Peltier-Integrated Paned Windows for Standalone Heating and Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems that incorporate Peltier cells into paned doors and windows primarily assist in climate control by modifying pre-conditioned air, rather than acting as standalone primary climate control elements for environments.
Innovation Solution
Integration of Peltier cells into paned doors and windows with an electrical circuit and reversible power supply system, allowing the cells to function independently for heating and cooling by reversing the current direction to change heat transfer surfaces, and utilizing photovoltaic panels for power, along with high conductivity heat sinks for efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If Peltier cells are inserted into paned doors and windows to assist climate control, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the system requires external climate control equipment and cannot function independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple Peltier cells with heat sinks and power supply systems directly into the window structure, merging the climate control function into the window itself rather than requiring separate external equipment. This integration enables the window to function as a standalone primary climate control element.
Solution Approach 2:
The window structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables optical transmission, and acts as an active climate control device through integrated Peltier cells. This multi-functionality allows the window to independently regulate temperature without requiring separate climate control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Peltier cells are used for standalone climate control, then independence from external equipment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the Peltier cells and heat sinks within the existing window structure, placing components inside the frame or between glass panes. This nesting approach incorporates complex climate control functionality without significantly increasing the external dimensions or visual complexity of the window.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sinks are designed as thin, plate-like structures that can be integrated into the window frame without adding substantial bulk. These thin-film heat sinks efficiently manage thermal transfer while maintaining a compact, integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Peltier cells are integrated into the window, then standalone climate control capability is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the window into modular sections, each containing one or more Peltier cells with dedicated heat sinks and electrical connections. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual modules that can be assembled into complete windows, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the complex functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical circuit system incorporates reversible power supply capability, allowing the Peltier cells to dynamically switch between heating and cooling modes. This dynamic control is achieved through programmable power supply units that can reverse current direction, providing flexible climate control without requiring separate systems for heating and cooling.
4Adaptability or versatility
If reversible power supply system is implemented, then temperature control flexibility is improved, but the electrical circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls temperature by changing the electrical parameters (current direction and magnitude) supplied to the Peltier cells. The power supply system can vary these parameters to achieve different heating or cooling intensities, providing flexible temperature control through electrical parameter modulation rather than mechanical system changes.
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
Enables effective, standalone climate control of environments without external assistance, reducing energy consumption and emissions by efficiently managing heat transfer within the windows and doors, suitable for various climates with adjustable temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
The main characteristic of these cells actually consists of the fact that the direction with which the heat is transferred depends on the direction of the direct current applied to the terminals of the plate. In practice, inverting the direction of the direct current which traverses the cell also allows inverting the direction of the transferred heat
Implementation Method 2
utilizing photovoltaic panels for power, along with high conductivity heat sinks for efficient heat management
Implementation Method 3
utilizing photovoltaic panels for power
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a paned window or door structure in which a plurality of Peltier cells are present. The paned elements have a frame with a fixed portion (2′) and a mobile portion (2″) in which at least one double glazing unit (3) is present, it being provided that in the interspace present in the double glazing unit, at an edge that is arranged in the mobile portion (2″) of the frame, a plurality of Peltier cells (11) are present. The Peltier cells are in contact with an element for dissipating heat towards the outside (12), made of optimal heat conduction material, which has a portion thereof (12′) arranged at the external surface of the door or window. On each of the cells (11), a sheet is superimposed made of material with high heat conductivity, acting as a heat sink (13) for dissipating towards the interior of the double glazing unit.