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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Cost-Benefit Analysis For Indonesia Building Sector: Whole-Building Cooling Solutions

The Net Zero World (NZW) Initiative Collaborative Work Program with the Government of Indonesia (GoI) includes technical assistance and investment mobilization facilitation to accelerate deployment of energy efficiency technologies and solutions for the building sector. A February 2023 U.S.–Indonesia Joint Workshop on Decarbonizing the Building Sector yielded a NZW Indonesia Building Decarbonization Working Group (NZW IBDWG) with four sub-working groups (SWG): SWG-A National Center, SWG-B Capacity Building, SWG-C Investment and Financing, and SWG-D Pilot Projects. Technical analysis of whole-building cooling solutions for tropical climates of Indonesia was conducted by SWG-A to quantify energy savings, carbon dioxide reductions, and comfort improvements offered by 12 passive or low-energy cooling strategies: ceiling fans with and without thermostat setbacks; cool roofs; cool walls; exterior awnings; exterior shades; interior shades; insulated roofs; insulated walls; low-e windows; solar window films; and natural ventilation. Leveraging the results from SWG-A, cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted by SWG-C to assess the consumer and national costs and impacts associated with these 12 cooling solutions. The evaluation involved estimating life-cycle costs (LCC), payback period (PBP), net present values (NPV), annual electricity burden change for low-income households, and reduced national annual power-sector generation demand by 2030, 2040, 2050, and 2060. This evaluation can help guide Indonesia’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) investments in policies and programs to advance research, development, deployment, and commercial adoption (RDDCA) of efficient residential building sector cooling technologies and solutions in Indonesia. Four key energy conservation measures (ECM) have been identified to reduce air-conditioning (AC) energy demand in single-family housing in Indonesia: ceiling fan with temperature setback (to 28.1 °Celcius from 25 °C); insulated walls; insulated roof; and cool roof. This study found that low-income households with AC installations in Indonesia currently face a high energy cost burden of approximately 10%. However, by implementing a ceiling fan with temperature setback, this burden could decrease to 2.5% today and further reduce to 1.3% by the year 2060. The PBP for a ceiling fan with temperature setback is one year, indicating one of the lowest LCC and best NPV. In the planned upcoming phase of CBA, a series of building cooling improvement scenarios can be further defined, incorporating more than one ECM in combination with socio-economic factors evaluated in the initial CBA phase. Additionally, the analysis of ECM effects in multifamily housing can be expanded. This broader national analysis aims to encompass a holistic and comprehensive system-level perspective, including factors such as avoided power sector infrastructure investments, domestic job creation, domestic manufacturing job creation, and gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS1988

Utilization of spray on foam insulation for manned and unmanned spacecraft and structures

The idea of using spray-on foam insulation as a passive thermal and micrometeorite protection system is explored. The benefits of applying an exterior coating of foam insulation can be: (1) the foam can provide a thermally stable shield that can assist in reducing the strain on traditional space radiator systems and can also act as a passive thermal guard, allowing a greater fault tolerance if the standard system should fail; (2) the foam can act as an ablative shell diminishing the effects of natural and manmade debris striking the structure; (3) the foam is lightweight - about 1/2 ounce per sq ft; (4) the foam is low cost and easy to maintain; and (5) the foam is a stable material that does not react when exposed to earth or lunar environments.

Hancock, Thomas M., III↗
DOE OSTI2025

Cost Effective Electrochromic Glazing Repositioning For Insulating Glass & Secondary Windows

This project addressed both technical and economic objectives toward significantly increasing the availability of ElectroChromic (EC) dynamic architectural glass at reduced cost. In contrast to the prevailing industry location of the EC device layer on the exterior light of an Insulating Glass (IG) unit, Project Objectives assessed the feasibility of a) repositioning the device layer midway between two IG panes to configure triple glazing, and b) independently framed to enable positioning to the building interior independent of the original glass configured as a dynamic secondary window. Parallel research complementing both EC-IG and EC-WinSert configurations addressed integral Photo Voltaic, and ceiling mounted “broadcast” power to circumvent the significant onsite electrical con tracting normally associated with the installation of commercial EC glazing.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Developing a Composite Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) Insulation/Vinyl Siding Composite Technology for Retrofitting Residential Walls

This paper reports on a project that has attempted to seize on an opportunity to take a giant leap forward in commercializing a technology that would address a key opportunity to achieve energy savings in the existing residential housing stock. It is typically very difficult to increase the R-value of the walls in existing residential housing as doing so from the inside is disruptive and there have not been good solutions to increase thermal envelope performance from the exterior through adding continuous insulation due to the additional work required to fit existing architectural features to the new wall thickness and to reclad the façade. A high thermal resistivity or R-value per inch product that can be used in these applications offers an excellent solution.This paper summarizes a three-year research project to a produce vacuum insulated panel (VIP)/vinyl siding that would have sufficient R-value to meet the continuous insulation requirements of the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC, 2018) in all climate zones and has a much thinner profile that will facilitate its application to existing residential homes without the need for expensive retrimming of the architectural details. The paper will supply information on the development of the technology, its thermal modelling, testing, voice of user sessions to solicit input from architects, designers, manufacturers, contractors, and installers, and a techno-economic analysis to gauge its competitiveness with existing product options.

Desjarlais, Andre Omer↗
DOE OSTI2022

Developing a Composite Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) Insulation/Vinyl Siding Composite Technology for Retrofitting Residential Walls

This paper reports on a project that has attempted to seize on an opportunity to take a giant leap forward in commercializing a technology that would address a key opportunity to achieve energy savings in the existing residential housing stock. It is typically very difficult to increase the R-value of the walls in existing residential housing as doing so from the inside is disruptive and there have not been good solutions to increase thermal envelope performance from the exterior through adding continuous insulation due to the additional work required to fit existing architectural features to the new wall thickness and to reclad the facade. A high thermal resistivity or R-value per inch product that can be used in these applications offers an excellent solution. This paper summarizes a three-year research project to a produce vacuum insulated panel (VIP)/vinyl siding that would have sufficient R-value to meet the continuous insulation requirements of the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC, 2018) in all climate zones and has a much thinner profile that will facilitate its application to existing residential homes without the need for expensive retrimming of the architectural details. The paper will supply information on the development of the technology, its thermal modelling, testing, voice of user sessions to solicit input from architects, designers, manufacturers, contractors, and installers, and a techno-economic analysis to gauge its competitiveness with existing product options.

Desjarlais, Andre↗
NASA NTRS2012

Debris Impact Detection Instrument for Crewed Modules

When micrometeoroid or debris impacts occur on a space habitat, crew members need to be quickly informed of the likely extent of damage, and be directed to the impact location for possible repairs. This is especially important because the outer walls of pressurized volumes are often not easily accessible, blocked by racks or cabinets. The goal of the Habitat Particle Impact Monitoring System (HIMS) is to develop a fully automated, end-to-end particle impact detection system for crewed space exploration modules. The HIMS uses multiple passive, thin film piezo-polymer vibration sensors to detect impacts on a surface, and computer processing of the acoustical signals to characterize the impacts. Development and demonstration of the HIMS is proceeding in concert with NASA's Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) Project. The HDU Project is designed to develop and test various technologies, configurations, and operational concepts for exploration habitats. This paper describes the HIMS development, initial testing, and HDU integration efforts. Initial tests of the system on the HDU were conducted at NASA s 2010 and 2011 Desert Research and Technologies Studies (Desert-RATS or D-RATS). The HDU lab module, as seen from above, has an open circular floorplan divided into eight wedge-shaped Segments. The side wall of the module -- the surface used for this technology demonstration -- is a hard fiberglass composite covered with a layer of sprayed-on foam insulation. Four sensor locations were assigned near the corners of a rectangular pattern on the wall of one segment of the HDU lab module. The flat, self-adhesive sensors were applied to the module during its initial outfitting. To study the influence of the wall s construction (thickness and materials), three sets of four sensors were installed at different layer depths: on the interior of the module s wall, on the exterior of the same wall, and on the exterior of the foam insulation. The signal produced when a vibration passes through a sensor is first sent through a pre-amplifier. The amplified signal then is sent to the data acquisition and data processing systems. The vibration data from the sensors are then processed and reduced to a form suitable for presentation to the crew.

Opiela, J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Moisture Performance of Unvented Attics With Vapor Diffusion Ports and Buried Ducts in Hot, Humid Climates

Energy efficiency measures, such as cool roofs, radiant barriers, interior radiative control coatings, and buried ducts are increasing in popularity and are promoted by energy codes because of their energy-saving potential. However, these strategies can also pose moisture risks in attics by lowering surface temperatures and increasing condensation potential and moisture accumulation. Of particular concern in hot-humid climates is dripping condensation on cold air-conditioning ductwork in the summer - commonly referred to as duct "sweating" - which threatens the attic floor with conditions conducive to mold growth and rot. One strategy to mitigate these moisture issues is to wrap ductwork in thicker duct-wrap insulation with an integrated exterior vapor barrier, but thick duct wrap can be difficult to come by, expensive, and unwieldy to work with. This study explores an alternative strategy of reducing moisture issues while embracing energy efficiency by using unvented attics with vapor diffusion ports and buried ductwork in hot-humid climates. Vapor diffusion ports have been studied so far in a wide range of U.S. climates, mostly in the context of conditioned attics. In this study, the strategy is implemented in the novel context of hot-humid climates with ductwork sitting atop blown-in attic floor insulation in unconditioned attics. Using a combination of field experiments and hygrothermal modeling, the findings of this project indicate that an unvented attic with vapor diffusion ports and buried ducts may be a key part of a successful low-cost method for reducing the attic moisture load by venting excess moisture out of the attic, keeping duct-jacket surfaces above dew point temperature, and keeping the roof deck safe from winter moisture accumulation.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2023

Investigation of Technologies to Improve Condenser Heat Transfer and Performance in a Relevant Coal-Fired Power Plant

Improvements in thermal power-generating plant performance is correlated directly to societal benefits including lower cost of reduced fuel consumption, resulting in lower cost of electricity for the consumer and reduced carbon emissions to the atmosphere. Warm steam exhausted from low-pressure steam turbines is condensed to liquid water on the exterior of thin-walled metal condenser tubes with cooling water passing through the tube interior. The condensation of steam creates a vacuum that supports turbine rotation and the concurrent generation of electricity. This vacuum is optimized when heat transfer across the wall of condenser tube is maximized. Common hindrances to heat transfer include foulants in cooling water that may form and adhere to the interior of condenser tubes, including mineral scale, microbiological films, and particulate deposition. Flowing cooling water may also include a laminar layer at the interior metal surfaces that travels more slowly than bulk water flow, serving to impede heat transfer. On the tube exterior, condensing steam forms an insulating layer of water that flows down the tube and reduces the effectiveness of cooling. Both the interior and exterior barriers to optimal heat transfer may be alleviated to some extent by surface treatments. On the tube interior, hydrophobic coatings may be applied that can reduced the adherence of foulants and of the laminar flow layer to the tube surface. On the tube exterior, hydrophobic coatings or mechanical treatments can be applied that may result in the termination of droplet growth and the departure of droplets from the surface rather than coalescence into a continuous layer of flowing water. Fourteen surface treatments were applied to condenser tubes in this study, including eight interior coatings and six exterior treatments, five of which were coatings and one a microstructural texture. Heat transfer measurement equipment simulating conditions in the condenser of an operating power plant was used to determine heat transfer coefficients by measuring sufficient flow, temperature, water chemistry and other data. Several of the tubes with interior surface treatments showed improvement in heat transfer coefficients compared with a plain (uncoated) tube, and several of the tubes with exterior surface treatments also showed enhanced heat transfer coefficients.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2024

Retrofitting Buildings with Solar-Reflective Roofs and Walls and its Impact on Peak Power Demand

Buildings are a major consumer of electricity in the United States and a significant portion of the consumption comes from heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) applications. Passive cooling strategies in the building envelope help to reduce the energy consumption for HVAC as well as peak electricity demand. Although being one of the most cost-effective passive cooling strategies, modern reflective roofing and reflective exterior wall technology is not well documented for its impact on peak demand. This study utilized whole building energy simulations on residential and commercial building prototype models to quantify the impact of cool roofs and cool exterior walls. The analysis was performed in three climate zones with varying insulation levels and solar reflectances for roofs and exterior walls. For both the residential and commercial buildings, the baseline building had a roof solar reflectance value of 0.10 and an exterior wall solar reflectance value of 0.25. The results from the simulations show that roofs and exterior walls with higher reflectance values increase cooling energy savings but can also increase heating energy consumption. The impact of changes in solar reflectances was greater in buildings with low roof/wall insulation levels compared to roofs/walls with higher insulation levels. A baseline for the simulations was set with the roof and exterior wall solar reflectances set at 0.1 and 0.25, respectively and simulations having varying roof and exterior wall thermal resistances were compared to the baselines.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1998

Measuring Thermal Conductivity and Moisture Absorption of Cryo-Insulation Materials

NASA is seeking to develop thermal insulation material systems suitable for withstanding both extremely high temperatures encountered during atmospheric re-entry heating and aero- braking maneuvers, as well as extremely low temperatures existing in liquid fuel storage tanks. Currently, materials used for the high temperature insulation or Thermal Protection System (TPS) are different from the low temperature, or cryogenic insulation. Dual purpose materials are necessary to the development of reusable launch vehicles (RLV). The present Space Shuttle (or Space Transportation System, STS) employs TPS materials on the orbiter and cryo-insulation materials on the large fuel tank slung under the orbiter. The expensive fuel tank is jettisoned just before orbit is achieved and it burns up while re-entering over the Indian Ocean. A truly completely reusable launch vehicle must store aR cryogenic fuel internally. The fuel tanks will be located close to the outer surface. In fact the outer skin of the craft will probably also serve as the fuel tank enclosure, as in jet airliners. During a normal launch the combined TPS/cryo-insulation system will serve only as a low temperature insulator, since aerodynamic heating is relatively minimal during ascent to orbit. During re-entry, the combined TPS/cryo-insulation system will serve only as a high temperature insulator, since all the cryogenic fuel will have been expended in orbit. However, in the event of an.aborted launch or a forced/emergency early re-entry, the tanks will still contain fuel, and the TPS/cryo-insulation will have to serve as both low and high temperature insulation. Also, on long duration missions, such as to Mars, very effective cryo-insulation materials are needed to reduce bod off of liquid propellants, thereby reducing necessary tankage volume, weight, and cost. The conventional approach to obtaining both low and high temperature insulation, such as is employed for the X-33 and X-34 spacecraft, is to use separate TPS and cryo-insulation materials, which are connected by means of adhesives or stand-offs (spacers). Three concepts are being considered: (1) the TPS is bonded directly to the cryo-insulation which, in turn, is bonded to the exterior of the tank, (2) stand-offs are used to make a gap between the TPS and the cryo-insulation, which is bonded externally to the tank, (3) TPS is applied directly or with stand-offs to the exterior so the tank, and cryo-insulation is applied directly to the interior of the tank. Many potential problems are inherent in these approaches. For example, mismatch between coefficients of thermal expansion of the TPS and cryo-insulation, as well as aerodynamic loads, could lead to failure of the bond. Internal cryo-insulation must be prevent from entering the sump of the fuel turbo-pump. The mechanical integrity of the stand-off structure (if used) must withstand multiple missions. During ground hold (i.e., prior to launch) moisture condensation must be minimized in the gap between the cryo-insulation and the TPS. The longer term solution requires the development of a single material to act as cryo- insulation during ground hold and as TPS during re-entry. Such a material minimizes complexity and weight while improving reliability and reducing cost.

Lambert, Michael A.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Application of an Elongated Kelvin Model to Space Shuttle Foams

Spray-on foam insulation is applied to the exterior of the Space Shuttle s External Tank to limit propellant boil-off and to prevent ice formation. The Space Shuttle foams are rigid closed-cell polyurethane foams. The two foams used most extensively on the Space Shuttle External Tank are BX-265 and NCFI24-124. Since the catastrophic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia, numerous studies have been conducted to mitigate the likelihood and the severity of foam shedding during the Shuttle s ascent to space. Due to the foaming and rising process, the foam microstructures are elongated in the rise direction. As a result, these two foams exhibit a non-isotropic mechanical behavior. In this paper, a detailed microstructural characterization of the two foams is presented. The key features of the foam cells are summarized and the average cell dimensions in the two foams are compared. Experimental studies to measure the room temperature mechanical response of the two foams in the two principal material directions (parallel to the rise and perpendicular to the rise) are also reported. The measured elastic modulus, proportional limit stress, ultimate tensile stress and the Poisson s ratios for the two foams are compared. The generalized elongated Kelvin foam model previously developed by the authors is reviewed and the equations which result from this model are presented. The resulting equations show that the ratio of the elastic modulus in the rise direction to that in the perpendicular-to-rise direction as well as the ratio of the strengths in the two material directions is only a function of the microstructural dimensions. Using the measured microstructural dimensions and the measured stiffness ratio, the foam tensile strength ratio and Poisson s ratios are predicted for both foams. The predicted tensile strength ratio is in close agreement with the measured strength ratios for both BX-265 and NCFI24-124. The comparison between the predicted Poisson s ratios and the measured values is not as favorable.

Sullivan, Roy M.↗
NASA NTRS2014

New Laboratory-Based Satellite Impact Experiments for Breakup Fragment Characterization

A consortium consisting of the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office, U.S. Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center, the Aerospace Corporation, and University of Florida is planning a series of hypervelocity impact experiments on mockup targets at the U.S. Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) in early 2014. The target for the first experiment resembles a rocket upper stage whereas the target for the second experiment represents a typical 60‐cm/50‐kg class payload that incorporates modern spacecraft materials and components as well as exterior wrap of multi‐layer insulation and three solar panels. The projectile is designed with the maximum mass that AEDC's Range G two‐stage light gas gun can accelerate to an impact speed of 7 km/sec. The impact energy is expected to be close to 15 MJ to ensure catastrophic destruction of the target after the impact. Low density foam panels are installed inside the target chamber to slow down and soft‐catch the fragments for post‐impact processing. Diagnostic instruments, such as x‐ray and high speed optical cameras, will also be used to record the breakup process. The main goal of this "DebriSat" project is to characterize the physical properties, including size, mass, shape, and density distributions, of orbital debris that would be generated by a hypervelocity collision involving an upper stage or a modern satellite in the low Earth orbit environment. In addition, representative fragments will be selected for laboratory optical and radar measurements to allow for better interpretation of data obtained by telescope and radar observations. This paper will provide a preliminary report of the impact results and the plans to process, measure, and analyze the fragments.

Liou, J.-C.↗
NASA NTRS2017

GEER Status Update

History: The Glenn Extreme Environments Rig (GEER) first became operational in the early part of 2015. Since that time GEER has completed a number of scientific tests and has undergone improvements in the chemical delivery system and analytics following a year of operations experience. Recent Updates: In June 2016, the GEER process system was rebuilt to provide a more robust system, higher accuracy and new capabilities. New insulation was installed on the exterior of the pressure vessel and gas lines. The newly revamped GEER plumbing system can provide extremely precise custom gas mixtures using any gas desired by the investigator in any combination. GEER can heat the resulting mixture up to 500 deg C and 1500 psia. The 304 stainless steel vessel walls were polished to reduce corrosion rate and reduce unwanted chemical reactions. The process lines were replaced with high purity Sulfinert coated tubing. The GEER team added the ability to individually boost specialty gases to GEER thus allowing operators to make very precise changes to the gas chemistry inside of GEER during a test while at high temperature and pressure. High accuracy mass flow meters were added to further improve gas mixing accuracy and precision. An in-line, integrated Inficon MicroGC Fusion was added for real time gas analysis along with a high purity gas sampling system, providing fully automated, real time analysis of the gas chemistry inside of GEER in minutes. This complements a co-located mass spectrometer and both are used for regular monitoring of the vessel chemistry. All internal vessel components were replaced with polished 304SS equivalents. Hot vent down capability was increased. Finally, an automated liquid injection system was added and is rated for max vessel operating conditions of (1500 psia, 500 C). Recent Results and Publications: In May 2016, GEER completed a test that exposed high temperature electronics to Venus surface conditions for 21.5 days. This demonstrated the potential for operating robotic spacecraft in the Venus environment without the need for thermal or environmental protection. Results from this test were published in December 2016 and received national media attention. In April 2017 GEER implemented an 80 day test at Venus surface conditions to simulate chemical weathering of expected Venus minerals. This test supported a ROSES award to a team led by Prof. Ralph Harvey of Case Western Reserve University. The test concluded in July 2017 and nearly doubled previous operation record of 42 days at Venus surface conditions. Preliminary results of these and previous experiments were presented at the recent Venus Modeling Workshop. In June 2017, NASA TM2017-219437 "Chemical and Microstructural Changes in Metallic and Ceramic Materials Exposed to Venusian Surface Conditions" was published. This report provides an extensive and valuable resource detailing the behavior of a variety of engineering materials at Venus surface conditions. Community Involvement: An external science advisory panel has been formed.

Kremic, Tibor↗
DOE OSTI2020

Nuclear reactor support and seismic restraint with core retention cooling features

A nuclear island includes a nuclear reactor, a lateral seismic restraint, and a reactor core retention cooling system. The lateral seismic restraint includes a vertically oriented pin attached to one of the bottom of the lower vessel head and the floor underneath the nuclear reactor, and a mating pin socket is attached to the other of the bottom of the lower vessel head and the floor. The reactor core retention cooling system includes one or more baffles, optionally thermally insulating material, disposed alongside the exterior surface of a lower portion of the reactor pressure vessel including at least the lower vessel head. A plenum is defined between the one or more baffles and the exterior surface of a lower portion of the reactor pressure vessel. The one or more baffles may define a lower plenum inlet surrounding the lateral seismic restraint.

Edwards, Tyler A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Plasma Sprayed Bondable Stainless Surface (BOSS) Coatings for Corrosion Protection and Adhesion Treatments

Plasma-sprayed Bondable Stainless Surface (BOSS) coatings are being developed under the Solid Propulsion Integrity Program's (SPIP) Bondlines Package. These coatings are designed as a steel case preparation treatment prior to insulation lay-up. Other uses include the exterior of steel cases and bonding surfaces of nozzle components. They provide excellent bondability - rubber insulation and epoxy bonds fail cohesively within the polymer - for both fresh surfaces and surfaces having undergone natural and accelerated environmental aging. They have passed the MSFC requirements for protection of inland and sea coast environment. Because BOSS coatings are inherently corrosion resistant, they do not require preservation by greases or oils. The reduction/elimination of greases and oils, known bondline degraders, can increase SRM reliability, decrease costs by reducing the number of process steps, and decrease environmental pollution by reducing the amount of methyl chloroform used for degreasing and thus reduce release of the ozone-depleting chemical in accordance with the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol. The coatings can potential extend the life of RSRM case segments and nozzle components by eliminating erosion due to multiple grit blasting during each use cycle and corrosion damage during marine recovery. Concurrent work for the Air Force show that other BOSS coatings give excellent bondline strength and durability for high-performance structures of aluminum and titanium.

Davis, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Apparatus and Methods for Fluid Storage and Delivery

An apparatus and method for storing and delivering fluid to a person comprises, in at least one specific embodiment, a fluid reservoir having an internal volume therein with an opening disposed through a first wall or a second wall of the fluid reservoir and located toward a first end of the fluid reservoir. A first portion of a tube can be exterior to the fluid reservoir and a second portion of the tube can be disposed through the opening and within the internal volume. At least one insulation layer can be disposed about the exterior of the first wall of the fluid reservoir. The second wall of the fluid reservoir can be configured for transferring heat from or to the internal volume or from the person. At least one baffle is disposed within the internal volume and connected to the first wall and the second wall of the fluid reservoir.

Parazynski, Scott E.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Enhancing building energy performance by effectively using phase change material and dynamic insulation in walls

Deploying phase change materials (PCMs) in building envelopes can be efficacious in reducing space heating/cooling loads and providing load shedding and shifting capacity. However, the full potential of PCM-integrated envelopes can only be harnessed if the PCM undergoes phase change using free ambient heating/cooling, and the stored energy is effectively transferred between the exterior and the interior environments. Traditional thermal insulation (with a fixed thermal resistance) limits PCM utilization, which restrains the energy saving potential of a PCM-integrated envelope to a small percentage. Proposed dynamic insulation material and system (DIMS) provides the option of varying its thermal resistance based on the indoor and outdoor conditions. Although it has been established that employing PCM as well as DIMS in building envelopes separately improves buildings’ energy performance, no prior studies that analyzed the combined influence of both technologies were identified. In this study, we examine a novel wall design, comprising a layer of PCM between two layers of DIMS. We note that the PCM-DIMS-integrated wall provides significantly higher energy saving potential than the DIMS-only integrated wall or the PCM-only integrated wall in all the climates and wall orientations analyzed in this study. Depending on the climate, the PCM-DIMS-integrated wall could provide 15–72% reduction in annual heat gain and 7–38% reduction in annual heat loss. The analysis presented in this study supports the need to develop scalable dynamic insulations combined with thermal energy storage systems for buildings.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Systems and methods for assessing cable insulation

Methods for assessing cable insulation are provided that can include engaging a first tine gap interdigital capacitor assembly with the exterior of the cable jacket to determine a first capacitance and dissipation factor value of the insulation using the first tine gap interdigital capacitor assembly; engaging a second tine gap interdigital capacitor assembly with the exterior of the cable jacket to determine a second capacitance and dissipation factor value of the insulation using the second tine gap interdigital capacitor assembly.Systems for assessing cable insulation are also provided. The systems can include a cable jacket encompassing cable insulation and conductive material; at least two tine gap interdigital capacitor assemblies engaged with the cable jacket; and processing circuitry operatively engaged with the capacitor assemblies.

Glass, III, Samuel W.↗