Thermal active construction for hybrid heating and cooling of office buildings

Thermoactive constructions are used in several places abroad. A thermoactive construction is a construction which is an ordinary building component and which at the same time can function as both a heating and a cooling surface. The storage capacity of a thermoactive construction is well suited for utilisation of renewable energy, e.g. from solar facades. The operation temperature will typically be around 17-27 deg. C. While the utilisation of natural ventilation can remove components for mechanical ventilation, the utilisation of thermoactive constructions removes visible radiators and cooling plants. The heating is effected by low temperature operation, and cooling is effected in earth tubes, by night cooling, ground water or pipes embedded in piles. The potential of the energy savings from use of thermoactive constructions instead of traditional cooling is 10-15 kWh/m2. Further more, it will be easier to design the offices. The objective of the project's Phase 1 is to evaluate the possibilities of system solutions with thermoactive constructions acting both as heating and cooling system under Danish conditions and with integration of renewable energy. The projects leads to Phase 2, demonstration of thermoactive constructions in office buildings, including a measuring programme to be implemented separately, after conclusion of Phase 1.