Multi-Vent Roof Assembly With Air Gap to Cut Thermal Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building insulation systems in pre-engineered metal buildings face issues such as thermal bridging, compression of insulation, and condensation problems due to structural fastening through the insulation layer, leading to reduced thermal performance and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A building insulation system that creates an air gap between the insulation layer and conductive exterior sheeting, using a tension-supported flexible sheet material and air ducts to manage air flow and collect solar heat, while eliminating the need for interior fasteners and reducing thermal bridging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural fasteners are used to secure insulation to building members, then the insulation is mechanically supported, but thermal bridging increases and thermal performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fasteners from the insulation assembly, allowing the insulation to hang freely from the building members without mechanical attachment through the insulation layer. This extraction of fasteners eliminates the thermal bridging pathway while the insulation remains supported by gravity and friction against the building members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an air gap as an intermediary layer between the insulation and the building members. This air gap serves as a thermal break that prevents direct conductive heat transfer through the fastener assembly, thereby reducing thermal bridging while maintaining mechanical support through alternative means.
2Ease of manufacture
If insulation is compressed between structural members and exterior sheeting, then the insulation is secured in place, but thermal performance is reduced due to compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compression mechanism that forces insulation between structural members and exterior sheeting. Instead, the insulation is allowed to maintain its natural thickness and loft, hanging freely from the building members without being compressed, thereby preserving its thermal performance while remaining secured through friction and gravity.
3Productivity
If insulation is installed during roof and wall sheeting process, then construction efficiency is improved, but thermal performance is compromised due to fastening requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables insulation to be installed beforehand during the roof and wall sheeting process by allowing it to hang freely from building members without requiring subsequent fastening operations. This preliminary installation maintains construction efficiency while avoiding the thermal bridging that would result from interior fastening during the sheeting process.
4Reliability
If exterior sheeting is applied directly over insulation, then the building envelope is sealed, but solar heat energy is blocked from absorption and radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional air gap space between the insulation and exterior sheeting, transforming the previously flat, compressed insulation assembly into a volumetric structure. This air gap dimension allows solar heat energy to be absorbed and radiated within the cavity while the exterior sheeting remains sealed to the building envelope.
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 system enhances insulation performance, reduces energy consumption by utilizing solar heat, and minimizes condensation, potentially achieving net zero energy usage for building conditioning and lighting.
Implementation Method 1
collection of solar heat from the adjacent heat absorbing surfaces of the exterior building sheeting panels
Implementation Method 2
radiation of heat energy within the air gap layer
Implementation Method 3
removes water vapor and humidity from within the building roof
Implementation Method 4
condensation of water vapor within the building roof assemblies
Implementation Method 5
thermal bridging between the exterior conductive building sheeting surfaces and the interior exposed conductive surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple function device for installation in roofs and walls of buildings, which provides several functions useful for the energy efficient operation and use of a building. The primary functions of this device are energy collection, air ventilation, control of air flows, heat energy extraction, dehumidification, condensate collection, day lighting interior building spaces, inspection of insulation cavities and the interior of the roof system.