Hydronic System Dynamic Insulation Building Envelope
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating and cooling systems in buildings are inefficient as they fail to effectively utilize available hot sources and cold sinks, leading to significant energy consumption and carbon emissions, particularly due to the static nature of building envelopes which do not adapt to fluctuating weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hydronic system with dynamic insulation capabilities, utilizing a double-sided microcapillary heating and cooling layer embedded in composite structural insulation panels, which actively manages thermal resistance and stores energy, integrating sensors and computational modules to regulate thermal behavior based on environmental conditions and renewable energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional static building envelopes are used, then construction is simple and cost-effective, but energy consumption for heating and cooling is high
Solution Approach 1:
The building envelope transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system with adjustable thermal resistance. The patent implements this through phase change materials that automatically adjust insulation properties in response to temperature changes, and through movable insulation layers that can be positioned based on environmental conditions, thereby reducing energy consumption while adapting to varying thermal demands
Solution Approach 2:
The building envelope is divided into functional segments including phase change material layers, movable insulation layers, and active thermal management components. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific thermal functions independently, enabling precise control over heat transfer while maintaining overall system effectiveness in reducing energy consumption
2Loss of energy
If conventional heating and cooling systems are used, then system operation is simple, but utilization of available hot sources and cold sinks is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that continuously monitor temperature conditions both inside and outside the building. This feedback enables the system to automatically activate heat recovery from exhaust air when outdoor temperatures are favorable, and to utilize cold sinks such as nighttime air for passive cooling, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The building envelope and thermal management system are designed to automatically utilize available environmental hot sources and cold sinks without requiring active intervention. Phase change materials self-regulate thermal storage and release, while movable insulation layers automatically position themselves in response to temperature differentials, enabling the system to capture and utilize free thermal energy from the environment
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 dynamically adjusts insulation values and efficiently utilizes ambient energy, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions by optimizing heat exchange and storage, thus providing a more energy-efficient and adaptive thermoregulation solution for buildings.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid flows in a first closed loop through the first conduit and the fluid flows in a second closed loop through the second conduit. When the hydronic system is operating in a heat exchange mode, the fluid flows between the first conduit and the second conduit in a third closed loop
Implementation Method 2
at least one valve and at least one pump are configured to control a flow of a fluid inside the first conduit and the second conduit
Implementation Method 3
a partition, a first conduit embedded in a first side of the partition, a second conduit embedded in a second side of the partition
Data Source
AI summary
A hydronic system includes a partition, a first conduit embedded in a first side of the partition, a second conduit embedded in a second side of the partition, a first sheet of finishing material covering the first conduit, a second sheet of finishing material covering the second conduit, and at least one valve and at least one pump. The at least one valve and at least one pump are configured to control a flow of a fluid inside the first conduit and the second conduit. When the hydronic system is operating in an isolating mode, the fluid flows in a first closed loop through the first conduit and the fluid flows in a second closed loop through the second conduit. When the hydronic system is operating in a heat exchange mode, the fluid flows between the first conduit and the second conduit in a third closed loop.