve system.

[0016] f) A first air connection and a second air connection are created between the air outside the modular building structure and the upper and lower parts inside the structure, respectively, through at least one upper valve system and at least one lower valve system.

[0017] In an embodiment, at least one lower valve system is a valve system including a heat exchanger. The valve system includes a housing disposed upstream of the air chamber layer and extending from the outside toward the interior of the building structure to cool air entering the air chamber layer from the outside, or to heat air entering the air chamber layer from the outside or from the interior of the building structure.

[0018] In one embodiment, the housing includes a water chamber and at least one core mounted within the water chamber. The water chamber includes an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with a water tank disposed on the base of a modular building structure via a closed-loop water circuit including a pump system.

[0019] In one embodiment, the housing includes a first valve housing portion, a second valve housing portion, and a third valve housing portion defining an opening in fluid communication with at least one core fluid. The valve system includes an outer valve disc, an inner valve disc, and a chamber valve disc pivotally mounted within the respective first, second, and third valve housing portions. Each valve disc is arranged to be actuated from an open configuration to a closed configuration and vice versa to activate at least one lower valve system according to a selected function from functions a) to f).

[0020] In one embodiment, at least one lower valve system having a heat exchanger includes a first longitudinal core and a second longitudinal core mounted in a water chamber. The first longitudinal core and the second longitudinal core extend perpendicularly to each other.

[0021] In an embodiment, at least one lower valve system includes a fan mounted near or at the distal end of the first longitudinal core and / or the second longitudinal core.

[0022] In an embodiment, at least one core or the first and second cores are made of ceramic or any other hydrophilic porous material, including a honeycomb structure.

[0023] In one embodiment, the air chamber layer essentially forms the entire outer surface of the interior.

[0024] In an embodiment, some or all of the panels each include an outer panel containing an outer panel connector and an inner panel containing an inner panel connector. The outer panel connector is connected to a corresponding outer panel connection portion of a different hub connector, while the inner panel connector is connected to a corresponding inner panel connection portion of the same hub connector among the different hub connectors.

[0025] In this embodiment, the outer panel and the inner panel of the panel each include N straight edges. The outer panel and the inner panel each include N outer panel connectors and N inner panel connectors respectively mounted on the converging portions of the two straight edges of the outer panel and the inner panel.

[0026] In this embodiment, N is a number selected from 3 to 8.

[0027] In some embodiments, some or all panels include at least one intermediate panel mounted between the outer panel and the inner panel.

[0028] In an embodiment, at least one intermediate panel and / or outer panel and / or inner panel is selected from among solar cell panels, photovoltaic / thermal (PVT) panels, collector panels, heated glass, smart glass, insulating panels, and transparent panels / panels.

[0029] In one embodiment, the smart glass is configured to change from transparent to translucent or opaque, and vice versa. The smart glass is electrically connected to a power source and a control unit that controls the appearance of the smart glass.

[0030] In one embodiment, the modular building structure further includes a base comprising multiple rods and connectors interconnecting the rods in a horizontal plane. The rods are attached to the lower part of the frame. One or more flat plates or tanks filled with liquid are mounted on the base to provide stability to the modular building structure.

[0031] In one embodiment, a first thermal condition sensor is mounted internally, and a second thermal condition sensor is located externally within the modular building structure. At least one upper valve system and a lower valve system are configured to be electrically actuated based on thermal conditions sensed by the first and second thermal condition sensors.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating at least one upper valve system and a lower valve system of a modular building structure, so as to draw air from the interior into an air chamber layer through at least the lower valve system during a first time period, and to discharge rising air from the air chamber layer into the interior through the upper valve system to increase the temperature inside the interior.

[0033] In an embodiment, the method further includes the following steps: operating at least one upper valve system and a lower valve system during a second time period different from the first time period, so as to draw air from outside the modular building structure into the air chamber layer through at least one lower valve system, and to discharge rising air from the air chamber layer into the interior through at least one upper valve system, while the interior is in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure through at least one lower valve system.

[0034] In an embodiment, the method further includes the following steps: operating at least one upper valve system and a lower valve system during a second time period different from the first time period, so as to seal the gas chamber layer and the interior from the exterior, such that the gas chamber layer acts as an insulating layer.

[0035] In an embodiment, the method further includes the following steps: operating at least one upper valve system and at least one lower valve system during a second time period different from the first time period, so as to create a first air communication and a second air communication between the air outside the modular building structure and the upper and lower parts inside, respectively, through at least one upper valve system and at least one lower valve system.

[0036] In an embodiment, the method further includes the following steps: operating at least one upper valve system and a lower valve system during a second time period different from the first time period, so as to draw air from outside the modular building structure into the air chamber layer through at least one lower valve system, and to discharge rising air from the air chamber layer to the outside of the modular building structure through at least one upper valve system.

[0037] In an embodiment, the method further includes the following steps: operating at least one upper valve system and a lower valve system during a second time period different from the first time period, so as to draw air from the interior into the air chamber layer through at least one lower valve system, and to discharge rising air from the air chamber layer to the outside of the modular building structure through at least one upper valve system, while the interior is in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure through at least one lower valve system. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The invention will be better understood through the description of several embodiments given by way of example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] - Figure 1 A perspective view of a modular building structure according to an embodiment is shown;

[0040] - Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the modular building structure from another angle;

[0041] - Figure 3 A perspective view of the frame of a modular building structure according to another embodiment is shown;

[0042] - Figure 4 It shows the connection to the base structure Figure 3 The framework;

[0043] - Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A view similar to a frame, with some panels attached to the frame;

[0044] - Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The exploded view of the panel;

[0045] - Figure 7 A perspective view of two modules is shown, the modules including those installed... Figure 3 The frame has two adjacent panels in two adjacent cavities and a structure for fixing the panels to the frame and the adjacent panels;

[0046] - Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Exploded view,

[0047] - Figure 9A cross-sectional view of two adjacent modules is shown;

[0048] - Figure 9a It shows Figure 9 An enlarged view of the connection structure between two adjacent panels;

[0049] - Figure 10 A perspective view of a panelless modular building structure according to another embodiment is shown;

[0050] - Figure 11 Showing a panel Figure 10 Similar views;

[0051] - Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 A cross-sectional view along line AA;

[0052] - Figure 13 It shows Figure 10 and 11 A perspective view of the central connector, and a partial view of the outer panel, inner panel and intermediate panel connected to the central connector;

[0053] - Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A cross-sectional view;

[0054] - Figure 15 A perspective view of the panel's panels is shown;

[0055] - Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 Side view;

[0056] - Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of a modular building structure according to an embodiment is shown;

[0057] - Figures 18a to 18f A schematic cross-sectional view of a modular building structure is shown, featuring upper and lower valve systems in different configurations depending on the settings used to regulate thermal conditions within the modular building structure.

[0058] - Figure 19 A schematic cross-sectional view of a modular building structure is shown, which includes an upper valve system and a lower valve system with heat exchangers for optimizing thermal regulation within the structure.

[0059] - Figure 20 A detailed cross-sectional view of the lower valve system, including the heat exchanger, is shown.

[0060] - Figures 21a to 21d The diagram illustrates different construction methods for regulating thermal conditions within modular building structures. Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the lower valve system. Detailed Implementation

[0061] According to the embodiments and referring to Figure 1-4 The modular building structure 10 includes multiple panels 20, which are connected to each other by means of connecting joints 34. For example... Figure 3 As shown, these panels 20 are supported by a frame 12, which includes a plurality of rods 14, such as aluminum rods, interconnected by a central connector 16.

[0062] The construction of frame 12 depends on the shape of the panel. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the rods 14 are connected to each other in a manner to form a plurality of triangular cavities, such as triangular panels. Figure 5 The frame 12 is installed within a triangular cavity. Its construction can be adapted to support panels of other shapes, such as squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, or any other regular or irregular polygonal shapes. The modular building structure 10 can be used as a greenhouse and may include a hydroponic system.

[0063] See Figure 4 The frame 12 is connected to the base 50, which includes multiple rods 52 and connectors 54 that interconnect the rods 52 in a horizontal plane. Some ends of these rods 52 are connected to poles 14 of the frame 12. To provide stability to the modular building structure 10, one or more flat plates or tanks 56 filled with liquid are mounted on the base 50 of the modular building structure, for example, on its central portion and / or along its perimeter.

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown, each panel 20 of the modular building structure 10 includes a triangular frame 24, a triangular outer panel 22a, and a triangular inner panel 22b. The outer panel 22a and inner panel 22b may be, for example, PMMA glass (acrylic glass). Each side of the outer panel 22a is mounted in a first longitudinal groove 28a provided near the upper side 24b of the frame 24, while each side of the inner panel 22b is mounted in a second longitudinal groove 28b provided near the lower side 24a of the frame. Therefore, once the outer panel 22a and inner panel 22b, along with the frame 24, are assembled together, an air space is created between the outer panel 22a and the inner panel 22b. Each side of the rectangular frame 24 includes one or more openings 26 extending from the air space 25 to the outer surface of the frame 24.

[0065] In other embodiments, the frame 12 may have different shapes to hold a panel of any shape as described above.

[0066] As detailed below, the inlays 22b of all panels 20 connected to each other define the interior 40, and the air space 25 of each panel 20 is in fluid communication with the air space of each adjacent panel to create an air chamber layer 44 (see below). Figures 18a-18f The air chamber layer 44 substantially covers the entire outer surface of the interior 40. In another embodiment, the air chamber layer may cover only a portion of the outer surface of the interior 40.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the modular building structure 10 may include one or more doors 60. These doors may be, for example, conventional doors with a single pane of glass. Therefore, the side seals of the panel frame adjacent to the door allow the air chamber layer to bypass the door. In an embodiment not shown, the modular building structure may also include one or more conventional windows. Regarding the doors, the side seals of the panel frame adjacent to the windows allow the air chamber layer to bypass the windows.

[0068] Figure 7 A perspective view of two modules is shown, the modules including those installed... Figure 3 The frame consists of two adjacent panels within two adjacent cavities and a structure for fixing the panels to the frame and the adjacent panels.

[0069] See Figure 8 and Figure 9 Two adjacent triangular panels 20 are connected together via a connecting interface 34 to create a sealed cavity 35, which is in fluid communication with the corresponding air space 25 of the adjacent panel 20 through the opening 26 of the corresponding adjacent frame. The adjacent frames 24 together form a rod receiving portion 30, into which a corresponding rod 14 of the frame 12 is mounted to secure the panel 20 to the frame 12.

[0070] In one embodiment, at least one intermediate panel 22c may be mounted between the outer panel 22a and the inner panel 22b. At least one intermediate panel 22c of some or each panel of the modular building structure 10 may be, for example, glass, configured to change from transparent to translucent or opaque when a voltage is applied to the glass, and vice versa. According to some embodiments, the outer panel 22a and / or inner panel 22b of some or each panel of the modular building structure may also be glass configured to change appearance as described above.

[0071] Therefore, the glass can be electrically connected to a power source and a control unit to control the appearance of the glass. Thus, some or each panel of the modular building structure 10 can block incident light so as to obscure a portion of the interior 40 of the structure 10 when the outer panel 22a and / or the inner panel 22b and / or the middle panel 22c are electrically controlled to become opaque.

[0072] In another embodiment, at least one intermediate panel 22c of some or each panel 20 of the modular building structure 10 may be a solar panel electrically connected to a battery (not shown) to store electricity generated by the solar panel. Some or each outer panel 22a and / or inner panel 22b of the modular building structure 10 may also be solar panels to increase electricity generation. In other embodiments, some or each outer panel 22b and / or inner panel 22a and / or one or more intermediate panels 22c of the modular building structure 10 may be selected from solar cell panels, photovoltaic / thermal (PVT) panels, collector panels, heated glass, smart glass, insulating panels, and transparent panels / panels.

[0073] According to such Figures 10 to 16 In another embodiment specifically shown, each or some panels 20 of the modular building structure 10 include at least an outer panel 22a and an inner panel 22b. As... Figure 14-16 As shown, the outer panel 22a and the inner panel 22b each include a plurality of panel connectors 23a, 23b. Figure 15 As shown in the figure, the panel connectors 23a and 23b of the outer panel 22a and the inner panel 22b are respectively installed on the converging portions of the two straight edges of the outer panel 22a and the inner panel 22b.

[0074] for Figures 1 to 9a In the embodiment shown, the panel may include at least one intermediate panel 22c. The outer panel 22a and / or the inner panel 22b and / or at least the intermediate panel 22c may be selected from solar cell panels, photovoltaic / thermal (PVT) panels, collector panels, heated glass, smart glass, insulating panels, and transparent panels / panels.

[0075] If the outer panel 22a and / or the inner panel 22b and / or at least one intermediate panel 22c is smart glass configured to change from transparent to translucent or opaque and vice versa, then the glass is electrically connected to a power source and a control unit that controls the appearance of the smart glass. Figure 14 As shown, each panel 20 may include an electrical connection module 21 to electrically interconnect adjacent intermediate panels, such as solar cell panels, photovoltaic / thermal (PVT) panels, heated glass, and smart glass. Each panel 20 may include additional connection modules (not shown) to electrically interconnect adjacent outer panels 22a and / or adjacent inner panels 22b.

[0076] like Figure 12 and 15 As shown in the figure, each of the outer panel 22a, inner panel 22b, and middle panel 22c (if any) of panel 20 includes a protective frame 22d.

[0077] See Figure 11 , 13-14, the panel connector 23a of each outer panel 22a is connected to the corresponding outer panel connection portion 18a of a different central connector 16, while the panel connector 23b of each inner panel 22b of the same panel 20 is connected to the corresponding inner panel connection portion 18b of the same central connector among the different central connectors 16. The central connector 16 also includes a rod connection portion 17 to interconnect the central connector with a plurality of rods 14 to erect the frame 12.

[0078] See Figure 12 The first connecting joint 20a, the second connecting joint 20b, and the third connecting joint 20c are installed to connect the outer panel 22a, the inner panel 22b, and the middle panel 22c of any two adjacent panels 20 together, in order to create an air chamber layer 44. For example... Figure 11 As shown in detail (only the connecting joint 20a is visible in this figure), the first connecting joint 20a, the second connecting joint 20b, and the third connecting joint 20c thus create a panel 20, which includes an internal space that is in air communication with the internal space of any adjacent panel.

[0079] Despite Figures 10 to 16 In the illustrated embodiment, panel 20 has a triangular shape with three sides, but the number of sides for each panel can vary depending on the selected design for the modular building structure. Therefore, the outer and inner panels of the panel can each include N straight edges. In this configuration, the outer and inner panels each include N outer panel connectors and N inner panel connectors respectively mounted on the converging portions of two straight edges of the outer and inner panels. N can be, for example, a number selected between 4 and 8.

[0080] This particular embodiment has the advantage of facilitating the construction of a modular building structure 10, because once erected with the aid of a ladder, the outer panel 22a, inner panel 22b, and middle panel 22c (if any) can be easily suspended from within the frame 12.

[0081] Figure 17 A self-sufficient modular building structure 10 is shown, which includes solar panels 70 and windmills 80 for generating electricity, gutters 90 for collecting water, water tanks 56 for storing water, and ground cooling channels 95 extending from the base 50 and communicating with the ground and interior air 40 to introduce cool air into the interior 40.

[0082] like Figures 18a to 18e As shown, any modular building structure 10 according to the above embodiments includes one or more upper valve systems 46a and lower valve systems 46b. Several valve systems may be installed along the periphery of the upper and lower portions of the modular building structure 10 to regulate thermal conditions within the interior 40. For example, for structures including, for example... Figure 10The modular building structure of the decagonal base 50 shown has a total of ten valve systems, with a lower valve system 46b that can be installed on each side of the base and a corresponding number of upper valve systems 46a that can be installed on the upper part of the modular building structure.

[0083] The upper valve system 46a and the lower valve system 46b include a plurality of valve discs, which will be described in detail below according to a preferred embodiment, thereby integrating a heat exchanger to optimize thermal regulation. The upper valve system 46a and the lower valve system 46b can be manually or electrically actuated. In the latter case, a first weather sensor, such as a temperature or humidity sensor, may be installed within the interior 40, and a second weather sensor may be installed externally on the modular building structure. These weather sensors can communicate with a control unit, which includes a processor configured to execute a program to selectively actuate the upper and lower valve systems via actuators based on the outputs of the first and second weather sensors to achieve a desired thermal comfort level within the interior 40.

[0084] Figure 18a The positions of the valve discs of the upper valve system 46a and the lower valve system 46b in the cooling and ventilation setup are shown. In this setup, air within the modular building structure is drawn into the air chamber layer 44 through the lower valve system 46b, and rising air along the air chamber layer 44 is discharged from the air chamber layer 44 to the outside of the modular building structure through the upper valve system 46a, while the interior 40 is in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure through the lower valve system 46b. The cooling and ventilation setup is preferably designed for use during the summer months when temperatures are moderate.

[0085] Figure 18b The positions of the valve discs of the upper valve system 46a and the lower valve system 46b in the heating and ventilation setup are shown. In this setup, cold air from outside the modular building structure is drawn into the air chamber layer 44 through the lower valve system 46b, and the rising air driven along the air chamber layer 44 due to the pressure drop is heated by the greenhouse effect, and then discharged from the air chamber layer 44 into the interior 40 through the upper valve system 46a, while the interior 40 is in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure through the lower valve system 46b. The heating and ventilation setup is preferably used during cold winter days.

[0086] Figure 18c The positions of the valve discs of the upper valve system 46a and lower valve system 46b in the balancing and ventilation setup are shown to create a first air communication and a second air communication between the air outside the modular building structure 10 and the upper and lower parts of the interior 40, respectively, via the upper valve system 46a and lower valve system 46b. According to this setup, the temperature inside the interior 40 of the modular building structure will be adjusted to the external temperature, thereby avoiding any heating from the air chamber layer. The balancing and ventilation setup is preferably used during hot summer days.

[0087] Figure 18d The positions of the valve discs of the upper valve system 46a and the lower valve system 46b in the cooling setup are shown, whereby the lower and upper ends of the air chamber layer 44 are in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure 10, while the interior 40 of the structure is sealed from the exterior.

[0088] In this configuration, air from outside the modular building structure 10 is drawn into the lower portion of the air chamber layer 44 and driven upward within the air chamber layer 44 by positive buoyancy. In this cooling configuration, the air from the air chamber layer 44 is heated by the greenhouse effect, discharged due to pressure drop, and renewed with fresh air. The cooling configuration is preferably used during the summer months when temperatures are moderate.

[0089] Modular building structure 10 may include a chimney 48 to increase the height and buoyancy of building structure 10, thereby accelerating air circulation in air chamber layer 44 to achieve more efficient convective heat transfer. Modular building structures according to other embodiments may include a second floor (loft design) to increase the height and buoyancy of building structure 10.

[0090] Figure 18e The positions of the valve discs of the upper valve system 46a and lower valve system 46b in the heating configuration are shown, thereby allowing the lower and upper ends of the air chamber layer 44 to fluidly communicate with the air inside the interior 40, while the interior 40 is sealed to the outside. In this cooling configuration, the rising cold air in the air chamber layer will be heated due to the greenhouse effect and discharged into the interior 40 due to the pressure drop. The heating configuration is preferably used on cold, sunny winter days.

[0091] Figure 18f The positions of the valve discs of the upper valve system 46a and the lower valve system 46b in the stable configuration are shown, thereby sealing the air chamber layer 44 and the interior 40 of the structure from the outside. In this configuration, the air chamber layer 44 acts as an insulating layer to protect the interior from the effects of cold external temperatures. The stable configuration is preferably used at night.

[0092] In advantageous embodiments, such as Figure 19 The modular building structure shown includes an upper valve system and a lower valve system 100 with heat exchangers, which are adapted to effectively regulate the thermal conditions within the interior 40 of the structure according to external thermal conditions and the desired temperature within the interior 40.

[0093] See Figure 20A valve system 100 with a heat exchanger is adapted to be arranged on the lower part of a modular building structure. The valve system 100 includes a housing 101 having a first body portion 101a and a second body portion 101b, the second body portion 101b being integral with and extending vertically from the first body portion. The first body portion 101a is mounted to extend from the outside into the interior 40, while the second body portion 101b is arranged within the lower portion of a gas chamber layer 44. A first core 102a and a second core 102b, made of a hydrophilic porous material such as ceramic, are arranged on the respective first body portion 101a and second body portion 101b. The first core 102a and the second core 102b may have, for example, a cylindrical shape and may advantageously be made of ceramic with a honeycomb structure to increase the surface area for increased heat exchange.

[0094] First cores 102a and 102b are arranged relative to each other to form an air cavity 114 to allow air communication between these first and second cores. A first body portion 101a of the housing 101 defines a water chamber 106 around the first core 102a, which may have, for example, an annular shape. The water chamber 106 includes an inlet 108a and an outlet 108b in fluid communication with a water tank 56 of the modular building structure as described above via a closed-loop water circuit (not shown) including an inlet 108a and an outlet 108b connected to the water chamber 106. Thus, water can be drawn from the water tank 56 through the inlet 108a into the bottom portion of the water chamber 106 to partially wet the first core 102a. The first core 102a and the second core 102b are in contact to ensure that the second core 102b is partially immersed in water, as water can be drawn from the first core 102a into the second core 102b through its contact interface via capillary action. Therefore, air can still flow through the first core 102a and the second core 102b because they are not completely submerged in water. Depending on the different configurations described above, the water tank 56 can be filled with hot or cold water. In embodiments not shown, the modular building structure may include a first water tank and a second water tank filled with hot and cold water, respectively. A valve system with a heat exchanger may be arranged to selectively communicate with either the first or second water tank, depending on the configuration.

[0095] Valve system 100 includes an outer valve disc 104a, an inner valve disc 104b, and a chamber valve disc 104c, which are pivotally mounted within respective first valve disc housing portions 105a, second valve disc housing portions 105b, and third valve disc housing portions 105c that define openings in fluid communication with respective first cores 102a and second cores 102b. Each valve disc 104a, 104b, 105b is arranged to be electrically actuated to change from an open configuration to a closed configuration, and vice versa. In the open configuration, air can circulate through the openings defined by the respective valve disc housing portions 105a, 105b, and 105c, while in the closed configuration, the valve disc seals the openings to prevent air circulation through the openings.

[0096] The valve system may further include a fan 112 installed between the first core 102a and the inner valve disc 104b. The fan 112 is turned off in a setup with passive cooling / heating, or turned on in a scenario where faster and / or more efficient cooling / heating of the interior 40 of the building structure is required.

[0097] Figure 21a It shows the cooling structure to achieve Figure 18d The cooling setup shown includes a valve system 100 with a heat exchanger. A water tank 56 is filled with cold water and is in fluid communication with the water chamber 106 of the valve system 100 via a closed-loop water circuit, such that portions of the first core 102a and the second core 102b are immersed in cold water. An outer valve flap 104a and an air chamber valve flap 104c operate to allow external air to be in fluid communication with the air chamber layer 44, while an inner valve flap 104b operates to prevent air from entering the interior of the modular building structure. Therefore, air can flow sequentially from the outside through the opening of the housing portion 105a, a portion of the first core 102a, the air chamber 114, the second core 102b along which the air is cooled, the opening of the housing portion 105c, and into the air chamber layer 44.

[0098] Figure 21b It is shown that it is located in the cooling and ventilation structure to achieve Figure 18a The cooling and ventilation arrangement shown includes a valve system 100 with a heat exchanger. An outer valve flap 104a, a chamber valve flap 104c, and an inner valve flap 104c operate to allow external air to communicate with the chamber layer 44 and the interior fluid of the building structure. Thus, hot air can flow from the outside through the opening of the valve flap housing portion 105a, a portion of the first core 102a, and the air chamber 114, whereby the airflow splits to flow upwards into the chamber layer 44 as described above for cooling, and also through the opening of the cooled first core 102a and valve flap housing portion 105b into the interior 40 of the building structure.

[0099] Figure 21c It is shown that it is in a heated structure to achieve Figure 18eThe heating setup shown includes a valve system 100 with a heat exchanger. A water tank 56 is filled with hot water and is in fluid communication with the water chamber 106 of the valve system 100 via a closed loop, such that the first core 102a and the second core 102b are partially immersed in hot water. An inner valve flap 104b and an air chamber valve flap 104c operate to allow fluid communication between the interior 40 of the building structure and the air chamber layer 44, while an outer valve flap 104a operates to prevent air from flowing from the interior 40 of the modular building structure to the outside. Therefore, air can flow sequentially from the interior 40 through the opening of the valve flap housing portion 105b, along which the air heats the first core 102a, the air chamber 114, along which the air temperature further increases the second core 102b, the opening of the valve flap housing portion 105c, and into the air chamber layer 44.

[0100] Figure 21d A valve system 100 with a heat exchanger is shown in a heating and ventilation configuration to achieve a heating setting, which is in conjunction with... Figure 18b The heating and ventilation setup of the modular building structure shown, equipped with a valve system without a heat exchanger, differs slightly. This is because it has... Figure 19 The valve system 100 of the heat exchanger in the modular building structure of the schematic embodiment significantly improves the variation of air temperature, allowing air to be heated even without passing through the air chamber layer, where the air may be further heated by radiation from the sun.

[0101] like Figure 21d As shown, the outer valve flap 104a, the air chamber valve flap 104c, and the inner valve flap 104b operate to allow external air to fluidly communicate with the air chamber layer 44 and the interior 40 of the building structure. Therefore, cold air can flow from the outside through the opening of the valve flap housing portion 105a, a portion of the first core 102a, and the air chamber 114. The airflow then splits, flowing upwards through the opening of the second core 102b (where the air is heated) and the housing portion 105c, and into the air chamber layer 44, while simultaneously flowing upwards through the opening of the first core 102a (where the air is heated) and the valve flap housing portion 105b, and into the interior 40 of the building structure.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will readily employ, as Figure 20 The lower valve system 100 with heat exchanger shown is used to perform... Figure 19 The upper valve system 100 with the function of a heat exchanger is used to achieve... Figures 18a to 18f The different settings are shown.

[0103] List of reference numerals

[0104] 10 Modular building structure

[0105] 12 frames

[0106] 14 strokes

[0107] 16-pivot connector

[0108] 17-bar connection section

[0109] 18a Outer Panel Connection Part

[0110] 18b Inset Panel Connection

[0111] 18c middle panel connection part

[0112] 20 panels

[0113] 22a Outer Panel

[0114] 22b Inner Panel

[0115] 21 Electrical connection module

[0116] 22c middle panel

[0117] 22d protective frame

[0118] 23a External Panel Connector

[0119] 23b In-line Connector

[0120] 23c intermediate panel connector

[0121] 20a, 20b, 20c connecting parts

[0122] 24 frames

[0123] 24a lower side

[0124] 24b upper side

[0125] 24c inner side

[0126] 25 air spaces

[0127] 26-hole opening

[0128] 28 panel connector

[0129] 28a, 28b First groove and second groove

[0130] 30-pole receiving section

[0131] 34 Connecting parts

[0132] 35 sealed cavity

[0133] 40 internal

[0134] 44 air chambers

[0135] 46a upper valve system

[0136] 46b Lower Valve System

[0137] chimney

[0138] 50 base

[0139] 52 sticks

[0140] 54 connector

[0141] 56 water tanks

[0142] 60 doors

[0143] 70 solar panels

[0144] 80 windmill

[0145] 90-meter gutter

[0146] 95 Ground Cooling Channel

[0147] 100 Valve systems with heat exchangers

[0148] 101 housing

[0149] 101a, 101b First body part and second body part

[0150] 102a, 102b first and second cores

[0151] 104a external valve disc

[0152] 104b internal valve disc

[0153] 104c air chamber valve disc

[0154] 105a, 105b, 105c valve disc housing section

[0155] 106 Water Chamber

[0156] 108a entrance

[0157] 108b Export

[0158] 110 water tank

[0159] 112 fan

[0160] 114 air chambers

Claims

1. Modular building structure (10), including: A frame (12) comprising a plurality of rods (14) and a central connector (16) interconnecting the plurality of rods (14), the frame (12) including blank spaces defined by corresponding rods (14) of the plurality of rods. Multiple panels (20), one of which is installed in each blank space and connected to the frame (12) to create an interior (40), An air chamber layer (44) in which air can circulate, the air chamber layer (44) forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the interior (40). At least one upper valve system (46a) installed in the upper part of the modular building structure (10), and At least one lower valve system (46b) installed in the lower part of the modular building structure (10), The at least one upper valve system (46a) and lower valve system (46b) are selectively actuated to perform any one of the following functions a) to f): a) Air from outside the modular building structure (10) is drawn into the air chamber layer (44) through the at least one lower valve system (46b), and the rising air is discharged from the air chamber layer (44) to the outside of the modular building structure (10) through the at least one upper valve system (46a). b) Air from the interior (40) is drawn into the air chamber (44) via the at least one lower valve system (46b), and the rising air is discharged from the air chamber (44) back into the interior (40) via the at least one upper valve system (46a). c) Seal the air chamber layer (44) and the interior (40) from the exterior, such that the air chamber layer (44) acts as an insulating layer. d) Air from the interior (40) is drawn into the air chamber (44) via the at least one lower valve system (46b), and the rising air is discharged from the air chamber (44) to the outside of the modular building structure (10) via the at least one upper valve system (46a), while the interior (40) is in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure via the at least one lower valve system (46b). e) Air from outside the modular building structure (10) is drawn into the air chamber layer (44) via the at least one lower valve system (46b), and the rising air is discharged from the air chamber layer (44) into the interior (40) via the at least one upper valve system (46a), while the interior (40) is in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure via the at least one lower valve system (46b), and f) A first air connection and a second air connection are created between the air outside the modular building structure (10) and the upper and lower parts of the interior (40) respectively through the at least one upper valve system (46a) and the at least one lower valve system (46b), and Some or all of the panels (20) each include an outer panel (22a) containing an outer panel connector (23a) and an inner panel (22b) containing an inner panel connector (23b), the outer panel connector (23a) being connected to a corresponding outer panel connection portion (18a) of a different central connector (16), and the inner panel connector (23b) being connected to a corresponding inner panel connection portion (18b) of the same central connector among the different central connectors (16), and wherein the outer panel and the inner panel of each of the panels form an air space therebetween, the air space being in fluid communication with the air space of each adjacent panel to create the air chamber layer (44).

2. The modular building structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one lower valve system (46b) is a valve system (100) with a heat exchanger, the valve system (100) including a housing (101) arranged upstream of the air chamber layer (44) and extending from the outside toward the interior (40) of the modular building structure (10), the housing (101) including a water chamber (106) and at least one core (102a, 102b) installed in the water chamber (106), the water chamber including an inlet (108a) and an outlet (108b) in fluid communication with a water tank (56) arranged on the base (50) of the modular building structure (10), to cool air flowing through the at least one core (102a, 102b) from the outside before entering the air chamber layer (44), or to heat air flowing through the at least one core (102a, 102b) from the outside or from the interior (40) of the modular building structure (10) before entering the air chamber layer (44).

3. The modular building structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing (101) includes a first valve housing portion (105a), a second valve housing portion (105b), and a third valve housing portion (105c) defining openings in fluid communication with the at least one core (102a, 102b). The valve system (100) includes an outer valve disc (104a), an inner valve disc (104b), and a chamber valve disc (104c) pivotally mounted within the respective first valve housing portion (105a), second valve housing portion (105b), and third valve housing portion (105c). Each valve disc (104a, 104b, 104c) is arranged to be actuated to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration and vice versa, to activate the valve system (100) according to a selected function from functions a) to f).

4. The modular building structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve system (100) includes a first longitudinal core and a second longitudinal core installed in the water chamber (106), the first longitudinal core and the second longitudinal core extending perpendicularly to each other.

5. The modular building structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve system (100) includes a fan (112) installed near or at the distal end of the first longitudinal core and / or the second longitudinal core.

6. The modular building structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one core is made of ceramic or any other hydrophilic porous material, including a honeycomb structure.

7. The modular building structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air chamber layer (44) essentially forms the entire wall of the interior (40).

8. The modular building structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer panel (22a) and inner panel (22b) of the panel (20) each include N straight edges. The outer panel (22a) and the inner panel (22b) each include N outer panel connectors (23a) and N inner panel connectors (23b) respectively installed on the converging portion of the two straight edges of the outer panel (22a) and the inner panel (22b).

9. The modular building structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, N is a number selected from 3 and 8.

10. The modular building structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Some or all of the panels (20) include at least one intermediate panel (22c) mounted between the outer panel (22a) and the inner panel (22b).

11. The modular building structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The at least one intermediate panel (22c) and / or the outer panel (22a) and / or the inner panel (22b) are selected from among solar cell panels, photovoltaic / thermal (PVT) panels, collector panels, heated glass, smart glass, insulating panels and transparent panels.

12. The modular building structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The smart glass is configured to change from transparent to translucent or opaque, and vice versa, and is electrically connected to a power source and a control unit that controls the appearance of the smart glass.

13. The modular building structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first thermal condition sensor is installed inside the interior (40), and a second thermal condition sensor is located outside the modular building structure (10), wherein at least one upper valve system (46a) and lower valve system (46b) are configured to be electrically actuated according to thermal conditions sensed by the first thermal condition sensor and the second thermal condition sensor.

14. A method for operating at least one upper valve system (46a) and a lower valve system (46b) of the modular building structure according to claim 1, so as to draw air from the interior (40) into the air chamber layer (44) through the at least one lower valve system (46b) during a first time period, and to discharge the rising air from the air chamber layer (44) into the interior (40) through the at least one upper valve system (46a) to increase the temperature inside the interior (40).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: operating the at least one upper valve system (46a) and the lower valve system (46b) during a second time period different from the first time period, so as to draw air from outside the modular building structure (10) into the air chamber layer (44) through the at least one lower valve system (46b), and to discharge the rising air from the air chamber layer (44) into the interior (40) through the at least one upper valve system (46a), while the interior (40) is in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure (10) through the at least one lower valve system (46b).

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: operating the at least one upper valve system (46a) and lower valve system (46b) during a second time period different from the first time period, so as to seal the air chamber layer (44) and the interior (40) from the exterior, such that the air chamber layer (44) acts as an insulating layer.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: operating the at least one upper valve system (46a) and the lower valve system (46b) during a second time period different from the first time period, so as to create a first air communication and a second air communication between the air outside the modular building structure (10) and the upper and lower parts of the interior (40) respectively through the at least one upper valve system (46a) and the at least one lower valve system (46b).

18. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: operating the at least one upper valve system (46a) and the lower valve system (46b) during a second time period different from the first time period, so as to draw air from outside the modular building structure (10) into the air chamber layer (44) through the at least one lower valve system (46b), and to discharge the rising air from the air chamber layer (44) to the outside of the modular building structure (10) through the at least one upper valve system (46a).

19. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: operating the at least one upper valve system (46a) and the lower valve system (46b) during a second time period different from the first time period, so as to draw air from the interior (40) into the air chamber layer (44) through the at least one lower valve system (46b), and to discharge the rising air from the air chamber layer (44) to the outside of the modular building structure (10) through the at least one upper valve system (46a), while the interior (40) is in fluid communication with the air outside the modular building structure through the at least one lower valve system (46b).

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