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Development and performance evaluation of active insulation systems using solid-state thermal switches

Journal Article · · Science and Technology for the Built Environment
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  1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
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Traditional building envelopes have passive insulation systems that cannot respond to dynamic changes in the environment. An Active Insulation System (AIS) consists of Active Insulation Materials (AIMs) that dynamically vary the thermal conductivity of the insulation system. Several researchers have evaluated the impact of AIS on building thermal and energy performance by using simulation tools. Up to 70% savings in annual heating and cooling energy and significant reductions in peak demand have been predicted for some climates with wall systems employing AIS. However, materials and assembly development still need a cost-effective product that achieves the required performance. Here, in this study, we present the process of developing an AIS that we will install in a test hut for its performance evaluation. Minimum performance criteria of the AIS system are developed based on R-low/R-high ratio, required time and efficiency to switch states, and cost estimates. The following steps during this study are creating the concept to meet the requirements, predicting the performance via simulations, developing the experimental setup for bench-scale testing, and finally, constructing a full-scale wall assembly and monitoring the performance when exposed to environmental chamber tests. The selected approach uses off-the-shelf products to create an AIS that can switch R-value between 0.98 ft2·°F·h/BTU (0.173 m2·K/W) and 5.81 ft2·°F·h/BTU (1.02 m2·K/W) and have a switching time of less than one minute between R-high and R-low.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725
OSTI ID:
2397432
Journal Information:
Science and Technology for the Built Environment, Journal Name: Science and Technology for the Built Environment Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 30; ISSN 2374-4731
Publisher:
Taylor & FrancisCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (16)

Fabrication of sandwich-structured cellulose composite membranes for switchable infrared radiation journal July 2019
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Performance assessment of active insulation systems in residential buildings for energy savings and peak demand reduction journal October 2023
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Control strategies for dynamic insulation materials applied to commercial buildings journal November 2017
Active thermal insulation as an element limiting heat loss through external walls journal December 2019
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Figures / Tables (16)

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Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
active insulation system
dynamic wall systems
energy savings
solid state thermal switch
thermal conductivity