GIST - Development of modular, highly efficient large-area thermal collectors and their active or passive integration into the building envelope

Project leader overall project: Thomas Themessl, TiSUN GmbH

Project manager University of Innsbruck: Wolfgang Streicher

Project staff: Alexander Richtfeld, Martin Hauer, Claudia Richtfeld

Project partners:

• TiSUN GmbH
• Betonwerke Riederer GmbH

Funding organisation: FFG, 4th call for proposals New Energies 2020

Duration: 13.09.2010 - 12.09.2013

The aim of the research project is to develop a highly efficient, cost/benefit and application-optimised solution for modular, planar, building-integrated large-area collectors with a high level of architectural acceptance. This is associated with the intensive utilisation of possible energy synergy potentials between solar collectors and solid components in the building envelope.

Problems

The current situation in the field of large thermal solar collectors is strongly characterised by a dynamic market and technology environment. Trend studies show that growth rates can be achieved either through cost and process optimisation strategies or through innovative product development. This is particularly the case when aspects of building integration are included in the development process alongside collector-related efficiency development.

Contents and methodological approach

The aim of the research project is to develop an efficient and application-optimised solution for modular, building-integrated large-area collectors in terms of functionality, design and durability and to increase their energy efficiency by making intensive use of the synergy potential between the solar collector and solid structures in the building envelope. The technical and economic research objectives are based on the development of optimised rear wall insulation and a new type of insulation, ventilation and bonding technology to significantly increase the energy efficiency of the collector. The modular design, which can be optimally adapted to varying façade structures through the development of a new connection technology, supports the objective of planar, design-orientated façade integration. On the one hand, this should improve planning and architectural acceptance compared to previous systems, but also largely avoid existing problems with moisture diffusion and the associated condensation in the collector. Material and production technology as well as simulation studies on the optimal integration of the collector into the building envelope are another important research objective for utilising the energy interaction between the two systems.

Methodology

The methodology required for this includes the development of solar collector technology (simulation, design, prototype construction, test procedures), as well as the adaptation of wall elements for collector integration (components, design, test procedures) and their prototype construction (design, optimisation, test arrangement). Energy potentials through improved collector efficiency and the effects of integration on the annual energy consumption of different building standards are analysed using extensive simulation studies.

Results

Through extensive developments based on the knowledge of an existing series flat-plate collector, a product solution for integration into a prefabricated concrete façade was developed. As part of the first prototype, the technical production requirements (insulation material, insulation thickness, properties of concrete, hydraulic integration, etc.) were solved. The concept was evaluated in terms of simulation and measurement technology with simulation analyses based on the first prototype, and different integration variants were developed based on the experience of the first prototype. The findings from this were incorporated into the construction of a second prototype. This was again analysed metrologically on the TISUN outdoor test bench over a period of several weeks.

Publications (University of Innsbruck)

No publications available yet.