Improved climate controlling ceiling structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate-controlling ceiling structures are costly and complex due to numerous connectors required for pipe sections, and they inefficiently utilize energy for temperature control, relying on air rather than the building's heat capacity.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling structure with angled ceiling profiles that create a funnel-shaped air channel for enhanced heat exchange and air circulation, utilizing the building's heat capacity by allowing air to mix with the structure, and featuring a continuous looping pipe system to reduce connector needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If each plate is provided with its own pipe section connected by connectors, then the pipe system can be assembled modularly, but the cost price and complexity increase and the risk of leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pipe sections into a single continuous pipe that runs through the entire ceiling structure. Instead of having separate pipe sections in each plate connected by connectors, one continuous pipe is laid through channels in the ceiling plates, eliminating the need for connectors and reducing complexity while maintaining modular plate assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling structure is segmented into modular plates that can be assembled independently, while the continuous pipe is segmented into sections that can be installed between plates. This allows modular assembly of the ceiling structure while maintaining a continuous fluid pathway without requiring numerous connectors.
2Ease of operation
If traditional ceiling structures are used, then installation is straightforward, but energy consumption for temperature control is high and the building's heat capacity is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cooling channels directly into the ceiling structure during installation, allowing the building's mass to be pre-cooled at night using free cooling or night ventilation. This preliminary cooling action stores thermal energy in the building's heat capacity, which then passively cools the space during the day without requiring active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The building's thermal mass serves itself as a heat sink by naturally absorbing and releasing thermal energy. The ceiling structure with integrated channels allows the building mass to automatically regulate temperature by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, eliminating the need for additional active cooling equipment.
3Device complexity
If the ceiling structure does not utilize the building's heat capacity, then the design is simpler, but less energy is saved and temperature control is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural ceiling, houses the fluid distribution system, and acts as a thermal energy storage medium. The integrated channels in the ceiling plates allow the building's heat capacity to be utilized for passive cooling, reducing energy loss while maintaining relatively simple design through the modular plate 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
This design improves temperature control efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and enhances user comfort by leveraging the building's heat capacity and minimizing leaks and connector complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe sections extending substantially parallel to each other and is configured to transport a fluid, typically water, for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space (heating and/or cooling)
Implementation Method 2
Using such first and second side walls running toward each other in the direction of the bottom creates between two mutually adjacent ceiling profiles a funnel-shaped channel, for instance a channel with a substantially trapezoidal cross-section, through which air is guided upward or downward between the mutually adjacent ceiling elements. This will provide for a kind of Venturi effect in the funnel-shaped channel.
Implementation Method 3
The first and second side wall allow a good heat exchange between the heat absorbed in the fluid flowing through the pipe system and the environment. The ceiling profiles can here function in the manner of radiating bodies for the pipe sections received therein, wherein heat is exchanged with the air and the air is fed back into the space under the lowered ceiling by convection.
Implementation Method 4
The ceiling profiles can here function in the manner of radiating bodies for the pipe sections received therein, wherein heat is exchanged with the air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Ceiling structure for a space, comprising: a pipe system (100) with a plurality of pipe sections (110) extending substantially parallel to each other, which pipe system is configured to transport a fluid for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the space; a plurality of support profiles (200); and a plurality of ceiling profiles (300) which can be coupled at a mutual distance to the support profiles, wherein the ceiling profiles are oriented at an angle relative to the support profiles; wherein a ceiling profile (300) is open at the top, as seen in a mounted position, for the purpose of receiving therein in each case one or more pipe sections (110) of the pipe system; wherein the ceiling profile has first and second opposite side walls (311, 312), wherein the distance (A) between the first and the second side wall at the position of the bottom is at least two times smaller than the width (B) of the ceiling profile as measured between the first and the second side wall at the position of the open upper side.