Systems for workstation-mounted radiant panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional HVAC systems condition an entire room to a common temperature, leading to discomfort and reduced working efficiency for users as individual preferences for temperature are not accounted for, with some users being too warm or too cool.

Innovation Solution

A workstation cooling system employing radiant panels that absorb radiant energy from the workstation and nearby sources, allowing users to adjust the temperature individually through a controller and heat exchange coils, integrated with or replacing acoustic panels, and operating in conjunction with HVAC systems to maintain a desired target temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional HVAC systems condition the entire room to a common temperature, then the overall room temperature is maintained, but individual user comfort and working efficiency deteriorate due to inability to adjust to personal preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndividual temperature controlVSAvoidUser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the room into multiple thermal zones by installing radiant cooling panels at individual workstations rather than conditioning the entire room uniformly. Each workstation becomes an independent temperature control zone, allowing users to adjust their personal environment without affecting others in the room.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by providing customized temperature control at each workstation location. Radiant cooling panels are installed locally at workstations where users need cooling, rather than distributing cooling uniformly throughout the entire room space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If radiant cooling panels are installed at workstations to provide individualized cooling, then user comfort and adaptability improve, but system complexity and initial cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndividual temperature controlVSAvoidSystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiant cooling panels are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide thermal conditioning for workstations, can be integrated with acoustic paneling for noise reduction, and can be incorporated into furniture designs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and justifies the initial complexity through added value.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If radiant panels are used to cool workstations individually, then dependence on air-mixing HVAC systems is reduced, but the need for additional cooling infrastructure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEnergy efficiencyVSAvoidCooling infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical air-mixing HVAC system with a radiant cooling system that uses thermal radiation directly at the workstation level. This substitution eliminates the need for complex air handling, ductwork, and air mixing mechanisms, reducing mechanical complexity while improving energy efficiency by cooling only where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables individualized temperature control at workstations, improving user comfort and reducing dependence on air-mixing HVAC systems, while maintaining efficient cooling and potentially reducing energy consumption by supplementing HVAC operations.

Implementation Method 1

employing radiant panels near a workstation to absorb radiant energy to maintain a target temperature at the workstation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiant energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The radiant panel may include a heat exchange coil extending within a housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

provide cooling water through the heat exchange coil of the radiant panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10962242B1Systems for workstation-mounted radiant panels

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)

AI summary

A workstation cooling system includes a radiant panel configured to be disposed in a workstation. The workstation cooling system also includes a water supply conduit configured to provide a cooling water flow to an inlet of the radiant panel and a water return conduit configured to receive the cooling water flow from an outlet of the radiant panel. The workstation cooling system additionally includes a control valve configured to receive control signals to adjust the cooling water flow provided to the radiant panel to enable the radiant panel to absorb heat to maintain a target temperature of the workstation.