Thermal insulating apparatus and uses thereof
Solution Overview
Problem
Exterior wall openings in buildings, such as windows and doors, are poorly insulated, leading to significant heat loss and increased energy consumption, especially during cold months, as they typically have lower R-values compared to wall sections and do not utilize solar thermal energy effectively for heating.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insulating apparatus comprising panels with insulating materials and integrated solar thermal energy collectors that can be attached to wall openings, allowing them to operate between open and closed positions, collecting heat from sunlight and distributing it to interior spaces through ductwork, air, or fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional windows and doors are used, then access to light and air is provided, but thermal insulation is poor (R-value less than R-7 for windows, R-11 or R-14 for doors)
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulating apparatus is designed to be movable between an open position (allowing access to the wall opening) and a closed position (providing thermal insulation). This dynamic configuration enables the system to switch between providing access and providing insulation based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and energy loss prevention.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar thermal panels are installed on walls or roofs, then heat collection from sunlight is improved, but thermal insulation for wall openings is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated apparatus: solar thermal energy collection and thermal insulation for wall openings. The panel includes both insulating material layers and solar thermal collectors, allowing it to simultaneously provide insulation (reducing heat loss) and collect solar thermal energy, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy collection and insulation provision.
3Illumination intensity
If wall openings are glazed or unglazed panels, then access to light and air is enabled, but insulative capacity is limited (R-value less than R-7)
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus can be opened to allow light and air passage, then closed to provide thermal insulation. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction between maintaining illumination access and preventing heat loss, as the system can switch between transparent/open states and insulated/closed states based on environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel uses composite construction with multiple layers including insulating materials (such as foam insulation, fiberglass, or mineral wool) combined with solar thermal collectors. This composite structure significantly improves the R-value beyond traditional glazing while maintaining the ability to transmit light when open and provide insulation when closed.
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 apparatus significantly enhances insulation and heat generation at wall openings, reducing heating costs by increasing the R-value and providing a supplementary heating source, potentially adding up to R-28 to wall openings, while also offering energy savings by harnessing solar thermal energy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solar thermal energy collector unit for collecting heat from solar thermal energy from sunlight
Implementation Method 2
collected solar thermal energy may distributed to the interior space by circulation of air or fluid heated by the solar thermal energy collector unit so as to allow heat exchange between the heated air or fluid and the interior space
Implementation Method 3
at least one panel comprising one or more layers of insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal insulating apparatus for insulating a building envelope is provided. The thermal insulating apparatus may comprise at least one panel comprising one or more layers of insulating material, and at least one attachment site for joining the thermal insulating apparatus to at least one position of said building envelope. The thermal insulating apparatus may be operable between an open position allowing access to a wall opening, and a closed position in which at least one panel of the thermal insulating apparatus substantially covers and thermally insulates said wall opening. The thermal insulating apparatus may further comprise at least one solar thermal energy collector unit for collecting heat from solar thermal energy from sunlight, and the collected heat may be used for heating a structure such as a home or garage.