Building module and method for utilizing thermal energy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar collector systems for building modules are technically complex, obstructive, and require significant effort to manage heat transmission, as they often incorporate large fluid lines that hinder view and increase module thickness, and lack individual heat transmission control.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves arranging the functional surface and fluid line juxtaposed to each other perpendicularly, with the intermediate space filled with a gaseous medium for heat exchange, allowing for a compact, gastight heat transfer element that can be easily manufactured and installed, reducing technical complexity and improving insulation with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large diameter fluid lines are used to transport heat, then heat transport capability is improved, but view through window is obstructed and module thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal/vertical fluid line arrangements to a diagonal arrangement at approximately 45 degrees. This dimensional change allows the fluid line to traverse the intermediate space more efficiently, reducing its projected area in both horizontal and vertical directions, thereby minimizing view obstruction and thickness increase while maintaining heat transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the intermediate space into multiple zones by arranging multiple heat transfer elements and fluid lines in a segmented pattern. This segmentation allows heat transport to be distributed across multiple smaller fluid lines rather than requiring one large diameter line, reducing view obstruction while maintaining total heat transport capability
2Loss of energy
If additional insulating pane or evacuated intermediate space is provided to reduce heat transmission, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermally conductive elements that automatically respond to temperature differences between the interior and exterior environments. These elements conduct heat away from the intermediate space when overheated and allow heat transfer when cooling is needed, providing self-regulating thermal management without requiring additional insulating panes or evacuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the intermediate space by introducing thermally conductive elements with specific thermal conductivities. This allows control of heat transmission through the module by selecting materials and configurations that optimize thermal performance without adding structural complexity
3Power
If heat transfer element with integrated fluid line is used, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the heat transfer element from the fluid line, allowing each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes. The heat transfer elements can be produced as discrete components and then assembled with fluid lines during module construction, simplifying both manufacturing and installation compared to integrated designs
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 configuration enables efficient heat exchange between the heat transport medium and the gaseous medium, allowing for regulated temperature and improved insulation with reduced technical complexity and installation space, while maintaining an unobstructed view.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer element, in particular an absorber element, which is arranged in the intermediate space and has at least one functional surface for absorbing thermal radiation
Implementation Method 2
a thermal contact is formed between the heat transfer element and the heat transport medium in order to exchange heat between the heat transfer element and the heat transport medium
Implementation Method 3
the intermediate space is formed in a gastight manner and is filled with a gaseous medium so that heat is exchangeable between the heat transport medium and the gaseous medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a building module, in particular a facade module, roof module or window module, for utilizing solar energy and/or for thermal insulation. The building module comprises an inner pane and an outer pane, wherein an intermediate space is formed between the inner pane and the outer pane. A heat transfer element is arranged in the intermediate space and has at least one functional surface for absorbing thermal radiation and/or for controlling the temperature of the intermediate space. A fluid line is provided in which a heat transport medium is conducted, wherein a thermal contact is formed between the heat transfer element and the heat transport medium in order to exchange heat between the heat transfer element and the heat transport medium. The functional surface and the fluid line, to which the thermal contact is assigned, are arranged juxtaposed to one another when the functional surface is viewed in a perpendicular direction.