Electrostatic precipitator integrated with double-skin facade of building

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double-skin facade systems for buildings do not effectively precipitate fine dust during ventilation, limiting their ability to maintain indoor air quality, especially in natural ventilation systems where mechanical filtration is not feasible.

Innovation Solution

An electrostatic precipitator integrated with a double-skin facade system, featuring discharge electrodes and dust collecting electrodes within a hollow layer, controlled by servo motors and a controller to adjust openings and generate ventilation flows for electrostatic dust precipitation, triggered by fine dust concentration sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanical ventilation system with filtration filter is used, then fine dust can be removed, but pressure loss increases and the system can only be applied to buildings using mechanical ventilation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine dust removalVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system with an electrostatic precipitation system. Discharge electrodes generate corona discharge to ionize fine dust particles, and collecting electrodes attract and capture these charged particles through electrostatic force, eliminating the need for mechanical filters and associated pressure losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by applying high voltage to discharge electrodes to generate corona discharge. This electrical parameter change enables dust particle charging and subsequent electrostatic collection, providing an alternative to mechanical filtration with different performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanical ventilation system with filtration filter is used, then fine dust can be removed, but the system complexity increases and limits application to mechanical ventilation buildings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine dust removalVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrostatic precipitation function directly into the double-skin facade structure. The discharge and collecting electrodes are integrated within the hollow layer between inner and outer skins, combining building envelope and air cleaning functions into a single system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The double-skin facade system performs multiple functions: thermal insulation, natural ventilation, and fine dust removal through electrostatic precipitation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical ventilation systems, reducing overall system complexity and expanding applicability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If double-skin facade provides natural ventilation, then ventilation is achieved, but fine dust cannot be precipitated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural ventilationVSAvoidfine dust precipitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow layer between inner and outer skins serves as an intermediary space where electrostatic precipitation occurs. Air flows through this hollow layer, allowing dust particles to be charged and collected by electrodes before entering the building interior, mediating between natural ventilation and dust removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Effectively prevents fine dust from entering buildings by generating ventilation flows and applying electrostatic charges to precipitate dust within the system, enhancing indoor air quality while allowing natural ventilation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one discharge electrode charging particles introduced into the hollow layer through the outer lower opening by being installed in the hollow layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

dust collecting electrodes precipitating charged particles by being installed in contact with the hollow layer on surfaces, respectively, of outer glass and inner glass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic precipitation: Electrostatic Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS11253871B2Electrostatic precipitator integrated with double-skin facade of building

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 UNIV OF SEOUL IND COOP FOUND

AI summary

An electrostatic precipitator integrated with a double-skin facade of a building, includes: an outer window installed at an outdoor side of the building; an outer upper opening and an outer lower opening installed at upper and lower portions, respectively, of the outer window for indoor ventilation; an inner window providing a hollow layer between the inner window and the outer window by being installed at a room side facing the outer window; an inner upper opening and an inner lower opening installed at upper and lower portions, respectively, of the inner window for ventilation; at least one discharge electrode charging particles introduced into the hollow layer through the outer lower opening by being installed in the hollow layer; and dust collecting electrodes precipitating charged particles by being installed in contact with the hollow layer.