Modular Building Envelope Coatings for Energy and Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building envelopes and roofing systems lack an efficient, energy-optimized solution for dynamic energy management and functional control, particularly in facilities requiring varying energy inputs for cultivation and animal care, with limited integration of energy generation, storage, and adaptive shading and lighting.
Innovation Solution
A modular system of semi-transparent, functional coatings applied to transparent carrier materials, integrated with photovoltaic modules and energy storage units, controlled by a central unit using AI algorithms, enabling localized energy management and adaptive shading, heating, cooling, and lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If opaque photovoltaic modules are installed on the roof to generate energy, then energy generation capability is improved, but light transmission to interior spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The building envelope is divided into modular units, each containing transparent substrate with functional coatings. This segmentation allows different zones to have different optical and energy properties, enabling simultaneous energy generation and light transmission through coordinated arrangement of modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining transparent substrates with multiple functional coatings (photovoltaic, shading, heating, cooling). These composite materials enable the envelope to perform multiple functions - generating energy while maintaining light transmission and providing thermal control
2Loss of energy
If energy screens are installed under the roof for energy shielding, then energy loss prevention is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional coatings (photovoltaic, shading, heating, cooling, energy shielding) are merged into a single integrated modular unit applied to the building envelope. This consolidation reduces system complexity by combining what would otherwise be separate systems into one coordinated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - energy generation, shading, heating, cooling, and energy shielding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, reducing overall system complexity
3Use of energy by stationary object
If mechanical and automatic control systems are used for energy management, then energy optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional coatings in the modular units autonomously respond to environmental conditions (sun position, temperature, light intensity) without requiring complex external control systems. The materials self-regulate their properties to optimize energy performance, reducing the need for mechanical and automatic control mechanisms
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
Provides a flexible, energy-optimized system for dynamic energy management, integrating energy generation, storage, and adaptive shading and lighting, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The modular units can have different coatings, including optically semi-transparent, color-neutral, or specifically colored layers... Energy generation, or energy conversion processes can be implemented using the functional elements
Implementation Method 2
The coatings serve for functional control and local energy management... Lighting, shading, filtering, heating, cooling, energy generation, or energy conversion processes can be implemented using the functional elements
Implementation Method 3
The arrangement has means for locally optimized energy management... integrated with photovoltaic modules and energy storage units
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~4
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (1) of "intelligently" equipped building envelopes (2) and roofs for optimized energy management and functional control, comprising a building envelope (2) and/or roofs enclosing an interior space (3). The building envelope (2) or roof comprises building envelope elements (4) with modular units in the form of different coatings (20a, 20b, 20c) applied to transparent carrier materials, including optically semi-transparent coatings, color-neutral or specifically colored. The individual coatings (20a, 20b, 20c) form functional elements by means of which heating, cooling, filtering, lighting, and shading processes, as well as processes for energy management, energy generation, energy conversion, and storage, can be carried out. Process control can be carried out using AI via a central control unit (7).