Building envelope and method for adjusting the temperature in a building
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal insulation for building envelopes is static, leading to inefficient energy use, particularly in climate zones where heating and cooling requirements are not optimally balanced, resulting in increased energy consumption and resource use.
Innovation Solution
A building envelope with a double-shelled or multi-shelled construction featuring a continuously controllable heat transition system, utilizing porous, open-celled materials and novel sealing systems to manage heat transfer dynamically, allowing for adjustable insulation and reduced energy requirements through active heat exchange and phase transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional static thermal insulation is used to maximize insulation value with minimal wall thickness, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates in climate zones with significant heating and cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a phase change material (PCM) that dynamically changes its thermal properties based on temperature. The PCM transitions between solid and liquid phases at a specific melting point, automatically adjusting the wall's thermal conductivity and heat capacity to match external temperature conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between static insulation performance and dynamic energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the wall assembly by incorporating PCM with specific phase transition characteristics. The PCM's thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and thermal mass vary depending on its phase state, allowing the wall to adapt its thermal behavior to different climate conditions and optimize energy efficiency across heating and cooling seasons
2Use of energy by stationary object
If high thermal insulation is implemented to decouple interior climate from exterior surroundings, then heating energy requirements are reduced, but cooling energy requirements increase and internal loads cannot be effectively dissipated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of PCM between solid and liquid states to manage both heating and cooling loads. During heating conditions, the PCM remains solid and provides insulation. During cooling conditions, the PCM melts and absorbs internal heat loads through latent heat of fusion, effectively decoupling the building from external cooling requirements and reducing cooling energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the previously harmful effect of high insulation trapping internal heat into a beneficial feature. The PCM layer, positioned within the wall assembly, captures internal heat loads during phase transition and prevents them from accumulating, transforming the insulation's heat-trapping property into a heat-management advantage that reduces cooling demands
3Loss of energy
If the building envelope is coupled to the outside climate to dissipate internal loads, then cooling energy requirements are reduced, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates and heating energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PCM-based wall assembly dynamically adjusts its thermal coupling to the external climate. The phase change material automatically transitions between insulating and heat-dissipating modes based on temperature, allowing the envelope to couple with external climate for cooling while maintaining insulation performance for heating, thereby resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and heating performance
4Length of stationary object
If static thermal insulation materials are used to minimize wall thickness, then construction space is optimized, but the building cannot adapt to varying climate conditions and energy efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates PCM that changes its thermal parameters (thermal conductivity, heat capacity, thermal mass) based on temperature-induced phase transitions. This allows a compact wall assembly to provide both high insulation performance and climate adaptability, maintaining minimal thickness while achieving dynamic response to varying climate conditions through the PCM's variable thermal properties
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
This approach significantly reduces heating and cooling energy requirements by optimizing heat management within the building envelope, minimizing material deterioration, and enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining effective insulation.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate space can be evacuated, ventilated with air or a gas, or filled with/emptied of a heat-conducting liquid, as desired
Implementation Method 2
heat transition through the building envelope
Implementation Method 3
filled at least in sections with porous, open-celled material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system comprising an envelope of a structure, heat pipes and fluid conduits, the envelope of the structure including at least two shells spaced apart from one another which enclose an intermediate space being sealed against an interior and exterior of the structure. First and second pipes, embedded in the exterior-facing and interior-facing shell of the structure, respectively, penetrate the envelope of the structure and together form the heat pipe for the circulation of a fluid to increase, hold or decrease heat transition through the envelope of the structure or affect heat transport into or out of the envelope of the structure.