Browsing by Author "Lopez, Alex"
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Item Assessment on the Efficiency of an Active Solar Thermal Facade: Study of the Effect of Dynamic Parameters and Experimental Analysis When Coupled/Uncoupled to a Heat Pump: Study of the effect of dynamic parameters and experimental analysis when coupled/uncoupled to a heat pump(2020) Elguezabal, Peru; Lopez, Alex; Blanco, Jesus Maria; Chica, Jose Antonio; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN; SGThe building sector presents poor performance in terms of energy efficiency and is looking for effective alternatives aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels. The facade is a key element able to harness renewable energy as an Active Solar Thermal Facade (ASTF). The main purpose of this study is the assessment of a novel design concept based on a steel sandwich panel technology. The performance of the active system will be first addressed by a parametric study in order to analyze its behavior and secondly, by describing a real case based on an experimental test by connecting the active panels to a heat pump. The study shows the impact of solar irradiation and mass flow on the thermal jump achieved, while ambient and fluid inlet temperatures are the most influencing parameters in the efficiency of the facade. When coupled to the heat pump, results from a measurement campaign demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the performance of the ASTF. The results presented provide significant proof about the benefits of a synergetic combination of both technologies—solar facades and heat pumps—as efficient alternatives for the building sector, aiming to improve energy efficiency as well as reduce their dependence on non-renewable sources.Item NEW CONCEPT OF SOLAR COLLECTOR INTEGRATED INTO A SANDWICH PANEL AS AN ACTIVE FAÇADE; CFD BASED PARAMETRIC ASSESSMENT AND CASE STUDY(2019-11) ELGUEZABAL ESNARRIZAGA, PERU; LOPEZ DOMINGUEZ, ALEX; BLANCO ILZARBE, JESUS MARIA; Chica Páez, José Antonio; Lopez, Alex; Blanco, Jesús María; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN; SGThe use of renewable energy sources is a clear commitment in the process of developing alternatives to reduce the high energy consumption in buildings. Although with intermittent production, renewable energies are unlimited and have a demonstrated potential to be integrated within buildings. The facade is a key element in a strategic position for harnessing renewable solar energy by means of the Active Solar Façade concept. Through a CFD model, a parametric study has been developed to evaluate different alternatives in the design of an Active Solar Facade, composed by a sandwich panel as unglazed solar collector. The high influence of the conductivity together with the absorptivity has been demonstrated. Directly linked to the material selection for solving the absorber and the hydraulic circuit, the advantage of metals compared with plastics, has been verified. The minor effect of the insulation has also been analyzed, although the necessity of a minimum quantity has been stated looking to avoid significant heat losses. Additionally, the performance of the system has been evaluated in order to determine the potentially achievable energy. The result of the extensive campaign monitored in KUBIK® and developed in different days in a period of 12 months, has resulted in an average daily production of 320Wh / m2. This study highlights the potential benefits of this type of solutions and the necessity to properly dimension and design them. In such way it is aimed to contribute to a greater use of renewable energy in buildings, and consequently for reducing the use of fossil fuels, by means of alternatives that enable the mitigation of the climate change.Item Parametric assessment of a building active façade by means of a combined metallic sandwich panel with an unglazed solar collector(EDP Sciences, 2019-09) Elguezabal, Peru; Lopez, Alex; Blanco, Jesús María; Chica, José AntonioThe building sector has a poor performance in terms of energy efficiency and is looking for alternatives to reduce the use of fossil fuels on building use stage. Renewables are unlimited and solar thermal energy is a technology with a demonstrated potential. The façade is a key element able to harness renewable energy coming from the sun becoming in an Active Solar Thermal Façade (ASTF). The main purpose of this study is the development of a parametric study using a numerical model to analyze the behavior of an unglazed solar collector. Thus, evaluating different design and meteorological parameters to show their influence on the heat transfer and the efficiency. The study shows that solar irradiation and mass flow are the most influential on thermal difference. However, for the efficiency ambient temperature and inlet temperature both are the most influencing ones. In brief, a set of parameters have a significant influence on the behavior of the ASTF that are fully governed by environmental conditions. Nevertheless, there are some other parameters that can be controlled during the operation. The challenge is to make a continuous configuration of this adaptable values depending on the external situation to achieve a higher performance for the ASTF.