Bricks to Reduce Energy Consumption
Traditional clay bricks in building envelopes account for significant heat transfer, with thermal conductivity values typically ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 W/mK. In standard residential construction, this translates to substantial energy losses through walls—up to 35% of total building heat loss in temperate climates.
The fundamental challenge lies in developing brick structures that reduce thermal conductivity while maintaining the compressive strength and durability required for load-bearing applications.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including wollastonite-enhanced materials, aerated concrete hybrid systems, and strategic void patterns with phase-change materials. These and other approaches focus on practical implementations that can achieve thermal conductivity reductions while meeting building codes and construction requirements.
1. Building Structure with Reinforced Steel, Aerated Concrete, and Insulation Hybrid System
周佳, ZHOU JIA, 2024
Integrated building structure that reduces energy consumption through advanced construction techniques. The structure incorporates a combination of reinforced steel, aerated concrete, and specialized insulation materials to achieve improved thermal performance. The reinforced steel provides structural integrity, while the aerated concrete bricklaying layer enhances thermal resistance. The insulation layer combines with the aerated concrete to create a hybrid system that combines thermal insulation with energy storage capabilities. The structure also incorporates advanced waterproofing systems to prevent moisture-related issues.
2. Building Bricks with Wollastonite-Enhanced Thermal Insulation and Structural Integrity
XINJIANG XUEYU PLATEAU CONSTRUCTION ENG CO LTD, 2023
Energy-efficient building bricks that achieve thermal insulation through a novel structural approach. The bricks incorporate a specially formulated wollastonite mineral component with unique thermal absorption properties, which enables improved thermal performance. The bricks are prepared using a modified manufacturing process that incorporates gypsum and cement in controlled proportions, resulting in a durable and weather-resistant structure. The wollastonite component also enhances the bricks' mechanical properties and durability. The combination of thermal insulation and enhanced structural integrity enables significant energy savings compared to traditional building materials.
3. Thermal Insulation Brick with High-Alumina Body, Reinforcement Ribs, and Porous Foam Filling
Huai'an Hongxi New Building Materials Co., Ltd., 2023
A thermal insulation brick with improved structural integrity and energy efficiency. The brick comprises a high-alumina light insulation body, a structural reinforcement system, and a specialized filling material. The body features a uniform distribution of filling holes at regular intervals, while the reinforcement system includes strategically positioned reinforcement ribs and sockets. The filling material incorporates a porous foam block that provides both thermal insulation and structural reinforcement, while the structural reinforcement system enables stable brick assembly. The brick's unique filling pattern and reinforcement design enable improved concrete penetration control and structural integrity during construction, while its specialized filling material provides enhanced thermal performance.
4. Wall Structure with Integrated Solar Panel Array and Energy Storage for Enhanced Thermal Insulation and Electrical Integration
Yunnan Construction Engineering Design Group Co., Ltd., 2023
Building energy-saving wall with integrated solar energy storage that enhances thermal insulation and electrical appliance integration. The wall comprises a structural core, thermal insulation layer, and interface layer, with a solar panel array integrated into the interface layer. The wall incorporates a battery pack with an inverter, which enables electrical appliance operation while maintaining thermal insulation. The battery pack is strategically positioned to maximize energy storage while maintaining structural integrity.
5. Cementitious Mortar Adhesive with Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials and Carbon Nanotubes
UNIV NAT INCHEON RES & BUSINESS FOUND, 2023
A high-performance cementitious mortar adhesive for masonry brickwork that utilizes microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) and carbon nanotubes to enhance thermal energy storage and exothermic performance. The adhesive combines a phase change material with a conductive nanomaterial, such as carbon nanotubes, to achieve superior heat storage and dissipation characteristics. The phase change material is encapsulated within a polymer shell to prevent leakage and maintain its thermal energy storage properties. The nanomaterial enhances mechanical properties while maintaining structural integrity. This innovative combination enables energy-efficient building construction by leveraging the PCM's thermal energy storage capabilities while minimizing material waste and degradation.
6. Green Body Composition with Mineral Blend for Rapid Firing and Sintering of Ceramic Bricks
MONALISA GROUP CO LTD, 2023
A low-energy fast-firing green body, ceramic brick, and preparation method for ceramic products that achieve rapid firing and sintering through optimized composition and processing. The green body comprises a specific blend of minerals, including bentonite, palygorskite, illite, and calcined alumina, with controlled amounts of potassium sodium stone powder, potassium sodium sand, and high-temperature sand. The green body is pressed and molded into a uniform shape before firing at high temperatures (around 1000°C) to achieve rapid firing and sintering. The firing process is controlled to prevent cracking and achieve uniform microstructure. The resulting ceramic products have improved mechanical properties, enhanced color stability, and reduced firing energy compared to conventional green bodies.
7. Multilayer Composite Magnesium-Iron-Aluminum Spinel Brick with High-Purity Spinel Working Layer and Insulating Outer Layer
ZHENGZHOU RUITAI REFRACTORY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
A low thermal conductivity multilayer composite magnesium-iron-aluminum spinel brick for cement kilns. The brick consists of a working layer with high-purity spinel, forsterite, fine magnesia, and fine silica, sandwiched between an outer insulation layer and an inner gap layer. The insulation layer contains high-purity magnesia, forsterite, fine forsterite, high-temperature refractory agent, and low-sodium silica sol. This innovative design provides improved thermal insulation while maintaining the brick's structural integrity.
8. Wall Structure with Integrated Solar Panels and Thermal Energy Storage Chutes
Diao Xiuxiu, DIAO XIU-XIU, 2021
Building energy-saving wall with integrated solar panels and thermal management system. The wall incorporates pre-installed solar panels and installation chutes that capture and store solar energy before it reaches the wall. This stored energy is then utilized to regulate the wall's temperature, preventing overheating and thermal stress. The system integrates with the wall's structural components, ensuring efficient energy harvesting and thermal management while maintaining structural integrity.
9. Kiln Car Face Bricks with Hollow Structure and Splicing System for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity
JIANGSU SANHENG HIGH-TECH KILN FURNITURE CO LTD, Jiangsu Sanheng High-Tech Kiln Furniture Co., Ltd., 2021
A novel design for kiln car car face bricks that enhances energy efficiency in tunnel kilns. The bricks incorporate a unique hollow structure that minimizes thermal losses through improved thermal conductivity and reduced material usage. The hollow design enables direct contact between the kiln car and the firing environment, while the straight splicing or concave-convex mating system eliminates gaps and reduces energy consumption compared to traditional brick connections. The hollow structure also enables efficient heat transfer between the kiln car and the firing environment, making the kiln car more efficient than conventional heavy refractory materials.
10. Shale Brick with Grooves and Thermal Bridges Reinforced by Core Board and Through-Holes
DEXING LVYUAN BUILDING MATERIAL CO LTD, Dexing City Luyuan Building Materials Co., Ltd., 2021
Energy-efficient shale brick with enhanced thermal insulation properties through strategically integrated grooves and bridges. The brick features a specially designed construction with inwardly opened grooves on the brick body's sides, covered with a gypsum layer. This design creates a thermal bridge network between the inner and outer surfaces of the brick, significantly improving thermal performance. The brick body is further reinforced with a core board and strategically penetrated with through-holes to enhance structural integrity. The integrated grooves and bridges enable efficient heat transfer while maintaining structural integrity, making this brick an effective solution for energy-saving and heat-preserving applications.
11. Sintered Shale Brick with Dual Inner Wall Sections and Variable Thermal Conductivity Features
Dexing City Luyuan Building Materials Co., Ltd., DEXING LVYUAN BUILDING MATERIAL CO LTD, 2021
High-strength self-insulating sintered shale brick for construction that combines exceptional thermal insulation properties with structural integrity. The brick features two inner wall sections with strategically placed holes for air circulation and thermal conductivity enhancement, along with internal wired grooves for improved thermal performance. The brick body incorporates four sets of cold and hot bridge grooves within the vertical walls, with the middle section featuring a unique wired design. The brick's exterior is reinforced with two sets of thermal insulation components, while the interior features through-holes for concrete fill. The brick's structural integrity is enhanced by its specially designed wall sections and internal wiring.
12. Magnesia-Carbon Composite Brick with Controlled Carbon Content for Thermal Insulation
Shandong Kexin New Materials Co., Ltd., SHANDONG KEXIN NEW MATERIAL CO LTD, YANGGU XINMIN REFRACTORY MATERIAL CO LTD, 2021
Thermal insulation carbon-containing brick for high-temperature kilns, comprising a composite of magnesia and carbon, where the carbon content is specifically optimized for improved thermal insulation properties. The brick achieves enhanced thermal insulation performance through the controlled addition of carbon, which enhances the brick's thermal resistance without compromising its structural integrity. The optimized carbon content enables the brick to maintain high thermal insulation performance while maintaining its refractory properties, making it suitable for applications requiring both thermal insulation and refractory performance.
13. Brick Structure with Ceramic Tiles Incorporating Integrated Thermal Insulation Layer
GUANGDONG CHUNGTO CONSTRUCTION GROUP CO LTD, Guangdong Zhongdu Construction Group Co., Ltd., 2021
Energy-efficient brick structure comprising ceramic tiles with integrated thermal insulation. The tiles contain a thermal insulation layer, such as a low thermal conductivity material, between the adhesive layer and the brick's structural core. This dual-layered design enables improved thermal performance by reducing heat transfer through the adhesive layer while maintaining structural integrity. The tiles are bonded to the wall using a cement-based adhesive that is cured to form a durable bond between the tile and the brick, while the thermal insulation layer provides enhanced energy efficiency.
14. Building Exterior Wall and Indoor Floor Insulation with Continuous Thermal Bridge-Free Structure
北京市住宅建筑设计研究院有限公司, BEIJING INSTITUTE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING DESIGN & RESEARCH CO LTD, 2019
Ultra-low energy building exterior wall and indoor floor insulation without thermal bridge structure, comprising a building body with a brick foundation, secondary masonry structure, and a continuous insulation layer at the intersection of the external wall and the ground.
15. Exterior Wall Insulation System with Specialized Material for Retrofit Applications Without Added Thickness
北京市住宅建筑设计研究院有限公司, BEIJING INSTITUTE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING DESIGN & RESEARCH CO LTD, 2019
A novel exterior wall insulation system for existing buildings that enables energy-efficient retrofitting while maintaining structural integrity. The system employs a specialized insulation material that can be installed on existing exterior walls without requiring additional wall thickness, enabling construction of ultra-low energy buildings. The insulation material is specifically designed for retrofit applications, including areas adjacent to original building components, and ensures reliable performance while maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
16. Bricks Incorporating Natural Mineral Components for Enhanced Thermal Insulation
ALI KHECHINE, 2018
Building materials that enhance thermal performance through natural mineral insulation. The innovative bricks incorporate natural mineral components to significantly reduce thermal energy consumption in both hot summer and cold winter conditions.
17. Multi-Layer Wall System with Single Flexible Connection and Integrated Insulation Layer
FEDERAL STATE BUDGET EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION TOMSK STATE UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING, 2018
A multi-layer wall system for building frames that eliminates thermal bridging through a single, flexible connection between the outer wall panels. The system features a middle layer of effective insulation that fills the air gap between the outer and inner wall panels, with a vapor barrier separating the insulation from the concrete. The outer wall panels are connected through a single, flexible connection, eliminating the need for multiple types of connections. This design achieves improved thermal performance, reduced structural loads, and simplified construction compared to traditional multi-layer wall systems.
18. Building Brick with Insulating Core Encased in Fly Ash Structural Layer
西北民族大学, NORTHWEST MINZU UNIVERSITY, 2018
Energy-efficient building brick that integrates advanced insulation properties with structural integrity. The brick comprises a core made of a high-performance insulation material, encased in a structural layer of fly ash brick. This dual-layer design enables superior thermal insulation while maintaining the structural integrity of the building envelope, making it an effective solution for reducing energy consumption and improving building performance.
19. Wall Structure with Integrated High-Performance Insulation and Advanced Structural Elements
YUEXIN WANG, Wang Yuexin, 2017
Building energy-saving self-insulation wall that significantly enhances thermal performance through a novel structural design. The wall incorporates a specially engineered structural system that incorporates a unique combination of high-performance insulation materials and advanced structural elements. This innovative approach enables the wall to achieve superior thermal performance while maintaining structural integrity, addressing the limitations of conventional insulation systems.
20. Method for Producing Geopolymer Bricks via Controlled Aluminosilicate and Alkaline Oxide Reaction
AIDA PEDRAM, Aida Pedram, Mrs. Aida Pedram, 2017
A method for producing high-performance geopolymer bricks through a novel reaction between aluminosilicates and alkaline oxides in a controlled environment. The process involves the controlled dissolution of aluminosilicate minerals, followed by the formation of a network of silico-oxides and silico-aluminate polymers. The resulting geopolymer exhibits enhanced mechanical properties, improved durability, and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional geopolymer bricks. The reaction is optimized under alkaline conditions, enabling the formation of a stable and durable polymer network.
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