Room temperature control system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems require large amounts of energy, lead to high humidity issues, and compromise comfort due to drafts and noise, while alternative systems like functional ceilings have limited cooling capacity and acoustic absorption challenges.

Innovation Solution

A room temperature control system with an air source that provides temperature-controlled and dried air, utilizing an intermediate space with a thermally activated substructure and open-flow cover components to pre-cool and dry air before distribution, reducing energy consumption and enhancing acoustic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional air conditioning systems cool air to 6-8 Kelvin below room temperature, then sufficient cooling capacity is achieved, but large amounts of energy are consumed and drafts occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-cools air in an intermediate space before the air enters the room. By performing the cooling action in advance in a separate space, the system can supply cooled air at a lower temperature without creating drafts in the occupied zone, as the air is gently introduced through the acoustically active ceiling rather than forced directly into the room

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate space between the air conditioning system and the room, separated by an acoustically active ceiling that also serves as a heat exchanger. This intermediary structure allows thermal energy transfer while physically separating the cold air supply from the occupied space, eliminating direct draft contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If air is cooled to low temperatures for sufficient cooling capacity, then cooling effectiveness increases, but humidity control problems arise and condensation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidhumidity and condensation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the air treatment process into two distinct zones: an intermediate space where air is cooled and dehumidified, and the occupied room where only temperature control occurs. The acoustically active ceiling acts as a separation barrier that allows thermal exchange but prevents moisture and condensation from entering the occupied space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustically active ceiling serves as an intermediary heat exchanger that separates the cold, potentially condensing air in the intermediate space from the warmer room air. This barrier allows thermal energy transfer to provide cooling while preventing direct contact that would cause condensation and humidity problems in the occupied zone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If functional ceilings are used for temperature control, then energy efficiency improves, but cooling capacity is limited by surface area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcooling capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a single-dimension approach (direct air supply) to a two-dimension system combining air flow in the intermediate space with large-area thermal exchange through the ceiling surface. The acoustically active ceiling provides extensive heat transfer area, dramatically increasing cooling capacity while maintaining the energy efficiency of functional ceiling systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If acoustically active ceilings with perforations are used, then sound absorption improves, but thermal exchange efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic performanceVSAvoidthermal exchange efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs acoustically active ceiling materials with porous or perforated structures that provide excellent sound absorption. These same porous structures simultaneously facilitate enhanced heat transfer between the intermediate space and the room, as the porosity allows both acoustic energy absorption and thermal energy exchange through the material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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

This solution reduces energy usage, minimizes drafts, improves acoustic properties, and increases cooling capacity without compromising comfort, while also eliminating humidity-related issues and noise pollution.

Implementation Method 1

a substructure (7) which carries the at least one cover component (5)... a heat or cold source (6), which is intended to heat or cool the air flowing from the outlet opening (20) into the intermediate space (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

air can flow through the cover component (5)... air flowing from the outlet opening (20) into the intermediate space (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the at least one cover component (5) is open to flow in such a way that air can flow through the cover component (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through porous/perforated material: Permeation

Implementation Method 4

the moisture contained therein is cooled during the cooling process condensed and discharged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP4209722A1Room temperature control system
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 BUHLER ARMIN
  • EP4209722A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4209722A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4209722A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a room temperature control system comprising an air source designed to supply tempered and/or dried air and an intermediate space bounded at least on one side by a building component and on the other side by at least one cover component spaced apart from the building component. The at least one cover component is designed to allow air to flow through it, with the at least one outlet opening of the air source opening into the intermediate space. The room temperature control system includes a heat or cold source associated with the intermediate space or the at least one cover component, designed to heat or cool the air flowing from the outlet opening into the intermediate space and from there through the at least one open cover component.