Modular Facade Panel Conditioning System for Building Energy Retrofit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building infrastructure, particularly in multifamily residential and condominium buildings, lacks a comprehensive and cost-effective method to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also improving HVAC infrastructure and maintaining minimal disruption to occupants.

Innovation Solution

A facade panel conditioning system comprising modular panels with integrated HVAC piping and ductwork that forms an insulated shell around buildings, using electricity-powered systems to reduce heating and cooling loads, and featuring isolation baffles to prevent air, fire, and smoke migration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional HVAC infrastructure is installed in existing buildings, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions remain high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidHVAC infrastructure performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The building facade is divided into modular panels, each containing integrated HVAC components. This segmentation allows for distributed heating and cooling units that reduce overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable local climate control in each zone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines insulation, HVAC piping, ductwork, and facade elements into integrated modular panels. This merging reduces energy loss through the building envelope while providing efficient heating and cooling, thereby reducing both energy consumption and maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of energy

If building retrofits are implemented to reduce emissions, then energy efficiency improves, but installation complexity and disruption to occupants increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegreenhouse gas emissionsVSAvoidretrofit installation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retrofit system is divided into standardized modular panels that can be installed in sections rather than requiring complete building shutdown. This segmentation reduces installation complexity and minimizes disruption to occupants while achieving significant emissions reductions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular panels are designed as universal components that can be applied to various building types and configurations. Each panel integrates multiple functions (insulation, HVAC, facade), simplifying the retrofit process and reducing overall installation complexity while effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If modular panels are installed to form an insulated shell, then energy efficiency increases, but air tightness and fire safety requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding energy efficiencyVSAvoidair, fire, and smoke migration

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Isolation baffles are introduced as intermediary elements within the modular panel system. These baffles create controlled pathways that maintain the insulated shell's thermal efficiency while preventing uncontrolled migration of air, fire, and smoke, thus addressing safety concerns without compromising energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, enhances HVAC efficiency, improves air quality, and provides a modern appearance for buildings, while minimizing disruption to tenants and occupants.

Implementation Method 1

hydronic piping within each modular panel that distributes heated or chilled water to the individual units

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

air ductwork within each modular panel that distributes air to the individual units

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

modular panels that connect to one another over the exterior of a building to form an insulated shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11767990B2Facade panel conditioning system

Publication Date: 2023.09.26 HYDRONIC SHELL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A facade panel conditioning system for installation on a new or existing building is disclosed. The system includes modular panels, a structural anchor, hydronic piping, and ductwork. The panels attach to each other around the exterior of the building forming an insulated shell. The anchor attaches the panels to the building structure forming an air cavity between each individual panel and the exterior. The hydronic piping transfers heat to the air cavity and individual units of the building. The ductwork delivers ventilated air and exhaust air to the air cavity and individual units. The hydronic piping of a panel connects to the hydronic piping of an adjacent panel forming a hydronic piping system that distributes heat or cool throughout the shell. The air duct of a panel connects to the air duct of an adjacent panel forming an air duct ventilation system that distributes air throughout the shell.