The performance evaluation of the modular design of hybrid wall with surface heating and cooling system

Abstract

Reducing the use of mechanical heating and cooling systems in buildings, which accounts for approximately 30-40% of total energy consumption in the world, has a major impact on energy conservation. Considering the formation of buildings that have sustainable and low energy utilization, structural elements as well as mechanical systems should be evaluated with a holistic approach. From this point of view, in this study it is proposed that wall elements, which are vertical building elements, and constitute a broad area within the structure, are regulated with a different system concerning the reduction of building energy consumption ratio. Within the scope of this study, integration of modular wall elements with surface heating and cooling system which are convenient for using hybrid energy, into the buildings will be evaluated. One of the aims of the study is to determine the direct impact of the product on architectural design process and identify the issues that will affect the process, and need to be resolved. In design, implementation and usage phases, integration of technical combination and montage details of modular wall elements, together with issues regarding energy saving, heat-saving, and other environmental aspects will be discussed in detail. As a result, the ready-wall product with surface heating and cooling modules will be created and defined as hybrid wall and will be compared with the conventional system in terms of thermal comfort. After preliminary architectural evaluations, certain decisions that will affect whole architectural design processes (pre and post design) such as the performance in implementation and use, maintenance, lifetime, and renewal processes will be evaluated in the results.