Ventilated Slat Panel for Glazing Thermal Insulation and Daylight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shading systems for glazed surfaces, such as blinds and external awnings, fail to provide optimal thermal management while maintaining adequate lighting performance, as they rely on opaque slats or variable-tilt mechanisms that do not effectively prevent thermal energy influx.
Innovation Solution
A layered panel system with fixed-angle, irregular-edge slats and a ventilated cavity between the slats and glazing, allowing for light transmission and diffusing solar radiation, with slats made from materials like PET and Plexiglas, and optionally coated with reflective or photochromic films, maintains transparency and directs thermal energy into a ventilated gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If opaque slats or variable-tilt mechanisms are used to block solar radiation, then thermal insulation is improved, but light transmission and interior illumination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The slats are designed with non-uniform edge profiles where only specific portions of each slat are opaque while other portions remain transparent. This local differentiation allows different regions of the same component to serve different functions: blocking thermal radiation at certain locations while maintaining light transmission at others, thereby resolving the contradiction between thermal insulation and interior illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The slats employ asymmetric edge geometries with irregular contours that are not symmetrically distributed. This asymmetry creates specific optical pathways and reflection patterns that selectively block thermal radiation while preserving visible light transmission, enabling simultaneous achievement of thermal insulation and adequate interior illumination.
2Temperature
If fixed-angle slats with irregular edges are used to diffuse solar radiation, then thermal management is improved, but shading effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each slat is segmented into multiple functional zones with different edge profiles and optical properties. The segmentation allows certain segments to diffuse solar radiation effectively while other segments provide more direct blocking, creating a composite shading effect that balances thermal management with adequate solar gain control.
Solution Approach 2:
The slats utilize changes in geometric parameters along their edges, varying the profile, depth, and orientation of edge features. These parameter variations create different optical paths and reflection angles that collectively diffuse solar radiation while maintaining effective shading, resolving the contradiction between thermal management and shading effectiveness.
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 system effectively insulates against thermal buildup by diffusing and interrupting solar radiation in a ventilated air cavity, maintaining interior illumination and reducing heat transmission.
Implementation Method 1
diffusing and interrupting solar radiation in a ventilated air cavity
Implementation Method 2
effectively insulates against thermal buildup by diffusing and interrupting solar radiation
Implementation Method 3
coated with reflective or photochromic films
Implementation Method 4
coated with reflective or photochromic films
Data Source
AI summary
A layered panel system for thermal insulation of a shaded surface is disclosed. The system includes a support structure mounted to the exterior of a building partition, such as a window or roof window. The structure comprises at least two rigid rails to which multiple slats are permanently affixed. Each slat is inserted into a groove in the structure and bonded with adhesive. The outer edge of each slat has an irregular shape. Slats are inclined at fixed angles, with upper slats having an angle not greater than 70°, and lower slats decreasing progressively to no more than 25°. The support structure is positioned such that a ventilated air gap of between 10 mm and 100 mm is maintained between the slats and the partition surface. The design enhances solar protection and airflow while allowing light modulation based on slat geometry and inclination.