Modular Thermal Panels with Internal Air Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building facade systems face challenges in providing efficient thermal insulation during both hot and cold weather, and are difficult to repair, with a need for modular thermal panels that allow internal air flow for insulation and easy assembly/disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular thermal panel system with interconnected panels that allow air flow from the bottom to the top, using a sealed inner gap and connecting means like try-squares, with optional blowers for enhanced airflow, and sealant-tunnels for sealing, enabling efficient thermal insulation and easy installation/removal from inside the building.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional outer panels are mounted on racks with crossbars to cover the facade, then the building shell can be constructed, but thermal insulation efficiency deteriorates due to thermal bridges between the house and street
Solution Approach 1:
The facade is divided into multiple modular thermal panels, each being a self-contained unit with internal insulation and air flow channels. This segmentation eliminates thermal bridges by replacing continuous rigid mounting structures with discrete insulated modules, thereby improving thermal insulation efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each thermal panel employs composite construction combining outer panels, insulation layers, and internal air flow channels. This multi-layer composite structure integrates thermal insulation and air flow functions into a single unit, eliminating the need for separate thermal bridge components and improving overall thermal performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If glass panels are used for building shells to provide modern appearance and functionality, then aesthetic and functional requirements are met, but repairability deteriorates due to difficulty in replacing individual panels
Solution Approach 1:
The facade system is segmented into independent modular thermal panels that can be individually removed and replaced. Each panel is a complete functional unit with its own mounting mechanism, allowing damaged panels to be replaced without affecting adjacent panels, thereby significantly improving repairability while maintaining the modern glass panel aesthetic.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic elements such as removable clips and adjustable fasteners that enable panels to be easily installed and removed. This dynamic mounting mechanism transforms the static, difficult-to-repair glass facade into a flexible system where individual panels can be quickly replaced from inside the building.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed insulation systems are used to provide thermal insulation, then insulation function is provided, but adaptability to different weather conditions deteriorates due to inability to adjust between hot and cold weather modes
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal panels incorporate movable components including adjustable vents and controllable air flow channels that allow the system to dynamically respond to weather conditions. During hot weather, air flow channels enable convective cooling; during cold weather, the same channels can be sealed to provide static insulation, thereby achieving adaptability to different weather conditions while maintaining reliable thermal insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on weather conditions by adjusting air flow rates, vent openings, and seal positions. This parameter adjustment capability allows the thermal panels to optimize their insulation and cooling performance for different environmental conditions, achieving both adaptability and reliable thermal protection.
4Loss of energy
If modular thermal panels with internal air flow channels are implemented to improve thermal insulation, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal panels merge multiple functions into single integrated components: the outer panel serves as both structural element and air flow channel, the insulation layer is integrated within the panel thickness rather than as a separate external layer, and mounting mechanisms are built into the panel edges. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each thermal panel is designed as a universal module that performs multiple functions simultaneously: thermal insulation, air flow for convective cooling, structural support, and weather protection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall device complexity while achieving improved energy efficiency through integrated design.
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 thermal insulation in both summer and winter by controlling air flow and using sealant-tunnels for sealing, while allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly of panels, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
during hot weather air flowing inside the panels provide thermal insulation to the building
Implementation Method 2
during cold weather air locked inside the panels provide thermal insulation to the building
Data Source
AI summary
A shell system for a building, facilitating internal bottom-up flow of air inside the shell system, the shell system includes a plurality of modular thermal panels, and connecting means for interconnecting the plurality of modular thermal panels or a portion thereof Each of the modular thermal panel includes an enclosed frame having two side faces, a top face and a bottom face, wherein two openings are formed in the frame's faces: a sealingly enclosed internal face and a sealingly enclosed external fac wherein an inner gap, filled with air, is formed between the internal face and the external face. At least one frame-opening is formed in each of the faces of the frame, allowing air to flow between adjacent modular thermal panels, that are sealingly interconnected, while allowing the inner air flow.