Comfort and load adjustment by energy efficient cooling with thermo-active constructions

COWI has with DTU, Spæncom and TI completed the PSO ELFORSK project: Comfort and load leveling by energy efficient thermo-active structures for hydraulic surface cooling. Thermo-active structures with embedded pipes make energy efficient and dynamic cooling with high media temperatures possible, with the major part of cooling provided during night/off peak hours. Cooling need is found in most office buildings, but with this new concept, compressor cooling will not be needed as other sources as groundwater, seawater or free cooling with air during night are sufficient. In this way it is possible to save substantially on electricity need for cooling. In the project tests and verification of thermo-active structures has been carried out based on a mock-up with pre-fabricated concrete elements suitable for the building tradition based on concrete elements. The project forms the decision basis for continuation with full-scale test on a demonstration building and a monitoring programme