Thermally Transparent Acoustic Panel for TABS Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panels used in buildings with thermally activated building systems (TABS) face challenges in balancing acoustics and thermal comfort, as they often have suboptimal thermal properties despite good acoustic regulation.
Innovation Solution
The development of panels with 'Thermal Transparency' technology, featuring a rigid frame, sound-absorbing elements with exposed side faces for increased absorption, and a flexible fabric covering, which allows for thermal radiation transmission without compromising acoustic performance, and can be easily installed, reconfigured, and maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If panels use sound-absorbing materials such as mineral wool, gypsum or thin wood membrane, then acoustic properties are improved, but thermal properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panel employs different materials and structures in different regions: sound-absorbing materials are placed in specific zones while thermal-transparent regions are created to allow heat transmission. This local differentiation enables the panel to simultaneously achieve acoustic absorption in certain areas and thermal transmission in others, resolving the contradiction between acoustic and thermal properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is divided into distinct functional zones: sound-absorbing elements are segmented and positioned within a frame structure that includes thermal-transparent regions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of acoustic and thermal functions in different parts of the same panel, enabling both properties to be satisfied simultaneously.
2Temperature
If panels are designed for optimal thermal transparency, then thermal properties are improved, but acoustic properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panel structure incorporates localized sound-absorbing elements positioned within thermal-transparent regions. The sound-absorbing materials are strategically placed to capture acoustic energy while maintaining overall thermal transparency through the panel structure, allowing both functions to coexist without compromising either property.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure acts as an intermediary element that supports sound-absorbing materials while maintaining thermal transparency. The frame provides structural integrity and positions acoustic elements effectively without blocking thermal transmission paths, mediating between acoustic and thermal requirements.
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
These panels effectively regulate acoustics and thermal comfort, reducing energy consumption and maintaining aesthetic appeal over time by optimizing both thermal and acoustic properties while being adaptable to changing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Panels used to determine the acoustic properties of a room often comprise a frame structure supporting a plate of a sound-absorbing material such as mineral wool, gypsum or a thin wood membrane
Implementation Method 2
the thermal properties of such panels, such as their thermal transparency, are seldom optimal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to panels that can be used to cover interior surfaces in buildings, for instance in auditoriums, open-plan offices etc., where the panels can be used in buildings with thermally activated building systems (TABS) in which balancing of acoustics and thermal comfort is a well-recognised challenge. According to the invention there is provided a panel comprising one or more sound-absorbing elements (3) and sub-regions (7, 8, 9) that connect the front (11) of the panel with the rear (12) of the panel, and in which sub-regions (7, 8, 9) sound-absorbing elements (3) are not present, whereby said sub-regions (7, 8, 9) ensure thermal transmission through the panel.