Thermally Conductive Concrete Additive for Geothermal Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current concretes used in thermally and geothermally activated building structures have poor thermal properties, which undermines their effectiveness due to the trade-off between thermal performance and mechanical resistance, making it difficult to achieve efficient and sustainable climate control.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive additive powder formulation is mixed with conventional concrete and mortar to enhance thermal conductivity while maintaining structural integrity, comprising fine aggregates, polycarboxylate ether-based superplasticizers, cellulose ether-based viscosity modulators, thermal conductivity enhancers like graphite and graphene, and pozzolanic materials, allowing for adjustable thermal properties and self-compacting concrete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional concrete is used for thermally activated structures, then structural safety and mechanical resistance are maintained, but thermal conductivity is insufficient for effective climate control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining conventional concrete with thermal additives consisting of graphite particles, graphene, and carbon nanotubes. This creates a composite concrete mixture that simultaneously provides structural integrity and enhanced thermal conductivity, resolving the contradiction between maintaining mechanical strength and improving thermal performance for geothermal activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of concrete by incorporating thermal additives at specific concentrations (graphite: 0.1-5%, graphene: 0.01-0.5%, carbon nanotubes: 0.01-0.5% by weight). These parameter modifications enable the concrete to achieve target thermal conductivity values (λ ≥ 2.0 W/m·K) while preserving structural properties
2Temperature
If thermal additives are increased to improve thermal conductivity, then thermal performance is enhanced, but mechanical resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of thermal additives within specific ranges (graphite: 0.1-5%, graphene: 0.01-0.5%, carbon nanotubes: 0.01-0.5% by weight) to achieve the desired thermal conductivity enhancement while maintaining mechanical strength. This parameter optimization ensures that the concrete mixture attains target thermal properties without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach combining multiple thermal additives (graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes) with conventional concrete components. This composite formulation allows for synergistic effects where the combination of materials provides enhanced thermal conductivity while the matrix structure maintains mechanical resistance, preventing the compromise of strength
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional concrete formulation is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but thermal activation effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the concrete mixture parameters by adding thermal additives (graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes) at controlled concentrations while maintaining the conventional concrete formulation process. This allows the concrete to be manufactured using standard equipment and procedures, preserving ease of manufacture while achieving improved thermal activation effectiveness through the enhanced thermal conductivity of the modified mixture
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 structural concretes and mortars with improved thermal conductivity, suitable for geothermally activated foundations and thermally activated structures, enhancing efficiency and sustainability by optimizing thermal performance without compromising mechanical resistance.
Implementation Method 1
thermal conductivity natural or synthetic graphite. Up to 45% with respect to total weight. Graphene and/or carbon nanotubes. Up to 20% with respect to total weight
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an addition for producing thermally conductive mortars and structural concrete, said addition being a specific powdery formulation in each case, which, when added as an addition to a conventional concrete or mortar, allows the production of a structural concrete or mortar with improved thermal characteristics (thermal conductivity λ). If the addition is added to a conventional concrete in a plant, a structural concrete with increased thermal conductivities is produced, which can adapt to the thermal requirements of the building, thereby being highly suitable for the heat activation of structures or the geothermal activation of foundations. The concrete containing the addition takes on special rheological characteristics which, inter alia, allows a self-compacting concrete to be produced. If the addition is added to a conventional mortar in a mixer, a mortar is produced with very high thermal conductivities which make it highly suitable for geothermal probes.