Modular hybrid wall assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building heating and cooling systems face challenges such as high radiator surface temperatures causing accidents, inefficient heat transfer, variable temperature profiles, high reparation costs due to rigid installations, and suboptimal energy use due to standardized panels not tailored to specific building conditions, leading to discomfort, inefficiency, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular hybrid wall assembly module that integrates adjustable radiant heating and cooling panels with flexible supporting constructional elements, allowing for customizable installation and insulation, minimizing energy consumption, and eliminating the need for post-constructional jacketing, while providing thermal comfort and efficient heat transfer via radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional radiators are used for heating, then heating function is provided, but surface temperatures become dangerously high causing accidents and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The wall assembly is divided into modular panels with integrated heating/cooling channels, replacing conventional high-temperature radiators with distributed low-temperature radiant surfaces throughout the wall structure
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid circulation system acts as an intermediary between the heat source and the wall panels, transferring thermal energy through pipes embedded in the modular wall assemblies to achieve uniform temperature distribution without exposed hot surfaces
2Loss of energy
If conventional radiators with limited hot surfaces are used, then heating is provided, but heat transfer efficiency is low and temperature profile throughout the room is highly variable
Solution Approach 1:
The modular wall panels serve multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, thermal insulation, and radiant heating/cooling distribution, creating uniform temperature profiles across entire wall surfaces rather than localized hot spots
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous fluid circulation through embedded channels in the wall panels provides sustained, uniform heat or cooling transfer across the entire wall surface, eliminating the intermittent and localized heating of conventional radiators
3Manufacturing precision
If air conditioners and heaters with blowers are used to diminish temperature differences, then temperature uniformity is improved, but continuous forced convection airflow is generated which is unhealthy and disturbing
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical forced convection system (blowers) is replaced with a passive radiant heat transfer system where thermal energy is distributed through the wall structure itself, eliminating the need for mechanical air movement while maintaining temperature uniformity
4Reliability
If rigid pipelines are embedded into walls during construction, then heating/cooling function is provided, but reparation costs for leakages are high requiring expensive destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into modular panels with self-contained fluid channels, allowing individual panel replacement or repair without affecting the entire wall structure or requiring destructive demolition
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid channels are integrated into flexible modular panel structures rather than rigid concrete embedments, enabling easy removal, replacement, and repair of individual panels without damaging the building structure
5Ease of manufacture
If standardized heating/cooling panels are used, then installation is simplified, but panels cannot be tailored to specific building conditions leading to suboptimal energy use
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panel system allows dynamic adaptation to different building conditions by varying panel dimensions, insulation thickness, and channel configurations while maintaining standardized assembly procedures, achieving both ease of installation and site-specific optimization
6Loss of energy
If external thermal insulation is applied in post constructional phase, then insulation is added, but extensive labor is required and performance is lower than predictions due to imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal insulation is integrated into the wall panels during manufacturing before installation, ensuring consistent quality and performance without the need for post-construction application and associated labor-intensive workmanship issues
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 modular hybrid wall assembly module enables quick, cost-effective installation of radiant heating and cooling systems, optimizing energy use, reducing labor and time costs, and enhancing thermal comfort by providing customizable solutions for variable environmental conditions, thus improving energy efficiency and reducing defects in insulation.
Implementation Method 1
Effective adjustment of ambient temperature in interior spaces of the buildings... optimal adjustment of radiant heating and/or cooling panels... efficient heat transfer via radiation
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
This invention relates to a hybrid wall assembly module (23) for use in construction of buildings and a modular hybrid wall assembly having said modules offering complete construction unit with a heat exchanger system in conjunction with insulation and supporting constructional elements, wherein the modular hybrid wall assembly module comprises a fore plate as well as fluid pipes, and constructional elements and an insulation material between the pipes and main constructional elements. The module and assembly provide a robust and practical construction unit which is mountable in a snap fitting manner.