Modular Thermal Transfer Panel With Accessible Hydraulic Pipe Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular panels for thermal conditioning in buildings have limited modularity, high manufacturing complexity, and maintenance difficulties due to integrated hydraulic circuits, leading to inefficiencies in energy transfer, increased risk of breakdowns, and inflexible thermal distribution.
Innovation Solution
A modular panel design featuring a heat-insulating layer with embedded grooves for hydraulic pipes, allowing for post-installation pipe assembly and easy dimension adjustment, along with a sealing system to ensure leak-tightness and thermal efficiency, and the use of blind panels to fill gaps for complete surface coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic circuits are integrated in a fixed manner in current modular panels, then thermal energy transfer is enabled, but maintenance access is blocked and breakdown risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into separate functional layers: a finish layer (plasterboard or decorative panel) and a support structure containing the hydraulic circuit. This segmentation allows the finish layer to be removed or replaced for maintenance access to the hydraulic circuit, while the circuit itself remains protected and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic circuit is extracted from being fully embedded in the finish layer and is instead housed in a dedicated support structure. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to access the circuit by removing only the support structure or access panels, not the entire finish layer, reducing breakdown risk while maintaining accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular panels have fixed dimensions with limited size options, then manufacturing is simplified, but assembly flexibility and surface coverage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panel system is segmented into standardized modular units that can be combined in various configurations. Each module has fixed, simplified dimensions, but multiple modules can be assembled to create custom-sized thermal surfaces, providing assembly flexibility without increasing individual panel complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure with integrated hydraulic circuits is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to different panel sizes and configurations. The same basic support structure design can serve multiple panel dimensions, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability.
3Reliability
If hydraulic circuits are completely fixed in modular panels, then structural integrity is maintained, but thermal distribution uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit is designed with flexible sections and expansion capabilities within the support structure, allowing the circuit to adapt its configuration dynamically. This enables optimized thermal distribution patterns while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the panel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure provides localized support and positioning for the hydraulic circuit at critical points, allowing the circuit to be fixed where structural integrity is needed while remaining flexible in sections where thermal distribution optimization is required.
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 eliminating intermediate connections and allowing for flexible thermal distribution and maintenance access.
Implementation Method 1
a first plate (3) integrated to the lower face (2A) of the heat-insulating layer (2)
Implementation Method 2
a sealing system to ensure leak-tightness
Data Source
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).