Magda Helena Barecka, Ireneusz Zbicinski and Dariusz Heim
The purpose of this paper is to analyze and quantify environmental, energy and economy aspects in a zero-emission façade system design.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze and quantify environmental, energy and economy aspects in a zero-emission façade system design.
Design/methodology/approach
The efficient design of a zero emission façade system cannot focus solely on the energy performance, but should as well include the economic an environmental aspects in order to make the solution feasible and sustainable in whole life cycle of the façade. In this paper a full environmental impact analysis of six different façade panels was carried out by evaluating the LCA of the panels with MIPS technique. Economic aspects were incorporated into the analysis on the basis of costs of manufacturing, whereas the panels’ energy performance was determined from ESP-r modeling tool.
Findings
Subsequently, an optimal façade design based on highly isolative panels covered with CIS photovoltaic modules and double skin façade window system was proposed. Systematic and holistic analysis of environmental, energy and economic aspects is crucial for development of optimal zero-emission façade system.
Practical implications
The proposed solution has been applied in development of an experimental façade built within the framework of German-Polish Energy Efficiency Project.
Originality/value
The paper provides a multi-objective approach (economy, environment, efficiency) for finding the best solutions for the façade system design. The methodology and the results reported in this research can be used for designing or improving performance of zero-emission façades.
Anna Wieprzkowicz and Dariusz Heim
The purpose of this paper is to investigate energy performance of thermal insulation modified by phase change materials (PCM). Special attention was paid to the problem of proper…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate energy performance of thermal insulation modified by phase change materials (PCM). Special attention was paid to the problem of proper performance assessment of such components by computational techniques and methods of its evaluation.
Design/methodology/approach
Analysis was conducted on the basis of the results obtained using the dynamic building simulation technique performed by ESP-r software. Two cases of insulation components enhanced by a layer: characterised by increased latent heat capacity were analysed and compared. Results were investigated in terms of thermal comfort and energy efficiency, using evaluation methods from literature and new, original indicators proposed by authors.
Findings
The analysis revealed that performance of insulation enhanced by PCM is very dynamic and highly sensitive to changeable weather conditions. Thus, there is a strong need for the development of the assessment methods and guidelines for the performance of such components with changeable physical properties.
Practical implications
The methodology and the results reported in this paper could be used as a guideline for further parametric studies and optimisation tasks. Further development of phase change insulation can substantially change the existing approach to the building energy performance.
Originality/value
The paper introduces a new approach of the assessment of insulation components modified by PCM and highlights the dynamic characteristics of its performance.
Details
Keywords
Dominika Knera and Dariusz Heim
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of the experimental building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) façade to cover net energy use in the adjacent office room…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of the experimental building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) façade to cover net energy use in the adjacent office room. Electricity generated by PV panels was intended to cover the energy demand for the mechanical ventilation and the supplementary lighting. Analyses were performed for two orientations of the façade (east and west) and two occupancy profiles considering one or two employees per one office room.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted by carrying detailed numerical analyses of energy produced by the BIPV façade and its consumption in adjacent office room. Calculations of energy generated by PV panels were made using simulation programme ESP-r. Advanced model, used in analyses, take into account dependence of the main electrical parameters of photovoltaic cell from temperature.
Findings
The findings reveal that energy generated by photovoltaic panels during transitional and cooling seasons is sufficient for lighting and ventilation requirement. However during winter months BIPV facade can cover energy demand only for ventilation.
Originality/value
The paper provides an original analysis of experimental BIPV façade system as a source of on-site produced renewable energy to cover energy demand in offices building under certain climate conditions. The results reported in presented paper shows the potential of BIPV facades and display this potential in a context of building net energy balance.