Airflow Sound-Absorbing Panel for Thermally Transparent TABS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sound-absorbing panels used in thermally activated building systems (TABS) often impair thermal comfort due to their insulating properties, making it difficult to achieve a balance between acoustic and thermal comfort in buildings equipped with these systems.
Innovation Solution
A panel design that includes a rigid frame, sound-absorbing elements, and air passages to facilitate airflow between the panel's surface and its front cover, allowing for thermal transparency and efficient cooling, thereby maintaining temperature equilibrium and minimizing thermal insulation effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sound-absorbing panels are used in TABS, then sound absorption is improved, but thermal comfort deteriorates due to insulating properties
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into multiple functional layers: a rigid frame structure, sound-absorbing material sections, and open sub-regions without sound-absorbing material. This segmentation allows different parts of the panel to serve different functions - acoustic damping in covered sections and thermal transmission in open sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the panel are designed with different properties: some areas have sound-absorbing elements for acoustic performance, while other sub-regions are left open or have reduced insulation to maintain thermal transparency. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between sound absorption and thermal comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sound-absorbing material is added to improve acoustic properties, then acoustic performance is improved, but thermal transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely filling the panel with sound-absorbing material, only portions are filled while leaving sub-regions open. This partial application of sound-absorbing material provides sufficient acoustic performance while maintaining thermal transparency through the unfilled regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is segmented into filled and unfilled sub-regions, creating a hybrid structure that combines acoustic damping capabilities with thermal transmission pathways, thereby resolving the trade-off between acoustic performance and thermal transparency.
3Temperature
If thermally transparent panel design is implemented, then thermal comfort is improved, but sound absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panel merges two previously separate solutions - thermally transparent panels and sound-absorbing panels - into a single hybrid structure. The rigid frame provides structural support and thermal transparency, while integrated sound-absorbing sections provide acoustic damping, achieving both thermal comfort and sound absorption simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides structural support, thermal transmission, and sound absorption. The rigid frame serves both structural and acoustic functions, while the combination of filled and open sub-regions provides both thermal transparency and acoustic damping.
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 panel achieves thermal transparency and effective sound absorption, enhancing comfort in TABS environments by ensuring the front cover and sound-absorbing elements reach the same temperature as the mounting surface, reducing thermal insulation issues and allowing for efficient sound dampening without impairing thermal comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The panel further comprises a fan (16) placed in a first air passage (18) between the first air gap (12) and the second air gap (14). The fan (16) is configured for providing an airstream through said first air passage (18).
Implementation Method 2
a sound-absorbing element (10) placed within said frame (4)
Implementation Method 3
a first air gap (12) formed between the sound-absorbing element (10) and the ceiling (6) when the panel (2) is mounted on said ceiling (6), and a second air gap (14) formed between the sound-absorbing element (10) and the front cover (8)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention pertains to a panel (2) to be mounted on a surface inside a building, said panel (2) comprising: a substantially rigid frame (4), a front, cover (8) placed en said frame (4) and being configured to face away from said, surface, onto which the panel (2) is to be mounted; one or mere sound absorbing elements (10) placed within said frame (4) in such a way that, a first air gap (12) is formed between the one or mare sound absorbing elements (10) and the surface when the panel (2) is mounted on said surface, and a second air gap (14) is formed between the one or more sound absorbing elements (10) and the front cover (8), wherein the panel (2) further comprises a first air passage (18) between the first and second air gap (12, 14) and means for providing an airstream through said first air passage (18).