ENERGY DEMAND REDUCTION TO ENSURE THERMAL COMFORT IN BUILDINGS USING ALUMINIUM FOAM

Jaroslav Jerz,Peter Oslanec,Jaroslav Kováčik,František Simančík

doi:10.12776/ams.v22i4.832

Abstract

The high energy efficiency of buildings can be achieved if energy needs are almost entirely covered by the supply of renewable energy sources obtained directly on the building or in its immediate vicinity. The technology providing efficient storage of the heat at a time of excessive sunlight is necessary if a returns of investment for the construction of small houses with zero energy balance should be less than 10 years. The regular alternation of day and night cycle resulting in continuously changing amount of sunshine falling on the building roof causes even though a small but very well usable potential. The concept presented in this contribution is based on the storage of energy obtained through the aluminium foam roof and facade cladding, which are capable of absorbing the desired, or even take away the excess energy to the surroundings if necessary. The energy effectively generated by this way is by means of piping system distributed by heating liquid medium/coolant to interior ceiling heat exchangers made of aluminium foam enabling due to filling by Phase Change Materials (PCMs) to store the energy required for heating/cooling for a period of at least several hours. This progressive technology, therefore, contributes significantly to reducing of energy demand and thus also the prices of future not only large buildings but also small family houses that are able to achieve the optimal thermal comfort by extremely low costs. Possibility to manufacture facade, as well as the interior panels of aluminium foam, is a good prerequisite for ensuring that these structural components could be in the nearest future made from fully recyclable aluminium alloys. This fact indicates large potential chance for long-term sustainable further development of above-mentioned advanced technologies.

Highlights

The energy systems providing supply to future buildings will be surely based on entirely CO2-free energy production
The energy needs for Zero-Energy Buildings (ZEBs) are greatly reduced through such efficiency gains that the balance of energy needs can be covered by energy supply from renewable sources
The significant cost savings for optimal maintenance of thermal comfort inside buildings during winter as well as summer operation can be achieved primarily if the facade system is interlinked with interior panels by an appropriate heating/cooling liquid medium and if the heat can be stored in the form of latent heat of phase transition of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) impregnated in the aluminium foam structure of interior panels

Summary

Introduction

The energy systems providing supply to future buildings will be surely based on entirely CO2-free energy production. The aluminium foam panels made by foaming of foamable precursor with stainless tubes embedded in the structure of the foam are the most promising solution for energy efficient heating and cooling of walls/ceilings in interiors of buildings. The huge application potential mainly in the building and shipbuilding industry is expected thanks to their quick response to temperature changes due to excellent heat conduction of porous aluminium structure, lightweight design, self-supporting capability as well as shape and surface flexibility.

Results

Conclusion