A high-performance envelope is the prerequisite and foundation to a zero energy building. The thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity of a wall are two thermophysical properties that strongly influence the energy performance. Although many case studies have been performed, the results failed to give a big picture of the roles of these properties in the energy performance of an active ...

This paper presents an energy management framework for building climate comfort systems that are interconnected in a grid via aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) systems in the presence of two types of uncertainty, namely private and common uncertainty sources. The ATES system is considered as a seasonal storage system that can be a heat source or sink, or a storage for thermal energy. While ...

Scientists all over the world are in search of new and renewable energy sources. One of the options is to develop energy storage devices, which are as important as developing new sources of energy. Thermal energy storage systems provide the potential to attain energy savings, which in turn reduce the environment impact related to energy use. Infact, these systems provide a valuable solution for...

A novel multi-functional plate-like lamination that combines a thermal energy storage capability with a structural capability is described. The lamination consists of a paraffin impregnated porous graphitic core (the energy storage volume) encapsulated between rigid graphite/epoxy composite skins. Heat storage is via solid-liquid phase transition of the paraffin. Stacked laminations form a sand...