Intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall and operation mode thereof
By using an intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall system, combined with a phase change material temperature control module and a water spray system, the problem of poor thermal stability of building curtain walls is solved, enabling precise regulation of indoor temperature and reduction of energy consumption, thus achieving energy-saving effects.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202310930721.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-07-27
Smart Images

Figure CN117071788B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of building energy conservation technology, specifically to an intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall and its operation mode. Background Technology
[0002] A curtain wall is a non-load-bearing exterior wall cladding for buildings, hung like a curtain, hence also called a "curtain wall." It is a lightweight wall structure with decorative effects commonly used in modern large and high-rise buildings. It consists of panels and a supporting structural system, and is a building envelope or decorative structure that can have a certain displacement capacity relative to the main structure or a certain deformation capacity, without bearing the load of the main structure.
[0003] In modern buildings, curtain wall systems often use glass materials. However, glass has poor thermal stability and can easily lead to heat exchange between the inside and outside of the building, affecting the building's thermal environment. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall and its operation mode. It features a compact structure, excellent temperature control, and stable operation. It regulates indoor temperature, reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling systems, fully utilizes the heat storage and energy-saving effects of phase change materials, and achieves intelligent control of buildings, effectively conserving energy.
[0005] The above-mentioned technical problems of the present invention are mainly solved by the following technical solutions:
[0006] An intelligent phase change material water curtain wall includes an outer glass facade and an inner glass facade. Both the outer and inner glass facades have extended cantilever beams at their upper ends and a water spray system control module at their lower ends. The lower front end of the outer glass facade has water mist spray pipes connected to several water spray system control modules via pipelines. An outer phase change material temperature control module is located on the inner side of the outer facade, and an inner phase change material temperature control module is located on the outer side of the inner facade. Both the outer and inner phase change material temperature control modules contain temperature sensors. A cavity is formed within the outer and inner phase change material temperature control modules, the extended cantilever beams, and the water spray system control modules.
[0007] The phase change materials in the temperature control modules on both the outer and inner sides of the glass curtain wall change their physical state under temperature variations, thereby achieving heat storage or release. Temperature sensors monitor the system layout temperature and indoor temperature from multiple perspectives.
[0008] Preferably, both the outer phase change material temperature control module and the inner phase change material temperature control module of the glass curtain wall include a phase change material heat exchange tube. An external protective cover is provided around the phase change material heat exchange tube. A temperature sensor is provided on the external protective cover. A phase change material inlet is provided between the upper end of the phase change material heat exchange tube and the external protective cover. A module maintenance port is provided on one side of the lower part of the external protective cover.
[0009] Phase change materials (PCMs) include, but are not limited to, substances such as paraffin wax, mineral salt hydrates, and glycerol that can undergo solid-liquid phase transitions at room temperature. PCMs are selected based on the climatic conditions of the building's location and possess excellent thermal stability and thermal conductivity.
[0010] Preferably, the water spray system control module includes a water supply system, a water collector, and a greywater reuse system. A filter screen is provided between the water collector and the water mist spray pipe. A return water pipe is provided between the greywater reuse system and the water collector. A water supply pipeline is provided between the water supply system and the water mist spray pipe. A flow meter is provided on the water supply pipeline. A water pump connected to the water supply pipeline via a flanged pipe is provided between the flow meter and the water supply system.
[0011] The water supply pump on the water supply pipeline provides the power to supply water. The water flows into the water mist spray pipe, turns into water mist and sprays it on the exterior of the glass curtain wall to cool it down. Excess water droplets drip from the exterior of the glass curtain wall, and after passing through the filter screen to filter impurities, they are collected from the bottom of the water collector and enter the return water pipe. The return water is finally recycled and reused by the water recycling system in the building through the pipeline.
[0012] Preferably, both the water supply and return pipes are equipped with manual and electric valves. The manual and electric valves on the water supply pipe are located between the water supply pump and the flow meter. The manual valve is used for maintenance, and the electric valve is controlled via a remote user control panel.
[0013] Preferably, both the exterior and interior facades of the glass curtain wall are double-glazed; a solar intensity meter is installed between the upper outer side of the exterior facade and the extended cantilever beam.
[0014] Different colors and light transmittances are selected for the exterior and interior facades of the glass curtain wall to meet different design and environmental needs.
[0015] As a preferred option, each layer of the water curtain wall is equipped with a supply and return water pipe connected to the water spray system control module, and the water spray system consists of water mist spray pipes, the water spray system control module, and the supply and return water pipes.
[0016] An intelligent phase change material water curtain wall operation mode includes the following steps:
[0017] Step 1: Use a curtain wall parameter monitoring system to collect data from solar intensity meters, external curtain wall surface temperature monitors, internal curtain wall surface temperature monitors, and indoor temperature monitors, and transmit the data to the intelligent control center via cable signals.
[0018] Step 2: The intelligent control center, based on the environmental parameters monitored by the curtain wall parameter monitoring system, the requirements set by the user behavior control panel, and the weather forecast data from the meteorological data receiver, adjusts the on / off state, operating time, and operating intensity of the water mist curtain wall system after data processing and priority comparison.
[0019] The intelligent control center connects to users' mobile devices via the network, allowing users to view and adjust the working status of the curtain wall in real time through their mobile devices.
[0020] Step 3: As the sun rises, the phase change materials in the phase change material temperature control modules on the outside and inside of the glass curtain wall begin to absorb and store heat energy.
[0021] Step 4: As the ambient temperature and solar radiation intensity continue to rise to a certain threshold, the curtain wall parameter monitoring system transmits the data to the intelligent control center, triggering the water mist curtain wall system. The water supply pump starts, the electric valve on the water supply pipeline opens, and water is supplied from the water supply system to the water mist nozzle to generate tiny water mists, which are sprayed on the exterior of the glass curtain wall. The water mist absorbs heat during the evaporation process, effectively reducing the surface temperature of the curtain wall.
[0022] Step 5: As the ambient temperature drops, the phase change material begins to release stored heat energy to stabilize the indoor temperature. The intelligent control center transmits a signal to the water mist curtain wall system, shutting off the water supply pump and electric valve, and the water mist spraying system stops working.
[0023] As a preferred option, the user behavior control panel consists of an indoor panel control system and a remote app control program, which can control the user behavior based on three aspects: the number of people, activity and rest control parameters, and user preference control parameters.
[0024] As a preferred method, when solar radiation is at its strongest, the phase change material stores a large amount of heat energy, and the curtain wall parameter monitoring system adjusts the power of the water supply pump and increases the water spray volume of the water mist nozzles based on real-time monitoring data, thereby maximizing the reduction of the curtain wall temperature.
[0025] As a preferred option, the operating mode is adjusted according to the activity status of people indoors. When the number of people indoors decreases, the intelligent monitoring and control device in the user behavior control panel will correspondingly reduce the amount of water mist sprayed and the heat release of the phase change material, thereby saving energy.
[0026] The present invention can achieve the following effects:
[0027] This invention provides an intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall and its operation mode. Compared with existing technologies, it features a compact structure, good temperature control, and high operational stability. It regulates indoor temperature, reduces energy consumption of air conditioning, fully utilizes the heat storage and energy-saving effects of phase change materials, achieves intelligent control of buildings, and effectively saves energy. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 2 This is a structural elevation view of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water spray system control module of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the phase change material temperature control module of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall system of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 6 This is a system diagram of the user behavior control panel of the present invention.
[0034] In the diagram: 1. Exterior facade of glass curtain wall; 2. Interior facade of glass curtain wall; 3. Temperature control module for phase change material on the outer side of glass curtain wall; 4. Temperature control module for phase change material on the inner side of glass curtain wall; 5. Temperature sensor; 6. Cavity; 8. Extended cantilever beam; 9. Solar intensity meter; 10. Water mist nozzle; 11. Water spray system control module; 12. Supply and return water pipes; 13. Water supply system; 14. Water supply pipeline; 15. Water pump; 16. Manual valve; 17. Electric valve; 18. Flow meter; 19. Filter screen; 20. Water collector; 21. Return water pipe; 22. Reclaimed water system; 23. Phase change material heat exchange tube; 24. Phase change material inlet; 25. Module maintenance port; 26. External protective cover; 27. Behavior control panel; 28. Meteorological data receiver; 29. Intelligent control center; 30. Water mist curtain wall system; 31. Personnel quantity sensing control; 32. Activity and rest control parameters; 33. User preference control parameters; 34. Indoor panel control system; 35. Remote app control program. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The technical solution of the invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0036] Example: Figure 1-6As shown, an intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall includes an outer glass curtain wall facade 1 and an inner glass curtain wall facade 2. Both the outer glass curtain wall facade 1 and the inner glass curtain wall facade 2 are double-layered hollow glass. An extended cantilever beam 8 is provided at the upper end of both the outer glass curtain wall facade 1 and the inner glass curtain wall facade 2. A solar intensity meter 9 is provided between the upper outer side of the outer glass curtain wall facade 1 and the extended cantilever beam 8. A water spray system control module 11 is provided at the lower end of the glass curtain wall exterior facade 1 and the glass curtain wall interior facade 2. A water mist spray pipe 10 is provided at the lower front end of the glass curtain wall exterior facade 1, which is connected to several water spray system control modules 11. A glass curtain wall exterior phase change material temperature control module 3 is provided on the inner side of the glass curtain wall exterior facade 1. A glass curtain wall interior phase change material temperature control module 4 is provided on the outer side of the glass curtain wall interior facade 2. Temperature sensors 5 are provided in both the glass curtain wall exterior phase change material temperature control module 3 and the glass curtain wall interior phase change material temperature control module 4. A cavity 6 is formed in the glass curtain wall exterior phase change material temperature control module 3, the glass curtain wall interior phase change material temperature control module 4, the extended cantilever beam 8, and the water spray system control module 11. Both the phase change material temperature control module 3 on the outside of the glass curtain wall and the phase change material temperature control module 4 on the inside of the glass curtain wall include a phase change material heat exchange tube 23. An external protective cover 26 is provided around the phase change material heat exchange tube 23. A temperature sensor 5 is provided on the external protective cover 26. A phase change material inlet 24 is provided between the upper end of the phase change material heat exchange tube 23 and the external protective cover 26. A module maintenance port 25 is provided on one side of the lower part of the external protective cover 26.
[0037] Each layer of the water curtain wall is equipped with a supply and return water pipe 12 connected to the water spray system control module 11. The water spray system consists of water mist nozzles 10, the water spray system control module 11, and the supply and return water pipes 12. The water spray system control module 11 includes a water supply system 13, a water collector 20, and a greywater recycling system 22. A filter screen 19 is installed between the water collector 20 and the water mist nozzles 10. A return water pipe 21 is installed between the greywater recycling system 22 and the water collector 20. A water supply pipeline 14 is installed between the water supply system 13 and the water mist nozzles 10. A flow meter 18 is installed on the water supply pipeline 14. A water supply pump 15 is connected to the water supply pipeline 14 via a flanged pipe between the flow meter 18 and the water supply system 13. Both the water supply pipeline 14 and the return water pipe 21 are equipped with a manual valve 16 and an electric valve 17. The manual valve 16 and the electric valve 17 on the water supply pipeline 14 are located between the water supply pump 15 and the flow meter 18.
[0038] An intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall operation mode includes the following steps:
[0039] Step 1: The curtain wall parameter monitoring system collects data from the solar intensity meter 9, the external curtain wall surface temperature monitor, the internal curtain wall surface temperature monitor, and the indoor temperature monitor, and transmits the data to the intelligent control center 29 via cable signal.
[0040] Step 2: The intelligent control center 29 controls the on / off state, operating time, and operating intensity of the water mist curtain wall system 30 based on the environmental parameters monitored by the curtain wall parameter monitoring system, the requirements set by the user behavior control panel 27, and the weather data receiver 28 based on the forecast data of future weather, after data processing and priority comparison.
[0041] The user behavior control panel 27 consists of an indoor panel control system 34 and a remote app control program 35. It can control the user behavior based on three aspects: the number of people sensing control 31, the activity and rest control parameters 32, and the user preference control parameters 33.
[0042] The operating mode is adjusted according to the activity of people indoors. When the number of people indoors decreases, the intelligent monitoring and control device in the user behavior control panel 27 will correspondingly reduce the amount of water mist spray and the heat release of the phase change material, thereby saving energy.
[0043] Step 3: As the sun rises, the phase change materials in the phase change material temperature control module 3 on the outside of the glass curtain wall and the phase change material temperature control module 4 on the inside of the glass curtain wall begin to absorb and store heat energy.
[0044] Step 4: As the ambient temperature and solar radiation intensity continue to rise to a certain threshold, the curtain wall parameter monitoring system transmits the data to the intelligent control center 29, triggering the water mist curtain wall system 30. The water supply pump 15 starts, and the electric valve 17 on the water supply pipeline 14 opens, supplying water from the water supply system 13 to the water mist nozzle 10 to generate tiny water mists, which are sprayed on the outer facade 1 of the glass curtain wall. The water mist absorbs heat during the evaporation process, effectively reducing the surface temperature of the curtain wall.
[0045] When solar radiation is at its strongest, the phase change material stores a large amount of heat energy, and the curtain wall parameter monitoring system adjusts the power of the water supply pump 15 and increases the water spray volume of the water mist nozzle 10 based on real-time monitoring data to maximize the reduction of the curtain wall temperature.
[0046] Step 5: As the ambient temperature drops, the phase change material begins to release stored heat energy to stabilize the indoor temperature. The intelligent control center 29 transmits a signal to the water mist curtain wall system 30, shutting off the water supply pump 15 and the electric valve 17, stopping the water mist spraying system from working.
[0047] When intelligent phase change material water mist curtain walls are applied to office buildings, in the morning, as the sun rises, the temperature sensor 5 and solar intensity meter 9 in the curtain wall parameter monitoring system begin to detect solar radiation intensity and ambient temperature. Simultaneously, the phase change materials in the phase change material temperature control module 3 on the outside of the glass curtain wall and the phase change material temperature control module 4 on the inside of the glass curtain wall begin to absorb and store heat energy. As the ambient temperature and solar radiation intensity continue to rise to a certain threshold, the curtain wall parameter monitoring system transmits the data to the intelligent control center 29, triggering the water mist curtain wall system 30. The water supply pump 15 starts, and the electric valve 17 on the water supply pipeline 14 opens, supplying water from the water supply system 13 to the water mist nozzle 10 to generate tiny water mists, which are sprayed onto the exterior facade 1 of the glass curtain wall. These water mists absorb heat during evaporation, effectively reducing the surface temperature of the curtain wall. In the afternoon, when solar radiation is at its strongest, the phase change material stores a large amount of heat energy. Based on real-time monitoring data such as ambient humidity and temperature, the curtain wall parameter monitoring system adjusts the power of the water supply pump 15 and increases the water spray volume of the water mist nozzles 10 to maximize the reduction of the curtain wall temperature. At night, as the ambient temperature drops, the phase change material begins to release its stored heat energy to stabilize the indoor temperature. Simultaneously, the intelligent control center 29 sends a signal to the water mist curtain wall system 30, shutting off the water supply pump 15 and the electric valve 17, stopping the water mist spray system from operating.
[0048] When intelligent phase change material (PCM) water mist curtain walls are applied to public library buildings, in the morning, as the library opens and foot traffic increases, the intelligent monitoring and control system detects this increase in human activity and predicts future trends in visitor numbers. Based on this information, the system activates the water mist spraying system and the PCM temperature control system to pre-regulate the library's interior temperature. At noon, when visitor traffic peaks, the intelligent monitoring and control system adjusts the water mist spray volume based on real-time data such as ambient temperature, light intensity, and human activity to minimize the curtain wall's temperature. The PCM absorbs and stores maximum heat energy at this time to prevent excessive indoor temperatures. In the afternoon, as visitor traffic decreases, the intelligent monitoring and control system detects this decrease in human activity and predicts future trends in visitor numbers. Based on this information, the system gradually reduces the water mist spray volume to conserve water resources. Simultaneously, the PCM gradually releases its stored heat energy to stabilize the indoor temperature. After the library closes at night, the intelligent monitoring and control device confirms that no one is in the library based on feedback from the human body sensor. The water mist spraying system will automatically stop working, and the phase change material will also reduce the release of heat to save energy.
[0049] When the intelligent phase change material (PCM) water mist curtain wall is applied to the experimental building, users have specific indoor temperature requirements: a higher indoor temperature, such as 28°C, in the morning, and a lower indoor temperature, such as 22°C, in the afternoon. In the morning, users set their target temperature to 28°C via the user behavior control panel. Upon receiving this setting, the intelligent monitoring and control device adjusts the PCM temperature control system and the water mist spray system to achieve this target temperature. The system more actively absorbs heat energy and limits the operation of the water mist spray system to avoid excessively lowering the curtain wall temperature. At noon, when the ambient temperature and solar radiation intensity reach their peak, users set their target afternoon temperature to 22°C via the user behavior control panel. Upon receiving this setting, the intelligent monitoring and control device more actively adjusts the water mist spray system, generating more water mist to lower the curtain wall temperature. Simultaneously, the PCM controls heat release to prevent excessively high indoor temperatures. In the evening, when the building is closed, the system maintains the indoor temperature by adjusting the heat release of the PCM. The water mist spray system is completely shut down to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
[0050] In summary, this intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall and its operation mode are characterized by compact structure, good temperature control, and good operational stability. It effectively regulates indoor temperature, reduces energy consumption of air conditioning, fully utilizes the heat storage and energy-saving effects of phase change materials, achieves intelligent control of buildings, and effectively saves energy.
[0051] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the structural features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention are covered by the patent scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall, characterized in that: The glass curtain wall includes an exterior facade (1) and an interior facade (2). The exterior facade (1) and interior facade (2) are provided with an extended projecting beam (8) at their upper ends. A water spray system control module (11) is provided at the lower ends of the exterior facade (1) and interior facade (2). A water mist spray pipe (10) connected to several water spray system control modules (11) is provided at the lower front end of the exterior facade (1). An exterior phase change material is provided on the inner side of the exterior facade (1). The glass curtain wall is provided with a phase change material temperature control module (3) on the outside of the inner facade (2). The glass curtain wall is provided with a phase change material temperature control module (4) on the outside of the glass curtain wall. Temperature sensors (5) are provided in both the phase change material temperature control module (3) on the outside of the glass curtain wall and the phase change material temperature control module (4) on the inside of the glass curtain wall. A cavity (6) is formed in the phase change material temperature control module (3) on the outside of the glass curtain wall, the phase change material temperature control module (4) on the inside of the glass curtain wall, the extended cantilever beam (8) and the water spray system control module (11).
2. The intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phase change material temperature control module (3) on the outer side of the glass curtain wall and the phase change material temperature control module (4) on the inner side of the glass curtain wall both include a phase change material heat exchange tube (23). An external protective cover (26) is provided around the phase change material heat exchange tube (23). A temperature sensor (5) is provided on the external protective cover (26). A phase change material inlet (24) is provided between the upper end of the phase change material heat exchange tube (23) and the external protective cover (26). A module maintenance port (25) is provided on one side of the lower part of the external protective cover (26).
3. The intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water spray system control module (11) includes a water supply system (13), a water collector (20), and a greywater reuse system (22). A filter screen (19) is provided between the water collector (20) and the water mist spray pipe (10). A return water pipe (21) is provided between the greywater reuse system (22) and the water collector (20). A water supply pipeline (14) is provided between the water supply system (13) and the water mist spray pipe (10). A flow meter (18) is provided on the water supply pipeline (14). A water pump (15) connected to the water supply pipeline (14) is provided between the flow meter (18) and the water supply system (13).
4. The intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water supply pipeline (14) and the return water pipeline (21) are equipped with a manual valve (16) and an electric valve (17). The manual valve (16) and the electric valve (17) on the water supply pipeline (14) are located between the water supply pump (15) and the flow meter (18).
5. The intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall according to claim 4, characterized in that: The glass curtain wall exterior facade (1) and the glass curtain wall interior facade (2) are both double-layered insulated glass; a solar intensity meter (9) is installed between the upper outer side of the glass curtain wall exterior facade (1) and the extended cantilever beam (8).
6. The intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each layer of water curtain wall is provided with a water supply and return pipe (12) connected to the water spray system control module (11). The water spray system is composed of water mist spray pipe (10), water spray system control module (11) and water supply and return pipe (12).
7. The operation mode of the intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall according to claim 5, characterized in that... The following steps are included: Step 1: The solar radiation intensity meter (9), the external curtain wall surface temperature monitor, the internal curtain wall surface temperature monitor, and the indoor temperature monitor are used to collect data, and the data are transmitted to the intelligent control center (29) via cable signal. Step 2: The intelligent control center (29) controls the on / off, running time and running intensity of the water mist curtain wall system (30) based on the environmental parameters monitored by the curtain wall parameter monitoring system, the requirements set by the user behavior control panel (27), and the weather data receiver (28) based on the forecast data of future weather, after data processing and priority comparison. Step 3: As the sun rises, the phase change materials in the phase change material temperature control module (3) on the outside of the glass curtain wall and the phase change material temperature control module (4) on the inside of the glass curtain wall begin to absorb and store heat energy. Step 4: As the ambient temperature and solar radiation intensity continue to rise to a certain threshold, the curtain wall parameter monitoring system transmits the data to the intelligent control center (29), triggering the water mist curtain wall system (30), the water supply pump (15) starts, the electric valve (17) on the water supply pipeline (14) opens, water is supplied from the water supply system (13) to the water mist spray pipe (10) to generate tiny water mists, which are sprayed on the exterior of the glass curtain wall (1). The water mist absorbs heat during the evaporation process, effectively reducing the surface temperature of the curtain wall; Step 5: As the ambient temperature drops, the phase change material begins to release the stored heat energy to stabilize the indoor temperature. The intelligent control center (29) transmits a signal to the water mist curtain wall system (30), shuts off the water supply pump (15) and the electric valve (17), and the water mist spraying system stops working.
8. The operation mode of the intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall according to claim 7, characterized in that: The user behavior control panel (27) consists of an indoor panel control system (34) and a remote app control program (35). It can control the user behavior based on three aspects: the number of people sensing control (31), activity and rest control parameters (32), and user preference control parameters (33).
9. The operation mode of the intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall according to claim 7, characterized in that: When solar radiation is at its strongest, the phase change material stores a large amount of heat energy. The curtain wall parameter monitoring system will adjust the power of the water supply pump (15) and increase the water spray volume of the water mist nozzle (10) based on the real-time monitoring data to maximize the reduction of the curtain wall temperature.
10. The operation mode of the intelligent phase change material water mist curtain wall according to claim 7, characterized in that: The operation mode is adjusted according to the activity status of people indoors. When the number of people indoors decreases, the intelligent monitoring and control device in the user behavior control panel (27) will reduce the amount of water mist spray and the heat release of phase change material accordingly, thereby saving energy.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Water mist curtain wall adopting phase change material structure
CN220555854U