Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/003—Balconies; Decks
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/0023—Building characterised by incorporated canalisations

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to a prefabricated building element for creating a recreational surface area such as a balcony or a terrace.
• Prefabricated building elements are often used to create recreational areas such as balconies, terraces, or floating ponds. It is advantageous that these recreational areas are self-supporting, easy to transport and assemble, and that they have a minimalistic design to minimize its impact on a potential building or structure to which they are connected.
• recreational areas aim to improve the standard of living of the space to which they are connected.
• the space may be an apartment or a house where the standard of living is improved by the addition of a recreational area such as a balcony or a terrace.
• the addition of a recreational area to a space although considered to improve the standard of living, comes with the drawback of reducing thermal comfort and energy efficiency. This is because recreational areas often have large glass areas or outer doors, both of which may reduce an efficient interior climate control. Outer doors may let out heat from the interior space. Glass areas often create cold bridges on cold days and sometimes unwanted heating on hot days.
• a building element for forming the structural foundation of a balcony.
• the building element comprises a frame defining an upper surface and a lower surface; one or more upper sheet shaped elements arranged to cover the upper surface; one or more lower sheet shaped elements arranged to cover the lower surface, such that a first compartment is formed within the frame and between the upper and lower sheet shaped elements.
• the frame, the upper sheet shaped element, and the lower sheet shaped element constitute the structural foundation of the building element.
• the building element further comprises a first energy accumulator arranged within the compartment.
• the present disclosure is based on the insight that the building element provided, comprising a first energy accumulator capable of storing and suppling energy and which is concealed in its structural foundation, allows said building element to be connected to a building such to improve its energy efficiency.
• the present disclosure thus allows for the capture of excess energy during periods of low demand or high energy generation, which can then be released during peak demand or when energy generating sources are not available.
• the building element may be arrangeable such to be connected to an electrical system of a household, for example a household of a building to which the balcony is connected, for improving the energy efficiency of said household. This gives each household the ability to store or draw energy from the first energy accumulator after own desire and preference.
• the building element may be arrangeable such to be connected to a power grid. This allows a building to provide one or more building elements according to the present disclosure, each providing at least one energy accumulator capable of balancing loads on the power grid by storing excess energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak demand times. This is advantageous for helping to stabilize the grid and improve its efficiency.
• energy it may be meant the capacity to do work, which can exist in various forms such as chemical energy, electrical energy or thermal energy.
• power grid it may be meant an interconnected system of electrical transmission lines, substations, transformers, and generating stations that deliver electricity from power plants to consumers.
• the building element may provide back-up power, either for a separate household, or for a power grid, to which the building element is electrically connected.
• the building element is advantageous since it allows for the storage of the first energy accumulator being kept outside of a building to which the building element is connected. With the building element being surrounded by outside air, a cool and ventilated environment may be provided for the first energy accumulator. This is advantageous for reducing the risk of the first energy accumulator overheating and/or decreasing its capacity of storing or supplying power.
• positioning the first energy accumulator outside the building to which the building element is connected is advantageous for reducing risk of fire. This because in the event that the first energy accumulator catches fire, it is located is outside the building to which the building element is connected, thereby reducing the risk of the fire spreading into said building.
• the first energy accumulator being positioned on the outside of the building facilitates firefighting efforts since the first energy accumulator is easily accessible outside the building, as opposed to an energy accumulator housed inside the building.
• the present disclosure is further advantageous since it allows the first energy accumulator to be located in the first compartment which is a default space of the structural foundation of the building element.
• default space it is meant an empty space allocation within the structural foundation of the building element.
• the inclusion of the first energy accumulator within the structural foundation of the building element does not build any extra size of the building element, but is rather a more effective use of space.
• the building element does not occupy more space relative to a corresponding building element for a balcony which does not house an energy accumulator.
• the present disclosure thus provides the ability to store or supply energy without causing a visual impact that is different to that of a regular building element for a balcony.
• the frame having an upper sheet shaped element and a lower sheet shaped element is advantageous for increasing strength and stiffness of the building element while simultaneously acting as a protective layer for the first energy accumulator.
• the structural foundation of a balcony refers herein to the supporting elements and components that ensure the stability, strength, and safety of the balcony structure.
• the structural foundation involves the design and construction of the underlying framework that bears the load of the balcony itself, as well as any additional loads such as furniture, people, or other objects.
• the term energy accumulator refers herein to a device or system for storing energy for later use.
• the energy accumulator may for example be a rechargeable battery.
• the present disclosure may provide a significant technical advantage over existing solutions.
• the present disclosure may enhance the energy efficiency of the building to which it is connected.
• this design may, besides from enabling effective energy storage and supply, also provide a safe and protected environment for the first energy accumulator.
• the structural integration may ensure that the energy accumulator is shielded from external environmental factors, such as weather and human activity, and from this, the risk of damage may be reduced and the longevity may be increased.
• this may provide the benefit that the building element is provided with means for storing and supplying energy, which are protected from external harm. Additionally, this configuration may minimize visual impact and maintain the aesthetic appeal of the balcony.
• the frame comprises at least two longitudinal beams which have a primary extension in parallel with each other; and at least two transversal beams which have a primary extension in parallel with each other, which primary extension extends perpendicularly to the primary extension of the at least two longitudinal beams.
• the use of at least two longitudinal and at least two transversal beams in a structural frame is advantageous for providing stability and strength, while allowing an efficient use of material.
• this structure generates the first compartment as a default space, allowing the first energy accumulator to be housed in the building element without causing the building element to increase in size.
• the frame comprises an intermediate beam which is arranged to extend between the at least two longitudinal beams so that a second compartment is formed within the frame, between the one or more upper sheet shaped elements, and the one or more lower sheet shaped elements.
• the intermediate beam may advantageously enhance the load distribution of the frame.
• the frame comprising at least two separate compartments is advantageous since components may be positioned in the first compartment isolated from other components in the second compartment. Placing components in separate compartments may be advantageous for reducing the risk of e.g. components positioned in the first compartment being overheated due to potential heat generated by components positioned in the second compartment, or vice versa.
• the building element further comprises a second energy accumulator arranged in the second compartment.
• the building element comprising a second energy accumulator is advantageous for increasing capacity of the building element to store and provide energy. Additionally, a second energy accumulator provides a backup power source, enhancing reliability. Having a first and a second energy accumulator is advantageous since they can share the power load, potentially extending the life of each individual energy accumulator.
• the power load may herein refer to the output of energy.
• the building element further comprises a plurality of intermediate beams, each arranged to extend between the at least two longitudinal beams (116), forming a plurality of compartments, wherein an energy accumulator is arrangeable within each of the plurality of compartments.
• the building element having a plurality of intermediate beams is advantageous for improving structural stability as well as load distribution.
• the plurality of intermediate beams may provide three or more separate compartments, each within each of which an energy accumulator may be arranged. Including a plurality of energy accumulators in the building element is advantageous for increasing power storing capacity. In addition, the load balancing capacity and/or the redundancy of the building element may be improved.
• At least one of the frame, the upper sheet shaped element, and the lower sheet shaped element is made of wood.
• Wood is advantageously used as an environmentally friendly building material that is renewable, recyclable, and which has a relatively low carbon footprint, contributing to the sustainable design of the building element.
• Wood is strong and durable which makes it suitable to be used in building material. Additionally, wood has excellent thermal efficiency which may be advantageous for maintaining a desirable temperature within the first compartment.
• the building element further comprises an outer shell which encloses the frame, the upper sheet shaped element, and the lower sheet shaped element.
• the outer shell enclosing the frame and the upper and lower sheet shaped elements is advantageous for providing a protective shell and/or a thermal insulating layer.
• the outer shell may protect the building element from environmental factors such as moisture and pests, enhancing the durability of the building element.
• the outer shell is at least partly made of a polymer.
• the outer shell being at least partly made of a polymer, such as polyester is advantageous for enabling it to be flame-resistant.
• the outer shell being flame-resistant is advantageous for protecting the frame, the upper and lower sheet shaped elements, and the at least one energy accumulator against fire. Additionally, the outer shell being flame-resistant is advantageous for containing a potential fire caused by the energy accumulator within the outer shell, preventing it for example from spreading to a building to which the building element is connected.
• the outer shell is made of an impermeable material such to protect the frame and the compartment against weather and wind.
• the outer shell is thus able to protect the building element against damages such as warping, cracking and fading, that may be caused by sun, rain, and wind. Additionally, the outer shell may protect the energy accumulator and/or any connected electrical components against damages due to for example moist.
• the energy accumulator is connectable to a building electricity system such to store or supply energy therefor.
• the energy accumulator is thus able to receive energy from a building electricity system and/or supply energy to the building electricity system.
• building electricity system it may be meant the electrical system powering electrical components within the building.
• each of the upper sheet shaped element and the lower sheet shaped element is composed of several elements together forming the respective sheet shaped element.
• Using several elements to provide the upper sheet-shaped element and/or the lower sheet shaped element offers flexibility in design, customization of properties, and allows for incremental forming. This approach may result in improved performance characteristics like strength and flexibility. It may also be more cost-effective, especially if the upper sheet shaped element and/or the lower sheet shaped element should have complex or relatively large shape.
• Figs. 1-3 show a building element 100 for forming the structural foundation of a balcony according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• a building element 100 comprising a frame 110, an upper sheet shaped element 120, a lower sheet shaped element 130 and a first energy accumulator 150.
• the building element 100 extends along three different axes, an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis.
• the axes are perpendicular to each other.
• the x-axis defines a longitudinal direction
• the y-axis defines a transversal direction
• the z-axis defines a vertical direction.
• the building element 100 extends in the longitudinal direction, from a first end 101 to a second end 102.
• the building element 100 extends in the transversal direction, from a third end 103 to a fourth end 104.
• the building element 100 extends in the vertical direction, from a fifth end 105 to a sixth end 106.
• the building element 100 is arranged to form the structural foundation of a balcony such that the third end 103 is directed towards a wall of a building to which the balcony is connected.
• the building element 100 may be arranged such that either of the first end 101, the second end 102, or the fourth end 104, is directed towards the wall of the building to which the balcony is connected.
• the frame 110 is a rigid structure that is the underlying structure that provides strength to the building element 100. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 , the frame 110 is rectangular in the x-y plane. That is, the frame 110 extends around a rectangular space in the x-y plane. The frame 110 further has a vertical extension along the z-axis from a lower surface 114 to an upper surface 112. In other embodiments, the frame 110 may have an alternative shape in the x-y plane. such as a square or a triangle.
• the upper sheet shaped element 120 is rectangular in the x-y plane and attached to the frame 110 such that it covers the upper surface 112.
• the upper sheet shaped element 120 has a vertical extension, or thickness, of suitable length such to provide strength and stability to the building element 100.
• the upper sheet shaped element 120 may be a structural plywood.
• the building element 100 may comprise a plurality of upper sheet shaped elements 120 stacked on top of each other along the z-axis. Having a plurality of upper sheet shaped elements 120 along the z-axis may be advantageous for increasing the structural strength of the building element 100.
• the one or more upper sheet shaped elements 120 are advantageously adapted in size and shape to cover the upper surface 112.
• the lower sheet shaped element 130 is rectangular in the x-y plane and attached to the frame 110 such that it covers the lower surface 114.
• the lower sheet shaped element 130 has a vertical extension, or thickness, of suitable length such to provide strength and stability to the building element 100.
• the lower sheet shaped element 130 may be a structural plywood.
• the building element 100 may comprise a plurality of lower sheet shaped elements 140 stacked on top of each other along the z-axis. Having a plurality of lower sheet shaped elements 130 along the z-axis may be advantageous for increasing the structural strength of the building element 100.
• the one or more lower sheet shaped elements 120 are advantageously adapted in size and shape to cover the lower surface 112.
• the frame 110, the upper sheet shaped element 120, and the lower sheet shaped element 130 forms a first compartment 140.
• the first compartment 140 is restricted in the transversal and longitudinal direction by the frame 110.
• the compartment is restricted in the vertical direction by the lower sheet shaped element 130 and the upper sheet shaped element 120.
• the first energy accumulator 150 is arranged within the first compartment 140 at an upper side of the lower sheet shaped element 130.
• upper side of the lower sheet shaped element 130 it is herein meant a side of the lower sheet shaped element 130 with a surface normal directed towards the upper sheet shaped element 120.
• the first energy accumulator 150 may be a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, it may for example be a thermal energy system, a capacitor or an inductor.
• the first energy accumulator 150 is connectable to an electrical system to store electrical energy from said electrical system or to supply electrical energy to said electrical system.
• the electrical system may be a building electrical system or a building electricity system.
• the building element 100 may comprise a connection system for connecting at least the first energy accumulator 150 to the electrical system.
• the connection system may consist of one or more of the following: cables, power converters, energy management systems and security measures.
• the connection system may vary depending on the type of energy accumulator used as the first energy accumulator 150.
• the frame 110 comprises two longitudinal beams 116, each having a primary extension along the longitudinal direction.
• the frame 110 further comprises two transversal beams 118, each having a primary extension along the transversal direction.
• the longitudinal beams 116 are attached to the transversal beams 116 to form the frame 110.
• the longitudinal beams 116 and the transversal beams 118 may for example be attached to each other by overlapping connected ends.
• the cross-section of each of the longitudinal beams 116 is here rectangular.
• each of the transversal beams 118 is here rectangular. It is conceivable within the scope of the present disclosure to provide one or more transversal beams 118 and one or more longitudinal beams 116 having an alternative cross-sectional shape, for example square or circular.
• the building element 100 further comprises an intermediate beam 117.
• the intermediate beam 117 has a primary extension in the transversal direction and extends between the two longitudinal beams 116.
• the intermediate beam 117 thus has a primary extension in parallel with the primary extension of the two transversal beams 118.
• the intermediate beam 117 has a rectangular cross-section. Providing an intermediate beam 117 with an alternative cross-sectional shape, such as square or circular, is however also conceivable within the concept of the present disclosure.
• the intermediate beam 117 extends between the two longitudinal beams 116 so that it divides the rectangular space defined by the frame 110 into two portions.
• the frame 110 and the intermediate beam 117, together with the upper sheet shaped element 120, and the lower sheet shaped element 130 form the first compartment 140 and an additional second compartment 142.
• the first compartment 140 and the second compartment 142 may be of equal size. Alternatively, they may be of different size.
• the building element 100 comprises a second energy accumulator 152.
• the first energy accumulator 150 is arranged in the first compartment 140.
• the second energy accumulator 152 is arranged in the second compartment 142.
• the second energy accumulator 152 is connectable to an electrical system or grid to store electrical energy or to supply electrical energy.
• the first energy accumulator 150 and the second energy accumulator 152 may be interconnected such to share an energy load. In some embodiments, the first energy accumulator 150 and the second energy accumulator 152 are not interconnected.
• the frame 110 is made of wood.
• the upper sheet shaped element 120 is made of wood.
• the lower sheet shaped element 130 is made of wood. It is conceivable that one or more of the frame 110, the upper sheet shaped element 120, and the lower sheet shaped element 130 are made of an alternative material to wood. Examples of alternative materials may be plastic, steel, or a composite material.
• the building element 100 comprises an outer shell 160 enclosing the frame 110, the upper sheet shaped element 120, and the lower sheet shaped element 130.
• the outer shell 160 may have a smooth outer surface enclosing the frame 110, the upper sheet shaped element 120, and the lower sheet shaped element 130.
• the smooth outer surface may be seamless.
• the outer shell 160 is at least partly made of a polymer.
• the outer shell 160 is at least partly made of polyester.
• the outer shell may in a further example be at least partly made by glass fibre reinforced polyester which is a versatile material with high specific strength, excellent mechanical properties, and good stability. It is also lightweight, easy to handle, and resistant to corrosion.
• the polymer, such as polyester, or glass fibre reinforced polyester, used for the outer shell 160 may be made fire-resistant.
• the outer shell 160 may for example be made fire-resistant by treatment with flame-retardant chemicals.
• the outer shell 160 comprises an impermeable material.
• the outer shell 160 may be made impermeable by the use of an impermeable material such as a plastic sheet, or film, made from polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, or a polyester being made impermeable for example by a waterproof coating or treatment.
• the building element 100 comprises two intermediate beams 117.
• Each of the two intermediate beams 117 has a primary extension between the two longitudinal beams 116.
• the primary extension of the two longitudinal beams is parallel to each other and to the primary extension of the transversal beams 118.
• Each of the two intermediate beams 117 has a rectangular cross section.
• providing intermediate beams 117 having a different cross-sectional shape, such as square or circular, is also possible within the concept of the present disclosure.
• the two intermediate beams 117 each extends between the two longitudinal beams 116 so that it divides the rectangular space defined by the frame 110 into three portions.
• the frame 110 and the two intermediate beams 117, together with the upper sheet shaped element 120 and the lower sheet shaped element 130 form the first compartment 140, the second compartment 142 and an additional third compartment 144.
• the first compartment 140, the second compartment 142, and the third compartment 144 may be of equal shape and size, as shown in this exemplifying embodiment. In other embodiments, the first, second and third compartments 140, 142, 144 may be of different shape and/or size.
• the building element 100 here comprises a first energy accumulator 150 arranged in the first compartment 140, a second energy accumulator 152 arranged in the second compartment 142, and a third energy accumulator 154 arranged in the third compartment 144.
• One or more of the first energy accumulator 150, the second energy accumulator 152, and the third energy accumulator 154 may be a rechargeable battery.
• Each of the first energy accumulator 150, the second energy accumulator 152, and the third energy accumulator 154 may be adapted such that it can be connected to an electrical system to store electrical energy from said electrical system or to supply electrical energy to said electrical system.
• the upper sheet shaped element 120 comprises a plurality of sheet shaped sub-elements 122.
• the plurality of sheet shaped sub-element 122 are together forming the upper sheet shaped element 120.
• the lower sheet shaped element 130 comprises a plurality of sheet shaped sub-elements 132.
• the plurality of sheet shaped sub-element 132 are together forming the upper sheet shaped element 120.
• the solution provided by the present disclosure involves integrating the energy accumulator within the structural foundation of the building element. This approach may not only enhance the energy efficiency of the building or structure to which the building element is connected by allowing efficient energy storage and supply but may also ensure that the energy accumulator is safeguarded against potential damage from external hazards.
• the intermediate beam 117 or intermediate beams 117 may have a primary extension in the longitudinal direction and, thus, extend between the transversal beams 118.
• the building element 100 comprises one or more intermediate beams 117 extending between the transversal beams 118 and one or more intermediate beams 117 extending between the longitudinal beams 116, thereby forming a plurality of compartments defined within the frame 110 and between the upper sheet shaped element 120 and the lower sheet shaped element 130.
• an energy accumulator may be housed within each compartment or within some of the compartments.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Buildings Adapted To Withstand Abnormal External Influences (AREA)

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Citations (6)

• 2025
  • 2025-03-28 EP EP25167014.7A patent/EP4632162A1/fr active Pending

Patent Citations (6)

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