Paper Conference

Proceedings of BSO Conference 2016: Third Conference of IBPSA-England

     

Thermal Analysis Of A Multifunctional Floor Element

G.P. Lydon, J. Hofer, Z. Nagy, A. Schlueter

Abstract: This paper presents the design of a multifunctional floor element. The floor element integrates multiple functions, such as structural and energy related aspects. This integration reduces material use, related space requirements and embodied emissions. The element is optimised for embodied energy in the structural domain, by using a vault and fin structural form. With this method, a significant volume of concrete is replaced by expanded polystyrene insulation at locations that improve the structural and thermal performance of the element. In the energy systems domain, improvements to operational energy are provided by an active hydronic heating/cooling system and a passive thermal mass resource. The thermal performance design was driven by the use of computational fluid dynamics with conjugate heat transfer effects. The main advantage is a reduction in thermal losses by minimising the connection between the radiant panel and the structural supports. This increases the heat flow density, resulting in a lower supply medium temperature and an improved system efficiency of the radiant panel. This work provides design guidance to the development of improved lifecycle energy buildings.
Pages: 456 - 463
Paper:
bso2016_1106