Building panel system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling and wall systems using phase change materials are heavy, inflexible, lack acoustic absorption, and cannot be easily modified or cut on-site, posing challenges in energy conservation and installation adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A building panel system that includes containers filled with phase change material, securely attached to a grid system via a mounting system with selectable coupling positions, allowing for adaptable installation and thermal energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If phase change material is placed in ceiling panels to store thermal energy, then energy costs are reduced, but the ceiling system becomes heavy requiring extra hangers
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material is divided into multiple modular containers that can be individually attached to ceiling panels. This segmentation allows the thermal energy storage function to be distributed across multiple lightweight units rather than requiring a single heavy panel, reducing the overall structural weight requirement while maintaining energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate mounting system with attachment members acts as an intermediary between the phase change material containers and the ceiling structure. This intermediary system allows the containers to be securely mounted without directly increasing the weight of the ceiling panels themselves, as the mounting structure can be integrated into the existing suspension grid.
2Loss of energy
If phase change material is integrated into ceiling panels, then thermal energy storage is achieved, but the system becomes inflexible in size and format and cannot be modified on site
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material is contained in separate modular containers that can be independently attached, removed, or repositioned on ceiling panels. This modular approach allows the system to be easily configured in different sizes and formats to match various ceiling layouts and enables on-site modifications without requiring custom manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system uses detachable attachment members that allow the phase change material containers to be dynamically repositioned or removed from the ceiling panels. This dynamic mounting capability provides installation flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements, contrasting with fixed integrated panels.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional ceiling panels are used without modular components, then installation is simple, but the system lacks acoustic absorption and thermal energy storage capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling system integrates multiple functions into a unified structure: the ceiling panels provide structural support and acoustic absorption, while the separately mounted phase change material containers provide thermal energy storage. This multi-functional approach maintains the simplicity of traditional ceiling installation while adding enhanced functional capabilities through the modular container system.
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 enables flexible placement and number of phase change material containers, enhancing energy efficiency by storing thermal energy and reducing energy costs, while also offering improved installation adaptability and acoustic properties.
Implementation Method 1
the phase change material can change from a liquid to a gas or from a solid to a liquid when heat is absorbed from the room. Conversely, the phase change material can change from a gas to a liquid or from a liquid to a solid when heat is expelled into the room
Implementation Method 2
By storing thermal energy in the phase change material and expelling it back into the room at the appropriate time, energy costs can be reduced
Implementation Method 3
at least one container detachably coupled to the mounting system at one of a plurality of selectable coupling positions so as to be in conductive thermal cooperation with the first surface of the panel structure
Data Source
AI summary
A building panel system is provided. The building panel system include a panel structure having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a mounting system attached to the panel structure; at least one container detachably coupled to the mounting system at one of a plurality of selectable coupling positions so as to be in conductive thermal cooperation with the first surface of the panel structure; and a phase change material contained within the at least one container.