Composite Panel with Latent Heat Microcapsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Buildings made with sandwich panels lacking thermal mass experience rapid temperature fluctuations, leading to uncomfortable indoor climates, especially in summer, due to their low mass and limited span, which restricts their use in larger structural applications.
Innovation Solution
A flat composite component comprising two metallic cover layers, a rigid polyurethane foam layer, and a compact polyurethane layer containing microcapsules with latent heat storage material, enhancing mechanical stability and thermal mass while allowing for continuous production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional sandwich panels with low mass are used, then good insulating properties are achieved, but thermal mass is insufficient leading to rapid temperature fluctuations and barrack climate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite sandwich panel structure combining metal cover layers, rigid polyurethane foam insulation layer, and compact polyurethane layers containing microcapsules with latent heat storage material. This multi-layer composite design integrates both thermal insulation and thermal mass functions in a single building component, resolving the contradiction between maintaining good insulation while increasing thermal mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the compact polyurethane layer by incorporating microcapsules containing latent heat storage material that can transition between solid and liquid states. This phase change capability allows the material to absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy, significantly increasing the thermal mass of the panel while maintaining its insulation properties.
2Loss of energy
If plasterboard panels with microcapsules are used, then latent heat storage functionality is achieved, but span is limited to 2-3 meters restricting structural applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the plasterboard matrix with a rigid polyurethane foam core combined with compact polyurethane layers, creating a structurally stronger composite sandwich panel. This composite construction provides both the latent heat storage functionality through microcapsules and the mechanical strength required for larger spans in roof and wall structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs metal cover layers with potential curvature and shaping capabilities, allowing the panels to be used in various structural configurations including arched roofs and curved walls, thereby extending their applicability beyond flat panel applications and enabling use in larger span structures.
3Productivity
If continuous production is implemented, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates microcapsules containing latent heat storage material into the compact polyurethane layers during the foam formation process itself, rather than as a separate post-processing step. This preliminary integration of the heat storage functionality into the core manufacturing process enables continuous production while avoiding additional complex assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated manufacturing process: the formation of the rigid polyurethane foam core, the creation of compact polyurethane layers with embedded microcapsules, and the attachment of metal cover layers all occur in one continuous operation. This merging of processes simplifies the overall manufacturing system despite the complexity of producing multi-functional panels.
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 solution provides improved thermal stability and mechanical strength, enabling better climate control and expanded usage in larger structural applications without the limitations of traditional sandwich panels.
Implementation Method 1
Their functionality is based on the enthalpy of conversion that occurs during the solid/liquid phase transition, which means energy is absorbed or released into the environment at a constant temperature
Implementation Method 2
during the solid/liquid phase transition
Implementation Method 3
a rigid polyurethane foam layer which serves as a thermal insulating layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laminar component made from composite material, comprising two metallic cover layers, one polyurethane rigid foam layer and one polyurethane compact layer comprising microcapsules having a capsule core made from latent heat storage material and to a method for production and to the use thereof.