Switchable phase change material systems for building envelopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static phase change material (PCM) layers integrated with static insulation in building envelope systems limit energy efficiency by preventing energy exchange between indoors and outdoors, thereby reducing the potential for passive energy storage and thermal comfort.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic heat exchange system featuring movable panels with phase change materials on one side and insulation on the other, actuated to rotate between 0 and 180 degrees, allowing energy storage and release to optimize thermal management and reduce peak demands for heating and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If static PCM layers are integrated with static insulation in building envelope systems, then thermal insulation is maintained, but energy exchange between indoors and outdoors is prevented, limiting energy efficiency potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static PCM and insulation configuration into a dynamic system where panels can rotate between different orientations. The movable panels allow the system to adapt its thermal characteristics over time, enabling energy exchange when needed while maintaining insulation when required, thus resolving the contradiction between energy exchange capability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by altering the orientation parameter of the PCM and insulation panels. By rotating panels to different angular positions, the system changes its thermal parameters dynamically - switching between high insulation modes and high energy exchange modes. This parameter change approach enables the system to overcome the limitations of static configurations while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled variable adjustment.
2Loss of energy
If PCM layers are coupled with thermal insulation layers, then heat transfer is reduced, but energy storage and release capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the PCM-insulation coupling dynamic rather than static. The movable panels allow the system to adjust the degree of coupling between PCM and insulation layers, enabling strong coupling for heat transfer reduction when needed, and weak coupling for enhanced energy storage and release flexibility when required. This dynamic adjustment capability simultaneously satisfies both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the cyclic rotation of panels between different orientations. The system periodically switches between high insulation configurations and high energy exchange configurations, allowing it to accumulate thermal energy during periods of low demand and release it during periods of high demand. This periodic reconfiguration enables both heat transfer reduction and flexible energy storage/release capabilities.
3Productivity
If movable panels with actuators are introduced to enable dynamic orientation, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the actuator system to automatically adjust panel orientations based on thermal conditions without requiring complex external control. The system uses temperature sensors and control algorithms that enable the panels to self-regulate their positioning, reducing the need for complex external management systems while maintaining high energy efficiency. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by automating the complexity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback mechanisms where temperature sensors continuously monitor thermal conditions and feed this information back to the control system. This feedback enables the actuators to automatically adjust panel orientations in response to real-time thermal conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that manages complexity through intelligent automation while maximizing energy efficiency through adaptive response.
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 enables significant reduction in annual combined cooling and heating energy use for residential and commercial buildings by dynamically switching PCM layers between storage and release positions, enhancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency across various climates.
Implementation Method 1
phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelope systems can reduce energy use and peak demand as well as improve thermal comfort
Implementation Method 2
The integration of thermal storage materials into a building envelope assembly can enhance energy performance of buildings
Implementation Method 3
an insulation material provided on the second side of the moveable panel
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to switchable phase change material system (SPCMS). In some embodiments, dynamic, switchable phase change material systems allow building envelope assemblies to store energy from one side and release to the other side in order to reduce thermal loads and peak demands for both space heating and cooling. PCM layers can be coupled with thermal insulation layers to ensure heat does not transfer readily through the building envelope and thus increase thermal heating and cooling loads for the building. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a combination of rotatable members comprised of PCM and insulation are switchable in position such that layers with PCM are switched from one side to the other without the need to maintain the thermal insulation within a building envelope.