A Novel Bio-Architectural Temporary Housing Designed for the Mediterranean Area: Theoretical and Experimental Analysis

Roberto Bruno, Piero Bevilacqua, Antonino Rollo, Francesco Barreca and Natale Arcuri
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Roberto Bruno: Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria (Italy), 87036 Rende, Italy
Piero Bevilacqua: Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria (Italy), 87036 Rende, Italy
Antonino Rollo: Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria (Italy), 87036 Rende, Italy
Francesco Barreca: Department of Agriculture, Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria (Italy), 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
Natale Arcuri: Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria (Italy), 87036 Rende, Italy

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-25

Abstract: Energy performances of an innovative Temporary Housing Unit (THU), made of natural materials and developed for the Mediterranean area, were determined. Cork panels limit winter transmission losses, whereas bio-PCMs were applied to reduce cooling needs properly. Assuming a split system for air-conditioning purposes, simulations in EnergyPlus allowed for identifying the optimal configuration that minimizes the annual electric demand. Bio-PCM melting temperatures, locations inside the external walls and the PCM quantities were varied. An ideal melting temperature of 23 °C was identified, whereas a double PCM layer uniformly distributed in the external walls is recommended, mainly for the limitation of the cooling demands. Negligible differences in electric requirements have been observed between the continuous and the scheduled functioning of the split system. A PV generator installed on the available roof surface allows for covering the electric demands satisfactorily. Experimental tests carried out in a climatic chamber have allowed for determining the dynamic thermal performance of the optimized panel by considering variable external conditions. Results show how the considered PCM in summer is able to delay and attenuate the indoor air temperature peaks considerably, confirming the crucial role of bio-PCM to reduce cooling demands, in line with the simulation results.

Keywords: Temporary Housing Units (THUs); natural materials; cork panels; bio-PCM; EnergyPlus simulations; optimized THU configuration; experimental tests (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: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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