Avanced building skins with integrated technology - SkinTech

One of the main goals of the project have been to link theoretical and experimental studies with the development of methodology, practical and robust systems and system-solutions applicable for the industry and future legislation work. Integral assessments of technologies where energy-aspects are studied in conjunction with human factors have been done. Sub-goals for the project have been to develop: - Advanced windows with integrated technology - Opaque exterior lightweight aggregate clay (LAC) walls with solutions for renewable energy harvesting, distribution and storage - Models and methodology for design of advanced transparent and opaque building skins in low energy building in cold climates - Measurement methodology and verification of performance by large scale experiments in ZEB Test Cell facility - Design guidelines aimed at architects and engineering consultants for advanced transparent and opaque building skins with low GHG emissions which provide excellent indoor comfort and desirable architectural qualities - Control logics for solar shading systems based on energy and comfort assessments The research tasks were structured in four scientific work packages. In addition to the scientific publications, several courses and lectures have been developed and given to relevant Norwegian trade-organizations. Most of the scientific publications, have also been popilarized and published in trade magasines (Norwegian and international), newspapers and blogs as well as in a breakfast seminar open for all audience. The core project group have consisted of researchers from SINTEF and NTNU. Several Master theses have been written under supervision of SkinTech researchers and have thus contributed to the extend the resource group of the project The SkinTech competence (KPN) project have contributed towards UN sustainability goals 7, 11 and 13. This have been achieved by the: - Development of methodologies and strategies for implementation, optimization and characterization of advanced façade solutions. This enables the transition towards more energy effective buildings and clusters of buildings by use of active and responsive technologies. This is especially relevant to the trade, industry and also building owners. - Strengthening of the international relevance of the Norwegian research community through participation in EU-networks and cross-atlantic collaboration. This makes us more attractive as collaboration partners in international projects - Development and improvements of the capabilities of the ZEB Laboratory - Education of Master students and PhD-candidates WP 1 and WP 2 - Advanced window technologies, transparent facades and innovative façade technologies Methods and tools for design optimization and assessment of new technologies in windows and transparent parts of the facades, suitable for cold climates have been developed. New technologies and solutions for advanced building skins as well as verified simulation models, methodology for design and validated tested façade prototype. A window with integrated solar shading unit useable as a night-time insulation solution have been developed and tested in collaboration with industry partner NorDan. Performance metrics for the use of solar energy in buildings with glazed and opaque facades with and without PV have been developed and tested in industry partner Schuco's products. WP 3 Overall design concepts for buildings Assessment methodologies for sustainable building concepts with advanced building skin solutions. Based on technology-studies in WP1/2 and laboratory measurements (WP4) a performance metric for utilization of solar energy have been proposed. This work is carried out by the PhD in the project in collaboration with international experts from IEA-Annex 56 and COST Action members. A more developed work will be published towards the end of her PhD-period (autumn 2020). Simuations of building envelope-building equipment interaction and optimization of performance at building scale have been carried out. A novel concept for preheating of ventilation air in façades and coupling to natural and hybrid-mechanical HVAC-systems have been studied using CFD studies. A definition of control strategies for different solar shading systemsin cold (Nordic) climates. WP 4 Pilot and demonstration buildings Global assessment of overall concepts with focus on tuning and optimization of components in a systemic way. This implies full-scale verification and demonstration of new technological solutions and guidelines developed in WP1-WP3.

The SkinTech competence (KPN) project have contributed towards UN sustainability goals 7, 11 and 13. This have been achieved by the: - Development of methodologies and strategies for implementation, optimization and characterization of advanced façade solutions. This enables the transition towards more energy effective buildings and clusters of buildings by use of active and responsive technologies. This is especially relevant to the trade, industry and also building owners. - Strengthening of the international relevance of the Norwegian research community through participation in EU-networks and cross-atlantic collaboration. This makes us more attractive as collaboration partners in international projects - Development and improvements of the capabilities of the ZEB Laboratory - Education of Master students and PhD-candidates

The aim of the research is to develop robust technically feasible solutions, models and methodology for design of building skins of the future. By adding functionality (i.e integration and coupling to the technical, energy and HVAC systems of the building) to the components and solutions in the building skin, material use can be lowered and sub-optimization of the individual parts can be avoided. If this can be achieved, technologies suited for market penetration can be developed in collaboration with the participating industry partners. The intended outcome from the five work packages (WP) in the project is: WP 1: Methods for new technologies in windows and transparent parts of the facades suitable for cold climates as well as validated and tested prototype WP 2: New technologies and solutions for advanced building skins as well as verified simulation models, methodology for design and validated tested façade prototype WP3: Assessment methodologies for sustainable building concepts with advanced building skin solutions WP4: Global assessment of overall concepts with focus on tuning and optimization of components in a systemic way WP 5 deals with project coordination, dissemination and knowledge transfer Simulation and optimization work on whole building level (WP 3 and 4) will be paired with component and system level investigation (WP 1 and 2). Both theoretical studies using numerical- and analytical tools as well as laboratory and field-measurements in pilot/ demonstration buildings will be carried out. Focus is on quantitative descriptors assessing building performance, like energy demands, energy use and carbon emissions as a function of facade configurations. Qualitative aspects related to the thermal and visual comfort of users and architectural qualities will also be addressed. The project structure and outcomes will ensure that an integrated and systemic approach is promoted within the partners? consortium and effective solutions are achieved.