Modular Heat Exchanger Layout With Add-On Room Functions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular heat exchange systems in buildings have limited functionality and efficiency, as they primarily focus on heating and cooling without the ability to adapt to additional functions or optimize air flow and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A modular heat exchange system comprising heat exchange elements and add-on non-heat-exchange elements that can be combined to expand functionality, such as incorporating light units, air humidifying units, or control units, while maintaining efficient heat exchange through complementary shapes and designs that enhance flexibility and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular heat exchange elements are coupled adjacent to each other to form heating/cooling systems, then the system can be assembled and installed in buildings, but the functionality remains limited to heat exchange only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a universal modular unit that can serve both as a heat exchange element and as a non-heat-exchange add-on element. The complementary shape design allows any modular unit to function as an adapter, enabling the system to perform multiple functions (heating, cooling, lighting, humidifying, controlling) using the same basic building blocks, thus resolving the limitation of single-functionality without significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the heat exchange element into functional components that can be independently configured. By dividing the system into modular units with standardized complementary interfaces, the patent enables flexible combination of heat exchange and non-heat exchange functions, allowing the system to be customized for different room requirements while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through standardization.
2Loss of energy
If traditional heat exchange systems are used, then heat exchange function is provided, but heat loss occurs and efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-heat-exchange add-on elements as intermediaries between the heat exchange elements and the environment. These intermediate elements (such as light units, humidifying units, or control units) can optimize the thermal environment by adding complementary functions that reduce overall heat loss and improve the efficiency of the heat exchange process, rather than directly modifying the heat exchange elements themselves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heat exchange elements are designed with fixed shapes, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different room configurations and aesthetic requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry through complementary shapes where heat exchange elements and non-heat-exchange elements have asymmetric interfaces that fit together like puzzle pieces. This asymmetric design allows for versatile configuration adaptation to different room layouts and aesthetic requirements, while the standardization of these complementary interfaces maintains manufacturing simplicity by using a limited set of standardized components.
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 achieves higher efficiency and adaptability, allowing for enhanced functionality in each room, reduced heat loss, and improved safety and aesthetics, while maintaining the efficiency of the heat exchange process.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchange element (100) is equipped for exchanging heat between environmental air and a heating/cooling fluid (liquid or gas) which is conducted through the heat exchange element (100)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A modular heat exchange system for use in central heat exchange installations in buildings. The system comprises at least one heat exchange element equipped for exchanging heat between environmental air and a fluid which is conducted through the heat exchange element. The heat exchange element comprises a technical part for conducting the fluid, a wall mount adapted for being fixed to a wall and for holding the technical part and a cover for covering the technical part, the cover having a predetermined first shape with opposite lateral sides corresponding to a predetermined second shape of at least one non-heat-exchange add-on element, equipped for adding a given additional functionality to the system. The technical part comprises a front member in a non-heat conductive material, a back member in a heat conductive material and a sealing in between. The back member comprises a flat base with a plurality of upstanding fins for exchanging heat with the air. The wall mount is constructed in a non-heat conductive material. A ventilator is provided at a bottom side of the heat exchange element for drawing air into the heat exchange element.