Sweetgum Panels: A periodic compliant mechanism for solar shading

The paper describes a novel technique for creating flat, bi-layer, compliant mechanisms for adaptive building components to be used in solar shading. Micro-actuation of these periodic, flexible devices cause innumerable three-dimensional micro-loops to erupt in the panel surface, permitting passage of diffused light while maintaining visual...

Passive Energy Devices in Ceramics

Buildings with scales, buildings that sweat: this paper proposes two strategies for a materially grounded, performance-based architecture which leverages the strengths of computation and CNC fabrication against the basic properties of traditional ceramics.

Hierarchical Model Predictive Control in Building Climate Systems for Passive Energy Sources

There is an urgent need for technical innovations in the construction industry to meet the European Parliament’s qualifications for reducing the energy footprint of buildings. This thesis is devoted to conducting research on control strategies that optimally manage passive energy sources, e.g., natural ventilation and solar irradiance, in...

Performance of a Phase Change Material Battery in a Transparent Building

This research evaluates the performance of a Phase Change Material (PCM) battery integrated into the climate system of a new transparent meeting center. The main research questions are: a. “Can the performance of the battery be calculated?” and b. “Can the battery reduce the heating and cooling energy demand in a significant way?” The first...

Model predictive control of a thermal chimney and dynamic solar shades for an all-glass facades building

Controlling the operation of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) systems is arguably the most effective way to reach desired indoor conditions in buildings. Nevertheless, such control may involve complex dynamics when dealing with passive energy technologies. In this paper, we focus on maximizing the passive operation of HVAC in...