Assembly and articulated panel, for thermal insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal insulation technologies, including phase change materials (PCMs) and vacuum insulating panels (VIPs), face challenges in implementation, particularly in terms of conditioning and meeting market expectations for reducing pollutant emissions and optimizing energy return, with limitations in efficiency and practical application.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a modular assembly with a peripheral wall and interior volume containing a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid, thermally insulating elements of VIP construction, and retaining protrusions or spacers that facilitate easy assembly and disassembly, along with a sleeve to retain the insulating structures, optimizing thermal insulation by minimizing thermal bridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If PCMs and VIPs are used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation efficiency is improved, but conditioning and practical implementation become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating structure is divided into multiple VIP modules that can be independently handled and assembled. Each VIP is a self-contained unit with its own vacuum-sealed insulating panel, allowing for easier transportation, installation, and maintenance while maintaining high thermal insulation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The VIP modules are nested within a supporting structure that includes retaining protrusions and spacers. The insulating panels are positioned within a framework that provides mechanical support and facilitates assembly, with components fitting together in a hierarchical manner that simplifies conditioning.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional insulating materials are used, then ease of implementation is improved, but thermal insulation efficiency decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solution combines VIP technology (high-performance vacuum-sealed insulating panels) with a supporting structure made of conventional materials. This composite approach integrates the superior thermal insulation properties of VIPs with the mechanical strength and ease of assembly of traditional structures, achieving both efficiency and implementability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixed structures are used for insulating panels, then structural stability is improved, but assembly and disassembly for maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining protrusions and spacers are designed to provide stable positioning of VIP modules during operation, while allowing for reversible assembly and disassembly. The mechanical connections enable easy installation and removal of insulating panels for maintenance without compromising structural integrity during normal use.
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 solution enhances thermal insulation efficiency, allows for rapid storage and release of thermal energy, and addresses the limitations of existing technologies by providing a more practical and efficient method for thermal energy management, suitable for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum obtained, typically with a residual pressure ranging from 10−3 to 104 Pa, may allow decreasing the thermal conductivity to 0.02, if not less than 0.01 W/(m·K) approximately in the conditions of use
Implementation Method 2
they are thermal insulators in which an insulating core, typically made of porous material, e.g. a silica gel/powder pressed into a plate
Implementation Method 3
A phase change material (PCM) may also be contained in the structure under vacuum (VIP). Heat transfer (or thermal transfer) can be achieved by using the Latent Heat (LH) thereof: the material can then store or transfer energy by a mere change of state, while maintaining a substantially constant temperature
Implementation Method 4
Heat transfer (or thermal transfer) can be achieved by using the Latent Heat (LH) thereof: the material can then store or transfer energy by a mere change of state
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly having a structure provided with an interior volume in which is present for example at least one fluid capable of circulating in said volume and under the action of circulation means. Thermally insulating elements of VIP construction are arranged around a layer containing a PCM and extending around the peripheral wall that surrounds the volume. Protrusions fixed to the peripheral wall delimit spaces in which the thermally insulating elements are positioned. A sleeve extends around the protrusions and the insulating elements.