Hydronic Assembly for Providing Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buildings, particularly older multifamily residential and condominium structures, face challenges in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without disrupting occupants, while requiring updated HVAC infrastructure and improved comfort and air quality.
Innovation Solution
A facade panel conditioning system comprising modular panels with integrated HVAC piping and ductwork, forming an insulated shell around the building, powered by electricity, and distributing heating, cooling, and ventilation efficiently to individual units, with isolation baffles to prevent air and smoke migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional HVAC systems are installed in existing buildings, then heating and cooling functionality is provided, but energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines HVAC piping, ductwork, and building envelope insulation into a single integrated facade panel assembly. This merging of previously separate systems into one unified structure reduces overall energy losses while simplifying installation and maintenance, directly addressing the contradiction between energy efficiency and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The facade panels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide thermal insulation, house HVAC distribution piping and ductwork, and act as the building envelope. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulation installation and traditional HVAC ductwork, reducing energy consumption without increasing overall system complexity
2Loss of energy
If retrofits are implemented to reduce emissions, then energy efficiency improves, but disruption to existing tenants and occupants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The building retrofit is divided into modular facade panels that can be installed section by section. This segmentation allows work to proceed in manageable segments while tenants remain occupied in other areas, reducing disruption while achieving comprehensive energy efficiency improvements across the entire building
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC piping and ductwork are pre-integrated into the facade panels during manufacturing before installation on the building. This preliminary action eliminates the need for tenants to experience noisy construction work inside their units during installation, as all HVAC components are already assembled externally
3Object-affected harmful factors
If older building infrastructure is updated, then comfort and air quality improve, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The facade panel integrates insulation, HVAC piping, ductwork, and air handling components into a single pre-assembled unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate installation processes, reducing overall installation complexity while providing comprehensive air quality improvements through integrated ventilation and filtration
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated facade panel system includes self-contained air handling and filtration capabilities within each panel assembly. This self-service approach improves air quality locally within each zone without requiring complex centralized HVAC infrastructure, simplifying both installation and operation
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 reduces heating and cooling loads, eliminates fossil fuel combustion, enhances energy efficiency, improves comfort and air quality, and revitalizes building appearance with minimal disruption.
Implementation Method 1
a hydronic coil disposed within the interior cavity of the enclosure and configured to heat or cool air recirculated and ventilated into the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
an air supply booster fan configured to optimize the supply of air from the enclosure to the unit
Data Source
AI summary
A hydronic assembly connectable to a building's water and air distribution systems to manage and deliver conditioned air to a unit of the building includes an enclosure including a hydronic coil configured to heat or cool air within the enclosure, a valve control system coupled to the hydronic coil for regulating the flow of water through the hydronic coil, and an air supply booster for circulating air within the enclosure and delivering the same to the unit. The enclosure includes a return air inlet for recirculating air to the enclosure, a supply air outlet for supplying air to the unit, and a return air separation baffle separating the return air inlet air stream from the supply air outlet air stream. The enclosure is removably attachable to the building's air distribution system. The hydronic coil includes piping that is removably attachable to the building's water distribution system.