Modular Heating and Cooling Panel with Integrated Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building heating and cooling systems require specialized installation, are not suitable for retrofitting existing structures, and suffer from leaks that are difficult to detect and repair due to hidden tubing, leading to costly and invasive repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated modular construction panel with integrated heating and cooling circuits, leak detection, and rapid assembly/disassembly systems, allowing for easy installation and repair without specialized labor, featuring channels for fluid circulation, conductive elements for thermal efficiency, and snap-fastening mechanisms for panel connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional heating circuits are integrated inside walls using tubes, then heating function is achieved, but installation requires specialized companies and major construction work
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is divided into modular panels that can be assembled independently. Each panel contains pre-integrated heating circuits, allowing the heating system to be installed as discrete modules rather than requiring extensive wall construction and specialized plumbing work.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating circuit is merged with the wall panel structure itself. The channels and insulation are integrated directly into the panel during manufacturing, combining the wall construction and heating system installation into a single unified component that requires minimal additional work.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tubes are hidden inside existing walls, then aesthetic appearance is maintained, but leak detection and repair become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Access panels are introduced as intermediary elements that provide direct access to the heating circuits without compromising the aesthetic appearance of the main wall. These removable panels allow easy inspection and repair while maintaining the overall wall integrity and appearance when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating circuit maintenance function is extracted from the main wall structure through separate access panels. This allows the diagnostic and repair operations to be performed on removable sections without damaging or extensively working on the permanent wall structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular floor systems are used for heating, then installation is simplified, but panel thickness increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation and heating circuit are integrated into thin panel structures that maintain structural integrity while minimizing thickness. The design uses efficient insulation materials and compact channel arrangements to achieve the required thermal performance in a space-efficient manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation parameters are optimized to achieve the required performance with reduced thickness. By adjusting insulation material properties and layer configurations, the panel achieves adequate thermal efficiency while maintaining a compact thickness suitable for renovation applications.
4Reliability
If conventional screwed hydraulic connections are used, then assembly is possible, but connections are not secure and aesthetically visible
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic connections are merged with the panel structure itself through integrated channel systems. The fluid circulation paths are built into the panel during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate visible connection fittings and ensuring secure, leak-free joints as part of the monolithic panel structure.
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
Enables rapid, cost-effective installation and simplified repair of heating and cooling systems in existing buildings, with immediate leak detection and prevention, reducing downtime and renovation costs, and allowing for thin panel thickness for aesthetic integration.
Implementation Method 1
circulation means (12) formed during the formation of said base element (11), said means being configured to allow the circulation of a heat transfer or cooling fluid through the panel
Implementation Method 2
conductive element (13) in the form of a substantially flat plate, said plate being fixed to said upper face (11a) of said base element (11) so as to cover it entirely or almost entirely
Implementation Method 3
detection means (14) formed on said lower face (11b) of said base element (11), said means being configured to make it possible to detect leaks of said heat transfer fluid through said panel
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a building panel (10) intended for creating heating and/or cooling walls of buildings, comprising: a base element (11) defined by an upper face (11a), a lower face (11b) and several lateral faces (11c), circulation means (12) for the circulation of a heat-transfer or cooling fluid, which are arranged on the inside of said base element (11), a substantially flat conducting element (13), fixed to the upper face (11a) of the base element (11) so as to cover it entirely or almost entirely, said conducting element (13) having good thermal conductivity, mechanical connection means (9) secured to said base element (11), said mechanical connection means (9) being able to allow removable attachment of said building panel to an identical or similar building panel arranged adjacent to the latter, fluidic-connection means (17) designed to allow the heat-transfer or cooling fluid to circulate between said building panel and an identical or similar building panel attached thereto, leak detection means (14) able to detect a leak of heat-transfer or cooling fluid at the lower (11b) or upper (11a) face of the base element (11).