thermocollect: realisation of a plus energy building by a solar active facade system

Based on a examplary-house we show, on how an building can be adopted to actual plus-energy-standard by mainly installing the adaptive panel-facade-system thermocollect.

Beside being installed for high class upgrade of different types of walls, this building demonstrates also the effectiveness of this application in front of transparent components as well as in combination with different construction materials.

Within this building, the additional options for installation in front of windows or other glass elements and the thermal activation of enhanced building masses with different wall layer structures will be presented, to indicate the full potential of the system.

Visitors will learn about and experience the highly comfortable living climate inside this building during their stay.

Starting point/motivation

Existing facade systems exploit the energy potential of building envelopes merely insufficiently. Basically, the energy potential in winter is much higher than in summer due to the lower angle of irradiation. Hence the maximum potential can be achieved on the coldest winter days. The application of an adaptive, active facade system demonstrates the gain of environmental energy and the active control of the energy flow in the building envelope.

Contents and goals

The company thermocollect developed an innovative energy facade system, which covers the functions of thermal control and façade decoration of the building. Instead of directly attaching the insulation on the wall, individually designed, flexible panels will be used. The panels are automatically controlled and can be opened and closed by demand.

The panels achieve high insulation values. In winter as well as in summer the system automatically responds to the supply and demand of solar gains, representing thermal component activation for several days and providing comfortable warmth.

Methods of treatment

The innovative, adaptive facade system has been developed in previous projects (co-financed by "Building of Tomorrow"). However, the realisation and demonstration of the technology has not been demonstrated yet on a large scale. In order to boost the diffusion and to raise the awareness the facade system now is realised in the course of a demonstration building. Particular importance will be attached to the combination of the technology with different wall materials trying to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Results/conclusions

By the demonstration of the innovative facade system the technology will be made visible for the public. In addition to the examination and validation of model-like findings, the project offers to experience the technology in practice. Measured data will prove the system efficiency and the profound technical calculations.

In addition, a handbook focusing on the segment of specialists as well as the public audience has been issued.