Thermal Panel for Passive Temperature Control

Owner Name: CATI - Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation
Category: Bio-Energy

It is well known that it is possible to control a building temperature through to use of either a dark roof color to absorb light, thus heating a structure, or through the use of a light roof, thus reflecting light and cooling a building. However, no such roofing system has the capability of both heating and cooling. This invention consists of a thermal panel including a cell having a transparent side and a base side. The cell contains a heatable plate which has both a heating and cooling position. The plate is exposed when in the heating position and covered by an insulating medium when in the cooling position. This allows both heating and cooling features. The dual role of this thermal panel allows for the absorption of light waves until a maximum threshold temperature has been reached. At this point, the insulating medium will cover the heatable plate, thus reflecting the light waves and no longer heating the structure. Conversely, the insulating medium will retract and allow for the absorption of light waves to increase heat in the structure.

US Patent Number. 6,564,796, Issued 05/20/03, "Thermal Panel for Passive Temperature Control"

Possible Applications for the Thermal Panel:

The thermal panel can be used in a wide variety of roofing application. Homes, businesses, farms, and warehouses, are all possible facilities that can benefit from this thermal panel roofing. The ability to absorb or reflect lighting makes this product ideal for any structure looking to increase heating and cooling efficiency while lowering their costs.

More Information