Heated Air Gap Insulation for Moisture-Free Interior Wall Retrofit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal insulation methods for old buildings often require external modifications, which can be visually unappealing or impractical due to monument protection or aesthetic concerns. Additionally, internal insulation materials can lead to moisture issues and fungal growth, reducing living space and posing health risks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an air gap system for house walls, where a second wall is installed parallel to the outer wall at a controlled distance, creating an air gap that can be heated by a liquid medium flowing through a pipe. This system provides thermal insulation without altering the exterior appearance and helps prevent moisture-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If exterior insulation is installed on old buildings, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the exterior appearance and historical character are altered
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of insulating from the exterior, the patent inverts the approach by installing insulation from the interior side of the wall. A second wall is constructed inside the building at a distance from the first (exterior) wall, creating an air gap that provides thermal insulation while preserving the original exterior facade appearance.
2Loss of energy
If interior insulation materials are used, then thermal insulation is provided, but moisture accumulation and fungal growth occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air gap as an intermediary layer between the interior space and the insulation system. This air gap acts as a vapor permeable barrier that allows moisture to escape while providing thermal insulation, preventing the moisture accumulation and fungal growth that occurs with traditional interior insulation materials.
3Loss of energy
If traditional insulation materials are applied, then thermal insulation is achieved, but living space is reduced due to material thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes air (a gas) as the insulating medium in the air gap between the first and second walls. This pneumatic approach provides effective thermal insulation without requiring thick solid material layers, thereby preserving more living space compared to traditional insulation methods.
4Shape
If interior insulation is installed to preserve exterior appearance, then facade character is maintained, but condensation forms on the cold/warm interface inside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensation problem from the interior insulation system by creating a ventilated air gap. The air gap allows moisture to be carried away by air circulation, preventing condensation from forming on the cold/warm interface inside the wall structure.
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 air gap system effectively reduces heat loss, maintains a pleasant indoor climate by managing moisture, and prevents fungal growth, all while preserving the original exterior appearance of the building and optimizing living space.
Implementation Method 1
a pipe (3) arranged in the air gap (4), through which a heated, first liquid medium (12) flows and heat can be transferred between the first liquid medium and the air in the air gap (4)
Implementation Method 2
The air warmed by the first liquid medium rises, as heating the air reduces its density. Cold, denser air, in turn, sinks and is heated by the first liquid medium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air gap insulation for house walls, comprising a first wall and a second wall. The two walls extend parallel to each other along their surface, i.e., in the longitudinal and vertical directions. The first wall and the second wall are bounded longitudinally and vertically by adjacent surfaces such as ceilings, floors, and/or walls, and/or are connected to other walls. The first wall and the second wall are separated from each other in the depth direction, i.e., perpendicular to the surface, by a gap that forms an air gap between the first wall and the second wall and the adjacent surfaces. This gap also includes a pipe in the floor and/or at the lower end of the air gap, through which a heated liquid medium flows, allowing heat transfer between the liquid medium and the air in the air gap.