Thermal shell, in particular for a building
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal conditioning systems for buildings often lead to extreme thermal changes within environments, causing discomfort and inefficiency due to the direct flow of hot or cold air, and require extensive renovations or space limitations when applied to existing structures.
Innovation Solution
A thermal shell system comprising a multilayer envelope with an external insulating perimeter wall, an air-conditioned interspace, and an internal heat-radiating wall, which acts as a closed system to condition air for heating or cooling, enhancing thermal inertia and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional thermal conditioning systems with refrigeration units and air flow are used, then thermal conditioning capability is provided, but extreme thermal changes occur causing discomfort and health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical convection-based air flow system with a radiation-based thermal conditioning system. The refrigeration unit cools air that is then circulated through radiant panels in the floor, ceiling, and walls, which transfer thermal energy directly via radiation to occupants and objects, eliminating the harmful direct air flow while maintaining effective thermal conditioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiant panels as an intermediary between the refrigeration unit and the occupants. The panels absorb cooled air from the refrigeration system and transfer the thermal energy through radiation, acting as a mediator that eliminates direct contact with extreme thermal air flows while still providing the desired thermal conditioning effect.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiant panel systems are installed under floors or on ceilings for best results, then thermal comfort is improved, but extensive renovation works with masonry interventions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radiant panel system into modular segments that can be installed in different locations (floor, ceiling, walls) independently. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to existing buildings without requiring complete renovation, as each module can be installed separately using less invasive methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the radiant panel system to serve multiple functions and be installable in multiple locations (floor, ceiling, walls). This universality allows the same basic system to provide optimal thermal comfort in different building contexts without requiring extensive custom renovation work for each installation scenario.
3Use of energy by moving object
If radiant panel systems are used for heating and cooling, then energy efficiency is improved, but space within the building is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the building envelope surfaces (floor, ceiling, walls) as the installation plane for the radiant panels, effectively moving the system from occupying internal volume to utilizing the boundary surfaces of the building. This dimensional shift allows the thermal conditioning system to operate efficiently without consuming valuable internal space.
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 thermal shell system provides efficient, cost-effective, and comfortable thermal conditioning by minimizing air exchange with the outside, reducing energy needs by 40-60%, and allowing for the potential replacement or supplementation of existing heating and cooling systems, while maintaining low operational costs and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer (16)
Implementation Method 2
an internal wall/shell (2), operating as heat-radiating wall
Implementation Method 3
means for thermal conditioning of the air contained in said interspace (12)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermal shell for a building, apt to constitute a multi-layer system formed by three integral elements having, respectively, from the outside towards the inside: an external peripheral wall/casing with the function of thermal insulating wall; an interspace filled with air to be conditioned; an internal wall/casing with the function of heat-radiating wall/casing; comprising:a covering structure (10) positioned around the building (1), or part of said building (1), the covering structure (10) comprising, proceeding from the outside towards the inside of the building (1): a coating (11), an insulating layer (16) and an interspace (12); the interspace (12) containing air and forming a closed and isolated room with respect to the surrounding environment;means (13) of thermal conditioning of the air contained in the interspace, so that the shell defines an internal wall/casing.