Laminated Phase Change Concrete Panels for Thermal Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulated concrete systems face limitations in heat-retaining properties, structural strength, and environmental impact, with traditional insulation materials being inadequate, heavy, and potentially hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A laminated phase change structure is introduced, featuring two concrete panels with layers of phase change material and a support layer, utilizing lightweight fasteners to enhance thermal mass and structural integrity while avoiding environmental hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional insulation materials (e.g., polystyrene) are used between concrete panels, then insulation properties are improved, but environmental harm increases and structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by replacing traditional insulation materials with phase change material that has different physical properties (phase transition temperature, latent heat capacity) to achieve both insulation and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining concrete panels with phase change material layers, where the phase change material serves dual purposes as both insulation and thermal regulation medium, eliminating the need for separate traditional insulation materials
2Loss of energy
If insulation thickness is increased between concrete panels, then heat retention is improved, but structural weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change material that undergoes phase transition at specific temperatures, absorbing and releasing latent heat during the process. This phase transition mechanism provides high thermal energy storage capacity in a compact form, achieving superior heat retention without requiring excessive material thickness or weight
3Strength
If traditional fasteners (bolts, screws, anchors) are used to attach concrete panels, then structural strength is improved, but weight and corrosion resistance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners (bolts, screws, anchors) with a chemical bonding system using epoxy adhesive to attach the phase change material to concrete panels. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical fasteners while maintaining structural integrity through chemical bonding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical (metal fasteners) to chemical (epoxy adhesive), fundamentally altering how the components are joined. This parameter change reduces weight, eliminates corrosion issues, and simplifies the fastening process
4Loss of energy
If insulating material covers entire concrete panel faces, then insulation effectiveness is improved, but moisture penetration and fire hazards increase at edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the insulation function with the structural concrete panels by embedding phase change material within the concrete structure itself, rather than applying separate insulation layers. This integration ensures that the entire panel surface, including edges, provides both structural and insulating functions, eliminating gaps where moisture could penetrate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite concrete structure where phase change material is integrated within the concrete matrix. This composite approach ensures uniform distribution of insulating properties throughout the entire panel, including edges and corners, preventing moisture penetration while maintaining insulation effectiveness
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 solution significantly increases energy efficiency, structural stability, and safety, achieving over 30% HVAC energy savings and allowing for flexible application in various building types, including retrofitting existing structures.
Implementation Method 1
Phase change material undergoes a physical phase change, such as from a crystal to a liquid at a functional temperature. For an example of conventional phase change material, the prior art teaches the use of calcium chloride hexahydrate, paraffin, or a series of salt hydrates, and it is the latent heat absorbed or expelled in accomplishing phase change which is capable of being stored by the phase change material.
Implementation Method 2
it is the latent heat absorbed or expelled in accomplishing phase change which is capable of being stored by the phase change material
Implementation Method 3
Energy efficiency in buildings depends primarily on two parameters of the exterior walls. The first is the thermal resistance of a given material, also referred to as thermal conductivity or heat insulation. This parameter is typically characterized by a R-value and refers to heat flow through a material and the respective energy required to maintain a desired temperature. The other parameter is the heat storage capacity of a given material. Sometimes referred to as thermal mass, heat storage capacity affects the extent that the interior temperature follows the exterior temperature, without heating or cooling.
Implementation Method 4
Presently, carbon fiber connectors are used which are lightweight and non-corrosive in addition to possessing low thermal conductivity. By way of example, the THERMOMASS® fiber composite connector is a standard commercial type of fastener.
Data Source
AI summary
A construction assembly for installation within new or existing residential or commercial building structures which increases the thermal efficiency of concrete construction panels while avoiding dangerous insulation materials and potential fire hazards. The construction assembly includes a first layer of concrete and a phase change material layer that efficiently retains heat when the phase change material melts and discharges heat as the phase change material crystallizes. Alternatively a support layer, a second phase change material layer and a second concrete layer can be included in a variety of combinations for increased efficiency. A method is disclosed for creating the construction assembly.