Energy use in buildings accounts for more than a third of global energy demand, with humans seeking to create comfortable internal environments year-round. In the UK, air or water active thermal mass systems have demonstrated viability at delivering energy efficient comfort to office spaces. Whilst an attractive proposition, there are limitations to the cooling capacity and dynamic thermal response, giving rise to overheating in poorly designed buildings. The thesis work presented documents the investigation into active thermal mass enhancement to a prototype ventilated hollow core sample. Through engineering modelling (CFD, Excel VBA and IES) and laboratory (DSC, component and thermal chamber) testing two solutions were tested (an active-PCM module suitable for retrofit and embedded cool water pipes), with results conveying a 1 to 3°C temperature reduction and 0.1 to 0.2 kWh/m2/day AC savings during summer conditions. COP figures up to 10.6 were achieved through temperature set-point controlled water and air activated thermal mass. Economic analysis was conducted with positive results with the active-PCM module becoming viable for the UK’s non-domestic ‘Green Deal’ at a price point of approximately £300 per module. Following the laboratory led, and simulation supported work it was possible to conclude that active thermal mass enhancements can provide financially-viable energy-efficient, thermal-comfort for non-domestic UK properties. However the extent of the benefit depends heavily on the building thermal demands, available technology and optimised system control. Further work should be conducted to; develop additional modelling tools, underpinned by the laboratory data generated, and optimise the novel active-PCM technology, suitable for lucrative target markets.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:757330 |
| Date | January 2016 |
| Creators | Whiffen, Thomas Richard |
| Publisher | University of Nottingham |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/31564/ |
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