Exterior building wall

The transformable external wall structure addresses inefficiencies in existing designs by implementing organized air exchange and heat recovery, reducing energy consumption and enhancing comfort through controlled airflow and thermal management.

WO2025244521A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-11-27L N GUMILYOV EURASIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY NPJSC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KZ2024/000018
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-21
Filing Date
2024-06-27
Publication Date
2025-11-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing external wall structures in buildings face limitations in thermal insulation properties, weight, and lack of a rational air exchange regime, leading to inefficient energy consumption and uncomfortable living conditions.

Method used

A transformable external wall structure with organized heat and air flows, featuring an external screen, internal base, heat-insulating layer, air gap, air intake and supply ducts, adjustable valves, and a wind-permeable membrane, allowing for controlled air exchange and heat recovery.

Benefits of technology

Reduces building energy consumption by up to 30% and creates comfortable living conditions by optimizing air and thermal stability, improving humidity and air quality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to civil and industrial construction. An exterior wall consists of an outer layer in the form of a shield, an inner layer that serves both as a base and as a load-bearing structure, to which elements of a system are fastened, an insulating layer for thermally insulating the inner layer or base of the building, and insulation that is resistant to wind erosion. The wall further comprises an air gap, an air intake slot for drawing outdoor air into the air gap, an intake channel connecting the air gap to a room, an air filter for removing dust from the air fed into the room, adjustable valves disposed inside the intake channel, a wind and waterproof vapour-permeable membrane, and an air outlet slot in the outer layer for venting air carrying excess heat from the air gap to the outside. The wall also has mounted therein higher than the intake channel an air duct system having a polyurethane foam filler in the cavities thereof, and insulation made of a non-flammable heat insulating material which acts as a bridging member in the air gap. The wall contains fastening elements for facade systems. Exterior walls with controlled air exchange make it possible to reduce the energy consumption of a building and to create comfortable living conditions inside a room.
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Description

[0001] EXTERNAL WALL OF THE BUILDING

[0002] The invention relates to civil and industrial construction and can be used in the construction of buildings for various purposes to save energy resources spent on heating or cooling buildings depending on climate changes, as well as to improve the humidity regime of wall structures and the air regime of premises.

[0003] Growing attention to energy conservation worldwide is driven by economic and environmental considerations. One of the key areas of focus in housing construction is saving heat in buildings during winter and summer operating periods and improving indoor comfort.

[0004] These objectives during winter operation can be achieved by using modern, high-performance materials with excellent thermal properties or by thickening the insulation layer of the exterior wall. However, under certain conditions, further increasing the thickness of the insulation layer becomes economically impractical.

[0005] Improving the thermal performance of external walls can also be achieved by improving their design. One effective solution for enhancing a building's thermal performance is the use of external enclosing structures with a heat recovery (recovery) effect. The design of such walls ensures partial heat return to the building through heat recovery. This thermal effect is particularly suitable for external walls with air gaps, which are widely used in residential and civil engineering.

[0006] By making some design changes to exterior walls with a recuperation effect and ensuring efficient airflow patterns within the interlayer, their thermal stability can also be improved. The development of new types of exterior wall structures and associated thermal engineering solutions is a pressing issue given the ever-increasing cost of fuel and energy resources.

[0007] Thus, based on the study of heat and air exchange processes in a ventilated layer, provided that these processes are rationally organized with the help of minor changes and transformations of design solutions, it is possible to create an external wall structure with increased efficiency, due to which the year-round thermal and air conditions in the room will be improved.

[0008] The use of external walls with organized air exchange is recommended in all climate zones in conjunction with heating and ventilation systems that ensure sufficient stability of their operation (warm attics, vertical ventilation collection shafts, mechanical ventilation).

[0009] When designing energy-efficient external walls with organized air exchange, the most cost-effective option is one that allows for the passage of the maximum possible amount of filtered air without causing overcooling of the internal surface of the structure. It is recommended that the design of an external ventilated wall with an inlet duct be based on a thermal engineering calculation.

[0010] A building panel is known that includes external and internal cladding, and a layer of insulation placed between them, wherein the insulation is made of foam plastic, extruded polystyrene foam, polystyrene or mineral wool, wherein the external and internal cladding are connected to each other by non-metallic connections passing through the layer of insulation (RU No. 45750 U1, 05 / 27 / 2005).

[0011] The main disadvantage of the known solution is the limited scope of application of the panel, for example, only as a fencing panel, as well as the significant weight of the panel and low thermal insulation properties.

[0012] A layered external wall is known, comprising a heat-insulating layer of polyurethane foam located on the inner side of the wall, and an internal finishing material, characterized in that it is additionally provided with a shielded aluminum foil with a non-ventilated air gap formed between the aluminum foil glued to the heat-insulating layer and the internal finishing material made of sheet material (RU No. 207324 U1, 10 / 22 / 2021).

[0013] The disadvantage of the known wall is the increased consumption of expensive thermal insulation material made of polyurethane foam, as well as the lack of a rational air exchange regime in the structure.

[0014] The objective of the invention is to develop an external wall structure that, based on organized heat and air flows, as well as minor changes and transformations of design solutions, ensures a rational air exchange regime, achieving comfortable living conditions in the premises and reducing heat consumption.

[0015] The technical result of solving the problem is the creation of effective transformable external walls with organized air exchange, which allows for a reduction in the building's energy consumption by up to 30% and the creation of sufficiently comfortable living conditions in the premises.

[0016] The said technical result is achieved by the fact that an effective transformable external wall is proposed, consisting of an external layer in the form of a screen, an internal layer serving as a base and a supporting structure, to which the elements of the system are fixed, a heat-insulating layer for insulating the internal layer or the base of the building, and insulation resistant to wind erosion, an air gap, an air intake gap for drawing outside air into the air gap, a supply duct connecting the air gap with the room, an air filter for cleaning dust from the air supplied to the rooms by ventilation systems, adjustable valves located on the inside of the supply duct, a wind and water vapor-permeable membrane allowing the release of water vapor from the wall structures to protect the building from the effects of wind and water, an air vent gap in the external layer for the removal of excess heat from the air gap to the outside in the summer, and installed above,than the supply channel, the air duct system, the polyurethane foam filler for voids during installation of the air duct system, the insulation made of non-combustible thermal insulation material for the jumper in the air gap, as well as from fastening elements of the facade systems to ensure the transfer of forces.

[0017] In one embodiment, the outer layer screen can be made of flat sheet material, a stone slab, or in the form of a cassette or concrete panel of varying thickness, as well as a facade heat-insulating panel.

[0018] In one embodiment, the supporting structure of the outer layer can be made of brick, concrete, concrete blocks, lightweight concrete, and other similar materials that provide a reliable and durable structure.

[0019] In one embodiment, the insulation is made in the form of thermal insulation boards made of mineral wool based on stone or glass fiber for insulation and soundproofing of the inner layer or foundation of the building.

[0020] In one version, the insulation, resistant to wind erosion, is made in the form of thermal insulation boards made of mineral wool based on stone fiber with resistance to external influences and is not eroded by moving air in the interlayer.

[0021] In one version, the adjustable valves can be closed completely or partially, depending on the temperature and humidity conditions, as well as the required air exchange of the room in winter.

[0022] In one embodiment, the air duct system is installed in technological openings and holes, which contains at least ventilation boxes with valves, grilles and air filters.

[0023] Description of the proposed wall with links to figures.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows the basic diagrams of external walls with single, double and multiple air movement.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a model of a wall panel with single air movement.

[0026] Further, embodiments of the claimed external wall will be described in detail with reference to the attached figures.

[0027] Thus, according to Fig. 2, the proposed effective transformable external wall consists of an external layer (5) in the form of a screen, an internal layer (1) serving as a base and a supporting structure to which the elements of the system are fixed, a heat-insulating layer (2) for insulating the internal layer (1) or the base of the building, and insulation (3) resistant to wind erosion, an air gap (4), an air intake gap (8) for drawing outside air into the air gap (4), a supply duct (9) connecting the air gap (4) with the room (7), an air filter (10) for cleaning dust from the air supplied to the rooms (7) by ventilation systems, adjustable valves (11) located on the inside of the supply duct (9), a wind and water vapor-permeable protective membrane (12) allowing the release of water vapor from the wall structures to protect the building from the effects of wind and water,an air-exhaust gap (14) of the outer layer (5) for removing excess heat from the air gap to the outside in summer, and installed higher than the supply channel (9), the air duct system (15), polyurethane foam filler (16) of the voids during installation of the air duct system (15), insulation made of non-combustible thermal insulation material (17) for the jumper in the air gap (4), as well as from fastening elements (18) of the facade systems to ensure the transfer of forces.

[0028] The operation of the proposed external wall design is carried out as follows.

[0029] An air gap (4) ventilated by outside air (6) provides improved moisture management for exterior wall structures compared to "traditional" solid structures. Existing ventilated exterior wall designs are characterized by the fact that outside air, passing through the air gaps (4) and channels, is then released back outside, carrying moisture vapor with it.

[0030] A distinctive feature of the proposed design is that fresh air (6) is supplied to the room (7) through an air gap (4), which is especially important in conditions of natural directional ventilation. Due to the pressure difference between the outside and the room, the outside air, passing through the air gap (4), is warmed by heat exchange. As a result, some of the heat lost through the building's exterior walls is returned warmer with the air entering the room (7).

[0031] Ventilation through ventilated external enclosures opens up new possibilities for improving the air quality of spaces, which is unsatisfactory with natural ventilation. In the proposed external wall designs, creating through-wall openings for installing supply ducts (9) in the inner layer (1) (base) of the wall presents no particular difficulties. These openings can be made using diamond drilling or from removable or non-removable contoured embedded parts with plugs of the appropriate shape and size.

[0032] The principle operation of the proposed ventilated external wall design during the cold season (under winter operating conditions) is as follows: cold fresh outside air (6) enters a continuous air gap (4). The air then filters along this gap (4), recovering some of the outgoing transmission heat and entering the room (7) warmer via special supply ducts (9) in the upper portion of the inner layer (1) of the wall.

[0033] During the winter operating period, the heating load is reduced by returning some of the exhaust heat from transmission via filtered air. If necessary, by closing the control valves (11), the amount of air entering the room (7) is reduced, and air begins to flow through the traditional route, through window openings and vents. The valves (11) can be adjusted automatically or individually based on comfort.

[0034] During the hot period of the year (under summer operating conditions), the supply duct (9) connecting the layer (4) with the room will be closed, and the air layer (4) is ventilated directly with outside air (6) through the lower (8) and upper (14) slots of the screen and excess heat arising from heating by the sun's rays is removed.

[0035] The screens (5) of the structure serve as a protective "shell," isolating the main structural layers of the walls from various climatic factors. In the proposed design for ventilation of the room (7), it is advisable to use insulated facing materials as the screen (5) so that in winter, the air necessary to ensure the required air exchange and entering the room through the air ducts is at a higher temperature than with conventional ventilation (through a window or transoms).

[0036] The air intake slot (8) is designed to draw outside air into the air gap. The dimensions (cross-sections) of the air intake slots (8), the cross-sections of the air gap (4) and ducts (9), and the thickness of the thermal insulation (2 and 3) are determined by calculation depending on the climatic zone of the construction and the required air exchange of the premises.

[0037] The direction of air movement (13) shows the air movement in the ventilated air gap (4) during the winter operating period.

[0038] By further modifying the exterior wall structures and ensuring efficient airflow patterns within the interlayer (4), their thermal stability during hot periods can also be improved. In addition to the supply duct (9), it is recommended to install additional air exhaust slots (14) in the wall structures at the top of the screen (5) on each floor. The air exhaust slots (14) in the screen serve to expel excess heat from the interlayer during the summer and are installed higher than the supply duct (9).

[0039] The cross-sectional configuration of the air duct system (15) is arbitrary and serves to supply fresh air to the room (7) during the winter. The cross-sectional area of ​​the air duct (15) must be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the air intake slit (8), and their cross-sections are calculated based on the estimated air pressure required to ventilate the room (7).

[0040] Where the floor meets the wall, it is recommended to insulate the ends of the floors and install firebreaks (4) in the air gap using non-combustible thermal insulation material (17). Regulating valves (11), which can close the ventilation ducts, also serve this purpose.

[0041] Fastening elements (18) of façade systems—substructures: brackets, guide profiles, frames, etc.—ensure the transfer of forces from the cladding layer—the screen (5)—to the base of the load-bearing wall or reinforced concrete cantilever of the interfloor slab. Furthermore, the substructure elements and their placement within the interlayer must not impede the free movement of air.

[0042] Thus, the proposed design represents a system that allows for the efficient implementation of a new method of ventilation (due to the pressure difference) of a room in winter operating conditions, utilizing part of the transmission heat leaving the room, and increasing the thermal stability of the structures in summer operating conditions.

[0043] The advantage of this ventilation method is both the saving of energy resources spent on heating or cooling buildings depending on climate changes, and the improvement of the humidity regime of structures and the air regime of premises.

Claims

FORMULA 1. An effective transformable external wall consisting of an external layer and an internal layer, as well as a heat-insulating layer for insulating the internal layer or foundation of a building, characterized in that the external layer is made in the form of a screen, and the internal layer is made as a base and a supporting structure to which the elements of the system are fixed, and consists of insulation resistant to wind erosion, an air gap, an air intake gap for drawing outside air into the air gap, a supply duct connecting the air gap with the room, an air filter for cleaning dust from the air supplied to the rooms by ventilation systems, adjustable valves located on the inside of the supply duct, a wind and water vapor-permeable protective membrane allowing the release of water vapor from the wall structures to protect the building from the effects of wind and water, an air vent gap in the external layer for the removal of excess heat by air from the air gap to the outside in the summer,and the supply duct installed above, the air duct system, the polyurethane foam void filler during installation of the air duct system, the insulation made of non-combustible thermal insulation material for the jumper in the air gap, as well as from the fastening elements of the facade systems to ensure the transfer of forces.

2. A transformable external wall according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the screen of the external layer is made of flat sheet material, a stone slab, or in the form of a cassette or concrete panel of varying thickness, as well as a facade heat-insulating panel.

3. A transformable external wall according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the supporting structure of the external layer is made of brick, concrete, concrete blocks, lightweight concrete, as well as other similar materials that provide a reliable and strong structure.

4. A transformable external wall according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the insulation is made in the form of thermal insulation boards made of mineral wool based on stone or glass fiber for insulation and soundproofing of the inner layer or foundation of the building.

5. A transformable external wall according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the insulation, resistant to wind erosion, is made in the form of thermal insulation boards made of mineral wool based on stone fiber with resistance to external influences and not eroded by moving air in the interlayer.

6. A transformable external wall according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the adjustable valves can be closed completely or partially, depending on the thermal and humidity conditions, as well as the required air exchange of the room in winter.

7. A transformable external wall according to claim 1, characterized in that the air duct system is installed in technological openings and holes, which contains at least ventilation boxes with valves, grilles and air filters.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    RU207324U1

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