Ground-Coupled Concrete Floor Conduit System to Reduce HVAC Energy Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building heating and cooling systems are energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental, with rising costs and negative environmental impacts, necessitating more efficient and sustainable solutions for maintaining comfortable temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The system involves circulating fluid through conduits within a building's concrete floor and grounds, utilizing a control system to regulate temperature by exchanging heat with the subfloor and exterior conduits, incorporating a dehumidifier and heat exchanger to manage humidity and air quality, and employing a nearly airtight and soundproof construction to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional forced air heating and cooling systems are used, then buildings can be heated and cooled, but energy consumption is high and environmental impact is negative
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal control function into separate components: exterior conduits for ground heat exchange, interior conduits for building heat distribution, and a heat pump unit for active heating/cooling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall energy consumption compared to conventional forced air systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ground-coupled thermal field as an intermediary between the building and the external environment. The exterior conduits embedded in the ground act as a thermal mediator, exchanging heat with the earth's relatively stable temperature, thereby reducing the energy required by the heat pump to heat or cool the building.
2Temperature
If conventional heating and cooling systems are used, then buildings can be heated and cooled, but environmental impact increases with carbon dioxide emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters by utilizing the ground's relatively constant temperature as a thermal reservoir. During cooling season, the ground absorbs excess heat from the building; during heating season, the ground releases stored heat. This parameter change in thermal exchange methodology eliminates the need for fossil fuel combustion, reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple building construction is used, then construction cost is reduced, but energy efficiency and environmental protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete foundation serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the building, acts as a thermal mass for heat storage, and houses the exterior conduits for ground heat exchange. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate foundation and thermal management systems, maintaining construction simplicity while achieving high energy efficiency.
4Temperature
If conventional heating and cooling systems are used, then buildings can be temperature-controlled, but maintenance requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the foundation structure with the thermal management system by embedding conduits within the concrete foundation. This merging of structural and thermal functions reduces the number of separate components and connections required, thereby reducing system complexity and maintenance requirements compared to conventional forced air systems with separate ductwork, furnaces, and air handlers.
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 approach reduces energy usage by up to 60% compared to forced air systems, minimizes environmental impact, and provides a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution with zero carbon dioxide emissions during cooling and significantly reduced emissions during heating, while maintaining indoor air quality and protecting sensitive artifacts and equipment.
Implementation Method 1
circulating fluid within the conduit... distributing fluid from within a building to grounds surrounding and/or supporting the building and returning the fluid to the building... exposing the fluid to a subfloor of the building to regulate a temperature of the subfloor
Implementation Method 2
conduits within the concrete floors... exposing the fluid to a subfloor of the building to regulate a temperature of the subfloor
Data Source
AI summary
Building heating and/or cooling methods of the present disclosure can include continuously distributing fluid from within conduits within a concrete floor of a building to conduits within grounds surrounding and/or supporting the building.