Healthy climate and energy savings: using thermal ceramic panels and solar thermal panels in mediterranean housing blocks

Radiant surface conditioning systems based on capillary tube mats not only provide high standards of comfort, but they also generate substantial energy savings. These systems allow for using renewable energies such as solar thermal panels because they function with water at moderate temperatures¿lower in winter and higher in summer¿compared to fan-coil systems or hot water radiator systems. Moreover, in summer, they can be combined with solar cooling systems based on lithium chloride or absorption systems based on lithium bromide, which enable the cooling of water at 15¿16 C by means of solar thermal panel energy collection. This further reduces the annual energy. The purpose of this study was to examine the application of thermal ceramic panels (TCP) containing prolipropylen (PPR) capillary tube mats, in residential buildings in the Spanish Mediterranean. The water distribution system was set up individually from a heat pump and was combined with a community system of solar thermal panels. After monitoring a home over a complete one-year cycle, the annual energy demand was quantified through simulations, based on both the radiant system and the VRV system, as well as in combination with a thermal solar panel system. TCP panels reduced the annual energy demands by 31.48%, and the additional investment cost of  11,497 could be amortized over 23.31 years. The combination of TCP panels with 18.5 m2 of solar thermal panels reduced the annual energy demand by 69.47%, and the inv

Cerámica y vibración de la luz. Nuevas técnicas de nacarado e irisado y caracterización colorimétrica

Recent years have witnessed the development of innovative applications for ceramic materials as building envelopes. However, little research has been conducted on the relationship between these materials and reflected light, visual perception and integration in the landscape. The aim of the present research was to study the production and application of porcelain stoneware panels in an auditorium. The idea behind using a ceramic coating with an iridescent, pearlescent finish and a metallic sheen was to create a vibrant, constantly changing surface that reflected the natural light and the environment. We designed a metal deposition and glazing process based on three successive firings, and analysed the glaze properties and microcracking factors that reinforced the iridescent lustre. We also performed a colorimetric analysis to assess the goniochromatic or iridescent colours, measuring the spectral radiance of the light.Los materiales cerámicos han abierto nuevos espacios de innovación en su aplicación en las envolventes de los edificios en los últimos años. Sin embargo, ha sido escasa la investigación en su relación con la vibración de la luz, la percepción visual y su integración en el paisaje. En esta investigación se estudia la producción y aplicación de piezas de gres porcelánico en un auditorio. El uso de un recubrimiento cerámico con un acabado irisado-nacarado con reflejo metálico responde a la intención de generar una piel vibrante en constante cambio frente a la luz natural y el entorno. Se ha diseñado un proceso de vitrificado y deposición de metales, a través de tres cocciones sucesivas. Se analizan las propiedades del esmaltado y los factores de microfisuración que refuerzan el irisado. Se ha hecho un análisis colorimétrico evaluando los colores goniocromáticos o iridiscentes, midiendo el factor de radiancia espectral de la luz

Cerámica y climatización saludable: paneles cerámicos radiantes en edificios. Condiciones de confort y demanda energética frente a sistemas convectivos

Porcelain stoneware is a widely used building material. In recent years, its range of uses has expanded to encompass a new spectrum of innovative and inventive applications in architecture. In this research, we analysed the patented Thermal Ceramic Panel. This consists of a thin porcelain stoneware panel that incorporates a capillary system of polypropylene tubes measuring 3.5 mm in diameter embedded in a conductive ceramic interface. The system works with hot or cold water, producing healthy heating and cooling by means of radiant surfaces. Following an initial prototype test in which panels were placed on the walls of an office, we conducted simulations at the University of Alicante Museum using wall, ceiling and baffle panels, having previously monitored the state of the building. Thermal behaviour parameters were analysed and compared with those of other standard finishing materials, obtaining results for thermal comfort and energy savings in comparison with all-air systems.El gres porcelánico es un material ampliamente utilizado en edificación. En los últimos años su uso ha experimentado un nuevo espectro de líneas de innovación e invención en sus aplicaciones en la arquitectura. En esta investigación de analiza la patente Panel de Acondicionamiento Térmico Cerámico, consistente en piezas de gres porcelánico de bajo espesor, que contienen tramas capilares a base de tubos de polipropileno de 3,5 mm de diámetro, e interfaz de pasta conductora. Estos sistemas trabajan con agua fría o caliente produciendo una climatización saludable por superficies radiantes. Tras una primera experiencia de prototipado y colocación de paneles en pared en un despacho de oficina, se han realizado simulaciones en el Museo de la Universidad de Alicante, colocando los paneles en pared, techo o tipo bafle, previa monitorización del estado actual del edificio. Se han analizado los parámetros de comportamiento térmico y se han comparado con otros materiales de acabado habituales. Se han obtenido resultados de confort térmico y ahorros energéticos de forma comparativa frente a sistemas todo-aire

Simulation of bioclimatic systems in detached houses: reduced energy demand by using space in the basement

The climate conditions of the Mediterranean coast in Spain require a high energy demand in detached houses. Traditionally, vernacular architecture obtained an air interior temperature in summer of around 26°C ¿ in principle quite comfortable because the superficial temperature of the walls was less than 23°C ¿ by using masonry walls of around 50 cm in thickness. However, the high amount of air infiltrating through doors and windows, together with the difficulty of expelling the water vapour generated by people, meant that in practice the conditions of comfort were less satisfactory. Modern architecture changed these building patterns. Multi-layered walls are achieved with much less thickness, usually giving a 4 cm thick layer of insulation and an air chamber. With this, the thermal inertia is greatly reduced. But the most relevant factor of change is the increase in the glass area of these houses. Although double glazing substantially reduces the thermal transmittance value, the energy demand is considerably higher. However, structural techniques make it possible to introduce bioclimatic systems that can be put to advantage. This research looks into the benefits of having living space in the basement, as a method of passive temperature control in summer. We studied a detached house on the coast of Alicante, where the moderate temperature of the ground tempers the interior conditions of comfort using the flow of air from the basement towards the upper floors