Façade element with latent heat storage device, modular latent heat storage device and method of air conditioning a building
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building facade elements struggle to efficiently manage temperature fluctuations due to lightweight construction and large window areas, leading to overheating during sunny days and heat loss at night, while passive latent heat storage materials can only level temperatures and not actively heat or cool buildings.
Innovation Solution
A facade element with latent heat storage modules and a working medium line arrangement that allows for heating or cooling by absorbing or releasing heat through a support frame, enabling active temperature control by folding the facade element to optimize solar radiation and heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If large window areas and lightweight construction are used to provide positive feeling and modern aesthetics, then the building has better visual appeal and reduced material usage, but the thermal mass is insufficient leading to overheating during sunny days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates phase change materials (PCMs) into facade elements that undergo phase transitions (solid-liquid) at specific temperatures. During daytime, PCMs absorb excess heat by melting, preventing overheating. During nighttime, they release stored heat by freezing, maintaining comfortable temperatures. This phase transition mechanism directly addresses the thermal mass deficiency caused by lightweight construction and large windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermal energy storage systems that pre-cool or pre-heat building structures during off-peak hours (nighttime cooling or daytime heating). By performing thermal conditioning in advance, the system reduces peak temperature fluctuations and decreases reliance on active cooling during sunny periods, thereby preventing overheating before it occurs.
2Temperature
If passive latent heat storage materials are used to increase thermal mass, then the building can level temperature fluctuations, but the building cannot be actively heated or cooled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs facade elements that serve multiple functions: they provide passive thermal mass through PCMs for temperature leveling, while simultaneously incorporating active thermal energy storage capabilities with fluid circulation systems. This allows the same facade structure to perform both passive temperature stabilization and active heating/cooling operations, making the system versatile for different climatic conditions and building requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines passive phase change materials with active fluid-based thermal energy storage systems in an integrated facade element. The PCMs provide immediate temperature buffering through phase transitions, while the fluid system enables active heat transfer and temperature control. This merging of passive and active systems allows the building to both level temperature fluctuations and perform active heating or cooling as needed.
3Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is increased to reduce heat loss, then energy efficiency improves, but the building cannot actively exchange heat with the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable facade elements with movable components that can change their thermal properties in response to environmental conditions. The facade can transition between insulated and heat-exchange modes by adjusting the position of thermal mass elements or fluid circulation paths, allowing the building to minimize heat loss during cold periods while enabling active heat exchange when heating or cooling is required.
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 solution effectively manages temperature fluctuations by actively heating or cooling buildings using latent heat storage, reducing energy consumption and improving thermal comfort, while also providing thermal insulation to minimize heat loss.
Implementation Method 1
latent heat storage materials, in particular phase change materials, also called phase change materials (PCM), are suitable for increasing the thermal mass. This takes advantage of the effect that a substance absorbs a large amount of heat when it changes its physical state, e.g. phase change from solid to liquid, without changing the temperature.
Implementation Method 2
phase change from solid to liquid, without changing the temperature. This 'latent heat' is relatively large compared to the 'sensible heat' due to an increase in temperature.
Implementation Method 3
a line arrangement for a working medium. The line arrangement is designed in such a way that the working medium can flow around and/or through the latent heat storage modules.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a facade element for climate control of a building. The facade element contains latent heat storage modules filled with a latent heat storage material. A working fluid can be circulated from the building through the facade element to exchange heat/cold with the latent heat storage modules. The heated or cooled working fluid is then returned to the building and used there for heating or cooling the building.