Search Results (12)

Transparent wood possesses advantages such as light weight, high strength, translucency, thermal insulation, acoustic performance, and sustainability, demonstrating significant development potential. Its properties are highly compatible with the demands of pop-up commercial spaces, which are characterized by pop-up, low energy consumption, and strong visual expression. Based on Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC) technologies, this study takes an urban greenhouse installation as a case study and develops a systematic design methodology for applying transparent wood in modern pop-up exhibition spaces. Through field research, questionnaire surveys, and the integration of design requirements using AIGC, the study employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to construct an evaluation system encompassing esthetic performance, structural safety, sustainability, and exhibition experience. In addition, a Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) method is adopted for quantitative assessment. The results indicate that transparent wood not only meets the requirements of lightweight structures and full life-cycle environmental performance, but also enhances spatial transparency and immersive atmosphere. This research proposes a standardized evaluation framework and a reproducible design reference for material selection in pop-up exhibition spaces. Full article

This study investigates a Solar Air Heating Façade (SAHF), architecturally enhanced through the integration of granular translucent Silica-Aerogel into multi-wall polycarbonate (PC) panels and the implementation of coated timber lamellas. The novelty of this work lies in the combined evaluation of thermal resistance and solar transmission properties of façade-integrated components, aiming to improve both energy efficiency and architectural integration. Two experimental campaigns were conducted: (i) thermal transmittance tests to determine the U-value of PC panels with and without Silica-Aerogel infill, and (ii) solar transmission measurements under controlled artificial solar radiation to evaluate the optical performance of various lamella configurations and coatings. Results show that the incorporation of Silica-Aerogel reduced the U-value by 41.8%, achieving a minimum of 1.19 W/m² K with the 20 mm thick PC panel, while decreasing the solar transmission of 43–53% depending on the incidence angle. The integration of reflective aluminum-coated timber lamella demonstrated promising results, enabling effective management of solar radiation. These findings highlight the potential of façade systems that combine high-performance insulation with visually integrated shading elements. Full article

The article discusses issues related to improving the energy efficiency of translucent structures (hereinafter referred to as windows) in the construction of buildings in the Republic of Kazakhstan. An analysis of the current regulatory requirements for the thermal insulation of windows and other translucent structures, depending on the climatic conditions of the construction region, was carried out. The authors propose a schematic map of the climatic regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan and stricter values for the thermal resistance of windows depending on the degree-days of the heating period, which will significantly reduce heat loss in buildings and cut heating costs. Calculations of potential energy savings and economic benefits from the introduction of energy-efficient windows are presented, and schemes for the certification and labeling of windows by energy efficiency class are proposed. The work is based on an analysis of national standards and international experience and is aimed at supporting sustainable construction and the implementation of Kazakhstan’s climate commitments. Full article

Silica aerogel has remarkable properties, particularly its translucence/transparency, extremely low thermal conductivity and density. Due to these properties, it can be used for the thermal insulation of buildings for energy saving, cost saving, and enhanced comfort. In this context, aerogel products such as aerogel blankets have already started to demonstrate their effectiveness in retrofitting projects and the development and adoption of aerogel glazing systems and aerogel-enhanced renders is promising. Other products, for example, through the incorporation of silica aerogel granules in cement and lime renders were obtained, with high thermal insulation properties, to achieve energy efficiency on buildings facades. This research aims to come up with new aerogel particle composition insulation plasters at cost-effective rates for application in building insulation. Their physical apparent mass density, mechanical–flexural and compressive strengths, thermal conductivity, and properties were investigated. As an experimental study, the thermal conductivities of six sets of cement and lime plasters with aerogel particles (0.1–4.0 mm) were investigated and it was concluded that the thermal conductivity of cement and lime plasters with 80% aerogel was 0.2287 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, about 3.4 times smaller than the respective value of traditional lightweight plasters of 0.76 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, while the cement and lime plasters with less than 40% aerogel showed a thermal conductivity value as low as 0.3172 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹. It was confirmed that the end product plasters’ mechanical qualities included low apparent mass densities, no apparent shrinkage, and mechanical strength values that matched those of the prepared compositions. This suggests that the obtained plasters are suitable for use in both new constructions and renovation projects. Full article

Light plays a key role in shaping the quality and atmosphere of interior spaces, and its importance and contradictions are amplified in the design of libraries. This study focuses on the problems associated with both insufficient natural light and excessive light. In both cases, visual discomfort is the result. The reason for these problems lies in the use of translucent structures with different parameters and properties in library architecture. This study analyzed the lighting environment in the main reading rooms of two university libraries in Warsaw. The research methods were based on a field survey of objects and an analysis of the architectural and construction parameters of the premises, as well as the physical and mechanical properties of various types of translucent materials used in the reading rooms. The results of this study shed light on the relationship between the interior space of the reading room and the geometry of transparent structures, as well as the effectiveness of daylighting in libraries in the natural conditions of Warsaw. The key point of the present study was to recognize the critical role that transparent materials and structures play in mitigating potential operational problems in library spaces. Wise selection of these elements at the design stage can help minimize problems related to thermal energy regulation, ventilation control, acoustic insulation, and increased visual comfort. The importance of this research area lies in its potential to optimize library buildings by increasing energy efficiency and reducing reliance on artificial lighting, heating, and air conditioning. Careful consideration of transparent materials at the design stage promises long-term benefits in the form of sustainable library spaces that not only meet functional requirements, but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious architectural landscape. Full article

This research developed an effective environmental temperature control system for homes and buildings. The study used a photovoltaic panel (PV) and developed a solar installation with thermosiphon circulation, which has a flat solar collector and heat-insulating translucent glass with double glazing with reduced pressure. The coolant is made of thin-walled corrugated stainless pipe. The heat from the solar flux heats the liquid removed from the collector, and cold water from the siphon enters its place. There is a constant circulation of heat, which increases heat transfer efficiency by eliminating additional partitions between the panel and thermal insulation. We have also developed a solar system control controller, which includes an electronic unit with six sensors. The six sensors are controlled by the STM32 programmable Logistics Integrated circuit (FPGA), designed to monitor the entire solar system, and the drives include power relays. The performance of the photovoltaic panel and the room’s temperature change are calculated during both the simulation and testing of the controller. The standard error was 20% compared to other controllers. During the experiment, the consumption savings amounted to about 1% due to the control signal in the controller, which has a significant impact on the service life of the equipment. Full article

Reducing building energy consumption is a significant challenge and is one of the most important research areas worldwide. Insulation will help to keep the building’s desired temperature by reducing the heat flow. Additionally, proper insulation can provide an extended period of comfort, leading to reduced building energy requirements. Encapsulated air is the major aspect of most thermal insulation materials. Low thermal conductivity is a good characteristic of thermal insulation materials. Aerogel has low thermal conductivity, so it is suitable for glazing and insulation purposes. This research paper investigates the effectiveness of aerogel as an insulation material in buildings by incorporating a translucent aerogel-glazing system in the window and aerogel insulation in the wall of a building. Experimental investigation of a 10 mm thick aerogel blanket surrounded box was conducted to assess its performance. Additionally, a CFD simulation was conducted, and the results of temperature degradation for the wall showed good agreement with experimental results. Additionally, the CFD simulation of temperature decay was compared between the aerogel-glazed window and argon-glazed window. It was found that the aerogel-glazed window has slower temperature decay compared to the argon-glazed window. The results showed that integrating aerogel in the glazing system and wall insulation in a building has the potential to reduce the building’s energy consumption. Moreover, a numeric simulation was conducted, and showed that the building’s annual energy consumption is reduced by 6% with the use of aerogel insulation compared to fiberglass. Full article

A recently developed multi-ceramic additive manufacturing process (multi-CAMP) and an appropriate device offer a multi-material approach by vat photopolymerization (VPP) of multi-functionalized ceramic components. However, this process is limited to ceramic powders with a certain translucency for visible light. Electrically conductive ceramic powders are therefore ruled out because of their light-absorbing behavior and dark color. The goal of the collaborative work described in the article was to develop a material combination for this multi-material approach of the additive vat photopolymerization method which allows for combining electrical conductivity and electrical insulation plus high mechanical strength in co-sintered ceramic components. As conductive component titanium suboxides are chosen, whereas zirconia forms the mechanically stable and insulation part. Since titanium suboxides cannot be used for vat photopolymerization due to their light-absorbing behavior, titania is used instead. After additive manufacturing, the two-component parts are co-sintered in a reducing atmosphere to transform the titania into its suboxides and, thus, attaining the desired property combination. The article describes the challenges of the co-processing of both materials due to the complex optical properties of titania. Furthermore, the article shows successfully co-sintered testing parts of the material combination of zirconia/titanium suboxide which are made by assembling single-material VPP components in the green state and subsequent common thermal treatment. The results of microstructural and interface investigations such as electrical measurements are discussed. Full article

The multi-physical properties of the building envelope play a major role in the energy efficiency of buildings. Translucent concrete panels (TCPs) with various volumetric ratios of optical fibers (OFs) were cast. To understand the multi-physical properties of the TCP for the building envelope, compressive strength, thermal and light transmittance tests were carried out. The compressive strength test showed that TCP with light-weight mortar (LWM) has higher strength compared to that with normal-weight mortar (NWM), but it did not exhibit an apparent ductile behavior. The U-values of the plain panel were 4.25 and 5.45 W/(m² K) for TCPs with the LWM and NWM, respectively. The existence of the OFs improved the thermal insulation property. The K-values of the LWM TCP were smaller than that of the common façade, which proved its excellent energy-efficient performance. The solar heat gain coefficients (G-values) of the two tested TCP types—LWM and NWM—were 0.198 and 0.242, respectively. The visible light transmission test showed that the light transmitted by the TCP was proportional to the density of the OFs in a matrix of concrete. The experimental light acceptance angle of the OF was close to the computational value (35 °C). Therefore, all the experimental results demonstrated that TCPs can improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Full article

Daylight usage in buildings improves visual comfort and lowers the final energy demand for artificial lighting. The question that always occurs is how much conservation can be achieved? New or rare materials and constructions have a lack of information about their application. Therefore, the current investigation quantifies the daylight and energy performance of a rare multi-layer textile membrane roof. A translucent, thermal insulation with a glass fibre fleece between the two roof membranes combines daylight usage and heating demand reduction. A sports hall built in 2017 is used as a case study building with 2300 m² membrane roof surface. The optical properties of the roof construction were measured with a total visual light transmittance τ_v of 0.72% for a clean surface. A climate-based annual daylight modelling delivers daylight indicators for different construction scenarios. The results show that, in comparison to only one glass façade, the additional translucent and thermally insulated membrane roof construction increases the annual daylight autonomy (DA₇₀₀) from 0% to 1.5% and the continuous DA₇₀₀ from 15% to 38%. In the roof-covered areas of the sport field, this results in a 30% reduction of the electricity demand for artificial lighting from 19.7 kWh_el/m²/a to 13.8 kWh_el/m²/a, when a dimming control is used. The study also found that the influence of the soiling of one layer decreases its light transmittance by a factor 0.81. Two soiled layers lower τ_v by a factor of 0.66 to 0.47%. This increases the electricity demand for lighting by only 12%. The results should be very valuable as a comparison and benchmark for planners and future buildings of a similar type. Full article

Insulation performance in older buildings is usually poor, so retrofitting the insulation in these buildings would reduce the energy required for heating, resulting in cost and energy savings. Windows account for a significant amount of the heat loss, therefore, we have developed vacuum layer type vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) with a frame structure that is also slim and lightweight. The developed VIPs are inexpensive and easy to install, as well as being slim and translucent, so retrofitting the window insulation of existing buildings can be easily performed. In this paper, we propose a frame covering with a low emissivity film and a gas barrier envelope coating, with a focus on a reasonable design method. Firstly, a structural model was created to evaluate the safety and specifications of the frame using element mechanical analysis. Next, a finite element model (FEM) was created to predict the insulation performance. Subsequently, experimental validation was completed and the insulation performance was evaluated with the measured thermal conductivity by a guarded hot plate (GHP) apparatus. Finally, case studies were used to evaluate the insulation performance under different conditions. The optimum design included a reasonable frame-structure to hold the vacuum layer with a high insulation thermal conductivity performance of approximately 0.0049 W/(m·K). Full article

The authors develop slim and light-weight vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) by producing vacuum layers with spacers and plastic plates. The developed VIPs have the advantages of a low cost and easy installation, thus facilitating retrofitting insulation of existing buildings. In addition, one of the developed VIPs is slim and translucent so it can be easily used for windows in an internal installation. In this paper, the authors first propose a vacuum layer type slim translucent VIP and focus on a reasonable design method. Next, the authors introduce the design process in which the structural design is obtained with element mechanical analysis and a three-dimensional analysis is conducted for the VIP element. In the study, a heat transfer model is used to predict the insulation performance through finite element analysis (FEA). Subsequently, the authors perform an experiment to measure the thermal conductivity in a guarded hot plate apparatus to validate the performance prediction. Finally, case studies are performed to confirm how the different design conditions affect the insulation performance. The optimum design of the vacuum layer type slim and translucent VIP will have a sufficient structural strength to hold and maintain the vacuum layer. The thermal conductivity is approximately 0.007 $\mathrm{W}/\left(\mathrm{m}·\mathrm{K}\right)$ , which can effectively improve the insulation performance in applications. Full article