Abstract: Structural insulated metal panels each include exterior and interior skins and an interior core of stiff, incompressible, insulating material. Fluid conduits extend within the panels in contact with the exterior skin to circulate fluid for heat exchange. Photovoltaic cells may be secured to the exterior skin proximate to the conduits to cool the PV cells. Edge joining features enable easy assembly of the panels into an extended matrix that is airtight, weatherproof, insulated, and self-supporting due to the inherent structural strength of the laminated panel assemblies. The panels can be configured both as solar collectors (both thermal and photovoltaic) and radiant hydronic heaters. The supply manifolds of the solar thermal panels, and the connections and output wiring of the photovoltaic panels, are enclosed in a ridge cap, and the return manifolds are enclosed in a soffit cap, yet all are accessible for maintenance.

Abstract: Structural insulated metal panels each include exterior and interior skins and an interior core of stiff, incompressible, insulating material. Fluid conduits extend within the panels in contact with the exterior skin to circulate fluid for heat exchange. Photovoltaic cells may be secured to the exterior skin proximate to the conduits to cool the PV cells. Edge joining features enable easy assembly of the panels into an extended matrix that is airtight, weatherproof, insulated, and self-supporting due to the inherent structural strength of the laminated panel assemblies. The panels can be configured both as solar collectors (both thermal and photovoltaic) and radiant hydronic heaters. The supply manifolds of the solar thermal panels, and the connections and output wiring of the photovoltaic panels, are enclosed in a ridge cap, and the return manifolds are enclosed in a soffit cap, yet all are accessible for maintenance.

Abstract: An insulated metal building panel (100) with integrated un-glazed solar thermal collectors includes an outer metal skin (102) which provides the finished exterior surface, an insulating core (108) which provides the building insulation, an inner metal skin (104) which provides an interior finished surface, and a plurality of fluid conduits (110) and manifolds (112) between the interior and exterior skins, embedded in the core. The conduits circulate a fluid capable of heat transfer. The panels can also include photovoltaic cells (120) mounted to the outer skin. The panels can yield heat as well as gain heat, and can therefore be used as integral parts of hydronic heating and cooling systems. In different embodiments, the panels are suitable for use as floors, walls, and roofs of buildings. The panels minimize the number of components which must be field-assembled, and can provide a rapidly erected, weather-resistant, building envelope.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated service module suitable for use in a multi-story building, includes (a) a chassis dimensioned to be stacked with another pre-fabricated service module to match the floors of the multi-story building; (b) a waste and ventilation subassembly providing access to bathroom and kitchen waste rough-in plumbing and ventilation; (c) a water and electrical subassembly providing access to water and electrical supplies; and (d) a ducts and fan subassembly providing access to a heating and air circulation system.