Modular panel for thermal energy transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular panels for thermal conditioning in buildings have limited modularity, high manufacturing complexity, and maintenance issues due to integrated hydraulic circuits, leading to inefficient energy transfer, increased breakdowns, and lengthy assembly times.
Innovation Solution
A modular panel design featuring a heat-insulating layer with an embedded aluminum conducting plate and a groove system for hydraulic pipe installation, allowing for flexible panel adaptation and easy maintenance, along with closure means for leak-tightness and thermal efficiency, and blind panels for filling gaps, enabling continuous hydraulic circuits without intermediate connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic circuits are integrated in a fixed manner in modular panels, then thermal energy transfer is enabled, but maintenance access is blocked and breakdowns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit is extracted from the fixed integrated structure and separated into an independent removable component. The circuit can be detached from the panel without damaging the panel itself, allowing maintenance personnel to access, remove, and replace the hydraulic circuit easily. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both reliable thermal energy transfer (when installed) and easy maintenance access (when removable).
Solution Approach 2:
The panel system is segmented into distinct functional components: the panel structure and the hydraulic circuit. This segmentation allows the hydraulic circuit to be independently accessed, removed, and replaced without affecting the panel. The circuit is divided into separable parts that can be maintained independently, resolving the contradiction between fixed integration for thermal transfer and accessibility for maintenance.
2Power
If modular panels have fixed hydraulic circuits, then thermal power is provided, but assembly time increases due to intermediate connections
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuits from multiple panels are merged into a single continuous circuit by removing intermediate connection components. Instead of connecting circuits between panels through multiple intermediate connection points, the circuits are designed to flow continuously through adjacent panels. This merging eliminates the time-consuming intermediate connection assembly steps while maintaining the thermal power output of the integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic circuits are pre-configured within each panel during manufacturing with connection interfaces that align with adjacent panels. The circuits are prepared in advance to enable continuous flow without requiring complex intermediate connections during installation. This preliminary preparation of the circuit paths reduces assembly time while ensuring proper thermal power distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If panels are made modular with integrated circuits, then installation flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit is extracted as a separate manufacturable component from the panel structure. This allows the panel to be manufactured using standard panel fabrication processes without the complexity of integrating hydraulic circuits. The circuit can be manufactured separately using simpler processes and then installed in the panel, maintaining installation flexibility while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is segmented into separate stages: panel fabrication and hydraulic circuit assembly. The panel structure is manufactured independently using conventional methods, while the hydraulic circuit is assembled separately and then integrated into the completed panel. This segmentation of manufacturing processes reduces overall complexity while preserving the modular installation flexibility of the final product.
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
This design enhances energy efficiency, reduces breakdowns, maximizes surface utilization, and simplifies assembly by allowing flexible panel configuration and easy maintenance, ensuring ideal thermal distribution and increased installed thermal power.
Implementation Method 1
at least one aluminum conducting plate attached to a lower face of the heat-insulating layer
Implementation Method 2
a heat-insulating layer with an embedded aluminum conducting plate
Implementation Method 3
closure means configured to seal the longitudinal opening and press the hydraulic pipe against the groove
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular panel for thermal energy transfer particularly configured for being used in ceilings and walls, comprising a heat-insulating layer (2) forming a supporting structure demarcated by a lower face (2A), an upper face (2B), two side faces (2C, 2D) and two end faces (2E, 2F). Said panel (1) comprises at least one conducting plate (3) attached to the lower face (2A). Said conducting plate (3) is formed by a groove (31) embedded in the heat-insulating layer (2), defining a longitudinal cavity (32) which is configured to house a hydraulic pipe (6), and defining a longitudinal opening (34) which allows inserting the hydraulic pipe (6); a transfer plate (35) extending on the lower face (2A) and closure means (4) configured to seal the longitudinal opening (34) and press the hydraulic pipe (6) against the groove (31).