Heat Exchange Panel Layout for Phase-Change Building Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heating and cooling systems in buildings are energy-intensive and often rely on fossil fuels or renewable electrical energy, which can be inefficient and costly, and existing heat transfer technologies do not effectively manage thermal energy exchange.
Innovation Solution
A heat mat system with a unique configuration of passages and ribs that enhances thermal energy transfer through phase-change materials, allowing for efficient heat absorption and emission, and a modular system for heat transfer panels that can be used in various modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional heating and cooling systems are used, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but energy consumption is high and cost is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase-change materials (PCM) that absorb thermal energy when changing from solid to liquid phase and release thermal energy when changing from liquid to solid phase. This phase transition mechanism enables the heating system to store and release thermal energy efficiently, reducing the need for continuous energy input while maintaining reliable heating and cooling functions.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If heat pumps are used to transfer heat energy, then heating and cooling requirements are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system utilizes passive solar energy collection and automatic phase-change thermal storage without requiring complex heat pump mechanisms. The system self-regulates thermal energy storage and release through the inherent properties of phase-change materials, achieving energy efficiency while minimizing system complexity by eliminating or simplifying active thermal transfer components.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If insulation is used to reduce heating and cooling requirements, then energy consumption is reduced, but thermal energy transfer efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses phase-change materials that can rapidly absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy during phase transitions. This enables high thermal energy transfer rates when heating or cooling is needed, while the insulation maintains thermal energy storage efficiency, thus achieving both reduced energy consumption and high thermal energy transfer productivity.
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 heat mat system achieves high heat transfer rates with reduced energy consumption and improved thermal efficiency, enabling effective heating and cooling while minimizing energy usage and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
passages extending through the heat mat body, containing a phase-change material
Implementation Method 2
heat absorption and emission
Implementation Method 3
enhances thermal energy transfer
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprises: at least one heat exchange panel (700) comprising: a main body (100) comprising a sealed cavity in which is provided a fluid in both liquid and gas phases and being configured to communicate heat energy by allowing evaporation of the liquid at one location and condensation of the liquid at a different location in the cavity; and at least a first heat exchanger part (130, 131, 110a, 110b, 111a, 111b) including an inlet and an outlet for allowing the passing of fluid through the heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger part being thermally coupled to the heat spreading part so as to communicate heat energy between fluid flowing through the first heat exchanger part and the heat spreading part and thus the environment in which the heat spreading part is present. A controller is configured to cause control of pumps and valves to as to cause the system to operate in a number of different modes of operation. The system is operable in a thermal transfer mode in which the controller controls the heat pump, the one or more fluid pumps and the valves to take in heat energy from one of the heat exchange panels and to expel heat energy through the other of the heat exchange panels.