Modular Raised Floor Panels for Uniform Outdoor Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for heating and cooling outdoor spaces, such as patio heaters and air conditioners, face issues like limited coverage, uneven temperature distribution, high consumption, and frequent maintenance needs, which are becoming increasingly restricted by regulations.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure comprising a heat pump-based conditioning unit with a heat transfer fluid system, where panels with outgoing and return portions allow for uniform heating or cooling, using a gas thermodynamic cycle and a stainless steel coil for efficient heat exchange, and optional electrical heaters for reduced consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If patio heaters or infrared lamps are used to heat outdoor spaces, then the immediate vicinity temperature increases, but the coverage area is limited and temperature distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the outdoor space into multiple zones using several heating units distributed across the area. Each unit serves a local zone, and together they provide comprehensive coverage. The modular design allows multiple identical units to be deployed, each independently heating its designated area while contributing to overall uniform temperature distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating units are installed at elevated positions (on tables, chairs, counters, or suspended from canopies/gazebos) rather than at ground level. This vertical dimensionality change allows the heat to radiate more effectively across the outdoor space, extending coverage area and improving temperature distribution uniformity.
2Temperature
If air conditioners are used to cool outdoor spaces, then the local area temperature decreases, but the coverage area remains confined and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system uses multiple distributed air conditioning units instead of a single large unit. Each unit serves a specific zone, allowing for targeted cooling where needed. This segmentation reduces overall energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary cooling of entire outdoor spaces and enables incremental deployment based on actual cooling requirements.
3Temperature
If patio heaters and air conditioners are installed to provide heating and cooling, then temperature control is achieved, but assembly and disassembly activities become onerous
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple identical, modular heating and cooling units that can be independently deployed and removed. Each unit is a self-contained module that can be easily assembled and disassembled without complex installation procedures. This modular approach simplifies operations during seasonal transitions compared to installing and dismantling large fixed systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The outdoor space infrastructure (tables, chairs, counters, canopies, gazebos) serves dual purposes: as furniture/structural elements and as mounting platforms for heating and cooling units. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated installation structures, thereby reducing assembly and disassembly complexity when seasonal changes require system reconfiguration.
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 modular structure provides uniform heating or cooling over larger areas with reduced energy consumption and minimal maintenance, addressing the limitations of existing solutions while being adaptable for different environments.
Implementation Method 1
a gas which is subjected to a thermodynamic cycle... allows to heat or cool alternatively the space in which it is installed
Implementation Method 2
a stainless steel coil for efficient heat exchange
Implementation Method 3
a heat transfer fluid that circulates inside a duct... ensures the heating and cooling of the entire surrounding space, in a uniform manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A modular structure for building raised floors comprising a plurality of panels (2), which can be mutually coupled and placed on an underlying ground to provide a covering platform. The modular structure comprises a conditioning unit (3), such as a heat pump, through which a gas flows which is affected by a heat exchanger (4) and can be activated selectively to heat or cool a heat transfer fluid that circulates inside a duct (5) that the heat exchanger (4)with the panels (2). The duct (5) comprises at least one outgoing portion (7) and at least one return portion (8), which are arranged in series and are constituted respectively by a plurality of outgoing portions (7a) and of return portions (8a). At least one outgoing portion (7a) and at least one return portion (8a) are accommodated in at least one respective panel (2), selectively to transfer heat to the outside or absorb heat from the outside.