U.S. patent application number 11/577295 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-17 for composite hybrid panel, or building element for combined heating, cooling, ventilating and air-conditioning.
Invention is credited to Birol Kilkis, Alphan Manas.
Application Number | 20080086981 11/577295 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35658904 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080086981 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kilkis; Birol ; et
al. |
April 17, 2008 |
Composite Hybrid Panel, or Building Element for Combined Heating,
Cooling, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning
Abstract
An invention of composite, hybrid radiant/forced and natural
convection, integrated, sandwiched, multi-role panel (1) optimally
integrates heating, cooling, ventilating, air-conditioning,
thermo-electric effect, energy recovery, and energy storage
functions at very moderate operating temperatures such that it can
directly utilize renewable and waste energy resources having very
low energy. The composite hybrid panel or building element (1)
having a diffuser layer (2) that is thermally conductive, a porous
layer (3) providing uniform air diffusion, a thermal insulation
layer (4) simply attached or embedded or integrated to a building
wall ceiling, floor or stands alone for indoor space partitioning
purposes.
Inventors: |
Kilkis; Birol; (Istanbul,
TR) ; Manas; Alphan; (Istanbul, TR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKERMAN SENTERFITT
P.O. BOX 3188
WEST PALM BEACH
FL
33402-3188
US
|
Family ID: |
35658904 |
Appl. No.: |
11/577295 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
August 31, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/TR05/00039 |
371 Date: |
April 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60618122 |
Oct 14, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/791.1 ;
165/48.1; 454/284; 52/747.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/068 20130101;
F24T 10/30 20180501; F28F 3/12 20130101; F24F 5/0089 20130101; F24F
5/0092 20130101; Y02E 10/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/791.1 ;
165/48.1; 52/747.1; 454/284 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/34 20060101
E04C002/34; F28F 13/12 20060101 F28F013/12; F25B 29/00 20060101
F25B029/00; F24F 7/00 20060101 F24F007/00 |
Claims
1. A composite, multi-layered, sandwiched, hybrid total heat and
mass transfer panel or building element that are all encased
together to form a totally enclosed conduit, that can deliver both
actively, or passively and independently controlled all three
possible components of heat transfer in air-conditioning, namely
radiant, forced-convection and natural-convection by the panel
itself in either indoor heating or cooling modes, which may have
latent or sensible cooling components, whereas this panel may be
functional as a total, stand-alone HVAC system (heating,
ventilating and air-conditioning) or functional in any other
applications, any of which may require a variable split of thermal
radiation, forced-convection and natural-convection heat transfer,
ventilation and air-conditioning, characterized by comprising a
front cover, a porous layer, which provides a more uniform air
diffusion and also acts as a medium of thermal storage, wherein
said panel has a ventilation, a combined forced and natural
convection heating and cooling, a thermal radiation heating and
cooling, and air-conditioning functions all of which may co-exist
or any one of them or some of them in any combination or ratio may
be actively or passively adjusted and delivered to exist at any
time of operation, depending upon the optimum operating conditions
required and indoor functions in demand.
2. The composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panel or building
element of claim 1 further comprising heating and or cooling
elements in the form of liquid circulating (hydronic pipes), and or
electric cables and or thermo-electric effect wires.
3. The composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panel or building
element of claim 1 further comprising a thermally conductive
diffuser layer, which is a thermal storage medium and also makes
the airflow and temperature distribution on the panel surface more
uniform.
4. The composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panel or building
element of claim 3 wherein said diffuser layer is composed of
stainless steel wool from metal scrap or other recycling materials
in order to further improve the thermal and temperature
distribution.
5. The composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panel or building
element of claim 1, further comprising a thermal insulator layer
having fire resistant properties that is attachable to a building
wall, ceiling or floor or usable as an indoor partition.
6. The composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panel or building
element of claim 1 wherein said porous layer is composed of glued
wood chips and/or auto tires or other recycled materials.
7. The composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panel or building
element of claim 1 further comprising an electrostatic, ionic,
plasma and HEPA air filter and/or UV lamps.
8. The composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panel of claim 1
that can be directly embedded in to a green building and
environment system comprising an energy supply including at least
one of wind turbines (WT), solar photovoltaic arrays, and solar hot
water panels, and comprising ground source heat pumps (GSHP), a
thermal energy storage medium (TES), and a heat transferring liquid
circuit, wherein said GSHP provides heat (in winter) from or
rejects heat (in summer) to the ground and seasonal energy storage,
and activates said sensible cooler by absorption, wherein said TES
reduces the peak values of thermal loads and the green energy
demand, said energy supply delivering additional heat, and wherein
said hydronic circuit conditions ventilation air, and provides
energy to said composite hybrid panel tubing.
9. The composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panel or building
element of claim 8 wherein said pane comprises at least one heating
clement directly transferring heat from/to the ground by use of the
heat pipes.
10. The composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panel or building
element of claim 1, wherein said porous layer, said front cover,
and a thermal insulator layer establish a passive panel.
11. The composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panel or building
element of claim 1, wherein said porous layer, a thermal insulator
layer, and an air diffuser layer establish an active panel.
12. Two composite hybrid heat and mass transfer panels of claim 1,
wherein said porous layer, and an air diffuser layer are arranged
back to back without a thermal insulator layer to establish a
stand-alone two directional active panel system for indoor
partitioning, wherein both or any of the composite hybrid panels
comprise LED or similar lighting elements on the panel surface
and/or electric power and/or electronic data transfer lines and/or
bus bars.
13. A method for using the composite hybrid heat and mass transfer
panel or building element of claim 1, wherein said porous layer and
a thermal insulator layer establish a passive panel and said porous
layer, a thermal insulator layer and an air diffuser layer
establish an active panel, the method comprising the steps of:
placing said passive panel at an opposite facing side of said
active panel so as to provide a continuously breathing system such
that said passive panel inhales and said active panel exhales
during operation.
14. A method for using the composite hybrid panel or building
element of claim 13 comprising the steps of ionizing air in a
controlled manner on said active panel, and collecting pollutants
on said passive panel.
15. The method for using composite hybrid panel or building
elements of claim 13, wherein the indoor air pressure is adjusted
in a controlled manner.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] This invention relates to composite, integrated, sandwiched,
multi-role, hybrid radiant-convective panel or building element,
which optimally integrates heating, cooling, ventilating,
air-conditioning functions and any other indoor function like air
pressure control, thermo-electric effect, energy recovery, and
energy storage functions at very moderate temperatures such that it
can directly utilize renewable and waste energy resources with very
low exergy.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems
have to satisfy three primary comfort functions, namely heating and
cooling, humidity control, and ventilation. These functions are
usually delegated to either a central forced convection
air-conditioning system, or unitary air-conditioners, or hydronic
heating/cooling systems (like convective fan-coils or radiant
panels). In turn, in existing building technology walls, ceilings,
and floors are non-HVAC functional, except acting like radiant
panels or carrying ducts or chilled beams. On the other hand,
radiant panels or chilled beams alone cannot control indoor
humidity and cannot satisfy latent thermal loads. They can only
satisfy sensible thermal loads.
[0005] Building elements, walls, ceilings and floors may be more
cost effective and energy efficient if they are directly used for
HVAC and other indoor functions and satisfy both sensible and
latent loads.
[0006] In particular, forced convection air-conditioning through a
single duct system compromises the efficiency and comfort
functions, which are not truly compatible and sometimes
contradictory. Ducts of a central air-conditioning system spanning
the entire building are expensive and they are energy, premium
space, and material intensive, they need frequent, if not
continuous maintenance and inspection for indoor air quality
reasons for human health and other functional requirements like
clean rooms, hospitals, schools etc, to name a few.
[0007] On the other hand, available terminal units of existing
technology, whether air or hydronic, primarily function by either
thermal convection or radiation, whereas optimum human comfort
precisely requires a radiant convective split of 60% by 40%, of
which, none of the existing HVAC systems can provide.
[0008] Hydronic systems like radiators or radiant panels are more
energy distribution efficient but cannot handle latent loads
without a secondary air system. For example, a recent DOE
(Department of Energy) study classifies ceiling panel cooling as
the most energy efficient system (DE-AC01-96CE23798) but requires a
secondary air system in order to satisfy latent loads (humidity
control of indoor air).
[0009] Conventional HVAC systems are designed to use high-energy
resources, commonly fossil fuel based, at very low-energy
efficiency, like 6%. When these systems are attempted to be coupled
with low-energy renewable or waste energy resources, HVAC equipment
and terminal units need to be either over sized or resource
temperature need to be conditioned, or both, each of which are
costly penalties and often diminish the environmental and exergetic
advantages of utilizing renewable and waste energy resources. In
other words, conventional HVAC systems, which fundamentally
remained unchanged for over a century are incompatible with
low-exergy renewable and waste energy resources and require
substantial equipment over sizing and/or conditioning of the
resource temperature with boilers, heat pumps, and chillers. As a
result, these energy resources will not economically and rationally
substitute fossil fuels unless a new HVAC system is introduced,
which may directly utilize them. The only heating and cooling
system that can be directly coupled to low-exergy energy resources
without any penalty is radiant panel system. However, radiant panel
systems cannot handle latent loads like humidity control and a
secondary system needs to be introduced to the same indoor space to
satisfy latent loads. The so-called hybrid HVAC system is a
co-location of at least two different types of heating and a
cooling system like a radiant panel and a convective system like a
condensing type fan-coil in the same indoor space.
[0010] Although the hybrid HVAC system seems to be a possible
candidate for better utilization of low-exergy renewable and waste
energy resources, it can only optimize the equipment over sizing
and temperature conditioning instead of eliminating these costly
measures, which diminish major advantages of low-exergy energy
resources. For example even after using design and sizing
optimization tools developed by the Inventor, a fan-coil and
radiant panel combination using 45.degree. C. waste water for space
heating requires 60% equipment over sizing and a boiler to peak the
resource temperature from 45.degree. C. This example shows that
whichever engineering ingenuity and mathematical tools are
employed, the feasibility of coupling conventional HVAC systems
directly with low-exergy energy resources is quite limited and
remains uneconomical.
[0011] Conventional HVAC technologies worldwide encounter four
major problems: [0012] 1- They cannot directly couple with
low-exergy energy resources without impairing performance of other
green components and without substantial economic and technical
penalties. [0013] 2- They cannot actively control
radiant/convective heat transfer split for maximum human comfort.
[0014] 3- Installation, operation, and maintenance are costly and
energy and occupied space intensive. [0015] 4- They require
uncomfortably low condensation temperature of humid air in order to
control the indoor air humidity. This renders generally a re-heat
process and reduces the coefficient of performance (COP) of heat
pumps and chillers.
[0016] About 90% of HVAC systems use central forced-air
distribution, which is the least economical and exergetically most
inefficient system. On the other hand, technologies mainly emerging
in Europe like chilled beams and similar radiant systems cannot
handle latent (humidity control) loads without an additional
conventional system.
[0017] The apparatus of this invention overcomes these problems
mentioned above by combining all HVAC functions into a single
terminal unit that can directly couple with low-exergy energy
resources. This invention houses all HVAC elements in it or this
invention may also be used with any central HVAC system, heat pump
system or central heating or cooling system as an n efficient and
multi-role terminal unit without housing any HVAC element like
dehumidifier etc.
SUMMARY
[0018] In accordance with the present apparatus of invention, which
is a composite hybrid radiant and convective panel takes the hybrid
HVAC concept one big step further and combines different and
essential radiant and convective components of HVAC physically into
a composite, single terminal unit for total human comfort, and any
other building functions and eliminates the four major problems of
conventional HVAC system. The same system may equally be effective
for animal shelters, greenhouses and storage buildings, libraries,
and museums. The invention comprises a thermally active and
hydrodynamically porous diffuser plate, which acts as both a
radiant and forced/natural convection heat exchange surface and a
latent air diffusion surface for total comfort service from such a
single surface. This surface is encased in a wall, ceiling or floor
panel, encased in an office cubicle partition, or embedded to a
section of the building structure or any building element. Heating
and cooling of the air diffusing into the indoor space from the
composite hybrid panel can be pre-conditioned in a central system
or by the panel itself by hydronic pipes or electric cables
(heating only) or thermo-electric effect wires (cooling only) or
any combination of all these placed behind the porous diffuser
plate. These cables, wires, pipes also heat or cool the diffuser
plate surface to make it a radiant panel surface at the same time.
Conversely pre-conditioned air may also make the diffuser plate
surface thermal radiation-wise active without pipes, wires, or
electric cables. In summary, diffusing air is heated or cooled and
humidity conditioned by different systems in a part of the same
encasement or air is pre-conditioned by other external systems
outside the encasement. The thermal mass of apparatus stores heat
or cold thus shaves-off the peak sensible thermal loads. It may
also incorporate a building exterior integrated feature, which
collects energy. The same encasement of the apparatus may also
house other sanitary, comfort and utility functions like air
filtering, air sanitization, ionization, air-pressure control,
indoor lighting, electrical power supply lines and or bus-bars,
plumbing pipes, internet, wired or wireless communication
systems.
The invention also comprises an apparatus and method for
dynamically optimum operation control for minimum cost and maximum
efficiency, and an operation control algorithm for different
objective functions.
Objects and Advantages
[0019] Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the
composite hybrid radiant/convective panel described in my above
patent, several objects and advantages of the present invention
are: [0020] to provide HVAC and other indoor functional walls,
ceilings and floors in existing building technology, [0021] to
provide HVAC cheaper than a central, forced-convection system with
ducts and reduce its disadvantages or occupying cost-premium indoor
space and material and energy intensive capital and operating
costs, [0022] to provide intuitive hybrid HVAC system to optimally
satisfy all objective and subjective human comfort requirements in
a dynamically optimum cost and maximum energy and exergy
efficiency, [0023] to provide intuitive hybrid HVAC system, which
can handle latent loads without a separate air system, [0024] to
provide a hybrid HVAC system that can directly utilize low-exergy
energy resources, which otherwise are wasted [0025] to provide a
new hybrid HVAC system such that renewable energy resources may
economically and rationally substitute fossil fuels, [0026] A
unified, single apparatus to provide all building functions as
necessary, [0027] A unified, single apparatus that can operate
stand-alone (by itself) or can be optimally modulated into other
conventional systems.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0028] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same
number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0029] FIG. 1A shows cross sectional side view of the innovative
composite hybrid panel (in wall position for demonstration
purposes) having three layers and a decorative, porous, hybrid
radiant, forced/natural convection functional cover.
[0030] FIG. 1B shows front view of a preferable embodiment with
heating and/or cooling elements of innovative wall panel (surface
porosity not shown). The geometry of the composite hybrid panel may
be any suitable geometry like rectangle, square, parallelogram,
circular, oval etc.
[0031] FIG. 1C shows front sectional view of a preferable
embodiment of a porous layer of innovative wall panel, where the
degree of porosity, thus air-flow resistance changes both in
lateral and transverse directions in order to compensate the
asymmetric air intake and fan location (porosity holes not to scale
in the figure).
[0032] FIG. 2A shows cross sectional side view of the innovative
composite hybrid panel without diffuser layer and heating and/or
elements.
[0033] FIG. 2B shows front view of the preferable embodiment of
hybrid wall panel without heating and or cooling elements (no
pipes, cables or wires).
[0034] FIG. 3A shows cross sectional side view of the innovative
splittable composite hybrid panel when the air intake and
conditioning-filtering etc duct is separated.
[0035] FIG. 3B shows front view of the innovative splittable
composite hybrid panel without air duct.
[0036] FIG. 3C shows an embodiment of an air duct splittable from
composite hybrid panel.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of breathing system composed of
placing two composite hybrid panels (in this case wall panels for
demonstration purposes) while one of two includes a diffuser layer
and the other does not.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows an example application for completely Green,
Innovative Building HVAC Technology using a heat pump.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows an example application of completely Green,
Innovative Building HVAC Technology using heat pipes.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows an algorithm of control apparatus that
optimizes the load split PR.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
TABLE-US-00001 [0041] 1. Composite hybrid panel (shown in wall
position) 2. Air diffuser 3. Porous layer 4. Thermal insulator
(preferably from recycled organic material) 5. Heating and or
cooling element 6. Decorative and porous front cover 7. Air filter
8. Air duct 9. Fan 10. UV Lamps 11. Air humidifier unit 12.
Dehumidifier unit (preferably liquid desiccant) 13. Sensors 14.
Wind Turbine 15. Solar Photovoltaic Cells 16. Solar Water Panel 17.
Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) 18. Electric battery 19. Hydronic
Circuit 20. Desiccant de-humifier and cooler 21. TES (Thermal
Energy Storage) 22. Seasonal Energy Storage System (ground heat
exchange coils) 23. Capillary tubes
Description--FIGS. 1A and 1B--Preferred Embodiments
[0042] A preferred embodiment of the composite hybrid panel 1 of
the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. As
shown in FIG. 1A, the innovative composite hybrid panel 1 comprises
three layers 2, 3, 4 and a decorative, porous, and other functional
front cover 6. From the front cover, the composite hybrid panel
surface exchanges heat with the indoor space by thermal radiation
and natural thermal convection. At the same time, conditioned air
is diffused to the indoor space through the pores of the panel
surface, thus establishing a forced convection heat transfer.
Diffuser 2, which is air diffusing and thermally conducting layer
of any porous material like stainless steel wool made from metal
scrap or metal waste from any machine shop and then treated with
anti-bacterial agents like silver-based anti-microbial agent or any
other environmentally friendly antibacterial material. It also
houses hydronic tubing or capillary tubes for heating and or
cooling or electrical heating cable, electrical mat or
thermo-electric cooling wire or wire mat 5. Hydronic tubing (like
thermoplastic tubing) or piping (like any metal pipe) or any
capillary tubing is preferably made from fossil fuel by products or
any other recycled or suitable scrap material. This layer 2
enhances heat transfer to/from the panel surface and helps o
maintain a uniform surface temperature for even thermal radiation
and convection. The porous layer 3 is made from any material;
preferably, recycled or inverse engineered product like spray glued
wood chips or shredded auto tires with pre-engineered variation of
its degree of porosity in three dimensions in order to provide
uniform air diffusion to the room over the entire panel surface. An
analytic or numerical model determines the porosity and size
distribution in all dimensions (height, width, depth). This porous
layer may have a constant width (thickness) like shown in the
relevant figures or may have a variable thickness in order to
facilitate the uniformity of air diffusion. For example, this layer
may taper along the height of the panel. Back and side thermal
insulation preferably from recycled organic material with
fire-resistant properties 4 minimizes energy losses. The composite
hybrid panel 1 is preferably framed by recycled, environment safe,
chemical free wood profiles and it is simply attached to the
building wall. All material is fire-resistance compliant. Total
panel thickness is typically and preferably, 6 inch (15 cm).
Composite hybrid panels 1 may be combined and interconnected with
each other or other building panels and plumbing elements with air
and hydronic connectors. A dynamically active control apparatus
controls all indoor functions.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1B, a heating and or cooling element 5 may
be placed into the diffuser 2 of the innovative composite hybrid
panel 1. The heating and or cooling element 5 can be for example
PEX tubing for warm or cold fluid circulation or electrical heating
wires, electric mats, or thermo-electric effect (cooling) wires or
mats. The shape and type of the heating element do not limit the
scope. The important point is heating or cooling the panel surface
when required with a dynamically controlled system (see FIG. 7).
The fan 9 inhales or brings fresh air into the air duct 8.
Location, type, capacity, number and dimensions of the fan 9 used
in the panel can be altered or changed. Fans may be located
symmetrically or asymmetrically in any number, in any type or a
combination of types and at any level of the panel and or in the
air duct. The air filter 7 typically electrostatic type strains the
air introduced to the air duct 8. The UV lamps 10 clean and
disinfect the air. A humidifier 11 and dehumidifier 12 can be
placed into the air duct to control air relative humidity of the
diffusing air for maximum human comfort and required levels. The
arrows in FIG. 1B shows the typical directions of air circulation
from air duct 8 to diffuser 2 and porous layer 3 in a uniform
pattern. Because of the location of the fan(s) 9, a sample position
shown in FIG. 1B, air diagonally moves and advances from air duct 8
to porous wall 3 and--if exists--to diffuser 2. Therefore the pores
of the porous layer can be accordingly arranged, in this sample
case diagonally, which is in a manner that the smallest pore is the
nearest to the fan 9 and pores are less populated in order to
increase the airflow resistance in this region.
[0044] FIG. 2A shows the innovative composite and hybrid panel
without heating or cooling pipes or electric cables/wires. This
arrangement establishes a passive composite hybrid panel or
building element structure, which is a part of the invented
continuous air breathing system. Passive and active panels
continuously breathe air except at off periods of the system if an
on-off control is used. The preferable control apparatus and
algorithm (FIG. 7) is a dynamic, temperature and airflow modulated
control by varying the radiant/convective split and fluid
temperatures. Side sectional view of this passive panel (in wall
position) is displayed in FIG. 2B. The passive panel exhausts the
air from the indoor space in a project-suitable manner or feeds it
to re-circulation. The configuration shown in FIG. 2B for a passive
panel may also be used for active panel configuration if the panel
surface temperature control is also going to be accomplished by the
conditioned air diffusing to the room through the panel pores.
[0045] FIGS. 3A to C show a splittable composite hybrid panel where
the panel 1 and the air duct 8 can be separated for any reason like
maintenance, repair or mounting. The splittable composite hybrid
panel 1 may also be separately marketed if it will be serviced by a
separate central system. In another case, a single air duct 8 may
service a plurality of composite hybrid panels 1 with conditioned
air, electricity, hot water or heating or cooling.
[0046] FIG. 4 shows the air breathing system composed of mutually
located panels 1. In this system, one of the panels has diffuser
layer and heating and or cooling elements, which is named active
panel. The other panel is called passive panel, as it does not
include diffuser and heating and or cooling elements. Passive panel
is used only for air exhaust, energy recovery and other indoor
functions desired at that indoor location. While active wall
exhales fresh, conditioned air into indoors, passive wall inhales.
The connecting pipe 23 at the bottom in FIG. 4 shows a case where
capillary tubes are used to bring liquid desiccant fluid from the
active panel air duct 8 and to charge it at the passive panel air
duct using the reclaimed (recovered) heat at the passive panel from
the warm exhaust air and return the charged desiccant fluid back to
active panel air duct 8 for continuing its dehumidifying
function.
FIGS. 5 and 6--Applications of Preferred Embodiments
[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, in the heating mode, if the energy is
derived from warm water, a water to air heat exchanger heats the
incoming air, and the remaining energy in the warm water circulates
through typically PEX tubing of heating element 5, typically and
preferably 0.75 inch (13 mm) in diameter. Tube spacing is
determined according to the required thermal capacity. If the
energy is derived from warm air, like from a solar air collector,
the exchanger becomes air to water. Heat exchangers may be in every
floor or tiny flat plate heat exchangers can be incorporated into
the air duct of each composite hybrid radiant/forced and natural
convection panel 1. The advantage of the latter is that one type of
fluid circulates in the system. Heating or cooling elements 5
transfer heat to/from the indoors through the decorative front
cover 6, which acts as a radiant panel surface. Radiant panel
surface temperature, which controls the radiant and natural
convection heat transfer at the entire panel surface is adjusted
with respect to thermal loads by the fluid temperature circulating
through the heating or cooling elements, or the electrical power of
the electrical cables, mats or wires, or diffusing air temperature
or both. Air diffusing through the thermal energy storing air
diffuser 2 is further heated or cooled before entering the indoor
space by the heating or cooling elements--if present. Air diffusion
provides the forced convection component and satisfies all the
latent thermal loads (humidity control). A dedicated control
algorithm precisely maintains the best radiant/convective split for
human comfort. A similar composite hybrid panel 1 without air
diffuser 2 and heating element 5 is mounted on preferably an
opposite side of the indoor space like the opposite wall if panels
are located at walls, in order to to draw air from indoors and to
deliver it back for re-circulation or exhaust all or part of it.
This is the "passive" composite hybrid panel. Composite hybrid
panel 1 may be serviced by a flexible mini-duct system to deliver
externally conditioned air-to-air duct 8. Air passes through a
re-usable electrostatic, plasma, ionic, or HEPA air filter 7, pass
through UV lamps for sterilization and then diffuses through the
porous layer 3. A pre-filter may also be used at the upstream of
the fan. This invention can be directly coupled with a cluster of
other green energy components like wind turbines (WT) 14, solar
photovoltaic (PV) arrays 15, solar water panels 16, ground source
heat pumps (GSHP) 17, and energy storage systems 22 (FIG. 3). Any
combination of such a cluster derives a completely green building
technology and can eliminate fossil fuel dependency. When a GSHP 17
is coupled to the composite hybrid panel system 1; it provides heat
(in winter) from or rejects heat (in summer) to the ground, which
also provides seasonal (long-term) energy storage. Hydronic circuit
19 conditions the ventilation air, provides energy to the composite
hybrid panel tubing of the heating or cooling elements 5, and
activates liquid desiccant de-humidifier and air cooler 20. WT 14
provides green electricity and incorporates batteries. Composite
hybrid panel 1 itself is short-term thermal energy storage medium
due to its relatively large thermal mass. A medium-term TES 21
shaves-off the peaks of the load and the green energy supply, and
further shaves-off the demand. Solar water panels 16 deliver
additional heat. Due to decreased, coincident loads, all green
components have minimal size and peak performance. A further
application of the invention is shown in FIG. 7, where heating
element 5 directly transfer heat from/to the ground by the use of
capillary tubes. Composite hybrid panel 1 may also be integrated
into a Trombe wall section on the outside or incorporate phase
change materials for energy storage. Other plumbing and building
control and energy supply elements may be pre-engineered and
pre-fabricated into these panels too, depending upon the need and
production options to be marketed.
[0048] As a preferred embodiment, the composite hybrid panel 1
operates with a heat pump and satisfies the total sensible indoor
space comfort load by radiant and convective components of heat
transfer from its porous surface 6.
[0049] In this patent, the load split is defined by the symbol PR,
which needs to be optimized continuously in order to minimize the
cost of the system. An optimum sensible load split control
apparatus was invented which continuously optimizes PR by
continuously calculating the indoor sensible comfort load q. In
cooling q is negative and in heating q is positive by sign
convention.
PR=C.sup.1|q| (1)
[0050] Here PR is the optimum, instantaneous sensible load split
between the radiant and convective components of the composite
hybrid panel 1, depending upon the instantaneous total sensible
load q. In Equation 1, the absolute value of q is used. C' is a
performance characteristic constant:
C ' = - C h p C I a ( xC p M x - 1 ) ( 2 ) ##EQU00001##
[0051] In Equation 2, x is -1.5 C.sub.hp is the life-cycle-cost of
the heat pump coupled to the composite hybrid panel system whose
life-cycle cost factor is C.sub.p. M is the design spacing of the
hydronic tubing, or electric cables, or thermo-electric function
wires 5 in the hybrid composite panel 1. .alpha. is a constant
between 0.001 and 7.0. C.sub.1 is constant depending upon the fluid
temperature required from the heat pump. The control apparatus is
schematically shown in FIG. 7.
[0052] As a sample application, the control apparatus continuously
monitors the mean radiant temperature t.sub.mr, average dry-bulb
air temperature of the indoor space t.sub.a, and AUST (Area
weighted uncontrolled indoor surfaces of the indoor space). Using
these values, the outdoor temperature and the heat overall load
loss (gain in cooling) U of the indoor space. Control is based on
two steps. The first step modulates the temperatures of the
diffusing air and fluid temperature depending upon the magnitude of
q. The second step determines PR, which means how much of the
sensible load is going to be satisfied by the radiant surface
compared to the total sensible load. Thus, PR is a ratio. If the
optimum PR needs to adjust the fluid temperatures, they are
adjusted accordingly. If t.sub.a, t.sub.mr, or AUST are not in
acceptable ranges, then the optimum solution is re-adjusted. Fan
speeds are also controlled and adjusted.
[0053] One another important feature of these active and passive
composite hybrid panels is that the indoor air pressure in every
zone may be independently adjusted for premium human comfort. For
example, when the outdoor air pressure is low, migraine headaches
are aggravated in certain people. In such cases, an indoor pressure
conditioning may reduce or even eliminate these symptoms. Positive
pressurization of indoors on a zone-by-zone basis is also very
important for homeland security. If an outside CBR risk evolves,
positive pressurization of the building is possible. If an indoor
CBR risk evolves, the risk can be isolated by adjusting the indoor
air pressures of each zone independently. Active panel "exhales"
and passive panel "inhales." This breathing system spread over the
entire large surface area of the panel generates a uniform indoor
environment and surrounding. Without any passive panel, the
invention relies on air exfiltration from the conditional indoor
space. The same invention may also embed air ionizing technique or
plasma filtration method. In air ionization air is ionized in a
controlled manner in the active panel, and pollutants are collected
on the passive panel. On the passive panel, decorative cover is
replaced periodically. Because the airflow is slow, dust problem in
indoors are generally minimized by this invention.
[0054] Another important application of these active and passive
panels is that, the same invention may be applied to floors,
ceilings, roofs, attic panels, or indoor partitioning walls in part
or whole of the invention. For example, the same invention may be
used for office cubicles to generate local/personal
microenvironment climate, lighting and hub for electronic
components, computers, etc. This invention may be applied to any
kind of building like but not limited to residential, commercial,
industrial, etc. The same invention may be used in ground
transportation and sea vessels and aircrafts with the exception in
this case that these hybrid composite panels 1 may have no outside
connection. The same invention may also be employed in spacecrafts
where energy is limited and human comfort is a premium especially
in emergency cases: in an emergency, the use of energy can be
minimized in the composite hybrid panel 1 simply switching to
radiant mode only.
[0055] All passive and active panels, ceiling, or even floor panels
may incorporate artificial lighting elements over a wide surface
area in particular but not limited to new low temperature, low
energy, and closer to natural day lighting type lighting fixtures
such as LED or similar lamp devices. Low intensity lighting over a
larger surface are is more energy efficient and closer to natural
lighting. These fixtures may be color and intensity variable in
order to emulate a complete cycle of day lighting. In particular,
this emulation may be useful in aircraft and spacecraft cabins to
minimize the rapid earthly time zone changes to emulate the usual
24 hour cycle for astronauts in spacecrafts.
[0056] In particular but not limited to hybrid floor panel version,
this invention may be used in other functions and applications like
but not limited to animal shelters or pens, sport facilities (like
outdoor tennis courts in winter), outdoor applications for cafes,
greenhouses, public areas, restaurants, zoos, warehouses,
controlled climate pharmaceutical and electronics buildings,
storage rooms, hospitals, schools, offices, apartments,
micro-climate control systems etc.
[0057] Another important application of these active and passive
panels may be in museums or libraries to generate temporary or
permanent display areas with zone control and independent HVAC
application such that museum personnel, patrons, and artifacts
books etc are maintained in an environment with maximum benefits
without any compromise. For example in a library of old books and
manuscripts, the air temperature must be low, while the humans must
be thermally comfortable. Due to the dual control nature of the
composite hybrid panel such that radiant surface temperature and
the flowing air temperature can be independently controlled, the
air temperature is kept minimal while human thermal comfort
requirements are satisfied by the radiant heat transfer component
of the composite hybrid panel 1.
[0058] This Invention may also be coupled, integrated, and made
compatible and able to integrate with new building construction
technologies like building, panels for walls, floors, and roofs.
The invention maybe embedded into such building panels too.
[0059] This Invention may also incorporate natural ventilation
through outdoors with a controlled or pre-engineered degree of
porosity/permeability of outdoor air. Exhaust of air may be
accomplished at the passive panel in a similar fashion. This
combination eliminates ducts for indoor air ventilation
requirements. These panels may have additional air filter layers
for outdoor air.
Advantages
[0060] Further objects and advantages are enumerated below. [0061]
1. As a key feature, this technology operates at very moderate
temperatures, so that it can be directly coupled to low-exergy
energy resources such as solar, waste, and ground heat. This
complete compatibility eliminates the conventional HVAC plants,
terminal units, and associated energy losses, may increase the
exergetic efficiency from about 15% to 80%, and proportionally
eliminates environmental degradation. [0062] 2. This technology
improves the HVAC thermal efficiency by about 12% points and
reduces heating and cooling loads by up to 40%. Fossil fuel
dependence may be reduced by up to 90%, and electrical power demand
is reduced by about 85%. The combined result is a substantial
decrease in oil and gas dependency and increased energy security.
[0063] 3. Engineering calculations show that capital cost may up to
70% cheaper, operating and maintenance costs may be up to 80%
cheaper, when compared to central air-conditioning systems, after
correcting the latter figure for the desiccant cooler. [0064] 4.
This technology can significantly enhance economical and technical
feasibility of using heat pumps, solar water heating panels, and
wind turbines. For example, if a ground source heat pump is used
with this invention, its COP increases typically by 40%, which
offsets additional investment and operating costs, and adds
positive impact on the environment. If wind energy drives the GSHP,
the system becomes completely green as shown in FIG. 5. Even if
only solar water panels are used, the overall installation cost
will compete with conventional HVAC systems, when increased solar
panel efficiency is also factored-in. This reveals that solar panel
water heaters in building heating and cooling can become perfectly
economical even with today's solar panel technology, when they are
coupled with the invention. Therefore, this invention provides a
huge market and energy savings potential in solar building sector
too. The same is also true for micro and district CHP (Combined
Heat and Power) and CCHP (Combined Cold Heat and Power) systems.
[0065] 5. Better indoor air distribution and circulation improve
comfort. Anti-microbial properties of this technology help to
sustain a healthier and mold free indoor environment. [0066] 6.
Because the conditioned airflow rate is reduced by about 50% and
complete zoning is possible, the bio-terror risk in a 15-m indoor
radius decreases in similar proportion. [0067] 7. The building
sector will significantly save energy and fossil fuel with the
proposed technology and saved fossil fuels will be allocated to
uses that are more rational. [0068] 8. Higher exergy and energy
efficiency of the invention will contribute to improvement of the
environmental quality and sustainability.
Commercialization /Market Potential
[0069] The invention is a complete package of integrated, composite
hybrid radiant/forced and natural convection heat transfer wall
panel for hybrid HVAC, which can be directly coupled to renewable
or waste energy sources. This is an important step for
environmental issues and energy economy. The invention has its own
dedicated dynamic control apparatus (FIG. 7) and optimization
algorithm, which makes the invention also adaptable and affordable.
The invention may also be coupled to several other green component
cluster options as typically shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in order
to suit every need, building type, geographic location, and energy
market.
Because a simple shop technology and a waste material supply are
sufficient, production investment shall be minimal and attractive.
With a combination of strong commercial and industrial interest
among homeowners, contractors, and decision-makers, and ease of
manufacturing, commercialization of the proposed technology is
feasible and will be seamless with the HVAC market.
Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope
[0070] An invention of composite, integrated, sandwiched,
multi-role composite radiant wall panel optimally integrates
heating, cooling, ventilating, air-conditioning, thermo-electric,
energy recovery, and energy storage functions at very moderate
temperatures such that is can directly utilize renewable and waste
energy resources having very low exergy. The same panel may also
modularly integrate or connect with/to other building functions,
plumbing functions, electric/electronic functions, and indoor air
pressure control functions. The above-mentioned functions may all
be present or only some of these functions may be present. The
panel may be completely opaque, completely transparent, or
semi-transparent. Direct compatibility with low-exergy energy
resources eliminates costly equipment over sizing and resource
temperature conditioning associated with conventional HVAC systems.
Significant implications are the cost effective utilization of
abundantly available low-exergy energy resources in all types of
buildings, consequential substitution of fossil fuels in the
building industry, and proportional reduction of harmful emissions
on a macro scale, overall cost reduction of buildings, cost and
thermally, exergetically effective energy conserving building
envelope. This invention optimally combines radiant and convective
heat transfer and collectively maximizes all human comfort
requirements by integrating HVAC functions with all other building
functions into a single element in energy efficient, economically
effective, innovative, single-source manners. More uniform,
mold-free, and healthier indoor air distribution and complete
zoning capability improves the indoor air quality, human comfort,
and reduces risks of airborne CBR agents (Chemical, Biological, and
Radiological) from homeland security perspectives. This system is
easy to install, operate, and maintain both in existing and new
buildings. A simple shop using 100% recyclable waste material and
fossil fuel by-products can manufacture the composite hybrid panel
structure. In a typical house this system can reduce HVAC loads by
40%, increase overall thermal efficiency by 12% points, improve
exergetic efficiency from 15% to 80%, eliminate fossil fuel
dependency by 90%, and reduce bio-terror risk. The investment cost
will be 70% cheaper and the operating cost will be one-fifth when
waste heat is used. The composite hybrid wall panel may replace
conventional boilers, furnaces, and chillers at the plant level,
bulky air-conditioning ducts and terminal HVAC units at the
terminal level, adds a desiccant cooling system at an intermediate
level, and precisely embeds radiant and connective heat transfer at
the 60% by 40% split, that may also be adjusted with an innovative
control algorithm. Ground source heat pumps (GSHP), solar panels
(SP), and wind turbines (WT) may mutually enhance their attributes
with the invention. This invention primarily targets walls, which
have the same heating and cooling effectiveness.
* * * * *