The STAR-system: A bio-inspired solution for a thermo regulative façade

The STAR-system: A bio-inspired solution for a thermo regulative façade

Muntinga, A.E.

Bergsma, A.C. (mentor)
Van der Spoel, W.H. (mentor)

Architecture

Building Technology

Facade Design

2013-07-04

This research presents the potentials of the STAR-system: a Solution for a Thermal Adaptive Response system. The STAR-system uses a Phase Change Slurry (PCS) as variable thermal mass to control the indoor temperatures. Nature forms an inspiration for the design of a new system for a thermo regulative façade. Examples from nature are collected and structured by their main physical principle; conduction, radiation, vaporization, heat storage and metabolic rate. From all the examples the usable ones are translated into six concepts for a thermo regulative system for a building. Variable thermal mass proved to be the best working concept and was selected for further development. Thermal mass reduces temperature fluctuations is a room. However it can be difficult to get rid of heat accumulated in thermal mass during the summer. The STAR-system uses a PCS embedded in panels on the ceiling to buffer heat during the day. During the night, the PCS is brought to the outside in lamellas on the façade to cool down. This way, the PCS can buffer heat again in the next morning. The STAR-system can achieve an energy saving for cooling of 99.8%. The system only uses energy for a small pump, the rest of the system does not need energy and no additional cooling is strictly necessary. The STAR-system can be produced in a fully integrated façade element, or as an add-on system that can be attached to the existing façade. The system can also be installed as a custom-made system, which provides great architectural freedom. A lot of appearances for the façade are possible, as long as there is place for the PCS on the façade, in the form of lamellas or more complex shapes.

biomimicry
variable thermal mass

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:055da9d9-6d60-406e-945e-228f302cafed

2013-07-05

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2013 Muntinga, A.E.