A method to develop energy activated ETICS

Abstract

We propose a method for developing an Energy Activated External Thermal Insulation Composite System (En-ActivETICS) for smart building envelopes that guarantees the required performance, durability, and service life of the building. The En-ActivETICS combines the traditional ETICS with phase change material (PCM) and flexible photovoltaics (FPV). These combined materials will become multifunctional, playing the roles of thermal insulator, heat accumulator, and energy generator with PCM lowering the temperature of FPV and therefore, increasing their efficiency. The En-ActivETICS is a new step in the development of building facade technology enabling to achieve a component that is classified as a functional material. The main result reported in the paper is the proposed method, which improves the existing technical approval guidelines for ETICS, entitled ETAG 004, when thermally activated components are added to the system. The method proposes research activities necessary to determine whether the novel wall system is in line with the essential requirements set to a building by the Construction Products Regulation. When tested according to the proposed method, a wall system should be comprehensively tested and technically documented active thermal insulation system that is aimed to give better building performance in terms of indoor environment, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.