Double-Skin Façade Frame Venting for Pressure and Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-skin façade systems face challenges in achieving pressure equalization and condensation prevention without requiring external technical measures, while maintaining high energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A double-skin façade element with integrated pressure equalization and drying devices, including capillary elements and desiccants, positioned within the frame profile to prevent condensation and equalize pressure without visible protrusions, using materials like aluminum and plastic for capillary tubes and desiccant containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a closed cavity façade design is used to improve thermal insulation and sound insulation, then thermal insulation is improved and sound insulation is improved, but pressure differences occur due to temperature fluctuations and condensation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-regulating components: the capillary tube automatically equalizes pressure through its inherent flow resistance characteristics without external control, and the desiccant automatically adsorbs moisture when humidity increases, releasing it when conditions favor drying, creating a self-maintaining system
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary tube acts as an intermediary element between the interior and exterior environments, mediating pressure equalization through its restricted flow path. The desiccant serves as an intermediary that buffers humidity changes by adsorbing and releasing moisture as needed
2Shape
If pressure equalization devices and drying devices are integrated into the surrounding frame profile, then the façade maintains a clean transparent appearance without visible protrusions, but the devices must be positioned and dimensioned to avoid extending into transparent regions
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization and drying devices are merged with the surrounding frame profile structure, eliminating separate external components. The capillary tube and desiccant container are integrated into the frame's internal cavities, combining aesthetic requirements with functional needs in a single unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The functional components are nested within the existing frame profile structure. The capillary tube is positioned within frame cavities, and the desiccant container is integrated into the same structural envelope, allowing the frame to serve both structural and functional purposes
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
Ensures pressure equalization and condensation prevention over extended periods with high energy efficiency, maintaining thermal insulation and comfort criteria by integrating components within the frame profile, eliminating the need for external measures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one capillary element is provided, which is an integral part of the surrounding frame profile
Implementation Method 2
at least one drying device fillable with desiccant which is integrated either into the façade intermediate space or into the surrounding frame profile and exchanges air with the façade intermediate space
Data Source
AI summary
A double-skin façade element comprises a planar outer glazing element and a planar inner glazing element which are held at a distance from one another in a thermally insulated surrounding frame profile; at least one pressure equalization device which is in air-conducting connection with the outside atmosphere and with a façade intermediate space which is provided between the outer glazing element and the inner glazing element; at least one drying device fillable with desiccant, is either located in the façade intermediate space or is integrated into the surrounding frame profile and exchanges air with the façade intermediate space; wherein the at least one pressure equalization device and the at least one drying device are positioned and dimensioned such that they do not extend into a transparent region of the façade element. The at least one drying device is designed to make it possible to replace the desiccant.