Fluid-Filled Facade Window with Flow Distribution for Solar Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade elements for thermal insulation are poorly suited for industrial, efficient, and cost-effective production, particularly in terms of integrating transparent or translucent thermal insulation layers that can effectively utilize solar energy for heating and cooling while maintaining interior comfort.
Innovation Solution
A facade element designed as a transparent or translucent window with a fluid pumped in a closed circuit through cavities, using clear glass panes and a flow distributor to optimize heat absorption and distribution, combined with magnetic, photochromic, or electrochromic particles for adjustable shading, and a sealing system for efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid circulates through pipes inside the window to provide thermal insulation, then the building can be heated or cooled, but the production becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thermal insulation function with the window structure itself by integrating the fluid circulation system directly into the window panes and cavities, eliminating the need for separate piping systems and reducing production complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The window structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, thermal insulation, and fluid circulation pathways for heating/cooling, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying manufacturing
2Illumination intensity
If particles are added to the liquid circulating through the window to darken it, then the window can control light flow, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the circulating liquid by adding particles that can alter light absorption properties, enabling dynamic control of window transparency and light flow without additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating liquid itself performs the shading function through its particle composition, eliminating the need for separate shading mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic coils are attached to the sides of the facade element to influence particle orientation, then the transparency can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex magnetic coil assemblies with a simpler chemical solution - particles suspended in the circulating liquid that naturally respond to magnetic fields, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining transparency control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating liquid acts as an intermediary medium that carries magnetic particles, allowing transparency control without direct attachment of magnetic coils to the window structure, thereby simplifying manufacturing
4Use of energy by moving object
If the cavity occupies a large area of the panes for efficient heat absorption, then solar energy utilization improves, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the window structure - the central cavity area is optimized for heat absorption while the edge regions maintain structural integrity and provide sealing, allowing large cavity areas without compromising strength
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 enables efficient, cost-effective production of facade elements that can function as solar collectors, heaters, and coolers, maintaining interior temperature control while allowing for adjustable shading and reducing turbulence in fluid flow, thus enhancing energy absorption and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid preferably has the property that it absorbs at least infrared radiation and can thus give off heat to a heat exchanger or heat accumulator
Implementation Method 2
This flow distributor avoids or reduces turbulence of the inflowing liquid, so that the liquid flows evenly through the cavity
Implementation Method 3
It is proposed to attach magnetic coils to the sides of the facade element in order to influence the orientation of the particles and thus change the transparency of the facade element
Implementation Method 4
The sealing ring protects the glue from water so that conventional glue can be used
Data Source
AI summary
A facade element for heat‑insulation purposes has at least two parallel panels (101, 102), a cavity (103), which is formed between these two panels (101, 102) and has fluid flowing through it, and at least one inlet (13), for feeding a radiation‑absorbing fluid, and at least one outlet (13'), for discharging the fluid. The inlet (13) is arranged on a first side of the panels (101, 102) and the outlet (13') is arranged on an opposite, second side of the panels (101, 102). The at least one inlet (13) and the cavity (103) have arranged between them a first flow distributor (14), which extends for distribution along the length of the first side. This facade element makes straightforward and cost‑effective industrial production possible.