Using PCM in Two Proposed Residential Buildings in Christchurch, New Zealand

A characteristic feature of lightweight constructions is their low thermal mass which causes high internal temperature fluctuations that require high heating and cooling demand throughout the year. Phase change materials (PCMs) are effective in providing thermal inertia to low-thermal-mass buildings. This paper aims to analyse the thermal behaviour of two proposed lightweight buildings designed for homeless people and to investigate the potential benefit achievable through the use of different types of PCM in the temperate climatic conditions of Christchurch, New Zealand. For this purpose, over 300 numerical simulations were conducted using DesignBuilder® simulation software. The bulk of the simulations were carried out under the assumption that the whole opaque building envelope is equipped with PCM. The results showed significant energy saving and comfort enhancement through the application of PCMs. The integration of PCM in single-structure components led to substantial energy savings between 19% and 27% annually. However, occupant behaviour in terms of ventilation habits, occupancy of zones, etc. remains one of the biggest challenges in any simulation work due to insufficient data.

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Using PCM in two proposed residential buildings in Christchurch, New Zealand

10.20944/preprints202009.0730.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Erik Schmerse ◽

Charles Ikutegbe ◽

Amar Auckaili ◽

Mohammed Farid

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Energy Saving ◽

Phase Change Materials ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Thermal Inertia ◽

Homeless People ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Simulation Software ◽

Thermal Mass

A characteristic feature of lightweight constructions is their low thermal mass which causes high internal temperature fluctuations that require high heating and cooling demand throughout the year. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) is effective in providing thermal inertia to low thermal mass buildings. The aim of this paper is to analyse the thermal behaviour of two proposed lightweight buildings designed for homeless people and to investigate the potential benefit achievable through the use of different types of PCM in the temperate climatic conditions of Christchurch, New Zealand. For this purpose, over 300 numerical simulations have been conducted using the simulation software DesignBuilder®. The bulk of the simulations were carried out under the assumption that the whole opaque building envelope is equipped with PCM. The results showed significant energy saving and comfort enhancement through the application of PCMs. Thereby, annual energy saving of over 50 % was reached for some of the PCMs considered. Additionally, the effectiveness of single, PCM-equipped structure components was investigated and substantial benefits between 19 and 27 % annual energy saving were achieved. However, occupant behaviour in terms of ventilation habits, occupancy of zones etc. remains one of the biggest challenges in any simulation work due to insufficient data.

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Improvement of energy performances of existing buildings by application of solar thermal systems

Spatium ◽

10.2298/spat0920019k ◽

2009 ◽

pp. 19-22 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Aleksandra Krstic-Furundzic ◽

Vesna Kosoric

Keyword(s):

Energy Savings ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Solar Thermal ◽

Existing Buildings ◽

Thermal Systems ◽

Climate Conditions ◽

Solar Thermal Collectors ◽

Reduction Of Co2

Improvement of energy performances of the existing buildings in the suburban settlement Konjarnik in Belgrade, by the application of solar thermal systems is the topic presented in this paper. Hypothetical models of building improvements are created to allow the benefits of applying solar thermal collectors to residential buildings in Belgrade climate conditions to be estimated. This case study presents different design variants of solar thermal collectors integrated into a multifamily building envelope. The following aspects of solar thermal systems integration are analyzed in the paper: energy, architectural, ecological and economic. The results show that in Belgrade climatic conditions significant energy savings and reduction of CO2 emissions can be obtained with the application of solar thermal collectors.

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Hygrothermal Characteristics of Cold Roof Cavities in New Zealand

Buildings ◽

10.3390/buildings11080334 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 334

Author(s):

Stephan H. Rupp ◽

Stephen McNeil ◽

Manfred Plagmann ◽

Greg Overton

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

National Research Council ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Simulation Software ◽

Building Code ◽

Contributory Factor ◽

Data Set ◽

Hygrothermal Simulation ◽

Complex Models

The New Zealand Building Code contains minimum durability requirements for components. For roof structures the requirement is 50 years if the component is structural or 15 years if it is not. Metal roof claddings are very common in New Zealand, and roof spaces are typically not deliberately ventilated. Recently, a number of roofs are failing to meet their durability requirement, and the lack of deliberate ventilation is a contributory factor in some cases. In this paper, we consider roof failures and analyse them using the hygrothermal simulation software WUFI® 2D (version 4.1). Using the National Research Council of Canada’s Guideline on Design for Durability of Building Envelopes, we evaluate to what extent the guideline can be used for such more complex models. Experimental data from a residential dwelling where excessive roof moisture issues were discovered shortly after occupancy are presented. A novel remedial solution using daytime-only ventilation to the roof cavity was trialled, and the data were used to benchmark a two-dimensional numerical simulation of the roof space using WUFI® 2D. A larger hygrothermal data set for 71 dwellings is presented together with relevant climatic conditions. The study works towards evidence-based building code changes for roof ventilation and is an example of using the guideline document for more complicated building envelope assemblies.

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Thermal Behavior Assessment of Natural Stone Buildings in the Semi-Arid Climate

Basic and Applied Sciences - Scientific Journal of King Faisal University ◽

10.37575/b/eng/210043 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Racha Djedouani ◽

Lazhar Gherzouli ◽

Hakan Elçi

Keyword(s):

Thermal Performance ◽

Experimental Measurement ◽

Natural Ventilation ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Thermal Inertia ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Natural Stone ◽

Arid Climate ◽

Semi Arid

This paper aims to assess the effects of harsh climatic conditions’ interactions with natural stone on thermal inertia properties and the thermal performance of ancient residential buildings. As the type of stone differs, its thermo-physical components differ; therefore, its interactions with environmental factors vary. For this purpose, an experimental measurement was conducted on many buildings with different orientations in a semi-arid climate and validated by a simulation performed by the “EnergyPlus 9.3” software. Results showed that the important outdoor temperature gap between day and night influences the natural stone thermos-physical properties used in construction. The stone components affected by the thermal shock effect weathering are eroded over time, then saturated with water, and affect the thermal conductivity coefficient of stone; however, this directly changes the indoor thermal comfort and performance of buildings. Additionally, the high indoor relative humidity percentage and the absence of natural ventilation have an important influence on the ambient temperature values recorded. This paper discusses the experimental measurement results compared to the simulation results. KEYWORDS Thermal performance, building envelope, thermal inertia, limestone, Tébessa, Algeria

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The Effect of the Thermal Mass of the Building Envelope on Summer Overheating of Dwellings in a Temperate Climate

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14144117 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (14) ◽

pp. 4117

Author(s):

Tadeusz Kuczyński ◽

Anna Staszczuk ◽

Piotr Ziembicki ◽

Anna Paluszak

Keyword(s):

Building Materials ◽

Heat Waves ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Temperate Climate ◽

Maximum Temperature ◽

Thermal Mass ◽

Occupant Behavior ◽

Average Maximum ◽

Night Ventilation

The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of increasing the thermal capacity of a residential building by using traditional building materials to reduce the risk of its excessive overheating during intense heat waves in a temperate climate. An additional objective is to show that the use of this single passive measure significantly reduces the risk of overheating in daytime rooms, but also, though to a much lesser extent, in bedrooms. Increasing the thermal mass of the room from light to a medium heavy reduced the average maximum daily temperature by 2.2K during the first heat wave and by 2.6K during the other two heat waves. The use of very heavy construction further reduced the average maximum temperature for the heat waves analyzed by 1.4K, 1.2K and 1.7K, respectively, giving a total possible reduction in maximum daily temperatures in the range of 3.6 °C, 3.8 °C and 4.3 °C. A discussion of the influence of occupant behavior on the use of night ventilation and external blinds was carried out, finding a significant effect on the effectiveness of the use of both methods. The results of the study suggest that in temperate European countries, preserving residential construction methods with heavy envelopes and partitions could significantly reduce the risk of overheating in residential buildings over the next few decades, without the need for night ventilation or external blinds, whose effectiveness is highly dependent on individual occupant behavior.

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Redefining cost-optimal nZEB levels for new residential buildings

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/201911103035 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 111 ◽

pp. 03035 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Raimo Simson ◽

Endrik Arumägi ◽

Kalle Kuusk ◽

Jarek Kurnitski

Keyword(s):

Energy Use ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Optimal Level ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Simulation Software ◽

The European Union ◽

Apartment Building ◽

Detached House

In the member states of the European Union (EU), nearly-Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) are becoming mandatory building practice in 2021. It is stated, that nZEB should be cost-optimal and the energy performance levels should be re-defined after every five years. We conducted cost-optimality analyses for two detached houses, one terraced house and one apartment building in Estonia. The analysis consisted on actual construction cost data collection based on bids of variable solutions for building envelope, air tightness, windows, heat supply systems and local renewable energy production options. For energy performance analysis we used dynamic simulation software IDA-ICE. To assess cost-effectiveness, we used Net Present Value (NPV) calculations with the assessment period of 30 years. The results for cost-optimal energy performance level for detached house with heated space of ~100 m2 was 79 kWh/(m2 a), for the larger house (~200 m2) 87 kWh/(m2 a), for terraced house with heated space of ~600 m2 71 kWh/(m2 a) and for the apartment building 103 kWh/(m2 a) of primary energy including all energy use with domestic appliances. Thus, the decrease in cost-optimal level in a five-year period was ~60% for the detached house and ~40% for the apartment building, corresponding to a shift in two EPC classes.

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Issues relating to the efficient application of passive solar protection in multi-family residential buildings

Czasopismo Techniczne ◽

10.37705/techtrans/e2020013 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Justyna Kobylarczyk ◽

Janusz Marchwiński ◽

Katarzyna Zielonko-Jung

Keyword(s):

Energy Savings ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Thermal Mass ◽

Functional Specificity ◽

Characteristic Functional ◽

Spatial Features ◽

Venetian Blinds ◽

Building Facades ◽

Solar Control ◽

External Conditions

The following article is intended to discuss the issues concerning the introduction of passive measures aimed at improving solar protection in multi-family buildings. A system of classifying these methods into two groups of solutions (architectural and material-building) was applied. The first group includes issues concerning facade design, the spatial features of which (such as loggias, balconies and other overhangs) can be treated as one of the solar protection methods. The authors’ own studies are presented and expressed in a sequence of formulas. The formulas enable assessment of the effectiveness of the above elements, depending on external conditions. As far as the second group is concerned, material-construction solutions for building facades and roofs are discussed. The solutions mentioned include solar-control glazing, spatial shading elements (such as venetian blinds, roller blinds), roof and façade vegetation, and the thermal mass of the building. The essence of the functioning of the analysed solutions in relation to the characteristic functional specificity of multi-family buildings is discussed. Problematic areas of application of the above methods are indicated. As shown in the study, problematic areas may include a group of utilitarian-operating, economic and aesthetic issues, in the case of which the use of passive solutions encounters limitations. In conclusion, the possibilities for alleviating these limitations are highlighted. The authors’ own solutions presented in the following paper can contribute to energy savings and may thus prove beneficial for environmental reasons, thereby serving the aims of sustainable development.

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Thermo-physical characteristics of building integrated phase change materials (PCM) and their applicability to energy efficient homes

10.32920/ryerson.14660997 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Omar Siddiqui

Keyword(s):

Compressive Strength ◽

Phase Change ◽

Phase Change Materials ◽

Energy Savings ◽

Physical Characteristics ◽

Comfort Level ◽

Thermal Mass ◽

Lower Phase ◽

Physical Test ◽

The Impact

The applicability of utilizing a variety of thermal mass including phase change materials with commonly used building materials is investigated through the use of simulations and physical testing. The thermal performance and occupant comfort potential of a novel solid-solid phase change material, known as Dal HSM, is compared and contrasted to commonly available forms of thermal mass. Detailed experimentation is conducted to successfully integrate Dal HSM with gypsum and concrete. The measurement of physical characteristics such as compressive strength and modulus of rupture is conducted to ensure that the PCM-composite compound retains the structural integrity to be utilized in a typical building. The use of thermal mass in the Toronto Net Zero house was found to contribute to energy savings of 10-15% when different types of thermal mass were used. The comfort level of the indoor occupants was also found to increase. The performance of Dal HSM was found to be comparable to a commercially available PCM known as Micronal in the heating mode. The cooling mode revealed that Dal HSM provided slightly lower energy savings when compared to Micronal due to a lower phase transition temperature and latent heat. The performance of physical test revealed a decrease in the compressive strength as the concentration of Dal HSM was increased in the PCM-gypsum specimens. Tests were also performed to analyze the impact of increasing the PCM concentration on the flexural strength of PCM-gypsum composite.

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Rule-Based Control Strategy to Increase Photovoltaic Self-Consumption of a Modulating Heat Pump Using Water Storages and Building Mass Activation

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13236282 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (23) ◽

pp. 6282

Author(s):

Maria Pinamonti ◽

Alessandro Prada ◽

Paolo Baggio

Keyword(s):

Boundary Conditions ◽

Heat Pump ◽

Control Strategy ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Thermal Inertia ◽

The Self ◽

Thermal Mass ◽

Climate Data ◽

Rule Based

The use of photovoltaic (PV) energy in combination with heat pump systems for heating and cooling of residential buildings can lead to renewable energy self-consumption, reducing the energy required from the grid and the carbon footprint of the building uses. However, energy storage technologies and control strategies are essential to enhance the self-consumption level. This paper proposes and analyzes a new control strategy for the operation of a modulating air-source heat pump, based on the actual PV availability. The solar energy surplus is stored as thermal energy by the use of water tanks and the activation of the thermal capacitance of the building. The efficacy of the control strategy is evaluated considering different rule-based strategies, and different boundary conditions. The effect of climate data, building insulation level and thermal inertia are investigated and compared. The results show the efficacy of the proposed strategy to decrease up to 17% the amount of electricity purchased from the grid and to increase the self-consumption by 22%, considering a high-insulated building in Bolzano, Northern Italy. The thermal mass activation is found effective to increase the self-consumption of the system. Nonetheless, the achievable energy reduction depends largely on the building characteristics and the boundary conditions.

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Impact of Wall Constructions on Energy Performance of Switchable Insulation Systems

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13226068 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (22) ◽

pp. 6068

Author(s):

Remy Carlier ◽

Mohammad Dabbagh ◽

Moncef Krarti

Keyword(s):

Energy Savings ◽

Simulation Analysis ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Space Heating ◽

Thermal Mass ◽

Analysis Tool ◽

Insulation Systems ◽

Detached House ◽

Modeling Strategy

This paper evaluates the potential energy savings when switchable insulation systems (SIS) are applied to walls of residential buildings located in Belgium and other locations in Europe. The study considers two low-energy prototypical dwellings (an apartment and a detached house) that are representative of post-2010 constructions and renovations in Belgium. Using an 3R2C-based analysis tool, the performance of both dwellings is evaluated with static and dynamic wall insulation systems. First, the switchable insulating system is described along with its associated simple 2-step rule-based control strategy. Then the modeling strategy and simulation analysis tools are presented. In Belgium, it was found that SIS-integrated walls allow energy savings up to 3.7% for space heating and up to 98% for cooling. Moreover, it was found that to further reduce the energy consumption of SIS-integrated buildings in various European climates, thermal mass placement needs to be considered. By optimizing the placement and the parameters of the various wall layers, it is possible to increase the space heating savings by up to a factor of 4 and those of cooling by up to a factor of 2.5.

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