Fluid-Circulating Facade Panels for Transparent Thermal Insulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade elements for thermal insulation are poorly suited for industrially efficient and cost-effective production, particularly in systems that utilize transparent or translucent thermal insulation layers to manage solar radiation for heating and cooling.
Innovation Solution
A facade element system with a closed fluid circuit through multiple panes, using a radiation-absorbing fluid that can release heat to a heat exchanger, combined with a flow distributor to prevent eddying and optimize solar energy absorption, and darkening particles for adjustable light control, allowing for efficient heating and cooling while maintaining transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a closed fluid circuit with radiation-absorbing fluid is used in facade elements for thermal insulation, then targeted heating and cooling functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid circuit system serves multiple functions: it absorbs solar radiation for heating, provides cooling through fluid circulation, and can be integrated into existing facade structures. The same basic system architecture supports both heating and cooling modes, reducing the need for separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation-absorbing fluid acts as an intermediary that converts solar radiation into thermal energy within the facade element. This mediator enables the transfer of energy from sunlight to the building interior or heat accumulator without requiring direct mechanical systems.
2Productivity
If flow distributors are added to prevent eddying and optimize fluid flow, then energy absorption efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flow distributors are placed specifically at the inlet region of the cavity where eddying occurs, rather than throughout the entire cavity. This localized approach optimizes fluid flow distribution and energy absorption efficiency while minimizing the amount of additional components required and simplifying manufacturing.
3Reliability
If multiple panes with fluid circuits are used for active thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The facade element is divided into multiple independent panes with separate fluid circuits, allowing each pane to be manufactured and tested independently before assembly. This segmentation enables modular production, quality control, and easier replacement or maintenance, potentially reducing overall production costs despite the multi-pane structure.
4Illumination intensity
If the facade element is designed to maintain transparency while providing thermal insulation, then building interior visibility is improved, but thermal insulation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses transparent or translucent thermal insulation layers that are permeable to directed and diffuse solar radiation, allowing visible light to pass through while blocking thermal radiation. The radiation-absorbing fluid further enhances this by absorbing infrared radiation while maintaining visual transparency, thus preserving both visibility and thermal insulation effectiveness.
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 enables targeted heating and cooling of buildings, maintains transparency, and is cost-effectively produced with a thin profile, optimizing energy absorption and distribution while allowing for adjustable light control.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid preferably has the property that it absorbs at least infrared radiation and thus can release heat to a heat exchanger or heat accumulator
Implementation Method 2
a fluid is pumped in a closed circuit through at least one cavity of the facade element
Implementation Method 3
a first flow distributor which extends in a distributed manner along the length of the first side is arranged between the at least one inlet and the cavity
Implementation Method 4
These substances can be pigments with magnetic and/or metallic and/or decorative properties
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.