Garage Ventilation Façade With Corner Wind Turbines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-story parking garages face challenges with inefficient ventilation systems, excessive energy consumption, and aesthetically unpleasing facades, particularly due to the need for mechanical ventilation and energy-intensive equipment, which are not effectively addressed by existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

The integration of vertically stacked wind turbines in corner spaces for energy generation, combined with a unique glass façade featuring translucent linear channel glass arrays that facilitate natural ventilation and daylight distribution, optimizing unused space and air flow while providing an aesthetically pleasing design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical ventilation systems are used to eliminate vehicle exhaust gases, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and system cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The garage ventilation system uses natural convection currents created by vehicle movement and thermal differences to exhaust gases automatically without mechanical fans. The stacked wind turbines on the facade harness wind energy to drive ventilation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical ventilation systems with a natural convection-based system enhanced by wind-powered turbines. Instead of using electrically-driven fans and complex mechanical components, the design relies on fluid dynamics and atmospheric forces to achieve effective gas removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If open air approach is used for ventilation, then mechanical ventilation cost is reduced, but façade aesthetics and environmental compatibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical ventilation costVSAvoidfaçade aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The stacked wind turbines serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide aesthetic architectural features, harness wind energy for power generation, and create controlled openings for natural ventilation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to choose between aesthetics and ventilation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wind turbines are designed with aesthetic considerations, allowing them to be integrated into the façade design as decorative elements. Their form, positioning, and visual characteristics are optimized to complement the building's architectural style while maintaining their functional role in ventilation and energy generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Area of stationary object

If wind turbines are placed in corner spaces, then unused space utilization is improved, but structural integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidstructural integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wind turbines are nested within the corner architecture of the garage structure, with the turbines positioned inside recessed areas or integrated into the building's volumetric form. This nesting approach allows the turbines to occupy otherwise wasted corner space without protruding excessively or requiring separate structural supports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enhances energy efficiency by utilizing wind turbines for power generation and natural ventilation, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal, while also meeting ventilation requirements and utilizing otherwise unused space effectively.

Implementation Method 1

an energy producing system employed to take advantage of wind turbines for generating some of the power requirements of the facility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind power: Wind Power

Implementation Method 2

a unique glass façade featuring translucent linear channel glass arrays that facilitate natural ventilation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNatural ventilation: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS8650814B2Energy efficient garage

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 GREENWAY SELF PARK

AI summary

A multi-storied garage having an energy efficient ventilation system that incorporates a unique window array and vertically mounted energy producing wind turbines located in a corner of the garage structure that would otherwise be unusable for vehicle parking.