The TermoDeck® Principle
The effects of using the heat storage capacity of hollow core slabs varies between summer and winter conditions. Surplus heat, generated from body heat, lighting, computers, sun radiation, etc, can be stored in the slabs increasing their temperature by 2-3°C during the day without affecting the comfort of the occupants.
In the summer this excess heat is dissipated from the slabs by cooling the slabs with cool night air in temperate climates, or using conventional chillers in hot climates, but with up to a 50% reduction in cooling load when compared to conventional technologies. The fans keep running up to 24 hours a day.
In cold climates during winter we use the heat stored in the slabs overnight, to maintain comfortable internal conditions for the occupants the next day. In some hot climates, during winter, just using the cool night air, without the need for chillers, can cool the structure to provide comfortable conditions by the following morning.
Hot Climates
Day Time. The cooled supply air passes through the cores in the slab. As the concrete structure itself is cooled it absorbs the surplus heat generated during the day and the room is kept cold.
Night Time. The cooled supply air is recirculated in the building cooling down the slab and dissipating the surplus heat stored during day time.
Cold Climates
Day Time. The supply air fans are running and the building structure stores the surplus heat in the same way as in the hot climate. Most commercial buildings, schools and universities need cooling even in winter. The room is kept cool and fresh.
Night Time. The supply fans are switched off. The heavy concrete structure and efficient insulation enables the stored energy to be retained providing adequate comfort the following morning. On very cold nights or weekends, additional heating may be required by recirculating warm air through the slabs.
TermoDeck® System
TermoDeck differs from other energy saving systems because the overall construction cost is lower than conventional buildings as no extra equipment is added.
Thermal energy storage
Thermal energy storage (TES) systems can heavily reduce the installed cooling loads and peak power loads.
Energy
TermoDeck® Buildings fulfill high requirements from an energy, enviromental and thermal comfort perspective.
Capital Costs
Independent reports have been carried out comparing capital costs of TermoDeck and conventional HVAC systems.