Energy Efficiency of Novel Interior Surface Layer with Improved Thermal Characteristics and Its Effect on Hygrothermal Performance of Contemporary Building Envelopes

Abstract

Facing the consequences of climate change and fuel price rises, the achievement of the requirements for low-energy consumption of buildings has become a challenging issue. On top of that, increased demands on indoor hygrothermal conditions usually require the utilization of additional heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to maintain a comfortable environment. On this account, several advanced and modern materials are widely investigated as a promising way for reduction of the buildings’ energy consumption including utilization of passive heating/cooling energy. However, the efficiency and suitability of passive strategies depending on several aspects including the influence of location, exterior climatic conditions, load-bearing materials used, and insulation materials applied. The main objective of this study consists of the investigation of the energy performance benefits gained by the utilization of advanced materials in plasters by computational modeling. Results obtained from a computational simulation reveal the capability of the studied passive cooling/heating methods on the moderation of indoor air quality together with the reduction of the diurnal temperature fluctuation. Achieved results disclose differences in terms of energy savings for even small variation in outdoor climate conditions. Additionally, the effectivity of passive cooling/heating alters considerably during the summer and winter periods. Based on the analysis of simulated heat fluxes, the potential energy savings related to improved thermal properties of the applied plaster layer reached up to 12.08% and thus represent an interesting passive solution towards energy sustainability to meet the criteria on modern buildings.

Characterization of Responsive Plasters for Passive Moisture and Temperature Control

“…This phenomenon corresponds mainly to the used SAP dosages, since the incorporation of PCMs based on diatomite did not reveal such intensive modifications [56]. The revealed changes rather refer to the potential of SAPs to modify the air humidity [37,57] to a greater extent, and can be compared with the favorable results of the hemp shiv introduced by Mazhoud et al [5], who prepared hemp-lime plaster with improved moisture buffering.…”

“…As a base material for PCM and SAP incorporation, a commercially available cement-lime plaster Weber MV1 composed of cement, lime, and sand in a 1:1:5 ratio was used. While the effect of individual admixtures was described in previous publications, the mutual interaction of both SAP and PCM admixtures has not been elaborated yet [15,[37][38][39]. In this sense, the previously developed form-stable PCM based on a diatomite/dodecanol composite with pozzolanic activity was used as a latent heat storage medium [39].…”

Effects of Secondary Porosity on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of SAP-Containing Lime-Based Plasters

“…Specifically, SAPs are very interesting as a concrete admixture due to their capability to reduce the autogenous shrinkage, improve the freeze–thaw resistance, and promote the self-healing and self-sealing of cracks [ 4 , 5 ]. Apart from the utilization in high-performance concrete types, their potential lies also in moderation of indoor relative humidity levels secured by the large water retaining capacity, in other words, for modification of interior plasters [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ] in order to achieve optimal interior conditions in terms of relative humidity. The incorporation of SAPs also has an eminent effect on the material microstructure.…”

Empirical Investigation of the Hygrothermal Diffusion Properties of Permeable Building Membranes Subjected to Variable Relative Humidity Condition

“…The problems associated with high indoor humidity, condensation, and mould growth currently prevalent in Australia buildings' cold and humid climate is common in many developing and developed nations, and high-quality material vapour diffusion data is needed to undertake hygrothermal simulations to inform regulatory development [9][10][11]. Considering the global movement towards a zero-carbon economy and its reliance on highly energy-efficient buildings, it is important to acknowledge that airtight and well-insulated envelopes can perform sub-optimally if unmanaged moisture is present [12][13][14][15][16][17]. Aside from building durability issues, this will further affect opportunities to reduce carbon emissions generated through the operation of heating and cooling equipment within buildings [18,19].…”