Investigating the potential of a novel low-energy house concept with hybrid adaptable thermal storage

In conventional buildings thermal mass is a permanent building characteristic depending on the building design. However, none of the permanent thermal mass concepts are optimal in all operational conditions. We propose a concept that combines the benefits of buildings with low and high thermal mass by applying hybrid adaptable thermal storage (HATS) systems and materials to a lightweight building. The HATS concept increases building performance and the robustness to changing user behavior, seasonal variations and future climate changes.Building performance simulation is used to investigate the potential of the novel concept for reducing heating energy demand and increasing thermal comfort. Simulation results of a case study in the Netherlands show that the optimal quantity of the thermal mass is sensitive to the change of seasons. This implies that the building performance will benefit from implementing HATS. Furthermore, the potential of HATS is quantified using a simplified HATS model. Calculations show heating energy demand reductions of up to 35% and increased thermal comfort compared to conventional thermal mass concepts.

Research highlights► In conventional buildings thermal mass is a permanent building characteristic. ► Permanent thermal mass concepts are not optimal in all operational conditions. ► We propose a concept that combines the benefits of low and high thermal mass. ► Building simulation shows the concept is able to reduce the energy demand with 35%. ► Furthermore, the concept increases the performance robustness of the building.