System for circulating air in a structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drying concrete structures are inefficient, prolonging construction time and potentially leading to moisture-related damages and health hazards, as they fail to effectively remove moisture and impurities like VOCs and radon in a timely and controlled manner.
Innovation Solution
A system for circulating air within structures, comprising overpressurized outlet and underpressurized inlet air channels with an air-permeable delivery structure, which conveys dry or warm air to absorb moisture and impurities from structural layers, allowing for real-time monitoring and removal of moisture and impurities, thereby accelerating the drying process and improving construction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional drying methods are used for concrete structures, then the structure can be dried, but the construction time is significantly prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the structure into multiple zones with separate air channels (outlet channels 4, 5 and inlet channels 6, 7) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows targeted drying of different areas, improving overall drying efficiency while reducing total construction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by implementing overpressurized outlet air channels and underpressurized inlet air channels to create controlled air flow through the structure. This pneumatic system enables efficient moisture removal without requiring prolonged drying periods, thus reducing construction time while maintaining productivity.
2Productivity
If the concrete structure is dried quickly, then construction time is reduced, but the load-carrying capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different air pressure conditions to different locations within the structure - overpressurized outlet channels at specific locations and underpressurized inlet channels at others. This localized approach enables controlled rapid drying that preserves the structural integrity and load-carrying capacity of the concrete.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of air (pressure, temperature) to optimize the drying process. By using overpressurized and underpressurized air channels, the system achieves rapid drying while controlling the drying rate to prevent damage to the concrete's load-carrying capacity.
3Reliability
If moisture is not removed effectively, then the structure remains moist, but moisture damages and health hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors (sensor 20, 21) that provide feedback on moisture levels and air quality conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and detect moisture damages and impurities, enabling timely intervention to prevent structural damage and health hazards while maintaining reliable structure integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air channels and air delivery structure act as intermediaries that facilitate the removal of moisture and impurities from the structure. This intermediary system effectively transports harmful substances out of the structure, preventing moisture damage and health hazards while preserving structure integrity.
4Productivity
If air circulation is implemented throughout the structure, then moisture and impurities are removed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is segmented into modular outlet channels and inlet channels that can be independently installed and controlled. This segmentation reduces system complexity by allowing phased implementation and independent maintenance of different zones while maintaining high drying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The air channels serve multiple functions: they provide overpressurized air for moisture removal, create underpressurized zones for impurity extraction, and support sensor placement for monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces construction time by ensuring rapid drying of concrete structures while maintaining load-carrying capacity, detects and addresses moisture and impurity issues before they cause damage, and continuously monitors the structure's condition throughout its life cycle, ensuring health and safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one air delivery structure (6), which is arranged between the outlet air channel (4) and the inlet air channel (5) to receive moisture and/or impurities possibly absorbed by the first and the second structural layer (2, 3) and to deliver air with moisture and/or impurities possibly carried thereby from the outlet air channel (4) to the inlet air channel (5)
Implementation Method 2
at least one outlet air channel (4) to which overpressurized air is arranged to be conveyed
Implementation Method 3
at least one inlet air channel (6) from which underpressurized air is arranged to be removed
Implementation Method 4
receive moisture and/or impurities possibly absorbed by the first and the second structural layer (2, 3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The proposed solution describes a system for circulating air in a structure. The system comprises, between at least a first and a second structural layer of the structure, at least one outlet air channel to which overpressurized air is arranged to be conveyed, at least one inlet air channel from which underpressurized air is arranged to be removed, and at least one air-permeable air delivery structure, arranged between the outlet air channel and the inlet air channel. The air delivery structure is arranged to receive moisture and/or impurities possibly absorbed by the first and the second structural layer and to deliver air with moisture and/or impurities possibly carried thereby from the outlet air channel to the inlet air channel. Further, a method for circulating air in a structure by means of a system is described.