Multifunctional Facade Lab

Experimental verification is an essential support for the development of calculation and simulation models that are able to exactly predict the energy performance of the completed building. The laboratory verifies the thermal and energy performances of envelope systems such as doors and windows, opaque walls and façade modules under both stationary and dynamic conditions.

Double chamber calorimeter with guard ring

The tests are conducted in a calorimeter (double chamber with guard ring) coupled with a continuous light solar simulator. Reproducing temperature, humidity, irradiation and air speed values the two chambers of the calorimeter emulate the actual operating environment of the sample being analysed: the external environment on the one hand and the internal environment on the other. The calorimeter was constructed in accordance with the ISO 8990 standard and is able to accommodate up to three by three metre speci¬mens with a maximum thickness of 50 centimetres. An extensive sensor system enables the measurement of parameters such as transmittance and thermal capacity, as well as characterising the energy performance of passive and active envelope systems.

Our researchers carry out calculation of thermal transmittance of windows, doors and shutter boxes accreditated by the Italian accreditation body Accredia. Click here to know more about the calculations.

Artificial sun and hydraulic circuit

The building envelope can have energy production and exchange functions, and it is important to verify the behaviour of the entire system by reproducing the operating conditions. To test samples that integrate active systems, the calorimeter has an artificial sun with continuous light and a hydraulic measurement and control circuit. These auxiliary components measure energy flows and characterise envelope systems that integrate photovoltaic panels, solar collectors and radiating elements.

Company service expertise

Thanks to their international network the researchers of Eurac Research have skills in the areas of zero-energy balance buildings and relating to buildings that are able to adapt to the dynamics of the context (flexible from an energy point of view and in particular regarding the development of solutions to reduce energy demand and to improve comfort also through the optimisation of management strategies). These skills also allow the development of technical-economic analyses to support investments in energy effi¬ciency and to optimise the quality and functionality of living and working environments. This know-how allows researchers to support companies, designers and managers of buildings under development, in performance characterisation and in the optimisation of both innovative building components and systems and constructive and architectural solutions with an optimum cost/benefit ratio.

Testing of façades performance for companies

• accredited thermal transmittance measurement (Link to Accredia tests list)
  • testing of complex façade components and systems
  • measurement of thermal performance in dynamic conditions
  • guarded hot box
  • continuous solar simulator
  • irradiance test on envelope components and systems

Partner

• Bartenbach Lichtlabor
• Libera Università di Bolzano
• Belgian Building Research Institute
• Laboratory for the Quality Control in Buildings of the Basque Government (LCCE)

Laboratory funded by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.