Systems for workstation-mounted radiant panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems condition entire rooms to a common temperature, leading to discomfort and reduced working efficiency as individuals may be either too warm or too cool, as they cannot adjust the temperature at their workstation.
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.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional HVAC systems condition the entire room to a common temperature, then the overall room temperature is maintained, but individual workstation temperature comfort is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the room into multiple independent thermal zones, each corresponding to a specific workstation. Each workstation receives conditioned air through dedicated supply vents, allowing individual temperature control while maintaining overall room HVAC operation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both room-wide temperature maintenance and individual workstation adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local temperature conditioning at each workstation through strategically placed supply vents and radiant panels. Each workstation can be customized with different temperature settings, air flow rates, and cooling/heating intensities based on individual user needs. This local quality approach allows individual temperature adjustment without compromising overall room temperature stability.
2Ease of operation
If radiant panels are integrated into workstation structures, then individual temperature control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges radiant cooling/heating panels with workstation structures such as desks, partitions, or overhead structures. These panels are integrated into the existing workstation design, eliminating the need for separate standalone units. The integration combines multiple functions (structural support, thermal conditioning, and user interface) into a unified system, reducing operational complexity while maintaining individual temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiant panels are designed to serve multiple workstations or zones simultaneously while providing individual control. A single panel system can condition multiple adjacent workstations, and the control system can independently adjust each zone. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by sharing common infrastructure (panels, ductwork, control electronics) across multiple workstations.
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 energy efficiency and reducing contamination spread.
Implementation Method 1
employing radiant panels near a workstation to absorb radiant energy to maintain a target temperature at the workstation
Implementation Method 2
The radiant panel may include a heat exchange coil extending within a housing
Data Source
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.