Energy Performance of Dynamic Roof Systems for Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings

Dehwah, Ammar

Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

Energy Performance of Dynamic Roof Systems for Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings Public Deposited

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Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/9593tw528

Abstract

Building envelope elements are responsible for a significant share of the total building heat gains and/or losses specially for shell dominated structures. The development of high-performance thermal insulation materials and systems can be an effective approach to reduce heating and cooling thermal loads and even eliminate the need for air conditioning equipment. Instead of static insulation and cool roof materials, dynamic envelope systems can be beneficial to make buildings more adaptive to the outdoor environment and ultimately enhance their energy efficiency and sustainability. The research work outlined in this dissertation aims at investigating the energy performance of dynamic roof technologies applied to residential and commercial buildings. In particular, two main technologies are evaluated including switchable insulation systems and dynamic cool roofs. Both technologies are assessed individually and in combination with other adaptive envelope systems with the ability to adjust their thermal and optical properties based on simplified and optimal control strategies. Moreover, an extensive cost-benefit assessment has been carried out for switchable insulation systems when applied to retrofit attics of existing US residential buildings. The analysis results indicate that roof integrated switchable insulation systems can be highly effective in reducing both heating and cooling energy end uses for both residential and commercial buildings even when simplified controls are deployed. The energy efficiency and peak demand shifting benefit of the adaptive building envelope systems can be enhanced through optimized controls especially when precooling strategies are considered. Specifically, the analysis revealed that implementation of adaptive envelope systems can achieve nearly net zero energy operation for both residential and commercial buildings.

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