Radiant False Ceiling Tile Structure for Hydraulic Room Conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional false ceiling systems for adjusting room temperature require electrical power and generate air movement and temperature gradients, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A modular radiant false ceiling system utilizing a hydraulic hot or cold water supply network, where standard slabs are modified to incorporate heat exchangers and thermally insulating elements, allowing for energy transfer by radiation without an electrical power supply, using a hydraulic network for thermal energy emission or absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electrical heating plates and cooling means are used in the false ceiling volume, then temperature control is achieved, but electrical power supply is required and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroom temperature controlVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical heating plates and cooling means with a hydraulic network system that uses water circulation for thermal energy transfer. The hydraulic system eliminates the need for electrical power supply in the false ceiling volume while achieving the same temperature control function through fluid-based heat exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a hydraulic network with water circulation pipes integrated into the false ceiling structure. Hot or cold water flows through these pipes to transfer thermal energy to or from the room, providing temperature control without electrical consumption. The hydraulic system uses the building's existing water supply network for thermal energy emission or absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Temperature

If air circulation systems are used for heat or cold transfer, then temperature adjustment is achieved, but air movements are generated causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal comfortVSAvoidair movement discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the air circulation system with a hydraulic water circulation system. Instead of moving air to transfer heat or cold, the system uses water flowing through pipes in the false ceiling. This substitution eliminates air movements and associated discomfort while maintaining effective thermal energy transfer through the hydraulic medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If air circulation systems are used for thermal energy transfer, then temperature adjustment is achieved, but large temperature gradients are generated in the room

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature uniformityVSAvoidthermal energy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a hydraulic network with water circulation to transfer thermal energy uniformly across the false ceiling surface. The water-based system provides more consistent temperature distribution compared to air circulation, reducing temperature gradients in the room. The hydraulic system's higher heat capacity and controlled flow rate enable more efficient and uniform thermal energy emission or absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 system provides efficient temperature control without air movement, reducing discomfort and energy losses, while offering design flexibility and easy maintenance, with a high percentage of thermal energy transferred by radiation, minimizing temperature gradients.

Implementation Method 1

a modular radiant false ceiling component... this false ceiling being connected to this network for emitting or absorbing thermal energy in the room... a very significant part of the thermal energy is transmitted to the room by radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

starting from a standard slab whose thermal resistance is greater than or equal to 2.5 K.m²/W... the second element comes, like the first element, from said slab

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3749898B1Method for the production of a component of a modular radiating false-ceiling component, corresponding component and corresponding false ceiling
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 ILO TECHNOLOGY SAS
  • EP3749898B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3749898B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~5B
  • EP3749898B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for producing a modular radiating false ceiling component, this false ceiling being intended for a room of a building fitted with a hot-water or cold-water hydraulic supply network, from a standard tile the thermal resistance of which is greater than or equal to 2.5 K.m²/W, this method comprising the following steps: – this tile is used to form at least a first element the thermal resistance of which is less than 0.33 K.m²/W, – a heat exchanger is placed on the said first element, – a thermally insulating second element is placed on the said heat exchanger, and – means of connection between the exchanger and the network are incorporated.