Investigating the potential of a novel low-energy house concept with hybrid adaptable thermal storage

Abstract

In conventional buildings thermal mass is a permanent building characteristic depending on the building design. However, none of the permanent thermal mass concepts are optimal in all operational conditions. We propose a concept that combines the benefits of buildings with low and high thermal mass by applying hybrid adaptable thermal storage (HATS) systems and materials to a lightweight building. The HATS concept increases building performance and the robustness to changing user behavior, seasonal variations and future climate changes. Building performance simulation is used to investigate the potential of the novel concept for reducing heating energy demand and increasing thermal comfort. Simulation results of a case study in the Netherlands show that the optimal quantity of the thermal mass is sensitive to the change of seasons. This implies that the building performance will benefit from implementing HATS. Furthermore, the potential of HATS is quantified using a simplified HATS model. Calculations show heating energy demand reductions of up to 35% and increased thermal comfort compared to conventional thermal mass concepts.

Climate adaptive building shells: State-of-the-art and future challenges

“…In addition to the immediate effect, CABS' adaptability also helps in achieving gains through smart utilization of building constructions' thermal storage capacity. The dual effects of shifting peak demands can help in mitigating comfort problems, and also limit redundancy in installed heating and cooling capacity [48].…”

Energy efficiency and thermal performance of lightweight steel-framed (LSF) construction: A review

“…As suggested by Hoes et al [70], it is conventionally accepted that buildings with higher thermal mass require lower energy demand for air-conditioning and provide higher thermal comfort conditions. However, during some operational circumstances, the higher thermal inertia may have a negative impact on energy demand and thermal comfort, and a fast responding building (with lower thermal mass) may be preferred [70].…”

“…Hoes et al [70] also pointed out that, in conventional buildings, thermal mass is a permanent characteristic of the building design, but none of the permanent thermal mass concepts (heavyweight or lightweight buildings) is optimal during all operational conditions. In this context, the authors proposed a hybrid thermal mass concept that combines the benefits of buildings with low and high thermal mass by applying an adaptable-in-time thermal storage capacity to a lightweight building [70].…”

“…However, during some operational circumstances, the higher thermal inertia may have a negative impact on energy demand and thermal comfort, and a fast responding building (with lower thermal mass) may be preferred [70]. As proposed by Santos et al [8], several strategies can be used to improve thermal inertia of LSF buildings (if needed), such as the use of ground thermal mass techniques.…”

“…In this context, the authors proposed a hybrid thermal mass concept that combines the benefits of buildings with low and high thermal mass by applying an adaptable-in-time thermal storage capacity to a lightweight building [70]. The authors take advantage of the latent heat involved in the solid-liquid phase change of PCMs to increase the thermal storage capacity of the construction.…”