Facade-Integrated Solar Water Heating for Skyscraper Space Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar systems are not suitable for skyscrapers due to limited roof space and architectural design constraints, which hinder the installation of traditional solar collector systems for heating water and interior spaces.
Innovation Solution
A solar thermal collector system integrated into the transparent outer facade of buildings, featuring a central enclosure with a watertight compartment, solar collector member, external and internal insulation layers, and adjustable shutters, designed to blend aesthetically with modern architectural styles while efficiently harnessing solar energy for water heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar collector systems are installed on skyscraper roofs, then solar energy for water heating can be provided, but the limited roof area prevents sufficient space for installing collectors for all occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal roof-mounted collectors to vertical facade-integrated collectors. By utilizing the vertical surface area of building facades instead of limited horizontal roof space, the system provides sufficient collector area for skyscrapers without compromising architectural integrity or requiring additional roof space.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar collector panels are designed to serve dual functions: generating solar thermal energy for water heating and serving as building facade cladding. This multi-functionality allows the same surface area to provide both architectural coverage and energy collection, maximizing utility from limited building surfaces.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar collector panels are installed in apartment or office spaces, then solar heating can be provided, but the architectural design with glass, metal and cladding panels is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector panels are designed to serve dual functions: generating solar thermal energy for water heating and serving as building facade cladding. This multi-functionality allows the same surface area to provide both architectural coverage and energy collection, maximizing utility from limited building surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector panels are available in various finishes including opaque black, semi-transparent, and transparent options that match different architectural styles. This allows the solar system to blend with modern glass and metal facades while maintaining aesthetic appearance and architectural integrity.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional solar systems are used in low-rise buildings, then sufficient collector space is available, but the system is not applicable to skyscrapers with limited roof area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal roof-mounted collectors to vertical facade-integrated collectors. By utilizing the vertical surface area of building facades instead of limited horizontal roof space, the system provides sufficient collector area for skyscrapers without compromising architectural integrity or requiring additional roof space.
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
The system effectively heats water using solar energy, maintaining an aesthetic appearance while overcoming space and design limitations, providing a reliable alternative to electric or gas-based heating systems in high-rise buildings.
Implementation Method 1
a solar collector member disposed inside the watertight compartment
Implementation Method 2
an assembly for heating water using solar energy
Implementation Method 3
an external insulation layer of gas between the external glass pane and the outer wall; and an internal insulation layer between the internal partition and the inner wall
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly including: a central enclosure including: an inner wall that is water-resistant and non-corrosive, an outer wall that is transparent, the inner and outer walls hermetically sealed together to form a watertight compartment defined between the inner and outer walls, an inlet port located on a lower portion of the central enclosure, an outlet port located on an upper portion of the central enclosure, and a solar collector member disposed inside the watertight compartment, the member being disposed between the inner and outer walls; an external glass pane spaced apart from the outer wall and defining an external insulation layer of gas between the external glass pane and the outer wall; and an internal partition spaced apart from the inner wall and defining an internal insulation layer of gas between the internal partition and the inner wall.