Double-Glazed Façade Air Gaps for Heritage Building Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for improving the energy performance of poorly insulated old buildings either require interior work, causing space loss, or exterior insulation that alters the aesthetic appearance of the façade, compromising architectural heritage.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring transparent glazing on both sides of a building with servo-controlled pivoting fins and a heat exchanger, allowing for adjustable air gaps to manage temperature and irradiation, enabling conservative or dissipative modes based on external conditions, thus enhancing energy efficiency without altering the façade's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If interior insulation is implemented to improve energy performance, then thermal insulation is improved, but building space is lost and rooms require reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where a first glazing is positioned inside the building envelope and a second glazing is positioned outside, creating air gaps between them. This nested arrangement provides thermal insulation functionality without occupying interior building space, as the insulation layer is distributed across the building envelope rather than being confined to interior walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the insulation solution from the interior dimension to the exterior dimension by placing the second glazing outside the building envelope. This dimensional shift allows the insulation system to function without reducing interior building volume, as the thermal barrier is established in the external space between the two glazings.
2Loss of energy
If exterior insulation is applied to improve energy performance, then thermal insulation is improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the façade is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the façade system multi-functional by integrating both glazing elements into the building envelope. The first glazing provides interior protection and the second glazing provides exterior insulation, while both contribute to the façade's aesthetic appearance. This universal design allows the façade to simultaneously fulfill thermal, protective, and aesthetic functions without requiring separate insulation layers that would alter its appearance.
3Loss of energy
If a fixed glazing system is installed to improve thermal performance, then insulation is improved, but adaptability to different temperature conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic glazing system where the first and second glazings can move relative to each other along the building envelope. This dynamic capability allows the air gap between the glazings to be adjusted according to temperature conditions, enabling the system to adapt thermally to different seasons and weather patterns while maintaining improved insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the glazing system by allowing variation in the distance between the first and second glazings. This parameter adjustment enables the system to optimize its thermal performance under different temperature conditions, providing adaptability while maintaining energy efficiency improvements.
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
This system effectively improves energy efficiency by maintaining the building's original façade while optimizing temperature adaptation, reducing energy consumption, and allowing for efficient air renewal and heat dissipation, as demonstrated by temperature evolution graphs.
Implementation Method 1
The system comprises a heat exchanger in conservative mode capable of ensuring an energy transfer between renewed and heated fresh air circulating inside an internal air distribution circuit in said building and stale air taken up in the blades of air
Implementation Method 2
in operation in dissipative mode, said air processing unit operates with a single fan to blow fresh air into the building, while the short-circuit is activated to bypass said heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger in conservative mode capable of ensuring an energy transfer between renewed and heated fresh air circulating inside an internal air distribution circuit in said building and stale air taken up in the blades of air
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates mainly to a system (10) for improving the thermal performance of an existing building (14) comprising: - a first added glazing (11) intended to be positioned in front of a first facade (12) of said building (14 ) so as to create a first air gap (13) on the side of said first facade (12), - a second glazing (15) attached intended to be positioned in front of a second facade (16) of said building (14) so as to creating a second air gap (17) on the side of said second facade (16), and - two control devices capable of operating said system (10) for improving thermal performance selectively, in particular: in a conservative mode in which said first and/or said second air blades (13, 17) thermally insulate said facades (12, 16), or in a dissipative mode in which calories are evacuated at said facades (12, 16) by creating An air current.