Modular PCM Radiant Heating Plate with Clickable Stud Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiant heating systems with Phase Changing Materials (PCM) are costly, labor-intensive, and do not meet the needs of users and the market, lacking in cost efficiency, flexibility, and environmental friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A modular radiant heating system using a studded plate with PCM-filled studs for improved heat exchange, featuring a flexible and ergonomic design with a sealing sheet for airtight and water vapor-tight sealing, and an underlayer for thermal insulation, allowing for easy installation and efficient heating/cooling of environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If PCM is integrated into conventional radiant heating systems, then heating and cooling efficiency is improved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular heating elements that can be independently installed and connected. Each module contains integrated PCM capsules, tubing, and distribution channels, allowing for simplified modular installation rather than complex custom installation for each system
Solution Approach 2:
PCM capsules are nested within the heating element structure, with multiple capsules arranged in rows within each module. The tubing is integrated within the same modular structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that simplifies installation while maintaining thermal efficiency
2Loss of energy
If PCM containers are positioned on conduits, then heat exchange is improved, but manufacturing cost and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element integrates multiple functions into a single manufactured component: PCM capsules are encapsulated within the same modular structure that contains the tubing and distribution channels. This merging of functions into pre-fabricated modules eliminates the need for separate positioning and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing cost and labor while maintaining effective heat exchange
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are pre-fabricated with PCM capsules already positioned and sealed within the modular structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action of pre-positioning and pre-sealing eliminates complex assembly steps during installation, reducing labor intensity while ensuring proper heat exchange geometry
3Quantity of substance
If multiple PCM containers are used per module, then heat storage capacity increases, but system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total heat storage capacity is achieved through segmentation into multiple small PCM capsules arranged in rows within each module, rather than using fewer large containers. This segmentation allows for standardized modular manufacturing while achieving the required total heat storage capacity through quantity of simple, identical units
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular heating element is designed as a universal component that can be installed in various locations and configurations. The standardized module design with integrated PCM capsules and tubing can serve different thermal requirements through varying the number of modules installed, rather than requiring custom-designed complex modules
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 provides effective and flexible heating/cooling with reduced energy consumption, extending the lifespan of the system and offering energy savings of 30-40% through optimized heat transfer and reduced switching demands.
Implementation Method 1
the studs are configured with means for holding a part of the tube in close contact, characterized in that one or more of the studs of the studded plate are arranged as pockets of various volumes between 15 and 25 cl., arranged for being filled with a Phase Changing Material (PCM)
Implementation Method 2
the PCM of a filled stud of the one or more studs is arranged for exchanging heat with the fluid of said tube, mainly at the location of the close contact area between the filled stud and the tube
Implementation Method 3
the studded plate is configured with an underlayer made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) made in various thickness with acoustical and/or thermal insulation characteristics
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A module for radiant heating, having a studded plate for holding a tube with heating and/or cooling fluid. The studded plate has studs arranged as pockets for being filled with PCM, whereby the PCM exchanges heat with said tube. A stud filled with the PCM, is air- and watertight sealed with a sealing sheet, independently of a sealing of other studs on the plate. The studded plate comprises an inner section filled with the PCM, and an outer section of studs situated around at least one side of the studded plate, whereby these outer studs are left empty and open at the side of the plate, thereby allowing studs of a second studded plate, to be releasably clickable into the open studs of the studded plate. The plate may be provided with an insulating EPS underlayer.