Insulating Panel Conduit Structure for Enhanced Air Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to optimize heat transfer to and from buildings due to increasing energy costs, which existing insulation technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A composite insulating panel is developed, comprising a first sheet, a second sheet, and insulating foam with a longitudinally extending conduit means, where a barrier between the foam and the sheets is not planar, allowing for enhanced heat transfer by creating a larger void space for air circulation and heat exchange, and the panels can be profiled with crowns for increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a planar barrier is used between the conduit means and insulating foam, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the heat transfer capability is limited due to restricted air circulation space
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed with a non-planar, curved profile that extends into the insulating foam to create a larger void space for air circulation. This curved configuration increases the surface area for heat exchange and improves thermal efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier transitions from a two-dimensional planar surface to a three-dimensional non-planar structure that protrudes into the foam. This dimensional change creates additional volume for air circulation and enhances the heat transfer pathway without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the conduit means is made larger to improve air circulation and heat transfer, then the heat exchange efficiency increases, but the amount of insulating foam decreases reducing overall insulation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The non-planar barrier creates localized regions of enhanced air circulation within the foam structure. By concentrating the void space in specific areas where heat transfer is most needed, the design optimizes heat exchange efficiency while preserving insulation performance in other regions where foam density is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier structure is nested within the insulating foam, creating a hierarchical arrangement where the non-planar barrier protrusions are embedded in the foam matrix. This nesting allows the conduit means to access additional air circulation space without completely displacing the insulating foam, thereby maintaining overall insulation performance while enhancing local heat exchange.
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 solution effectively enhances heat transfer capabilities, allowing for efficient collection and circulation of solar energy, which can be used to heat buildings, thereby reducing energy costs and improving thermal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
insulating foam between the first sheet and the second sheet
Implementation Method 2
allowing for enhanced heat transfer by creating a larger void space for air circulation and heat exchange
Implementation Method 3
barrier between the conduit means and the insulating foam wherein the barrier is not planar
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating panel includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a body of insulating foam between the sheets. The foam has a plurality of longitudinally extending conduits through which a heat exchange medium such as air is circulated. A barrier is used to create an enlarged void space for air circulation. The barrier is located below profile crowns to prevent foam from entering the crowns and to create additional foam-free voids below the crown. Heat transfer efficiency is increased.