Abstract
In this paper, the energy benefits of switchable insulation systems (SIS) are assessed when applied as shades for windows as well as dynamic insulation for exterior walls of residential buildings located in European countries including Belgium and Spain. A series of analyses is performed for detached houses and apartments representing common Belgian residential buildings to determine the energy performance of SIS when deployed to windows and exterior walls and operated using simplified rule-based controls. The analysis results indicate that SIS-integrated windows can achieve significant energy savings for both dwelling types in Belgium, including the elimination of any mechanical cooling and a reduction of up to 44% of heating energy end-use. Moreover, the results show that SIS can offer even more energy efficiency and thermal comfort benefits when deployed to both windows and exterior walls for residential buildings. These energy efficiency benefits are higher, especially for reducing heating needs, for the milder climates of Belgium and Spain. However, it should be noted that the energy performance of SIS could be affected substantially by windows’ orientation and occupants’ behavior.
Highlights
Buildings contribute over one-third of the total final energy consumption in Belgium, with the housing stock responsible for 60% of this sectorial demand [1]
The results are presented for representative days to better evaluate the actions taken by switchable insulation systems (SIS) using the rule-based controls outlined in Figure 2 as well as on an annual basis to determine the energy efficiency benefits for SIS
The results of the study summarized in this paper confirm that switchable insulation systems (SIS) integrated as dynamic shades for windows as well as a dynamic insulation layer for exterior walls can significantly reduce heating and cooling energy demands for residential buildings in Belgium and Spain
Summary
Buildings contribute over one-third of the total final energy consumption in Belgium, with the housing stock responsible for 60% of this sectorial demand [1]. The energy performance of a SIS prototype using rotating insulation layers within a wall cavity has been tested under laboratory conditions [19] Another experimental study evaluated the performance of switchable, opaque, insulated shading systems when applied to windows [20]. The analysis results have indicated that SIS using simplified two-step control strategies can achieve significant savings in annual heating and cooling energy end-uses reaching up to 65% and 25%, respectively, when considering deploying roof-integrated switchable insulation systems during weekends in addition to weekdays for the various US climates. The impacts of applying dynamic insulation to both walls and windows on the energy performance of buildings have not been evaluated This study addresses this gap to assess the energy benefits of SIS when deployed to both walls and windows of two housing building types in Belgium. The impacts of the energy benefits for SIS are investigated when occupant behavior and window orientation are considered
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