Thermal Energy and Building Performance

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Globally speaking, the building industry is responsible for 40% of primary energy consumption. Initiatives to improve bioclimatic design, the implementation of innovative energy efficiency measures and the integration of energy systems from renewable sources are essential for reducing emissions.

Main lines of work:

• Energy efficiency: 

          • Buildings 
          • Thermal processes in industry
          • Optimization of centralized generation systems
          • Utilization of residual heat 
          • Data centers

• Building: minimization of the energy demand of buildings through design, efficient use and the integration of renewable energies to cover this energy demand.

 

Thermal Energy

Efficient integration of technologies to produce heating, cooling and electricity. Simulation and optimization of thermal energy generation systems for buildings for the tertiary sector and residential, data centers and for industrial processes. Development of control strategies.

 

• Micro-generation
• Heat pumps
• Thermally activated cooling equipment: absorption, adsorption, desiccant
• Geothermal 
• Low- and medium-temperature solar thermal energy
• Photovoltaic solar energy
• Collection systems: seasonal and phase change

 

Development of emulators and integration with dynamic tests    to determine the overall seasonal performance of thermal equipment.

Building

• ZERO ENERGY buildings and/or neighborhoods: Design, study, simulation and optimization of buildings and neighborhoods with a zero energy balance or clean energy producers.
   
• Reduction of energy demand in office buildings:    Comprehensive development of solutions for the energy demand for heating, cooling and lighting in buildings and/or high energy consumption sectors (i.e.: datacenters, hospitals): solar protection, passive cooling, natural ventilation, solar gain, natural lighting, insulation, etc.
   
• User interaction with control systems in buildings:    Measurement, simulation and study of critical aspects that influence the thermal and visual comfort of users. Mobility models, behavior and interaction with management systems in buildings: solar protection, climate and lighting. Adaptive control systems. 
   
• Data Centers: Characterization, simulation and optimization of energy demand. Efficient installations models, feasibility studies of the installation components to fail. Calculation and definition of indicators and metrics of productivity and efficiency of infrastructure. Community integration, reuse of waste heat.

Dr. Jaume Salom Group Leader of Thermal Energy and Building Efficiency

Mónica Areste Development Manager

Eduard Cubí Researcher

Joana Aina Ortiz Researcher Junior

Marc Vives Project Engineer

Detlef Schaefer Laboratory Technician

Ramon Berenguer Fornos Researcher

Elena Fuentes Head of Laboratory

Maria Leandra González Laboratory Technician

Anna Manyes Researcher Junior

 

• HP + solar cooling: To analyse and optimize an HVAC system that integrates solar thermal energy, reversible heat pumps, and an absorption system.


• HYBRID SOLAR BIOMASS: Feasibility study of a hybrid solar power plant with biomass.


• FRUITCENTER: Study to promote measures of energy efficiency at the FRUITCENTER building.


• CEEC solar cooling: Feasibility analysis of sites for installation of solar cooling plants in the field of Energy Efficiency Cluster of Catalonia.


• Eco-Industrial parks: Study to promote measures of energy efficiency within industrial park located at Barcelona.


• MARIE: To establish the technical, economic and social fundamentals for energy efficiency improvement in the Mediterranean Buildings Stock in the framework of the EU policies, programs and standards.


• CoolEmAll: The main goal of CoolEmAll is to provide advanced planning and optimization tools for modular data centre environments and taking into account Energy Efficiency.


• KIC Industria: The aim of the project is to improve and to innovate in technological and business solutions that can be applied horizontally to several industrial sectors.