EP2052189A1

EP2052189A1 - Cooling / heating panel

Info

Publication number: EP2052189A1
Application number: EP07793473A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chang-Hee Kang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-16
Filing date: 2007-08-13
Publication date: 2009-04-29
Also published as: WO2008020695A1; US20100218923A1; JP2010500532A

Abstract

A cooling/heating panel, which is capable of uniformly radiating heat, to achieve an enhancement in a cooling or heating efficiency, is disclosed. The disclosed cooling/heating panel includes a radiator including a plurality of corrugated plates stacked such that the adjacent corrugated plates extend orthogonally to each other. Each corrugated plate has a closed periphery. A corrugated diffusion passage is defined between the adjacent corrugated plates. The cooling/heating panel also includes a fluid supply/discharge unit for supplying a fluid to the cooling/heating panel such that the supplied fluid flows through each corrugated diffusion passage in a diffused manner, and discharging the fluid from the cooling/heating panel.

Description

COOLING/HEATING PANEL

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cooling/heating panel, and more particularly to a cooling/heating panel capable of uniformly radiating heat, to achieve an enhancement in a cooling or heating efficiency.

Description of the Related Art

Although various methods may be used to heat a room space, a method, in which heat is supplied from a floor, to heat a room space (hereinafter, referred to as a "floor heating method") , is most widely used.

Conventionally, for a floor heating method, a method, wherein a pipe type bent line, which is a circular pipe allowing hot water to flow therethrough (hereinafter, referred to as a "bent pipe line") , is embedded in a floor when the floor is constructed, to heat a room space, is most widely used.

When hot water is supplied to the bent pipe line installed in the above-mentioned manner, radiation of heat occurs at the surface of the bent pipe line. The radiated heat is transferred to the floor, so that the room space is heated. However, this method has a problem in that there is a degradation in the efficiency of heating the overall portion of the room because heat is generated from only the bent pipe line in accordance with heat exchange of the hot water flowing through the bent pipe line, so that a temperature deviation occurs at the floor.

Furthermore, there is a problem in that the conventional bent pipe line can be used only for the purpose of heating a room's air.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above mentioned problems, and an object of the invention is to provide a cooling/heating panel capable of uniformly radiating heat from a floor surface of a room, to achieve a maximal enhancement in a cooling or heating efficiency for the overall portion of the room.

Another object of the present invention is to enable not only heating, but also cooling, using various fluids such as hot water, hot air, and cold air.

Another object of the present invention is to achieve a maximal enhancement in heat generation effect per unit area.

Another object of the present invention is to achieve a maximal enhancement in fluid diffusion effect in accordance with mounting of fluid supply and discharge pipes at appropriate positions.

Another object of the present invention is to shield interlayer noise generated in apartment houses or the like. Another object of the present invention is to further enhance the heat radiation effect by arranging a heat storage material in recessed spaces arranged at the top of the cooling/heating panel.

Another object of the present invention is to minimize the loss of heat by arranging a thermal insulating material in recessed spaces arranged at the bottom of the cooling/heating panel, while shielding interlayer noise generated in an apartment house.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent an air layer from being formed over a corrugated diffusion passage when a fluid such as hot water or a refrigerant flows through the corrugated diffusion passage.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent the level of hot water from being lowered when no hot water is supplied to the corrugated diffusion passage.

Another object of the present invention is to rapidly install the cooling/heating panel through a procedure of simply laying the cooling/heating panel on a floor.

Another object of the present invention is to uniformly fill a fluid in the interior of the cooling/heating panel without formation of an upper space, and thus to further enhance the heat radiation effect.

Still another object of the present invention is to lengthen the stay time of the fluid filled in the cooling/heating panel, and thus to further enhance the heat radiation effect.

In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a cooling/heating panel comprising: a radiator including a plurality of corrugated plates stacked such that the adjacent corrugated plates extend orthogonally to each other, each corrugated plate having a closed periphery, a corrugated diffusion passage being defined between the adjacent corrugated plates; and a fluid supply/discharge unit for supplying a fluid to the cooling/heating panel such that the supplied fluid flows through each corrugated diffusion passage in a diffused manner, and discharging the fluid from the cooling/heating panel.

Each corrugated diffusion passage may comprise upper and lower grooves respectively defined by the corrugated plates associated with the corrugated diffusion passage and arranged over and beneath the corrugated diffusion passage, such that the upper and lower grooves intersect each other while communicating with each other, and periphery closing plates for closing the peripheries of the corrugated plates arranged over and beneath the corrugated diffusion passage, respectively. The plurality of corrugated plates may comprise two corrugated plates, to define a single corrugated diffusion passage in the radiator. The fluid supply/discharge unit may comprise a fluid supply pipe and a fluid discharge pipe, which are connected to the single corrugated diffusion passage at opposite positions, to allow a fluid to be supplied to the corrugated diffusion passage , and then discharged from the corrugated diffusion passage after being diffused.

The fluid supply pipe may have a fluid flow cross- sectional area larger than a sum of fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves.

The fluid supply pipe may be mounted to one side of the lower groove of the corrugated diffusion passage arranged at one end of the lower corrugated plate while extending in parallel to the end of the lower corrugated plate. The fluid discharge pipe may be mounted to one side of the upper groove of the corrugated diffusion passage arranged at one end of the upper corrugated plate while extending in parallel to the end of the upper corrugated plate, such that the fluid discharge pipe is maximally spaced apart from the fluid supply pipe.

The fluid discharge pipe may be arranged at a level higher than a level of the fluid supply pipe.

The plurality of corrugated plates may comprise at least three corrugated plates, to define at least two corrugated diffusion passages in the radiator. The fluid supply/discharge unit may comprise a fluid supply pipe arranged at an uppermost one of the corrugated diffusion passages, to allow a fluid to be supplied to the uppermost corrugated diffusion passage, fluid holes respectively formed at the corrugated diffusion passages, to communicate the corrugated diffusion passages 12 with one another, and thus to allow the fluid to be diffused in the corrugated diffusion passages, and a fluid discharge pipe arranged at a lowermost one of the corrugated diffusion passages, to allow the fluid to be discharged from the lowermost corrugated diffusion passage.

Each upper groove may have a fluid flow cross-sectional area smaller than a fluid flow cross-sectional area of each lower groove.

The sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves may be smaller than the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the lower grooves.

The cooling/heating panel may further comprise a top plate arranged on a top of the radiator, to define a plurality of recessed spaces between the top plate and the corrugated plate arranged at the top of the radiator.

The cooling/heating panel may further comprise a heat storage material arranged in the recessed spaces defined at the top of the radiator, to obtain an increased heat release rate.

The cooling/heating panel may further comprise a bottom plate arranged beneath a bottom of the radiator, to define a plurality of recessed spaces between the bottom plate and the corrugated plate arranged at the bottom of the radiator.

The cooling/heating panel may further comprise a thermal insulating material arranged in the recessed spaces defined at the bottom of the radiator.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a cooling/heating panel comprising: a corrugated plate having a plurality of valleys; a top plate laid on the top of the corrugated plate; a periphery closing plate for closing the periphery of the corrugated plate and the periphery of the top plate; a fluid communicator arranged between the corrugated plate and the top plate, to communicate the valleys; and fluid supply and discharge pipes mounted to the periphery closing plate, to supply a fluid to the valleys of the corrugated plate such that the supplied fluid flows through the valleys in a diffused manner, and to discharge the fluid from the valleys.

The corrugated plate may be formed by bending a single plate such that the plate has corrugations.

Each valley of the corrugated plate may have a flat bottom surface.

The fluid communicator may comprise at least one shallow groove formed at a mountain arranged between the adjacent valleys.

The at least one shallow groove formed at each mountain may comprise a plurality of shallow grooves. The shallow grooves formed at one of the adjacent mountains may be misaligned with the shallow grooves formed at the other mountain.

Each shallow groove may comprise a longitudinal slot. The sum of cross-sectional areas of the shallow grooves formed at each mountain may be smaller than a cross-sectional area of each valley.

The fluid communicator may comprise at least one upwardly-recessed groove formed at a lower surface of the top plate along each of linear regions of the lower surface extending in parallel to the mountains while being in contact with the mountains, respectively.

The at least one upwardly-recessed groove may comprise a plurality of upwardly-recessed grooves. The upwardly-recessed grooves formed along one of the adjacent linear regions at the lower surface of the top plate may be misaligned with the upwardly-recessed grooves formed along the other linear region.

Each upwardly-recessed groove may comprise a longitudinal slot. The sum of fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upwardly-recessed grooves formed at the top plate may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of each valley

The fluid communicator may comprise at least one fluid passage extending through each mountain between the valleys arranged at opposite sides of the mountain. The at least one fluid passage may comprise a plurality of fluid passages. The fluid passages formed through one of the adjacent mountains may be misaligned with the fluid passages formed through the other mountain. The sum of fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the fluid passages formed through each mountain may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of each valley.

The cooling/heating panel may further comprise a bottom plate arranged beneath a bottom of the corrugated plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A - A of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B - B of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view corresponding to a portion C of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D - D of FIG. 7; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E - E of FIG. 9

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view corresponding to a portion F of FIG. 12; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line G - G of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line H

- H of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I

- I of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line J

- J of FIG. 20; FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line K - K of FIG. 20.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross- sectional view taken along the line A - A of FIG. 1.

The cooling/heating panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a radiator 1 including a plurality of corrugated plates 11 stacked such that the adjacent corrugated plates 11 extend orthogonally to each other. Each corrugated plate 11 has a closed periphery. A corrugated diffusion passage 12 is defined between the adjacent corrugated plates 11. The cooling/heating panel also includes a fluid supply/discharge means 2 for supplying a fluid to the cooling/heating panel such that the supplied fluid flows through each corrugated diffusion passage 12 in a diffused manner, and discharging the fluid from the cooling/heating panel. Each corrugated diffusion passage 12 includes upper and lower grooves 121 respectively defined by the associated corrugated plates 11 arranged over and beneath the corrugated diffusion passage 12, such that the upper and lower grooves 121 intersect each other while communicating with each other. Each corrugated diffusion passage 12 also includes periphery closing plates 122 for closing the peripheries of the corrugated plates 11 arranged over and beneath the corrugated diffusion passage 12, respectively. The corrugated plates 11 and associated periphery closing plates 122 are coupled together through welding.

In the illustrated case, the cooling/heating panel includes a single corrugated diffusion passage 12. In this case, the fluid supply/discharge means 2 comprises a fluid supply pipe 21 and a fluid discharge pipe 22, which are connected to the single corrugated diffusion passage 12 at opposite positions, to allow a fluid to be supplied to the corrugated diffusion passage 12, and then discharged from the corrugated diffusion passage 12 after being diffused. As hot water or a refrigerant (Freon gas or the like) , or hot air or cold air is supplied through the fluid supply pipe 21, and is then discharged through the fluid discharge pipe 22, it is possible to heat or cool a room space.

Each corrugated plate 11 includes grooves 121 alternately formed at the upper and lower surfaces of the corrugated plate 11 in accordance with the corrugation of the corrugated plate 11. The grooves 121 may have various shapes including a wave shape (a semicircular shape or semi-oval shape) , and an angular shape (a triangular shape or a square shape) . In the illustrated case, the grooves 121 have a trapezoidal shape.

Since the grooves 121 have a trapezoidal shape, a flat surface is formed between the adjacent grooves 121 at the same surface of the associated corrugated plate 11, namely, the upper or lower surface of the corrugated plate 11. Accordingly, it is possible to easily mount top and bottom plates 3 and 4 to the corrugated plate 11. Also, the contact area of the top plate 4 contacting the corrugated plate 11 increases. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the conductivity of heat transferred to the top plate 4. The fluid supply pipe 21 is mounted to one side of the lower groove 121 of the corrugated diffusion passage 12 arranged at one end of the lower corrugated plate 11 while extending in parallel to the end of the lower corrugated plate 11, for example, at one lateral end of the lower corrugated plate 11. On the other hand, the fluid discharge pipe 22 is mounted to one side of the upper groove 121 of the corrugated diffusion passage 12 arranged at one end of the upper corrugated plate 11 while extending in parallel to the end of the upper corrugated plate 11, for example, at one longitudinal end of the upper corrugated plate 11 such that the fluid discharge pipe 22 is maximally spaced apart from the fluid supply pipe 21. Thus, it is possible to maximally enhance the fluid diffusion efficiency.

As the top plate 3 is arranged on the radiator 1, a plurality of chambers 5 are defined between the top plate 3 and the upper corrugated plate 11 by the grooves 121 formed at the upper surface of the upper corrugated plate 11.

A heat storage material is arranged in the chambers 5, in order to achieve an increase in the heat release rate. Also, as the bottom plate 4 is arranged beneath the radiator 1, a plurality of chambers 5 are defined between the bottom plate 4 and the lower corrugated plate 11 by the grooves 121 formed at the lower surface of the lower corrugated plate 11. A heat storage material is arranged in the chambers 5, in order to prevent loss of heat through the bottom of the panel, and to reduce interlayer noise.

Hereinafter, operation of the cooling/heating panel having the above-described configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In order to operate the cooling/heating panel having the above-described configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 after installing the cooling/heating panel on a floor, a boiler is operated to introduce a fluid into the corrugated diffusion passage 12 included in the radiator 1. The introduced fluid flows along the grooves 121 arranged in an intersected state in the corrugated diffusion passage 12, so that it is diffused in the overall portion of the corrugated diffusion passage 12. Thereafter, the fluid is discharged through the fluid discharge pipe 22. The introduction and discharge of the fluid are continuously carried out in accordance with the operation of the boiler, or operation of a cooler, a hot air blower, or a cold air blower.

During the flow of the fluid in the corrugated diffusion passage 12, the fluid is diffused in the overall portion of the corrugated diffusion passage 12 along the grooves 121. Thus, heat is uniformly diffused in the overall portion of the panel.

That is, as the fluid is diffused such that it is distributed over the overall portion of the corrugated diffusion passage 12, heat is uniformly emitted over the overall portion of the panel. Accordingly, it is possible to maximally enhance the efficiency of heating or cooling the room.

During the flow of the fluid in the corrugated diffusion passage 12, the fluid comes into contact with the overall portion of each groove 121 having a large contact area. Accordingly, the heat radiation area is larger, so that it is possible to maximally enhance the heat release efficiency through the top plate. Since the cooling/heating panel having the above- described configuration has the form of a plate, it can be easily mounted to a floor, and can be easily separated from the floor. The installation of the cooling/heating panel is also conveniently achieved. Thus, the cooling/heating panel can be easily installed on a wood floor or a bed as well as a cement floor.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B - B of FIG. 4.

The cooling/heating panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as the first embodiment, except for the corrugated diffusion passage 12 and fluid supply/discharge means 2. The cooling/heating panel of the second embodiment is characterized in that it includes a plurality of corrugated diffusion passages 12.

Also, the fluid supply/discharge means 2 of the cooling/heating panel, which includes a plurality of corrugated diffusion passages 12, comprises a fluid supply pipe 21 arranged at an uppermost one of the corrugated diffusion passages 12, to allow a fluid to be supplied to the uppermost corrugated diffusion passage 12, fluid holes 23 formed at respective corrugated diffusion passages 12, to communicate the corrugated diffusion passages 12 with one another, and thus to allow the fluid to be diffused in the corrugated diffusion passages 12, and a fluid discharge pipe 22 arranged at a lowermost one of the corrugated diffusion passages 12, to allow the fluid to be discharged from the lowermost corrugated diffusion passage 12.

Accordingly, when a fluid is supplied to the panel through the fluid supply pipe 21, it flows sequentially through the corrugated diffusion passages 12, from the uppermost corrugated diffusion passage 12 to the lowermost corrugated diffusion passage 12, while being diffused in the overall portion of the corrugated diffusion passage 12. Accordingly, it is possible to substantially completely release heat from the flowing fluid.

Thus, it is possible to maximally enhance the heat release rate per unit area in accordance with the above- described configuration, in which a plurality of corrugated plates are used to increase the number of corrugated diffusion passages.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view corresponding to a portion C of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D - D of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross- sectional view taken along the line E - E of FIG. 9.

The cooling/heating panel according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes all constituent elements of the first embodiment. That is, the cooling/heating panel of the third embodiment improves a cooling/heating panel, which includes a radiator 1 including a plurality of corrugated plates 11 stacked such that the adjacent corrugated plates 11 extend orthogonally to each other, to define a corrugated diffusion passage 12 therebetween, each corrugated plate 11 having a closed periphery, and a fluid supply/discharge means 2 for supplying a fluid to the cooling/heating panel such that the supplied fluid flows through each corrugated diffusion passage 12 in a diffused manner, and discharging the fluid from the cooling/heating panel. The cooling/heating panel of the third embodiment is characterized in that, in each corrugated diffusion passage 12, which includes upper and lower grooves 121 respectively defined by the associated corrugated plates 11 arranged over and beneath the corrugated diffusion passage 12, the fluid flow cross-sectional area of each upper groove 121 is smaller than that of each lower groove 121.

In the cooling/heating panel of the third embodiment, only a fluid such as hot water or a refrigerant is used. Accordingly, in the following description associated with the third embodiment, it is assumed that the fluid is hot water or a refrigerant.

In accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention, the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves 121 is smaller than that of the lower grooves 121.

The condition, in which the sum of the fluid flow cross- sectional areas of the upper grooves 121 is smaller than that of the lower grooves 121, is realized by reducing the fluid flow cross-sectional area of each upper groove 121, or reducing the number of the upper grooves 121.

In the illustrated case, each upper groove 121 is configured to have a height relatively shorter than the height of each lower groove 121, to reduce the fluid flow cross- sectional area of the upper groove 121. The fluid supply pipe 21 included in the fluid supply/discharge means 2 is mounted to one side of the lower groove 121 of the corrugated diffusion passage 12 arranged at one end of the lower corrugated plate 11 while extending in parallel to the end of the lower corrugated plate 11, for example, at one lateral end of the lower corrugated plate 11. On the other hand, the fluid discharge pipe 22 included in the fluid supply/discharge means 2 is mounted to one side of the upper groove 121 of the corrugated diffusion passage 12 arranged at one end of the upper corrugated plate 11 while extending in parallel to the end of the upper corrugated plate 11, for example, at one longitudinal end of the upper corrugated plate 11 such that the fluid discharge pipe 22 is maximally spaced apart from the fluid supply pipe 21.

Since the level of the fluid supply pipe 21 is relatively higher than the level of the fluid discharge pipe 22, it is possible to prevent the level of fluid filled in the corrugated diffusion passage 12 from being lowered when no fluid is supplied to the corrugated diffusion passage 12, and thus to minimize a phenomenon, in which bubbles are generated in an early stage of a re-operation of the boiler or cooler.

Top and bottom plates 3 and 4 are mounted to the top and bottom of the radiator 1, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a mat type cooling/heating panel.

Hereinafter, operation of the cooling/heating panel having the above-described configuration according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In order to operate the cooling/heating panel having the above-described configuration as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 after installing the cooling/heating panel on a floor, the boiler is operated to introduce a fluid into the corrugated diffusion passage 12 included in the radiator 1. The introduced fluid is filled in the corrugated diffusion passage 12 while being diffused in the overall portion of the corrugated diffusion passage 12. Thereafter, the fluid is discharged through the fluid discharge pipe 22. The introduction and discharge of the fluid are continuously carried out in accordance with the operation of the boiler or cooler.

This will be described in detail. When the fluid is supplied to the corrugated diffusion passage 12 at one side of the lower groove 121 of the corrugated diffusion passage 12 arranged at one lateral end of the lower corrugated plate 11, the supplied fluid is diffused in the corrugated diffusion passage 12, and is then discharged through the fluid discharge pipe 22 at one side of the upper groove 121 of the corrugated diffusion passage 12 arranged at one longitudinal end of the upper corrugated plate 11.

During the flow of the fluid in the corrugated diffusion passage 12, it is possible to prevent an air layer from being formed over each upper groove 121, because the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves 121 is smaller than that of the lower grooves 121.

That is, when hot water or a refrigerant is supplied to the corrugated diffusion passage 12 via the fluid supply pipe 21, the supplied fluid is primarily filled in the lower grooves 121 due to gravity.

When the fluid is further supplied, it is guided to the upper grooves 121 while striking the boundaries of the upper grooves 121.

Thus, the fluid guided to the upper grooves 121 is sequentially filled in the upper grooves 121, from the upper groove 121 arranged nearest to the fluid supply pipe 21 to the upper groove 121 arranged furthest from the fluid supply pipe 21, and is then discharged through the fluid discharge pipe 22.

That is, the fluid supplied as described above is filled in the upper grooves 121 via the lower grooves 121. In detail, the fluid supplied to the fluid supply pipe 21 is filled in the corrugated diffusion passage 12 in accordance with the supply pressure thereof, while pushing the fluid, which has been introduced into the corrugated diffusion passage 12. As a result, the pushed fluid is introduced into the upper grooves 121, and is filled in the upper grooves 121.

When the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves 121 is smaller than that of the lower grooves 121, the fluid, which flows as it is pushed in accordance with the supply pressure thereof, exhibits an increase in pressure when it passes through the upper grooves 121, as compared to the pressure exhibited when the fluid passes through the lower grooves 121. That is, since the sum of the fluid flow cross- sectional areas of the upper grooves 121 is smaller than that of the lower grooves 121, an increase in pressure occurs when the fluid passes through the upper grooves 121. Thus, there is a relative pressure difference between the lower grooves 121 and the upper grooves 121. In detail, the pressure of the fluid flowing through the upper grooves 121 is higher than the pressure of the fluid flowing through the lower grooves 121. Since the fluid introduced into each upper groove 121 has an increased pressure, it can be completely filled in the upper groove 121. Thus, during the procedure, in which the fluid is introduced, and then discharged through the fluid discharge pipe 22, the fluid is always filled in the upper grooves 121.

This will be described in more detail. The amount of the supplied fluid is identical to the amount of the discharged fluid. Meanwhile, the fluid exhibits an increase in pressure when it passes through the upper grooves 121, as compared to the pressure exhibited when the fluid passes through the lower grooves 121. For this reason, the fluid, which passes through each upper groove 121, has a certain pressure, so that it is diffused in the upper groove 121 while being filled in an air- filled space present in the upper groove 121. The air filled in the space is discharged from an outlet in the form of air bubbles. The discharge of air bubbles is carried out only in an early stage of the operation of the panel, in which no fluid is filled into the corrugated diffusion passage. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an air layer from being formed over each upper groove 121, and thus to maximally enhance the heating efficiency.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view corresponding to a portion F of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a cross- sectional view taken along the line G - G of FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line H - H of FIG. 14.

The cooling/heating panel according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes all constituent elements of the first embodiment. That is, the cooling/heating panel of the fourth embodiment improves a cooling/heating panel, which includes a radiator 1 including a plurality of corrugated plates 11 stacked such that the adjacent corrugated plates 11 extend orthogonally to each other, to define a corrugated diffusion passage 12 therebetween, each corrugated plate 11 having a closed periphery, and a fluid supply/discharge means 2 for supplying a fluid to the cooling/heating panel such that the supplied fluid flows through each corrugated diffusion passage 12 in a diffused manner, and discharging the fluid from the cooling/heating panel. The cooling/heating panel of the third embodiment is characterized in that, in each corrugated diffusion passage 12, which includes upper and lower grooves 121 respectively defined by the associated corrugated plates 11 arranged over and beneath the corrugated diffusion passage 12, the fluid flow cross-sectional area of each upper groove 121 is smaller than that of each lower groove 121.

In the cooling/heating panel of the third embodiment, only a fluid such as hot water or a refrigerant is used.

Accordingly, in the following description associated with the third embodiment, it is assumed that the fluid is hot water or a refrigerant.

In accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention, the fluid flow cross-sectional area of the fluid supply pipe 21 is larger than the sum of the fluid flow cross- sectional areas of the upper grooves 121.

The condition, in which the sum of the fluid flow cross- sectional areas of the upper grooves 121 is smaller than the fluid flow cross-sectional area of the fluid supply pipe 21, is realized by reducing the fluid flow cross-sectional area of each upper groove 121, or reducing the number of the upper grooves 121.

In the illustrated case, each upper groove 121 is configured to have a height relatively shorter than the height of each lower groove 121, to reduce the fluid flow cross- sectional area of each upper groove 121 such that the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves 121 is smaller than the fluid flow cross-sectional area of the fluid supply pipe 21.

The fluid supply pipe 21 included in the fluid supply/discharge means 2 is mounted to one side of the lower groove 121 of the corrugated diffusion passage 12 arranged at one end of the lower corrugated plate 11 while extending in parallel to the end of the lower corrugated plate 11, for example, at one lateral end of the lower corrugated plate 11. On the other hand, the fluid discharge pipe 22 included in the fluid supply/discharge means 2 is mounted to one side of the upper groove 121 of the corrugated diffusion passage 12 arranged at one end of the upper corrugated plate 11 while extending in parallel to the end of the upper corrugated plate 11, for example, at one longitudinal end of the upper corrugated plate 11 such that the fluid discharge pipe 22 is maximally spaced apart from the fluid supply pipe 21.

Since the level of the fluid supply pipe 21 is relatively higher than the level of the fluid discharge pipe 22, it is possible to prevent the level of fluid filled in the corrugated diffusion passage 12 from being lowered when no fluid is supplied to the corrugated diffusion passage 12, and thus to minimize a phenomenon, in which bubbles are generated in an early stage of a re-operation of the boiler or cooler. Top and bottom plates 3 and 4 are mounted to the top and bottom of the radiator 1, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a mat type cooling/heating panel.

Hereinafter, operation of the cooling/heating panel having the above-described configuration according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In order to operate the cooling/heating panel having the above-described configuration as shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 after installing the cooling/heating panel on a floor, the boiler is operated to introduce a fluid into the corrugated diffusion passage 12. The introduced fluid is filled in the corrugated diffusion passage 12 while being diffused in the overall portion of the corrugated diffusion passage 12. Thereafter, the fluid is discharged through the fluid discharge pipe 22. The introduction and discharge of the fluid are continuously carried out in accordance with the operation of the boiler or cooler.

During the flow of the fluid in the corrugated diffusion passage 12, it is possible to prevent an air layer from being formed over each upper groove 121, because the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves 121 is smaller than the fluid flow cross-sectional area of the fluid supply pipe 21.

That is, when hot water or a refrigerant is supplied to the corrugated diffusion passage 12 via the fluid supply pipe

21, which has a cross-sectional area larger than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves 121, the supplied fluid is filled in the lower grooves 121 due to gravity.

When the fluid is further supplied, it is guided to the upper grooves 121 while striking the boundaries of the upper grooves 121. Thus, the fluid guided to the upper grooves 121 is sequentially filled in the upper grooves 121, from the upper groove 121 arranged most near the fluid supply pipe 21 to the upper groove 121 arranged most far from the fluid supply pipe 21, and is then discharged through the fluid discharge pipe 22. That is, the fluid supplied as described above is filled in the upper grooves 121 via the lower grooves 121. In detail, the fluid supplied to the fluid supply pipe 21 is filled in the corrugated diffusion passage 12 in accordance with the supply pressure thereof, while pushing the fluid, which has been introduced into the corrugated diffusion passage 12. As a result, the pushed fluid is introduced into the upper grooves 121, and is filled in the upper grooves 121.

When the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves 121 is smaller than the fluid flow cross- sectional area of the fluid supply pipe 21, the fluid, which flows as it is pushed in accordance with the supply pressure thereof, exhibits an increase in pressure when it passes through the upper grooves 12. That is, since the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves 121 is smaller than the fluid flow cross-sectional area of the fluid supply pipe 21, an increase in pressure occurs when the fluid passes through the upper grooves 121. Thus, there is a relative pressure difference between the fluid supply pipe 21 and the upper grooves 121. In detail, the pressure of the fluid flowing through the upper grooves 121 is higher than the pressure of the fluid supplied through the fluid supply pipe 21.

Since the fluid introduced into each upper groove 121 has an increased pressure, it can be completely filled in the upper groove 121. Thus, during the procedure, in which the fluid is introduced, and' then discharged through the fluid discharge pipe 22, the fluid is always filled in the upper grooves 121.

This will be described in more detail. The amount of the supplied fluid is identical to the amount of the discharged fluid. Meanwhile, the fluid exhibits an increase in pressure when it passes through the upper grooves 121, as compared to the pressure exhibited when the fluid passes through the fluid supply pipe 21. For this reason, the fluid, which passes through each upper groove 121, has a certain pressure, so that it is diffused in the upper groove 121 while being filled in an air-filled space present in the upper groove 121. The air filled in the space is discharged from an outlet in the form of air bubbles. The discharge of air bubbles is carried out only in an early stage of the operation of the panel, in which no fluid is filled into the corrugated diffusion passage.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an air layer from being formed over each upper groove 121, and thus to maximally enhance the heating efficiency.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I - I of FIG. 17. The cooling/heating panel according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a corrugated plate 6 having a plurality of valleys 61, a top plate 7 laid on the top of the corrugated plate 6, a periphery closing plate 8 for closing the peripheries of the corrugated plate 6 and top plate 7, a fluid communicating means 9 arranged between the corrugated plate 6 and the top plate 7, to communicate the valleys 61, and fluid supply and discharge pipes 81 and 82 mounted to the periphery closing plate 8, to supply a fluid to the valleys 61 of the corrugated plate 6 such that the supplied fluid flows through the valleys 61 in a diffused manner, and to discharge the fluid from the valleys 61.

The corrugated plate 6 may be formed by bending a single plate such that the plate has corrugations. The corrugated plate 6 may also be formed such that it has valleys, each having a flat bottom surface. In the illustrated case, the corrugated plate 6 is formed by bending a plate such that it has valleys, each having a flat bottom surface.

The fluid supply pipe 81 is mounted to one side of the valley 61 of the corrugated plate 6 arranged at one end of the corrugated plate 6 while extending in parallel to the end of the lower corrugated plate 11, for example, at one longitudinal end of the corrugated plate 6. On the other hand, the fluid discharge pipe 82 is mounted to one side of the valley of the corrugated plate 6 arranged at the other end of the corrugated plate 6, for example, at the other longitudinal end of the corrugated plate 6 such that the fluid discharge pipe 82 is maximally spaced apart from the fluid supply pipe 81. A boiler or a hot air blower, or a cold air blower is connected to the fluid supply pipe 81, to supply hot water or a refrigerant, or hot air or cold air.

The fluid communicating means 9 comprises at least one shallow groove 91 formed at a mountain 62 arranged between the adjacent valleys 61.

In the illustrated case, the at least one shallow groove 91 of the fluid communicating means 9 comprises a plurality of shallow grooves 91. In the adjacent mountains 62, the shallow grooves 91 formed at one of the adjacent mountains 62 are misaligned with those of the other mountain 62.

Each shallow groove 91 between the adjacent valleys 61 allows a fluid to flow from an upstream one of the adjacent valleys 61 to the downstream valley 61. Each shallow groove 91 may have the form of a longitudinal slot.

The cooling/heating panel further includes a bottom plate 10 mounted to the bottom of the corrugated plate 6. Accordingly, it is possible to stably install the cooling/heating panel, and to install the cooling/heating panel in an inverted state.

Hereinafter, operation of the cooling/heating panel having the above-described configuration according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In order to operate the cooling/heating panel having the above-described configuration as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 after installing the cooling/heating panel on a floor, hot water or a refrigerant, or hot air or cold air is supplied using a boiler, a hot air blower, or a cold air blower. The supplied fluid is introduced into the cooling/heating panel through the fluid supply pipe 81. The introduced fluid is diffused in the space defined between the top plate 7 and the corrugated plate 6 via the shallow grooves 91 connecting the adjacent valleys 61, and is then discharged from the cooling/heating panel through the fluid discharge pipe 82.

Accordingly, it is possible to heat or cool a room space through the procedure, in which the fluid flows in the cooling/heating panel while being diffused, and then emerges from the cooling/heating panel.

That is, the fluid supplied through the fluid supply pipe 81 flows from the most upstream valley 61 to the most downstream valley 61 as it repeats a procedure, in which it enters an upstream one of the adjacent valleys 61, flows horizontally along the upstream valley 61, and then passes through the shallow grooves 91 formed at the mountain 62 arranged downstream from the upstream valley 61 such that it is introduced into the downstream valley 61. Thus, the fluid is diffused in the overall interior portion of the cooling/heating panel.

During the flow of the fluid in the above-described manner, the fluid is filled in the overall portion of each valley 61 while being diffused in the valley 61. Thus, it is possible to maximally enhance the heat radiation effect. Since the top plate 7, which has a flat upper surface, is mounted on the top of the corrugated plate 6, there is an advantage in that it is possible to install the cooling/heating panel by simply laying the cooling/heating panel on the floor of the room space, without installing a separate top plate. Since the shallow grooves 91 formed at one of the adjacent mountains 62 are misaligned with those of the other mountain 62, a vortex flow is generated at each shallow groove 91 when the fluid flows over the associated mountain 62 during the diffusion of the fluid in the cooling/heating panel. As a vortex flow is generated at each shallow groove 91, the stay time of the fluid in the cooling/heating panel increases. As a result, it is possible to maximally enhance the heat radiation effect.

Meanwhile, the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the shallow grooves 91 formed at each mountain 62 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of each valley 61. In accordance with this condition, the supplied fluid is diffused in the cooling/heating panel as it is sequentially filled in the valleys 61 such that one valley 61 is filled with the fluid after the filling of the fluid in the previous valley 61.

That is, the fluid is diffused in the overall interior portion of the cooling/heating panel as it is sequentially filled in the valleys 61. Accordingly, it is possible to maximally enhance the heat radiation effect. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line J - J of FIG. 20. The cooling/heating panel according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as the fifth embodiment, except for the fluid communicating means 9. The fluid communicating means 9 included in the cooling/heating panel of the sixth embodiment includes at least one upwardly-recessed groove 92 formed at the lower surface of the top plate 7 along each of linear regions of the lower surface extending in parallel to respective mountains 62 while being in contact with respective mountains 62.

In the illustrated case, the at least one upwardly- recessed groove 92 formed along each linear region of the top plate 7 comprises a plurality of upwardly-recessed grooves 92.

In the adjacent linear regions of the top plate 7, the upwardly-recessed grooves 92 formed along one of the adjacent linear regions are misaligned with those of the other linear region.

Each upwardly-recessed groove 92 arranged between the adjacent valleys 61 allows a fluid to flow from an upstream one of the adjacent valleys 61 to the downstream valley 61. Each upwardly-recessed groove 92 may have the form of a longitudinal slot.

In the cooling/heating panel having the above-described configuration according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, accordingly, the fluid supplied through the fluid supply pipe 81 flows from the most upstream valley 61 to the most downstream valley 61 as it repeats a procedure, in which it enters an upstream one of the adjacent valleys 61, flows horizontally along the upstream valley 61, and then passes through the upwardly-recessed grooves 92 formed at the mountain 62 arranged downstream from the upstream valley 61 such that it is introduced into the downstream valley 61. Thus, the fluid is diffused in the overall interior portion of the cooling/heating panel. Accordingly, it is possible to maximally enhance the heat radiation effect, as in the fifth embodiment. Also, there is an advantage in that it is possible to install the cooling/heating panel by simply laying the cooling/heating panel on the floor of the room space, without installing a separate top plate. Since the upwardly-recessed grooves 92 formed along one of the adjacent linear regions at the lower surface of the top plate 7 are misaligned with those of the other linear region, a vortex flow is generated at each upwardly-recessed groove 92 when the fluid flows over the corresponding mountain 62 during the diffusion of the fluid in the cooling/heating panel.

As a vortex flow is generated at each upwardly-recessed groove 92, the stay time of the fluid in the cooling/heating panel increases. As a result, it is possible to maximally enhance the heat radiation effect, as in the fifth embodiment. Meanwhile, the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upwardly-recessed grooves 92 formed at each linear region of the top plate 7 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of each valley 61. In accordance with this condition, the supplied fluid is diffused in the cooling/heating panel as it is sequentially filled in the valleys 61 such that one valley 61 is filled with the fluid after the filling of the fluid in the previous valley 61.

That is, the fluid is diffused in the overall interior portion of the cooling/heating panel as it is sequentially filled in the valleys 61.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling/heating panel according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling/heating panel according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line K - K of FIG. 20.

The cooling/heating panel according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as the fifth embodiment, except for the configurations of the corrugated plate 6 and fluid communicating means 9.

The corrugated plate 6 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention may be formed by bending a single plate such that the plate has corrugations. The corrugated plate 6 may also be formed such that it has valleys, each having a flat bottom surface. In the illustrated case, the corrugated plate 6 is formed by bending a plate such that it has valleys 61 each having a flat bottom surface.

In accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the fluid communicating means 9 comprises at least one fluid passage 93 extending through each mountain 62 arranged between the adjacent valleys 61. The fluid passage 93 has the form of a tube.

In the illustrated case, the at least one fluid passage 93 comprises a plurality of fluid passages 93. In the adjacent mountains 62, the fluid passages 93 formed through one of the adjacent mountains 62 are misaligned with those of the other mountain 62.

In the cooling/heating panel having the above-described configuration according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, accordingly, the fluid supplied through the fluid supply pipe 81 flows from the most upstream valley 61 to the most downstream valley 61 as it repeats a procedure, in which it enters an upstream one of the adjacent valleys 61, flows horizontally along the upstream valley 61, and then passes through the fluid passages 93 of the mountain 62 arranged downstream from the upstream valley 61 such that it is introduced into the downstream valley 61. Thus, the fluid is diffused in the overall interior portion of the cooling/heating panel . Accordingly, it is possible to maximally enhance the heat radiation effect, as in the fifth embodiment. Also, there is an advantage in that it is possible to install the cooling/heating panel by simply laying the cooling/heating panel on the floor of the room space, without installing a separate top plate. Since the fluid passages 93 formed through one of the adjacent mountains 62 are misaligned with those of the other mountain 62, a vortex flow is generated in each valley 61 when the fluid flows through each mountain 62 during the diffusion of the fluid in the cooling/heating panel. As a vortex flow is generated at each fluid passage 93, the stay time of the fluid in the cooling/heating panel increases. As a result, it is possible to maximally enhance the heat radiation effect, as in the fifth embodiment.

Meanwhile, the sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the fluid passages 93 formed through each mountain 62 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of each valley 61. In accordance with this condition, the supplied fluid is diffused in the cooling/heating panel as it is sequentially filled in the valleys 61 such that one valley 61 is filled with the fluid after the filling of the fluid in the previous valley 61.

As apparent from the above description, it is possible to provide a cooling/heating panel capable of radiating heat from the floor of a room, and thus achieving a maximal enhancement in the efficiency of heating or cooling the overall portion of the room.

It is also possible to provide a cooling/heating panel having a compatibility capable of using various fluids such as hot water, hot air, and cold air, thereby enabling not only heating, but also cooling.

It is also possible to provide a cooling/heating panel, in which fluid supply and discharge pipes can be mounted at appropriate positions, thereby being capable of achieving a maximal enhancement in fluid diffusion effect, and thus further enhancing heating or cooling effects.

It is also possible to provide a cooling/heating panel capable of achieving a maximal enhancement in heat generation effect per unit area, and thus reducing the consumption of fuel to a minimum.

It is also possible to provide a cooling/heating panel, which can be easily mounted to a floor, and can be easily separated from the floor, so that it can be installed not only to a cement or wood floor, but also to a bed.

It is also possible to provide a cooling/heating panel, in which a heat storage material is received in upwardly- recessed spaces, to minimize the loss of heat, thereby being capable of maximally saving fuel. It is also possible to provide a cooling/heating panel, in which a thermal insulating material is received in downwardly-recessed spaces, thereby being capable of minimizing the loss of heat while minimizing interlayer noise.

It is also possible to provide a cooling/heating panel capable of uniformly diffusing hot water or a refrigerant without formation of an air layer during diffusion of the hot water or refrigerant in a corrugated diffusion passage, and thus maximally enhancing heat radiation effects .

It is also possible to prevent the level of hot water from being lowered when no hot water is supplied to the corrugated diffusion passage, and thus to minimize the generation of air bubbles in an early state of the re-operation of a boiler.

It is also possible to provide a mat type cooling/heating panel which can be used without any floor installation.

It is also possible to uniformly diffuse a fluid in the interior of the cooling/heating panel without formation of an upper space, to achieve an enhancement in heat radiation effect, and thus to achieve maximal cooling/heating effects. It is also possible to lengthen the stay time of the fluid filled in the cooling/heating panel, to further enhance the heat radiation effect, and thus to further enhance the cooling/heating effects.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims .

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cooling/heating panel comprising: a radiator including a plurality of corrugated plates stacked such that the adjacent corrugated plates extend orthogonally to each other, each corrugated plate having a closed periphery, a corrugated diffusion passage being defined between the adjacent corrugated plates; and a fluid supply/discharge unit for supplying a fluid to the cooling/heating panel such that the supplied fluid flows through each corrugated diffusion passage in a diffused manner, and discharging the fluid from the cooling/heating panel.

2. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 1, wherein each corrugated diffusion passage comprises: upper and lower grooves respectively defined by the corrugated plates associated with the corrugated diffusion passage and arranged over and beneath the corrugated diffusion passage, such that the upper and lower grooves intersect each other while communicating with each other; and periphery closing plates for closing the peripheries of the corrugated plates arranged over and beneath the corrugated diffusion passage, respectively.

3. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 2, wherein: the plurality of corrugated plates comprise two corrugated plates, to define a single corrugated diffusion passage in the radiator; and the fluid supply/discharge unit comprises a fluid supply pipe and a fluid discharge pipe, which are connected to the single corrugated diffusion passage at opposite positions, to allow a fluid to be supplied to the corrugated diffusion passage , and then discharged from the corrugated diffusion passage after being diffused.

4. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 3, wherein the fluid supply pipe has a fluid flow cross-sectional area larger than a sum of fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves.

5. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 3, wherein: the fluid supply pipe is mounted to one side of the lower groove of the corrugated diffusion passage arranged at one end of the lower corrugated plate while extending in parallel to the end of the lower corrugated plate; and the fluid discharge pipe is mounted to one side of the upper groove of the corrugated diffusion passage arranged at one end of the upper corrugated plate while extending in parallel to the end of the upper corrugated plate, such that the fluid discharge pipe is maximally spaced apart from the fluid supply pipe.

6. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 3, wherein the fluid discharge pipe is arranged at a level higher than a level of the fluid supply pipe.

7. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 2, wherein: the plurality of corrugated plates comprise at least three corrugated plates, to define at least two corrugated diffusion passages in the radiator; and the fluid supply/discharge unit comprises a fluid supply pipe arranged at an uppermost one of the corrugated diffusion passages, to allow a fluid to be supplied to the uppermost corrugated diffusion passage, fluid holes respectively formed at the corrugated diffusion passages, to communicate the corrugated diffusion passages 12 with one another, and thus to allow the fluid to be diffused in the corrugated diffusion passages, and a fluid discharge pipe arranged at a lowermost one of the corrugated diffusion passages, to allow the fluid to be discharged from the lowermost corrugated diffusion passage.

8. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 3 or 6, wherein each upper groove has a fluid flow cross-sectional area smaller than a fluid flow cross-sectional area of each lower groove .

9. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 8, wherein a sum of the fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upper grooves is smaller than a sum of the fluid flow cross- sectional areas of the lower grooves.

10. The cooling/heating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a top plate arranged on a top of the radiator, to define a plurality of recessed spaces between the top plate and the corrugated plate arranged at the top of the radiator.

11. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 10, further comprising: a heat storage material arranged in the recessed spaces defined at the top of the radiator, to obtain an increased heat release rate.

12. The cooling/heating panel according to any one of claim 1 to 7, further comprising: a bottom plate arranged beneath a bottom of the radiator, to define a plurality of recessed spaces between the bottom plate and the corrugated plate arranged at the bottom of the radiator.

13. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 12, further comprising: a thermal insulating material arranged in the recessed spaces defined at the bottom of the radiator.

14. A cooling/heating panel comprising: a corrugated plate having a plurality of valleys; a top plate laid on the top of the corrugated plate; a periphery closing plate for closing the periphery of the corrugated plate and the periphery of the top plate; a fluid communicator arranged between the corrugated plate and the top plate, to communicate the valleys; and fluid supply and discharge pipes mounted to the periphery closing plate, to supply a fluid to the valleys of the corrugated plate such that the supplied fluid flows through the valleys in a diffused manner, and to discharge the fluid from the valleys.

15. The cooling/heating panel according to 14, wherein the corrugated plate is formed by bending a single plate such that the plate has corrugations.

16. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 14, wherein each valley of the corrugated plate has a flat bottom surface.

17. The cooling/heating panel according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the fluid communicator comprises at least one shallow groove formed at a mountain arranged between the adjacent valleys.

18. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 17, wherein: the at least one shallow groove formed at each mountain comprises a plurality of shallow grooves; and the shallow grooves formed at one of the adjacent mountains are misaligned with the shallow grooves formed at the other mountain.

19. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 17, wherein each shallow groove comprises a longitudinal slot.

20. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 17, wherein a sum of cross-sectional areas of the shallow grooves formed at each mountain is smaller than a cross-sectional area of each valley.

21. The cooling/heating panel according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the fluid communicator comprises at least one upwardly-recessed groove formed at a lower surface of the top plate along each of linear regions of the lower surface extending in parallel to the mountains while being in contact with the mountains, respectively.

22. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 21, wherein: the at least one upwardly-recessed groove comprises a plurality of upwardly-recessed grooves; and the upwardly-recessed grooves formed along one of the adjacent linear regions at the lower surface of the top plate are misaligned with the upwardly-recessed grooves formed along the other linear region.

23. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 21, wherein each upwardly-recessed groove comprises a longitudinal slot.

24. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 21, wherein a sum of fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the upwardly-recessed grooves formed at the top plate is smaller than a cross-sectional area of each valley

25. The cooling/heating panel according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the fluid communicator comprises at least one fluid passage extending through each mountain between the valleys arranged at opposite sides of the mountain.

26. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 25, wherein: the at least one fluid passage comprises a plurality of fluid passages; and the fluid passages formed through one of the adjacent mountains are misaligned with the fluid passages formed through the other mountain.

27. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 25, wherein a sum of fluid flow cross-sectional areas of the fluid passages formed through each mountain is smaller than a cross- sectional area of each valley.

28. The cooling/heating panel according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising: a bottom plate arranged beneath a bottom of the corrugated plate.