Reducing energy peak consumption with passive climate control methods

In recent years, European electrical consumption in buildings is experiencing a marked increase, rising to values above design conditions. Consequently, power cuts occur in different periods, such as during the early morning hours in winter and the last hours of occupation in summer. To solve this problem, passive methods could help to reduce energy peaks. Specifically, internal wall coverings were applied to define the moisture-buffering capacity of permeable coverings in indoor air. These permeable coverings improved the indoor partial vapour pressure and, as a result, the ambience acceptability and local thermal comfort, despite the use of an air barrier and less permeable coverings, when compared with other authors. The daily periods in which internal coverings work are clearly defined, and give us an understanding of the peak energy consumption at different times. In particular, peak reductions of 20% and 4% in the energy consumption for indoor air conditioning, respectively during the summer and winter seasons, were obtained with permeable coverings. Permeable coverings have been demonstrated to be an effective solution as a passive control method for indoor air conditions, especially in the summer season and, consequently, are an energy saving technique.

► New method to study the effect of internal coverings on energy consumption.
► The energy demand can be reduced on the first hours of occupation.
► In summer, the hourly energy consumption with impermeable coverings is higher.
► In winter, there is a clear tendency for peaks with impermeable coverings.