Facade system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade elements for buildings lack efficient ventilation and temperature regulation, requiring manual adjustment of shutters and windows for optimal air exchange, which is impractical and inefficient, and often fail to maintain a comfortable indoor climate, especially in extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A facade element comprising a window unit with two parallel glass panes and an air temperature change unit, featuring a heating element on the outer side and a cooling element on the inner side, connected via an air regulating device, which integrates solar heating and ground-cooled air systems to optimize temperature control and minimize ventilation needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of shutters and windows is used for ventilation, then air exchange can be achieved, but optimal regulation is practically impossible and the operation is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses natural convection currents created by temperature differences between indoor and outdoor air to automatically drive ventilation through the facade element, eliminating the need for manual operation. The air temperature change unit creates thermal gradients that self-regulate air flow without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with a thermally-driven automatic system. The air temperature change unit uses heating or cooling elements to create temperature differences that naturally drive air exchange through convection, substituting manual mechanical control with thermal physics-based automation.
2Temperature
If air is heated between window panes using solar energy, then warming capability is improved, but the system cannot provide sufficient cooling in hot conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The air temperature change unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can heat air using solar energy when outdoor temperature is low, and cool air when outdoor temperature is high. This single unit adapts its function based on environmental conditions, providing both heating and cooling capabilities through the same structural component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on temperature conditions. The air temperature change unit can switch between heating mode (using solar energy) and cooling mode (using ground-cooled air) depending on whether outdoor temperatures are low or high, making the facade element adaptable to varying climatic conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate ventilation systems are installed for temperature control, then comprehensive climate regulation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the window unit and air temperature change unit into an integrated facade element. The air temperature change unit is mounted on the outer side of the building facade and connected to the window unit, merging ventilation, heating, and cooling functions into a single integrated system rather than separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated facade element serves multiple functions: it provides natural ventilation through the window unit, heating through solar-heated air in the air temperature change unit, and cooling through ground-cooled air. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate ventilation, heating, and cooling systems.
4Loss of energy
If insulating elements are added to the air temperature change unit, then energy loss is reduced, but the unit's size and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air temperature change unit utilizes the building facade itself as a thin-walled housing or mounting surface. By mounting the unit on the outer side of the facade and using the facade structure as part of the housing, the design minimizes additional space requirements while still allowing insulation to be effectively applied to reduce energy loss.
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 solution provides enhanced warming and cooling capabilities, reducing the need for separate ventilation systems, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate, and minimizing moisture and mold issues, while allowing for precise temperature regulation and air exchange.
Implementation Method 1
integrates solar heating and ground-cooled air systems to optimize temperature control
Implementation Method 2
featuring a heating element on the outer side
Implementation Method 3
integrates solar heating and ground-cooled air systems to optimize temperature control
Implementation Method 4
featuring a cooling element on the inner side
Implementation Method 5
where the facade element furthermore comprises an air temperature change unit in connection with the at least one air intake, where said air temperature change unit furthermore comprises an insulating element
Implementation Method 6
outdoor air is brought into said air space through said air intake and outdoor air is brought out of said air space into a room or building
Data Source
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AI summary
Facade system for buildings, where the facade system comprises a window unit with at least one window comprising at least two substantially parallel glass panes, where said at least two glass panes are placed in a common frame, or in two or more lateral and preferably joined frames, where said at least two glass panes are disposed at a distance, and thus present an air space between said glass panes, where said window furthermore comprises an air intake and at least one air outlet in connection with said air space, and where the facade system has an outer side and an inner side, where the facade system furthermore at least comprises an air temperature change unit in connection with the at least one air intake, by which a significantly better warming and/or a significantly better cooling of the air is achieved than the window unit or the air temperature change unit alone would have been capable of providing.