Window Perimeter Radiator with Freeze-Expansion Core Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiators for building heating and cooling systems are inefficient due to their distance from windows, requiring high temperature differentials for energy transfer and being prone to damage from freezing fluids, which leads to reduced efficiency and potential flooding.
Innovation Solution
A radiator design that places the heat transfer media closer to windows, using a thin-walled, thermally conductive shell with a spiral chamber and an elastically deformable core tube to accommodate freezing fluid expansion, preventing damage and enhancing heat transfer efficiency through a mechanical expansion mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the radiator is located at a distance from the window, then it occupies less space near the window, but it requires higher temperature differentials for adequate thermal energy transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator is repositioned from a distant floor location to a dimensionally optimized position directly adjacent to the window, utilizing the vertical and horizontal space at the window perimeter. This spatial reconfiguration enables direct thermal coupling with the window, eliminating the need for high temperature differentials while maintaining effective heat transfer.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the heat transfer media temperature is reduced for efficiency, then energy costs decrease, but the fluid may freeze and damage the radiator
Solution Approach 1:
An expansion compensation mechanism is pre-installed within the radiator structure, consisting of an expandable chamber or bellows-like component that can accommodate volume expansion of the heat transfer fluid when it freezes. This beforehand cushioning prevents structural damage while allowing the system to operate with lower temperature media that costs less energy.
3Ease of operation
If existing radiators are used, then they provide heating and cooling functions, but they occupy space at the floor-wall interface and require additional room between furnishings
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator design transitions from a horizontal floor-wall interface configuration to a vertical window-adjacent configuration. This dimensional change allows the radiator to utilize the vertical space near the window, freeing up floor and wall interface areas for furniture placement while maintaining effective thermal performance.
4Loss of energy
If existing radiators are used, then they transfer thermal energy, but they are located at some distance from the window which is the most common source of thermal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator is extracted from its conventional distant location and repositioned directly adjacent to the window, the primary source of thermal loss. This extraction and relocation enables direct thermal coupling with the window, maximizing the efficiency of thermal energy transfer and minimizing energy loss at the most critical location.
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 design improves energy efficiency by reducing temperature gradients and preventing freeze damage, allowing for the use of lower temperature media, thus downsizing heating and cooling systems and minimizing energy costs while maintaining space comfort and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
thin-walled, thermally conductive shell
Implementation Method 2
Radiators provide a combination of radiation and convection of thermal energy
Implementation Method 3
elastically deformable core tube to accommodate freezing fluid expansion
Implementation Method 4
Radiators provide a combination of radiation and convection of thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
A room perimeter heating/cooling radiator with a non symmetrical elliptical transverse cross section, that utilizes low to medium temperature heat transfer fluid (generally water or water/glycol) in a new design with an enhanced ‘primary only’ heat transfer surface having an internal spiral or helix to circulate the water around the inside of the primary surface to enhance the heat transfer, and an internal conduit that provides both freeze damage protection and the ability to cross connect multiple identical radiators for increased efficiency. The primary intended location is within inches of the building windows.