Solar-Absorbing Glazed Assembly for Fresh-Air Preheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glazed assemblies fail to effectively preheat incoming fresh air while minimizing energy consumption, leading to thermal discomfort and increased energy use due to cold air influx, especially in cold seasons.
Innovation Solution
A glazed assembly with a higher energetic absorptance pane coupled to a thermo-electric module and ventilation means, where the higher absorptance pane absorbs solar energy, transfers it to the thermo-electric module, and preheats incoming air through a heat exchange mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If increased insulation and airtightness are implemented to improve energy performance, then heat loss is reduced, but natural ventilation is restricted leading to poor indoor air quality
Solution Approach 1:
The glazed assembly is segmented into multiple functional layers including a first glass pane, a second glass pane with higher energetic absorptance, and a spacer assembly with ventilation channels. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of insulation and ventilation functions through distinct structural elements working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The glazed assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation through the multi-pane structure, enables natural ventilation through integrated ventilation channels, and preheats incoming air through solar energy absorption by the second glass pane. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between insulation and ventilation.
2Ease of operation
If natural ventilation is used to supply fresh air, then air exchange is achieved, but incoming cold air causes thermal discomfort and increases heating energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The second glass pane with higher energetic absorptance is designed to preheat the incoming air before it enters the building interior through natural ventilation channels. This preliminary heating action occurs as air passes between the glass panes, reducing the temperature difference and thermal discomfort while maintaining effective air exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of cold incoming air into a beneficial preheating process. The solar energy that would otherwise be wasted is absorbed by the second glass pane and used to warm the ventilation air, transforming the cold air influx from a disadvantage into an energy recovery opportunity.
3Temperature
If mechanical ventilation with heat exchanger is used to preheat incoming air, then thermal comfort is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The glazed assembly performs self-service by using its own solar energy absorption capability to preheat the incoming air. The second glass pane with higher energetic absorptance acts as a solar collector that automatically heats the ventilation air passing through the assembly, eliminating the need for external mechanical heating devices or complex heat exchanger systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical ventilation heat exchanger system with a passive solar thermal approach. Instead of using mechanical fans and heat exchangers to preheat air, the system uses the thermal properties of the second glass pane to absorb solar energy and naturally heat the incoming air through conduction and convection within the glazing structure.
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 glazed assembly efficiently preheats incoming air using solar energy, enhancing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption by transferring heat from the higher absorptance pane to the thermo-electric module, which then heats the incoming air before it enters the building.
Implementation Method 1
a second glass pane, GP2, having two main faces, F21 and F22, an upper edge, a lower edge and lateral edges, and having a second energetic absorptance, AE2
Implementation Method 2
at least one thermo-electric module comprising at least one thermo-electric element and at least one heat transfer means
Implementation Method 3
transfers it to the thermo-electric module, and preheats incoming air through a heat exchange mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention concerns a glazed assembly comprising at least two panes, one of which having a higher energetic absorptance, at least one thermo-electric module and at least one ventilation means that may improve the thermal management of a building; a partition comprising the glazed assembly; the use of the glazed assembly positioned in a partition for preheating a fluid circulating from one side to the other side of the partition; the process of preheating a fluid circulating from one side to the other side of the partition thanks to the glazed assembly.