Double Facade Assembly with CO2 Separation for Local Air Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double facade arrangements have limited local impact on the environment, thereby minimizing their influence on the quality of life for people, animals, and plants in the immediate vicinity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a carbon dioxide separation device within the double facade arrangement that utilizes a selectively permeable surface to separate CO2 from the air stream, which can be based on biological, chemical, or physical principles, combined with a chimney effect to generate a vertically directed airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a double facade arrangement is used for generating vertically directed air flow by chimney effect, then energy efficiency and climate friendliness are improved, but the local influence on the quality of life of people, animals and plants in the immediate vicinity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidlocal environmental quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The double facade arrangement is enhanced by integrating a carbon dioxide separation device that performs multiple functions: it continues to generate vertically directed air flow through the chimney effect for energy efficiency, while simultaneously separating carbon dioxide from the air stream to improve local air quality. This multi-functional integration allows the system to address both energy conservation and local environmental quality enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The carbon dioxide separation device is merged with the existing double facade arrangement, combining the chimney effect air flow generation with carbon dioxide separation functionality. The air inlet and air outlet of the double facade are integrated with the carbon dioxide separation device, allowing the same air stream to serve both purposes: driving the chimney effect and providing feed for carbon dioxide separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a carbon dioxide separation device is integrated into the double facade arrangement, then local air quality and environmental impact are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The double facade arrangement serves multiple functions: it maintains its original chimney effect for air flow generation and energy efficiency, while simultaneously housing and operating the carbon dioxide separation device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate standalone systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite adding carbon dioxide separation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The carbon dioxide separation device utilizes the air stream already present in the double facade arrangement as its feed source, eliminating the need for separate air intake systems. The chimney effect-generated air flow naturally passes through the carbon dioxide separation device, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring additional external inputs or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a selectively permeable surface is used for CO2 separation, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 separation efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A selectively permeable surface is employed in the carbon dioxide separation device, allowing carbon dioxide molecules to pass through while blocking other air components. This porous or selectively permeable material enables efficient carbon dioxide removal from the air stream without requiring complex mechanical separation systems, thereby balancing separation efficiency with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The selectively permeable surface replaces more complex mechanical separation systems that would otherwise be needed to achieve carbon dioxide removal. Instead of using moving parts, compressors, or complex filtration mechanisms, the system relies on the inherent selective permeability properties of the material, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Enhances the local environmental impact by improving air quality through CO2 removal and generating a self-sustaining airflow, thereby increasing the quality of life for nearby organisms while maintaining a climate-friendly approach.

Implementation Method 1

The invention relates to a double facade arrangement for a building, in particular a building, a bridge support, a bridge pillar or a noise barrier, comprising a double facade for generating a vertically directed air flow by means of a chimney effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChimney effect: Free Convection

Implementation Method 2

the carbon dioxide separation device comprises an internal surface for contacting air of the air stream for the separation of carbon dioxide from the air of the air stream, wherein the internal surface is a selectively permeable separation device by means of which air of the air stream can be separated from a fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective permeation: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentEP4013921B1Dual facade assembly
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 GLAS TROSCH HLDG
  • EP4013921B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4013921B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4013921B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5d

AI summary

The invention relates to a double-façade arrangement (1) for a construction (70), in particular a building, a bridge support, a bridge pier or a noise barrier wall, comprising a double façade (20) for generating a vertically directed air flow (50) by means of the chimney effect. Here, the double façade (20) comprises an inner façade (21) and an outer façade (22), wherein a façade interspace (23) for guiding the air flow (50) is situated between the inner façade (21) and the outer façade (22), wherein the inner façade (21) delimits the façade interspace (23) towards the construction (70), and the outer façade (22) delimits the façade interspace (23) towards the surroundings (60) of the construction (70). Furthermore, the double façade (20) comprises an air inlet (24) to allow the air flow (50) with air from the surroundings (60) to be let into the façade interspace (23) and, arranged above the air inlet (24), an air outlet (25) to allow at least some of the air flow (50) to be let out of the façade interspace (23). Moreover, the double-façade arrangement (1) comprises a carbon dioxide separator device (2) for separating at least some of the carbon dioxide from the air of the air flow (50). Furthermore, the invention relates to a construction (70), in particular a building, a bridge support or a bridge pier having such a double-façade arrangement (1). In addition, the invention relates to the use of such a double-façade arrangement (1) or construction (70) having such a double-façade arrangement (1) for generating a vertically directed air flow (50) by means of the chimney effect and for separating carbon dioxide from the air of the air flow (50).