Influence of Air Vents Management on Trombe Wall Temperature Fluctuations: An Experimental Analysis under Real Climate Conditions

Ana Briga-Sá, Anabela Paiva, João-Carlos Lanzinha, José Boaventura-Cunha and Luís Fernandes
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Ana Briga-Sá: CQ—VR and ECT—School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Anabela Paiva: C—MADE—Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
João-Carlos Lanzinha: C—MADE—Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
José Boaventura-Cunha: INESC TEC—INESC Technology and Science (Formerly INESC Porto) and ECT—School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Luís Fernandes: ECT—School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 16, 1-22

Abstract: The Trombe wall is a passive solar system that can improve buildings energy efficiency. Despite the studies already developed in this field, more research is needed to assess the possibility of its integration in buildings avoiding user intervention. In this study, the influence of air vent management and materials’ heat storage capacity upon its thermal performance, particularly in the temperature fluctuation and indoor conditions, was discussed. Comparing two days with similar solar radiation ( SR ) for non-ventilated (NVTW) and ventilated (VTW) Trombe walls, a differential of 43 °C between the external surface temperature and the one in the middle of the massive wall was verified for NVTW, while for VTW this value was 27 °C, reflecting the heat transfer by air convection, which reduced greenhouse effect, solar absorption and heat storage. A cooling capacity greater than 50% was verified for VTW compared to NVTW during night periods. An algorithm for the Trombe wall’s automation and control was proposed considering SR as variable. Air vents and external shading devices should be open when SR exceeds 100 W/m 2 and closed for 50 W/m 2 to obtain at least 20 °C inside the room. Closing for 50 W/m 2 and opening for values lower that 20 W/m 2 is suggested for summer periods.

Keywords: trombe wall; ventilation system management; thermal performance; thermal storage materials; temperature fluctuation; experimental work (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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