Underfloor heating system, insulation strip and method for manufacturing an underfloor heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underfloor heating systems experience excessive heat dissipation near the manifold box due to the concentration of distribution pipes, which is not addressed effectively by existing technologies, and this issue is mandated to be reduced by energy saving regulations.
Innovation Solution
The underfloor heating panel incorporates grooves for distribution pipes covered by an insulation strip, eliminating the need for cutouts and ensuring the pipes are fully insulated, with the insulation strip fixed by press fit or glue, and the system allows flexible on-site installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If underfloor heating distribution pipes are concentrated near the manifold box for connection, then all pipes can be connected to the manifold box, but excessive heat dissipation occurs in the manifold zone
Solution Approach 1:
An insulation strip is introduced as an intermediary element between the underfloor heating distribution pipes and the surrounding environment. This insulation strip wraps around the pipes in the manifold zone, acting as a thermal barrier that prevents excessive heat dissipation while allowing the pipes to remain concentrated near the manifold box for easy connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulation is applied selectively only to the distribution pipes in the manifold zone where heat dissipation occurs, rather than insulating all pipes throughout the system. This localized insulation approach addresses the specific problem area while maintaining system efficiency and minimizing additional material usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cutouts are made in the underfloor heating panel for distribution pipes, then pipes can be arranged in the panel level, but the panel structure is compromised and insulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The underfloor heating panel is segmented by incorporating grooves that divide the panel structure into distinct regions. These grooves provide dedicated pathways for distribution pipes without requiring cutouts that would compromise panel integrity. The panel structure remains continuous and strong while accommodating pipe arrangements flexibly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging pipes horizontally within the panel plane (which would require cutouts), the pipes are positioned vertically within grooves that extend through the panel thickness. This dimensional change allows pipes to be embedded in the panel structure without compromising its integrity, while the insulation strip provides additional thermal management.
3Loss of energy
If insulation strip is added to cover distribution pipes, then heat dissipation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible insulation strip in the form of a thin film or wrap is used to cover the distribution pipes. This flexible insulation can be easily applied to pipes of various diameters and configurations without requiring complex rigid insulation structures. The strip provides effective thermal insulation while maintaining simplicity in installation and system design.
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 configuration significantly reduces heat dissipation in the manifold zone, maintaining a planar surface and enabling efficient pipe arrangement according to building needs, while being cost-effective and easy to install.
Implementation Method 1
the underfloor heating distribution pipes are covered by an insulation strip... heat dissipation is reduced significantly
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an underfloor heating system (UHS) comprising - a underfloor heating panel (UHP), - underfloor heating distribution pipes (DP) and - underfloor heating pipes (HP) which are located above the top surface of the underfloor heating panel (UHP). The underfloor heating panel comprises grooves (G), wherein underfloor heating distribution pipes (DP) are in the grooves (G) and the underfloor heating distribution pipes (DP) are covered by an insulation strip (IS). The invention also relates to insulation strip (IS) and method for manufacturing an underfloor heating system (UHS).