Heating and cooling system of a modular residential building

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular residential buildings face inefficiencies in heating, ventilation, and sewerage systems, particularly in maintaining consistent temperatures and energy efficiency, which affects scalability and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A modular residential building design featuring a central technical room with a fan, dehumidifier (heat pump), and reheating battery, along with a network of air canals between modules, allows for efficient temperature regulation and reduced energy consumption through balanced ventilation and insulation, minimizing the need for individual heating and cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual heating and cooling systems are installed in each module, then temperature control flexibility is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control flexibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges heating and cooling systems into a shared infrastructure by installing insulation layers and air canals in the common framework structure that serves all modules. A single ventilation system with centralized control units serves multiple modules, eliminating the need for duplicate individual systems while maintaining temperature control flexibility through adjustable vents and controllable air flow in each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The framework structure performs multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses insulation layers for thermal management, contains air canals for ventilation, and supports technical rooms. The ventilation system serves both heating and cooling functions across all modules through a single multi-functional infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If modular construction is used, then construction efficiency and scalability are improved, but heating and ventilation system efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidheating and ventilation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heating and ventilation infrastructure with the modular framework structure itself. Insulation layers are integrated into the framework members, and air canals are formed within the framework structure, creating a unified system that maintains efficiency while enabling modular construction and rapid deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies localized thermal management by providing adjustable ventilation vents and controllable air flow in each module while maintaining a shared insulated framework. This allows each module to be optimized for its specific thermal needs while benefiting from the collective efficiency of the shared insulated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If shared technical infrastructure is provided, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to individual module needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadaptability to individual needs
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ventilation and heating control into modular units that can be independently adjusted. Each module has its own controllable vents, adjustable air flow, and accessible technical room, allowing individual customization while maintaining a simple shared infrastructure for air distribution and insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates dynamic control elements such as adjustable ventilation vents, controllable air flow mechanisms, and accessible technical rooms that allow the system to adapt to changing individual module needs. The shared infrastructure remains simple and fixed, while the terminal control points are dynamic and customizable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution maintains a consistent temperature between modules, reducing energy consumption and enhancing scalability by providing a rational and efficient construction method, with estimated power consumption of approximately 235 W per module at 21°C indoor temperature, even at -20°C outdoor temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

a dehumidifier (heat pump)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat pump: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

dehumidifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

a reheating battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy storage: Thermal Energy Storage

Implementation Method 4

a fan... The forced air circulating in the interior canals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 5

The assembly of framework and flat modules are covered with an insulating layer/shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3371386B1Heating and cooling system of a modular residential building
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 ORIENT HLDG AS
  • EP3371386B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3371386B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3371386B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The present invention discloses a heating and cooling system of a modular residential building at least comprising: a) a building framework,b) a number of flat modules (1.0), c) a number of front elements (6.04),d) at least two gable elements (6.03),e) at least one roof element (6.02), and f) a plurality of horizontal and vertical heating and cooling canals, where the building frameworks includes fastening means (5.02) for securing the flat modules (1.0) to the building framework with a horizontal and vertical distance between neighbouring flat modules (1.0) thereby creating cavities there between where cavities are utilized as the plurality of horizontal and vertical heating and cooling canals.