Facade Cavity Drying via Compressed Air Reservoir and Pressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drying spaces between facades are not efficient enough, particularly in large construction projects where numerous facade elements require effective and simple dry air supply to prevent condensation.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a compressed air reservoir to store high-pressure air, which is then reduced in pressure using valves and a drying unit, with a switching unit controlling the air supply to ensure efficient and timed delivery of dry air to multiple facade cavities, incorporating filters to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressor or pump is switched on every time dry air is to be supplied to a cavity in the facade, then the drying function is provided, but the energy consumption and mechanical wear increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air reservoir is pre-filled with compressed air during periods when drying is not immediately needed, so that when drying is required, the air can be supplied immediately without starting the compressor. This preliminary storage of compressed air resolves the contradiction by ensuring drying function availability while avoiding the energy consumption of frequent compressor operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a compressed air reservoir is introduced to store compressed air, then the frequency of compressor switching is reduced, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air reservoir serves multiple functions: it stores compressed air for later use, acts as a pressure buffer to reduce compressor cycling, and provides a source of dry air when combined with the drying unit. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.
3Productivity
If high-pressure compressed air is supplied directly to the cavity, then the drying efficiency is improved, but the risk of damage to facade elements and condensation issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reducing valve creates a localized pressure reduction zone between the high-pressure compressed air reservoir and the facade cavity. This allows the system to maintain high-pressure storage for efficiency while delivering controlled, lower pressure air to the sensitive facade elements, thus resolving the contradiction between drying efficiency and damage prevention.
4Productivity
If multiple facade cavities are dried simultaneously, then the overall drying productivity increases, but the compressed air consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air reservoir maintains a continuous supply of compressed air, allowing multiple cavities to be dried in sequence or simultaneously without interrupting the compressor operation. This continuous availability enables higher overall productivity while the reservoir's buffering capacity helps manage the total compressed air consumption by optimizing delivery timing.
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 approach allows for efficient and controlled drying of multiple facade cavities with reduced compressor switching, effectively preventing condensation and accommodating varying environmental conditions through flexible valve control.
Implementation Method 1
drying unit, e.g. a dry filter
Implementation Method 2
compressed air reservoir, in which the compressed air can be stored with a comparatively high pressure
Implementation Method 3
at least one pressure reducing valve downstream of the compressed air reservoir
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
For drying at least one facade cavity (Fi) with dried compressed air, which is supplied to the facade cavity (Fi) via a drying unit (10) through an associated switchable valve (Vj), it is provided that the compressed air is stored in a compressed air reservoir (4) and supplied from this to the facade cavity (Fi) under pressure reduction by means of at least one pressure reducing valve (8, 11).