Reducing energy peak consumption with passive climate control methods

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Orosa, JA (Author) Other; Armando C. Oliveira (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Energy and Buildings

Vol. 43

Pages: 2282-2288

ISSN: 0378-7788

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 8 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 11 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-N2R

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2011.05.011

Abstract (EN): In recent years. European electrical consumption in buildings is experiencing a marked increase, rising to values above design conditions. Consequently, power cuts occur in different periods, such as during the early morning hours in winter and the last hours of occupation in summer. To solve this problem, passive methods could help to reduce energy peaks. Specifically, internal wall coverings were applied to define the moisture-buffering capacity of permeable coverings in indoor air. These permeable coverings improved the indoor partial vapour pressure and, as a result, the ambience acceptability and local thermal comfort, despite the use of an air barrier and less permeable coverings, when compared with other authors. The daily periods in which internal coverings work are clearly defined, and give us an understanding of the peak energy consumption at different times. In particular, peak reductions of 20% and 4% in the energy consumption for indoor air conditioning, respectively during the summer and winter seasons. were obtained with permeable coverings. Permeable coverings have been demonstrated to be an effective solution as a passive control method for indoor air conditions, especially in the summer season and, consequently, are an energy saving technique.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7