Experience in Researching and Designing an Innovative Way of Operating Combined Building–Energy Systems Using Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract

This study describes our experience in researching and designing an innovative way of operating combined building–energy systems using renewable energy sources. We used the concepts of the ISOMAX integrated building–energy system’s patented technical solution, which we have long been exploring and have developed various novel and original solutions, as inspiration for our research. A consistent peak heat/cooling supply is a key component of the patented ISOMAX system, which has also been proven in its use in many buildings. Energy systems are no longer dependent on unreliable, unpredictable, and hard-to-forecast geothermal and solar energy because of the peak energy source. We had to improve the original design to guarantee the efficient, comfortable, and dependable operation of all the energy systems in the building. We increased the capacity of the ventilation system by including a peak heat/cooling source, a short-term heat/cooling storage tank, and the option of using an air handling unit with heat recovery or a water/air heat exchanger. The addition of terminal elements for heating, cooling, and ventilation systems was also made, along with including a solar system, a wind turbine, and the potential for waste heat recovery. Our study led to the creation of a unique operating model that, with the building management system, optimizes all of the energy systems and heating/cooling sources. The utility model SK 5749 Y1 analyzes the various alternatives in great detail.

Analysis of the Dynamic Thermal Barrier in Building Envelopes

“…In paper [31,32], 2022, 2023, we outlined research on the development and improvement f building envelope panels that incorporate energy-active components that serve as a thermal barrier. Our research aimed to design and create a panel, drawing inspiration from the patented ® ISOMAX panel and system, whose design would be optimal in terms of thermal barrier operation and heat/cool accumulation.…”

“…This prototype building is built on the premises of a manufacturer of reinforced concrete components for the construction industry in Bratislava-Vraku ňa and is currently used as an office building. We have described the design, project and construction in more detail in the articles [2,[31][32][33]. Figure 9 is a photograph of the construction of the building.…”

“…Dry and wet methods of integrating the ATP system are known. The wet method is more difficult to implement, and in this method, pipes of the heat exchange surface are placed in the "wet part" of the load-bearing part of the building envelope (reinforced concrete wall/roof) or mortar bed (masonry wall) [3]. The dry method of making ATP is faster and simpler and consists of placing the pipes of the heat exchange surface between the load-bearing and heat-insulating part of the building envelope or into the thermal insulation as a part of the thermal insulation panels of the contact insulation system [4].…”