Device and method for interior radiative heating/cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating and cooling systems, such as forced air HVAC systems and hot-water radiators, are inefficient, unresponsive, and poorly suited for zoning, as they occupy significant space and rely on centralized control, leading to inefficient energy transport and uneven heat distribution.
Innovation Solution
A modular hydronic thermal emitter system that spans interior building surfaces, using planar members with channels to convey thermal fluid and a controller to manage flow, allowing for flexible installation and zoning control, with a humidity regulator to maintain optimal dew points for efficient radiative heating and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If forced air HVAC systems are used for heating and cooling, then air can be distributed throughout the building, but significant space is occupied by ductwork, vents, and plenums
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces air-based forced HVAC systems with water-based hydronic systems. Water has 3,500 times the capacity to transport energy compared to air, allowing for more efficient heat transfer through modular thermal emitters installed in walls and ceilings, eliminating the need for extensive ductwork infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heat transfer medium from air to water, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of energy transport capacity. This parameter change enables compact modular thermal emitters to replace bulky ductwork while maintaining or improving heating and cooling effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If hot-water radiators are used for heating, then heat can be distributed throughout the room, but very high temperatures (180 to 200 degrees F.) are required and convection is relied upon
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the heating function into multiple modular thermal emitters distributed throughout the building's walls and ceilings. Each module operates at lower temperatures while the collective array provides comprehensive heat distribution, eliminating the need for high-temperature centralized radiators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional surface-mounted radiators to volumetric integration of thermal emitters within building structures (walls and ceilings). This dimensional integration allows for lower operating temperatures while maintaining effective heat distribution through increased surface area contact
3Device complexity
If centralized control via a central thermostat is used, then the system can be simplified, but zoning capability is poor and responsiveness is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distributed intelligent modules, with each thermal emitter or group of emitters capable of independent control. This allows different zones to be heated or cooled according to specific requirements while maintaining overall system simplicity through standardized modular interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic response capabilities where modular thermal emitters can quickly adjust to changing thermal demands. The distributed control architecture enables rapid zone-specific responses without the thermal lag inherent in centralized systems, as each module can be independently optimized for its local environment
4Productivity
If forced air systems are used, then heating can be provided, but cold air in the ductwork must be blown into the living space before heated air displaces it, causing delay and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces air-based heat transfer with water-based hydronic systems. Water's superior heat capacity and thermal conductivity eliminate the thermal lag and energy loss associated with heating and circulating air through ductwork, providing immediate and efficient heat delivery to thermal emitters
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the thermal emitters from centralized HVAC equipment and distributes them directly throughout the building structure. This eliminates the intermediate ductwork transmission path where energy loss and thermal delay occur, allowing heat to be delivered directly to occupied spaces
5Productivity
If hot-water radiators are used, then heating can be provided, but it takes time to heat the water, transfer it to the radiator, and heat the large thermal mass
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the thermal mass into multiple small modular emitters rather than one large radiator. Each module has reduced thermal inertia, allowing for faster heating and cooling response times while maintaining overall system capacity through the aggregate effect of multiple units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal mass parameter by distributing it across numerous small modules rather than concentrating it in large radiators. This parameter transformation reduces the time constant of the system, enabling rapid response to thermal demands without sacrificing total heating capacity
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 modular system provides efficient, responsive, and zoned heating and cooling, reducing energy consumption and space requirements while ensuring uniform temperature distribution across building surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
modular hydronic thermal emitters fixed within a building and being arranged to span a substantial part of an interior surface of the building
Implementation Method 2
modular hydronic thermal emitters fixed within a building and being arranged to span a substantial part of an interior surface of the building
Data Source
AI summary
A modular thermal transfer emitter configured to be compatible with installation for indoor radiative heating and cooling. For example, modular emitters radiatively and conductively heat and/or cool an interior space in a building using a heat exchanger and tubing through which thermal fluid flows. These modular emitters can be arranged within a suspended ceiling, walls, flooring of a residential and commercial building. A system for exchanging heat from components can include multiple heat exchangers adjacent to the components and one or more pumps connected to the heat exchangers. The pumps can generate water flow that brings the heat to a secondary heat exchanger. Because the modular emitters can have a large area (e.g., spanning a significant percentage of the ceiling or wall) a desired amount of heat transfer can be achieved without requiring a large temperature difference between the thermal fluid and the ambient surroundings.