InDeWaG Public Deliverables

By the end of 2020, net zero energy buildings will be an obligation in European countries. This can be achieved by introduction of innovative building envelope systems. InDeWag is introduced as a solution for this issue regarding cost reduction and shortened industrial production of WFG (Water Flow Glazing) Façade components. One of the first steps in order to study this innovation is investigation of the existing systems with the help of the simulation tools.

Several simulations for two versions of a Bulgarian Demonstrator have been carried out with the IDA-ICE and Energy Plus programs. In both versions two different arrangements of the façade have been considered. Equally one version (current version) of the Spanish demonstrator has also been simulated with Energy Plus. The results show the advantages of using FFG in glazed façades as regards energy consumption, thus achieving zero energy performance is feasible. Associated costs could also be estimated considering both the FFG glazed surface and energy savings.

By the end of 2020, net zero energy buildings will be an obligation in European countries. This can be achieved by introduction of innovative building envelope systems. InDeWag is introduced as a solution for this issue regarding cost reduction and shortened industrial production of WFG (Water Flow Glazing) Façade components. One of the first steps in order to study this innovation is investigation of the existing systems with the help of the simulation tools.

By the end of 2020, net zero energy buildings will be an obligation in European countries. This can be achieved by introduction of innovative building envelope systems. InDeWag is introduced as a solution for this issue regarding cost reduction and shortened industrial production of WFG (Water Flow Glazing) Façade components. One of the first steps in order to study this innovation is investigation of the existing systems with the help of the simulation tools.

The size and the basic design of the triple fluid flow glazing (FFG) façade unit is defined including all glazing layers (multilayered, tempered, coated, etc.) as well as the two fluid chambers between.
A crucial design requirement for the FFG element is the uniformity of the fluid flow inside the fluid chamber. On the one side it has a huge influence on the thermal and energetic properties of the FFG. On the other side it determines the pressure drop in the FFG element and thus the required electrical pump power. Requirements for the maximal pressure drop of the FFG element were defined. Furthermore a special distribution mechanism was developed which provides an almost homogenous flow and reduces the pressure drop in the fluid chamber. First development steps towards effective fluid distribution channel system inside a single FFG unit and in a big scale façade were done.

A Benchmark of simulations, representing typical winter and summer conditions, has been performed in order to validate the different simulation models developed within this project and to compare the performances of three FFG elements in different climatic conditions.
Deeper analyses have been conducted to investigate the influence of weather, climatic and operative conditions on the fluid heat transfer coefficients, the thermal transmittance and the solar heat gain coefficient.

Half of the energy consumption of buildings is caused by heating and air conditioning systems. From this problem arose the idea of an adaptive envelope based on glazing with an inner water circulation with the proposal of creating a better internal environment. This type of window is called Water Flow Glazing (WFG), which is composed by at least one fluid chamber in which the fluid is able to circulate in and out of the chamber, if required. This water chamber is intended to absorb radiative energy and transport heat flow.
Instead of actively circulating the fluid in the glazing by means of a pump which cost additional components and energy it will be studied here if this system can work efficiently by means of natural convection and to propose designs that can enhance the “Microfluidic” (free convection transport) of the fluid.

---

---

The basis for the selection of adequate models, software and data bases for the LCA on FFG façade materials and production technology is summarized in short.

The preliminary market analysis investigates the potential market segments in which fluid flow glazing (FFG) façade is most likely to succeed. It focuses on the existing construction market in the EU countries and more specifically on the market for new office buildings in Bulgaria, Spain and Germany. Alternative products such as the curtain walls were compared to the FFG façade. The benefits and the advantages of FFG façade were highlighted.
The study reviews a potential market uptake of FFG façade in 3 countries – Bulgaria, Spain and Germany while evaluating the energy needs of their building sector. Also the weather conditions and potential solar gains from FFG façade were investigated in those three locations.
Moreover, the report identifies key future regulatory requirements for construction of new building in Bulgaria, Spain and Germany and tracks the progress, the current state and the future development in those countries regarding the implementation of Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive 2010/31/EU). The new legislation framework set by Directive 2010/31/EU is expected to drastically change the construction market from 2018 by provide opportunities for application of new technologies harvesting renewable energy and/or improving the energy efficiency of the buildings. Thus, products like FFG are expected to gain competitive edge and surpass the existing old technologies.

The aim of deliverable 7.3 was to give some first recommendations on material selection. A preliminary study showed that the utilization of aluminium could be favourable over alternative materials for long-term applications. Further, some thought should be given to the selection of the optimal glazing in order to be in accordance with ecological goals of the project. The idea of utilizing functional or decorative dyes in the fluid had to be rejected due to environmental concerns.

The Press Release presents the participants of the InDeWaG project and the nZEB problems that will be resolved. The project aims to technical innovation, introducing a new, disruptive building envelope system which has at least 15% building cost reduction potential and could be brought to industrial ripeness. The objective will be achieved by development of Fluid Flow Glazing facades (FFG) and Radiant Interior Walls (RIW).

The main goal of first version of InDeWaG project leaflet is to raise public awareness and to attract end-users such as builders and developers (building/ façade industry), policy makers, appraisers, subcontractors, brokers, architects, consultants who would benefit from the positive outcomes from the project: high aesthetic potential of FFG buildings, cost reduction, low CO₂ emissions, green building, energy efficiency in buildings and etc. It consist general information about the project itself, objectives, partners and information about the cost reduction potential of the industrial production of Water Flow Glazing Systems. The leaflet is easy to read and well designed.
Both the leaflet and roll-up are part of the corporate design including the project website.

The digital newsletter is a mean of disseminating information about InDeWaG project in order to approach different target groups (national or local repre¬sentatives, companies, scientists, general public, press) and present them the project progress and findings. The newsletter provides information for actions accomplished by the partner organizations; it features the current developments as well as past and future events where topics regarding InDeWaG were or will be discussed. As a result of the project a few scientific articles were already written or are in process. All of them are introduced in the newsletter.
The newsletter is in electronic, easy-to-read format containing initial information about the project concept and it the technical characteristics and application. A main part of the newsletter is devoted to the forthcoming events where the interested groups can get a glimpse of the InDeWaG façade concept and be involved in direct dialogue with project participants. Moreover, the collaboration activities between InDeWaG and other initiatives and projects are illustrated in the newsletter.

The digital newsletter is a mean of disseminating information about InDeWaG project and keeping in touch with the target groups (national or local representatives, companies, scientists, general public, press), both during and after the project actions. This second digital newsletter consists of four separate newsletters which described the main results at this stage of the project.

---

This deliverable describes summarizes the kick-off meeting and gives an overview over the planned timing and location of the periodic meetings.

The objective of this deliverable is to provide a consistent appearance for the periodic report.