Integrated Thermal Storage Ventilation – How It Works – Part 1
TermoBuild’s design combines three mechanical systems into one, so that heating and cooling, ventilation, and energy storage become one system. As a result, TermoBuild requires half of the mechanical equipment compared to conventionally engineered buildings. Chillers, boilers, ground-source heat pumps or simple roof top units are the same as in a conventional building but simplified to ensure a better overall outcome. This is important because mechanical systems represent a significant expense in building construction.
Conventional Building
Building with TermoBuild
TermoBuild’s engineering design begins with its unique active thermal storage floor kit, which includes hollow core concrete slabs or cast-in-place hollow core floors paired with the ventilation system. The ventilation system activates the dormant thermal capacity of the concrete in the building’s walls and floors. The slabs store heat and coolness which is then released on demand to maintain desired comfort. It is user adjustable and has an instant boost option in the event of change from low to high occupancy.
The TermoBuild thermal floor kit uses precast concrete hollow core planks with hollow core channels serving as branch ductwork to provide heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.
In winter, surplus heat generated from body heat, lighting, computers, sun radiation, etc., is captured, stored and released on demand. Slabs typically increase their temperature by 5 –7°F (2- 3°C) during the day without affecting the comfort of the occupants. ln summer this excess heat is dissipated by cooling the slabs with cool night air, reducing cooling needs by up to 50%.
To illustrate further, if the outside temperature at night is cooler outside than inside, a simple ventilation fan (low energy demand) draws in the cool air, circulates it through the hollow core slabs and “charges” the concrete.
The concrete efficiently absorbs the coolness and then behaves essentially like a battery; it stores the free, cool air and gradually discharges it by day as the building warms up. This radiant cooling dramatically cuts back on use of the building’s air conditioning system.
TermoBuild’s software algorithm manages the system to keep it running optimally 24/7. The software is installed within the building control system utilizing ASHRAE Standards to guide its decisions. The software is proprietary, yet simple enough to require no maintenance.
Innovation under your feet
