Reciprocating panel for capillary hydronic mats

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular reciprocating panel system designed to support capillary hydronic mats used in building conditioning. The invention features an encapsulated capillary mat comprising three layers: a first metal layer with machined grooves, a second layer consisting of a capillary mat with parallel tubes and manifold tubes, and a third layer with a planar surface. These layers are thermally interconnected to enhance heat transfer efficiency. An exemplary capillary mat is encapsulated between the first and third layers, which are in thermal communication. The invention also includes a spigot system for secure connection of the manifold tubes, enabling fluid communication between reciprocating panels arranged in an array. This system provides improved thermal radiant capacity and uniform panel surface temperatures, optimising energy transfer for building conditioning.

1 . An encapsulated capillary mat, comprising:
 a first layer comprising a plurality of grooves;   a second layer comprising a capillary mat with a plurality of spaced apart parallel tubes;   wherein both longitudinal ends of the second layer comprise a manifold tube running perpendicular to the plurality of parallel tubes; and   a third layer comprising a substantially planar surface;   wherein the plurality of grooves are parallel, adapted to receive the plurality of spaced apart parallel tubes;   wherein the second layer is substantially enclosed in between the first metal layer and the third layer; and   wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are in thermal communication with each other.   
     
     
         2 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of parallel tubes and the manifold tubes of the second layer are plastic. 
     
     
         3 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 1 , wherein the first layer is metal. 
     
     
         4 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 1 , wherein a finished substrate material is applied onto the substantially planar surface of the third layer. 
     
     
         5 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 4 , wherein the third player comprises a plastic surface to which the finished substrate material is applied. 
     
     
         6 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 5 , wherein the finished substrate material is a hydrophobic material. 
     
     
         7 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 5 , wherein the finished substrate material is plasterboard, SPC vinyl panels, wood veneer, metal perforated sheeting, or rendering. 
     
     
         8 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 1 , wherein the third layer is an aluminium layer having a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm. 
     
     
         9 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 1 , wherein the third layer comprises an adhesive surface adapted to secure the third layer to the second layer. 
     
     
         10 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 1 , comprising a spigot adapted to be affixed to the manifold tubes of the second layer, the spigot comprising:
 a. a tube section having a first end and a second end;   b. the first end comprising a taper; and   c. the second end comprising a sleeve region;   d, wherein the sleeve region is adapted to be affixed to the manifold tubes.   
     
     
         11 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 10 , wherein the second end of the spigot comprises a first region with larger external diameter and a second region with smaller external diameter; wherein the first region comprises an abutment surface to securely position spigot against the manifold pipes as the second region is inserted into said manifold pipe. 
     
     
         12 . The encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 11 , wherein the abutment surface of the spigot is plastic welded to the manifold pipes. 
     
     
         13 . A reciprocating panel, comprising:
 a. an insulation layer comprising a plurality of machined grooves; and   b. the encapsulated capillary mat of  claim 1 ;   c, wherein the plurality of machined grooves of the insulation layer are adapted to receive the plurality of machined grooves of the first layer of the capillary mat.   
     
     
         14 . The reciprocating panel of  claim 13 , wherein the insulation layer and encapsulated capillary mat are adhesively affixed to each other. 
     
     
         15 . An array arrangement of the reciprocating panel of  claim 14 . 
     
     
         16 . The array arrangement of reciprocating panels of  claim 15 , wherein the reciprocating panels are in fluid communication with other reciprocating panels of the array. 
     
     
         17 . The array arrangement of  claim 16 , wherein a finished substrate material is applied onto a substantially planar surface of the reciprocating panels of the array. 
     
     
         18 . A spigot, comprising:
 a tube section having a first end and a second end;   the first end comprising a taper; and   the second end comprising a sleeve region;   wherein the sleeve region is adapted to be affixed to a tube.   
     
     
         19 . The spigot of  claim 18 , wherein the second end of the spigot comprises a first region with larger external diameter and a second region with smaller external diameter; wherein the first region comprises an abutment surface to securely position spigot against the tube as the second region is inserted into said tube.