Modular Plenum Ceiling System for Flexible Room Layout Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building systems face inefficiencies in room layout changes, as modifications to ventilation and lighting equipment often require extensive time and disrupt daily operations, due to the need for widespread adjustments in response to minor layout changes.
Innovation Solution
A building system featuring an air-permeable suspended ceiling with modular plenum modules, each equipped with supply air and exhaust devices, and integrated lighting, allowing for controlled and diffuse ventilation and lighting distribution, enabling flexible room layout adjustments without major system changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional suspended ceiling systems with centralized ventilation equipment are used, then ventilation coverage is achieved across the entire flooring space, but any change in room layout requires extensive reconfiguration of ventilation and lighting equipment affecting the entire flooring space
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum space is divided into multiple independent plenum modules separated by partition wall sections. Each plenum module serves a specific area and can be independently configured with its own ventilation and lighting equipment. This segmentation allows room layout changes to be localized to specific modules rather than requiring system-wide reconfiguration, thereby improving adaptability while reducing time loss during layout changes.
2Productivity
If traditional non-air permeable suspended ceilings are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but ventilation efficiency is reduced due to limited air distribution capability
Solution Approach 1:
The suspended ceiling is designed as air permeable, allowing supply air to diffuse uniformly through the ceiling material into the flooring space. This porous ceiling design transforms concentrated air jets into diffuse air distribution, maintaining high ventilation capacity while eliminating thermal discomfort from direct air streams. The air permeable property enables efficient air transfer without compromising the ceiling's structural function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partition walls are added or repositioned in the flooring space, then room layout flexibility is improved, but alignment with ceiling infrastructure becomes complex requiring extensive modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling infrastructure is segmented into modular plenum modules that align with partition wall sections. This modular design creates a grid structure where partition walls can be easily positioned along predefined sections without requiring complex reconfiguration of ceiling equipment. Each module is self-contained and can be independently configured, simplifying the alignment process and reducing overall system complexity despite the flexibility provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall sections serve dual functions: they provide physical room division and simultaneously act as structural elements for the ceiling infrastructure, supporting the plenum modules above. This multi-functionality allows partition walls to be repositioned for layout changes while maintaining their role in the ceiling system, reducing the need for separate ceiling modifications and simplifying the overall adaptation process.
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
Facilitates swift and efficient adaptations in room layout with minimal disruption to daily operations by providing high ventilation capacity and thermal comfort through controlled air delivery and modular design, allowing for uniform air distribution and easy reconfiguration of spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a supply air device for delivery of supply air to the associated plenum module for pressurization thereof such that the supply air delivered to the plenum module is supplied to the flooring space through the air permeable suspended ceiling
Implementation Method 2
the supply air delivered to the plenum module is supplied to the flooring space through the air permeable suspended ceiling
Data Source
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AI summary
A ceiling system for a building space defined by a structural ceiling (2) and a flooring (3) of a building. The ceiling system comprises an air permeable suspended ceiling (5) arranged below the structural ceiling (2), wherein a plenum space (7) is formed between the suspended ceiling (5) and the structural ceiling (2) and a flooring space (8) is formed between the flooring (3) and the suspended ceiling (5), and a plurality of partition wall sections (6). The plurality of partition wall sections (6) is arranged in the plenum space (7) extending between the structural ceiling (2) and the suspended ceiling (5); and forms a plurality of plenum modules (9) distributed across the plenum space (7). Each one of the plurality of plenum modules (9) comprises equipment, the equipment of each plenum module (9) comprising a supply air device (12) for delivery of supply air to the associated plenum module (9). The invention also relates to a building system comprising such a ceiling system.