Facade Panel Conditioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buildings, particularly older multifamily residential and condominium structures, face challenges in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without disrupting tenants, while needing updated HVAC infrastructure and improved comfort and air quality.
Innovation Solution
A facade panel conditioning system comprising modular panels with integrated HVAC piping and ductwork, forming an insulated shell around the building, powered by electricity, and distributing heating, cooling, and ventilation efficiently to individual units, with isolation baffles to prevent air and smoke migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional HVAC systems are installed in existing buildings, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but energy consumption is high and greenhouse gas emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building facade is divided into modular panels, each containing integrated HVAC components. This segmentation allows the system to be installed in discrete sections without requiring complete building shutdown or extensive tenant displacement, while delivering localized efficient climate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the building envelope (facade) with HVAC infrastructure into integrated modular panels. This combination eliminates the need for separate HVAC equipment installations, reduces overall energy consumption through optimized thermal performance, and minimizes installation disruption.
2Ease of operation
If older buildings are retrofitted with new HVAC infrastructure, then comfort and air quality improve, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
HVAC piping and ductwork are pre-integrated into the modular facade panels during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site HVAC installation, reducing both installation complexity and cost while ensuring proper integration with the building envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide thermal insulation, integrate HVAC distribution, ensure airtightness, and contribute to building aesthetics. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed, simplifying installation while improving comfort and air quality.
3Loss of energy
If modular panels are installed to form an insulated shell, then energy efficiency improves, but airtightness and vapor-tightness become critical requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panels utilize composite construction combining insulation materials with airtight and vapor-tight barriers. This composite structure achieves high energy efficiency while maintaining the critical reliability requirements for preventing air leakage and vapor intrusion through the building envelope.
4Productivity
If HVAC piping is integrated within facade panels, then distribution efficiency improves, but maintenance access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system is segmented into modular sections distributed across facade panels. This segmentation enables localized maintenance of specific panels without shutting down the entire HVAC system, improving both distribution efficiency and maintenance accessibility through modular replacement or service of individual units.
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 reduces energy consumption, eliminates fossil fuel combustion, enhances comfort and air quality, and simplifies maintenance, while revitalizing building appearance and infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a hydronic coil configured to heat or cool air recirculated and ventilated into the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
an air supply booster fan configured to move air from the enclosure to the unit
Data Source
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 building forming an insulated shell. The anchor attaches the panels to the building structure forming an air cavity between each panel and the interior of the building. The hydronic piping transfers heat to the air cavity and the interior of the building. The ductwork delivers ventilated air and exhaust air to the air cavity and the interior of the building. 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.