Spin Transition Compounds for Thermal Inertia in Floor Coverings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase change materials (PCMs) used in building floor and wall coverings are expensive, pose thermal and mechanical stresses, are flammable, undergo chemical and mechanical aging, and are difficult to recycle, limiting their thermal performance and longevity.
Innovation Solution
The use of spin transition compounds, such as iron-based compounds with triazole or pyrazine ligands, which exhibit thermal inertia by absorbing and releasing heat without phase change, integrated into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layers with mineral fillers, providing improved thermal storage and release capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If phase change materials (PCMs) are used to increase thermal inertia, then thermal performance is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of thermal energy storage from phase change (latent heat) to specific heat capacity (sensible heat). By using spin transition compounds that store heat through spin state transitions rather than phase changes, the invention achieves thermal inertia with materials like iron oxide that are abundant and inexpensive, eliminating the high cost associated with PCMs while maintaining thermal performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If phase change materials are incorporated in large quantities into thermoplastic matrices, then thermal efficiency is improved, but thermal and mechanical constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from below melting point (for PCMs) to above Curie temperature (for spin transition compounds). This allows the use of thermally stable inorganic materials like iron oxide that can withstand high processing temperatures without deforming or degrading, eliminating the mechanical weakness and deformation issues associated with organic PCMs in thermoplastic matrices.
3Use of energy by moving object
If paraffin is used as phase change material, then thermal inertia is improved, but flammability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from organic paraffin to inorganic spin transition compounds. By using materials like iron oxide that undergo spin transitions instead of phase changes, the invention achieves thermal energy storage with non-flammable inorganic materials, eliminating the fire hazard inherent in organic PCMs like paraffin without requiring additional fire retardant layers that would compromise thermal performance.
4Use of energy by moving object
If phase change materials are used in rigid matrices, then thermal storage is improved, but mechanical aging increases due to thermal breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal stability parameter by using spin transition compounds with Curie temperatures well above room temperature. This temperature parameter change ensures that the spin transition materials remain thermally stable and dimensionally stable during normal building temperature variations, preventing the thermal breaks and mechanical aging that occur with PCMs that operate near their melting points.
5Loss of energy
If phase change materials are used to achieve thermal inertia, then energy savings are improved, but recyclability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from complex organic PCMs to simple inorganic spin transition compounds. This parameter change makes the materials compatible with standard recycling streams for inorganic materials and construction waste, eliminating the recycling difficulties associated with composite PCM systems that combine organic materials, encapsulation layers, and thermoplastic matrices.
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 spin transition compounds enhance thermal inertia of building coverings, reducing energy costs, minimizing environmental impact, and enabling easier recycling, while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional PCMs like paraffin wax.
Implementation Method 1
the use of a spin transition compound, in particular a compound of formula [Fe(Rtrz) 3 ]A 2 , to increase the thermal inertia of a floor or wall covering
Implementation Method 2
exhibit thermal inertia by absorbing and releasing heat without phase change
Implementation Method 3
the material transitions from a solid to a liquid state by absorbing heat from the part, which is stored and then released by the material when it solidifies again
Implementation Method 4
below their phase transition temperature, advantageously 23°C, the material is in a solid state; if the part heats up, the material transitions from a solid to a liquid state by absorbing heat
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention aims at the use of a spin transition compound to increase the thermal inertia of a floor or wall covering.