Breathable Secondary Window Retrofit for Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building windows, particularly those over 20 years old, are inefficient and prone to condensation, heat build-up, and thermal stress due to poor thermal performance and moisture trapping in secondary window systems, leading to increased energy consumption and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A breathable secondary window retrofit system with air permeable filters and frames that allow passive ventilation to reduce condensation and heat build-up by enabling airflow between the interior cavity and exterior space, using materials like glass, polymers, and metal frames with air permeable filters and smart systems for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a secondary window is added to create an insulating air cavity, then energy efficiency is improved, but condensation and moisture buildup occur within the cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs breathable filters with porous structures that allow water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water and dust. These filters are integrated into the window frame to enable selective permeability, allowing the cavity to 'breathe' and prevent condensation buildup while maintaining the insulating air cavity's energy efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable filter acts as an intermediary component between the interior cavity and exterior environment. It mediates the interaction by allowing beneficial air vapor exchange while preventing harmful condensation and dust ingress, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and condensation prevention.
2Reliability
If a tight seal is used around the secondary window, then weather tightness is improved, but heat build-up and condensation increase within the cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The breathable filter replaces traditional tight seals in the window frame, providing a porous barrier that maintains weather tightness while allowing vapor transmission. This selective permeability prevents liquid water ingress but permits water vapor to escape, avoiding heat build-up and condensation within the cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the permeability parameter of the window frame by incorporating breathable filters with specific pore sizes. This parameter modification allows the frame to distinguish between liquid water (blocked) and water vapor (allowed), resolving the contradiction between weather tightness and heat/condensation control.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a breathable filter is added to allow air flow, then condensation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breathable filter utilizes a porous material structure that inherently provides both filtration and ventilation functions. By selecting materials with appropriate pore sizes, the system achieves condensation prevention through a single component rather than requiring complex multi-component systems, thus minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable filter performs multiple functions simultaneously: it allows air vapor exchange to prevent condensation, blocks liquid water to maintain weather tightness, and filters dust particles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing system complexity while addressing condensation issues.
4Temperature
If air flow is permitted between cavity and exterior, then heat build-up is reduced, but dust may enter the cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The breathable filter employs porous materials with controlled pore sizes that permit water vapor molecules to pass through while blocking larger dust particles. This selective permeability based on particle size allows the system to differentiate between beneficial vapor exchange and harmful dust ingress, managing heat build-up without compromising air quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system applies local quality differentiation by creating zones with different permeability characteristics. The porous structure provides localized pathways for vapor transmission while maintaining broader barriers against dust, enabling the system to address heat build-up specifically without allowing dust contamination.
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 effectively reduces condensation and heat build-up, enhances energy efficiency, and minimizes thermal stress on windows, while being adaptable to various building conditions and decor schemes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one air permeable filter coupled to the frame adapted to allow an air flow between the interior cavity and an exterior space adjacent to the secondary glazing panel
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, there is described herein a breathable system for retrofitting an existing window, comprising: a secondary infill glazing panel adapted to be positioned adjacent to an existing glazing panel to form an interior cavity between the existing glazing panel and the secondary glazing panel, a frame enclosing exterior edges of the secondary infill panel, and at least one air permeable filter coupled to the frame adapted to allow an air flow between the interior cavity and an exterior space adjacent to the secondary glazing panel.