Collapsible Façade Glazing Elements for Convection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing façade systems face challenges in reducing heat transfer by convection due to large air volumes within glazing pockets, which negatively affect thermal performance, particularly in systems with metal frames that are good thermal conductors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a collapsible element within the glazing pocket that divides the air volume into multiple thermal chambers by transitioning between collapsed and expanded states, reducing convective heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a thermal break is arranged within the glazing pocket to reduce heat transfer, then thermal performance is improved, but the glazing pocket is divided into shallow and deep pockets which creates a large air volume in the deep pocket that increases convective heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible element divides the deep pocket into multiple thermal chambers, segmenting the large air volume into smaller compartments. This segmentation reduces convective heat transfer by limiting air movement paths while maintaining the thermal break structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible element transitions between collapsed and expanded states to dynamically adjust the thermal chamber configuration. When expanded, it creates multiple thermal chambers to reduce convection; when collapsed, it allows for easier panel installation and removal.
2Loss of energy
If the collapsible element is expanded to divide the deep pocket into thermal chambers, then convective heat transfer is reduced, but the installation and access to the glazing pocket becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible element's ability to transition between expanded and collapsed states enables it to provide thermal performance during operation while facilitating easy panel installation and maintenance access when collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible element is pre-positioned within the deep pocket but remains in a collapsed state during installation to allow panel access, then transitions to an expanded state after installation to provide thermal performance.
3Strength
If metal frames are used for the façade system, then structural strength and aesthetic design are improved, but thermal conduction increases heat transfer through the system
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal break acts as an intermediary element between the interior and exterior portions of the metal mullion, interrupting the thermal conduction path while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic continuity of the metal frame system.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of metal frames with thermal break materials creates a composite structure that maintains the mechanical properties of metal while introducing thermal insulation characteristics to reduce heat transfer.
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 collapsible element effectively reduces heat transfer by convection, improving thermal performance and energy efficiency of façade systems.
Implementation Method 1
the collapsible element divides the deep pocket into two or more thermal chambers when in the expanded state to reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket
Implementation Method 2
a thermal break arranged within the glazing pocket and extending between the exterior and interior portions, the thermal break dividing the glazing pocket into a shallow pocket and a deep pocket
Data Source
AI summary
A façade system includes a mullion having exterior and interior portions and defining a glazing pocket between the exterior and interior portions, a thermal break arranged within the glazing pocket and extending between the exterior and interior portions, the thermal break dividing the glazing pocket into a shallow pocket and a deep pocket larger than the shallow pocket, and a collapsible element arranged within the deep pocket and extending between the thermal break and a lateral side of a panel introduced into the deep pocket. The collapsible element is movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The collapsible element divides the deep pocket into two or more thermal chambers when in the expanded state to reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket.