Dual-Pipe Building Temperature Control Integrated in Wall Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building temperature control systems are complex to install in existing buildings, inefficient in utilizing external solar energy for heating, and require additional components like air conditioning systems for cooling, which are costly and noisy.

Innovation Solution

A system with two pipe systems installed adjacent to the building insulation and wall, allowing fluid circulation to absorb and release heat, utilizing solar energy for heating and night air for cooling without opening windows, with heat-conducting plates and a controller for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If solar collectors or photovoltaic modules are installed on building roofs to utilize solar energy, then thermal energy generation is improved, but system cost and structural complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolar energy utilizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heating and cooling functions into a single pipe system integrated within the building wall structure. The first pipe system is positioned between the outer shell and building insulation, while the second pipe system is positioned between the building insulation and the wall, creating a unified thermal management system that eliminates the need for separate solar collectors and air conditioning equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe system serves multiple functions: it acts as both a heating system by absorbing solar energy through the outer shell and transferring it to the interior, and a cooling system by extracting heat from the interior and releasing it to the exterior environment. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate heating and cooling systems.

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

2Temperature

If air conditioning systems are installed to cool buildings, then cooling capability is improved, but noise generation and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor temperature controlVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cooling function from traditional air conditioning systems and integrates it directly into the building wall structure through the pipe system. By embedding the thermal management system within the wall itself, the harmful effects of separate air conditioning units (noise, space occupation, visual impact) are eliminated while maintaining effective temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If windows are opened to utilize cooler night air for cooling, then energy efficiency is improved, but security risks and storm damage risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling energy lossVSAvoidbuilding security
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe system acts as an intermediary between the exterior night air and the interior building space. Instead of directly opening windows to allow air exchange, the system absorbs cooler exterior air through the first pipe system positioned against the outer shell, transfers this cooling effect through the building insulation via the second pipe system, and releases it into the interior, thereby achieving cooling without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If pipe systems are installed in existing buildings for temperature control, then thermal management capability is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pipe system into two separate segments: the first pipe system positioned between the outer shell and building insulation, and the second pipe system positioned between the building insulation and the wall. This segmentation allows each component to be installed independently in existing building structures, simplifying the overall installation process compared to attempting to install a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Improves indoor climate by efficiently utilizing external thermal conditions for heating and cooling without altering the interior space or generating noise, and simplifies installation by integrating with existing structures.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid absorbing heat from the environment of a first or second pipe system and into the environment of the other, the second or first pipe system releases again

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

building insulation which at least partially surrounds the wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3430317B1System for controlling the temperature of a building and method for controlling the temperature of a building using such a system
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 ATS ADVANCED THERMO SOLUTIONS AG
  • EP3430317B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3430317B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3430317B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) for controlling the temperature of a building (2) with an inner space (3) and a wall (4) facing the inner space (3), and having building insulation (5) which at least partially surrounds the wall (4), and a building shell (6) which finishes the building (2) on the outside. The system (1) comprises at least one first pipe system (7) mounted between the building insulation (5) and the building shell (6), and at least one second pipe system (8) mounted between the building insulation (5) and the wall (4), the two pipe systems (7, 8) being connected to a circuit (10) in which a fluid (11) can circulate. According to the invention, the first pipe system (7) is mounted in the building insulation (5), adjacently to the building shell (6). Alternatively or additionally, the second pipe system (8) is mounted in the building insulation (5), adjacently to the wall (4), or in the wall (4), adjacently to the building insulation (5).