The transforming technology of dynamic breathing building

M.S. Imbabi, Alexander Rainy Brown, Andrew Peacock, John Murphy

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingPublished conference contribution

Abstract

The Energyflo™ cell is a modular, multi-functional Dynamic Insulation (DI), dynamic filtration and air supply product that has been developed by the Environmental Building Partnership Ltd (EBP). It replaces conventional static thermal insulation in the building envelope to enable Dynamic Breathing Buildings (DBBs) to be built. The DBB approach offers compelling benefits to developers, building users, occupants and society by reducing building energy consumption whilst boosting air quality.

In a DBB fresh ventilation air is drawn into the building through the DI media. The heat or coolth that normally flows out of the building and is lost is brought back in the form of pre-heated or pre-cooled ventilation air, thereby reducing energy consumption for space heating or cooling. At the same time, the incoming air is filtered of harmful Particulate Matter (PM). The skin of the building thus effectively becomes a thermal insulant, heat exchanger and filter of environmental pollution.

A DBB demonstration project comprising a domestic dwelling of 240m2 floor area with a dynamic breathing roof is currently being monitored at a site in Balerno, Edinburgh, UK. This practical demonstration of the DBB principle in a full scale setting provides built environment stakeholders with an introduction to the concept. The paper presents results from the summer (pre-occupancy) phase and early winter phase (owner occupied). Early evaluation of the results indicates that pre warming of ventilation air proceeds in line with model predictions but that this level is boosted by solar gain. A temperature rise of more than 10¿C was recorded when the ambient external temperature was 2¿C as a consequence of pre-warming the ventilation air via the DBB system.

The significant benefits attributable to the system as outlined here will spur developers and architects worldwide to apply DBB principles in their future building projects. The technology is a key approach to the cost-effective reduction of the built environment carbon footprint.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEcocity World Summit San Francisco USA
Pages1-12
Number of pages12
Publication statusPublished - 2008
EventEcocity World Summit - , United States
Duration: 24 Apr 200826 Apr 2008

Conference

ConferenceEcocity World Summit
Country/TerritoryUnited States
Period24/04/0826/04/08

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The transforming technology of dynamic breathing building'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this