Control of the indoor climate in an inner space using an insulation assembly arranged under the floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underfloor climate control systems face challenges in achieving energy efficiency, ease of installation, low manufacturing costs, and maintaining access to crawl spaces while effectively managing heat and cold flows.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through insulation assembly with gas-tight chambers and perforated films under the floor, utilizing a ventilation system to control gas flow direction and pressure drops to block heat or cold flows, integrated with a heat pump for efficient energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional underfloor insulation is used, then heat loss is reduced, but energy efficiency and climate control effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and flow parameters of gas through the insulation assembly. By controlling gas flow rate and direction through the perforated films, the system transforms static insulation into dynamic climate control, where gas flow parameters are adjusted to optimize both insulation effectiveness and energy efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system operates continuously to maintain optimal gas flow through the insulation assembly. This continuous action ensures that the insulation assembly constantly adapts to thermal conditions, preventing heat loss while maintaining energy efficiency through sustained controlled circulation rather than intermittent operation.
2Reliability
If complex climate control systems are installed, then climate control effectiveness is improved, but ease of installation and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation assembly serves multiple functions: it provides thermal insulation, enables active climate control through gas flow, and integrates with the ventilation system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex climate control equipment, simplifying installation while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the insulation assembly with the ventilation system by integrating gas flow channels directly into the insulation structure. The perforated films and gas-tight chambers are combined with ventilation ducts, creating a unified system that reduces installation complexity compared to separate insulation and climate control systems.
3Loss of energy
If crawl space is sealed for insulation, then heat loss is reduced, but access to crawl space becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation assembly provides localized sealing and insulation at specific points where gas flow is controlled through perforated films. This allows selective sealing of the crawl space while maintaining access points, as the insulation effect is achieved through distributed localized barriers rather than complete sealing of the entire space.
4Loss of energy
If gas flow rate is increased to improve climate control, then heat blockage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial gas flow through the perforated films rather than complete flow. The perforations allow sufficient gas flow to block heat effectively while maintaining a pressure drop that prevents excessive flow rates. This partial action achieves adequate heat blockage without the energy consumption associated with high-velocity gas flow.
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 provides improved insulation efficiency, reduced energy costs, and easy installation, allowing for effective climate control with minimal heat loss or gain, and the ability to recover heat energy from the ground, thus enhancing the indoor climate management.
Implementation Method 1
The gas supplied leaves the gas-tight chamber via the other one of the bottom opening and the top opening. Depending on to which of the bottom opening and the top opening the gas is supplied, the gas flows either from bottom to top or from top to bottom through the insulation assembly
Implementation Method 2
The top wall, the bottom wall, the perforated top film, and the perforated bottom film have air-tight joints with the perimeter of the gas-tight chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A climate control system for the indoor climate of an inner space partly delimited by a floor. Use is made of a flow-through insulation assembly that is arranged under the floor of the inner space and in the underfloor space. The insulation assembly has a gas-tight chamber with a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter, wherein the top wall is located under or against the floor of the inner space. The top wall and the bottom wall are each substantially formed by a gas-tight film material. Moreover, a perforated top film and a perforated bottom film are arranged in the gas-tight chamber. A top cavity is delimited between the perforated top film and the top wall, a bottom cavity between the perforated bottom film and the bottom wall, and a flow-through space for gas between the perforated top film and the perforated bottom film. A top opening is connected to the top cavity, and a bottom opening to the bottom cavity. Furthermore, a ventilation system is provided with at least one fan.