PCM IGLOO

1. Explanation and analysis of the site condition

Our plan examines the opportunity of economical energy supply to a given volume unit, with different climate.

2. Ideas for building plan and design

Function of the building: Mobile human housing which is adaptable to several climate zones, preferably fully autonomous and easily transportable.  Ten functional units are located inside the igloo, splitting the igloo's circle shaped outline into sectors.

The aluminium framework of the structure has an igloo shape. The supporting has three joints, so it can be closed to avery small size. The igloo shape of the open structure can resist to the wind effect, and the least specific surface belongs to this capacity (cooling down surface)

The PCM accumlator applied here has similar structure, it is capable of storing a lot of heat energy. Of course it can be applied at any kind of bulinding where it fulfiels well from the point of energy. (for example: for the heat storing mass supply of the light structured buildings) The quality of operation of the structure is defined by the given climate.

The other important element of the building is the canvas- for the least energy loss.We chose xenon, which is the biggest heat resistant material for the filling of the canvas. We place 6 pieces of 0, 5-0,5cm canvas layers onto each other. Each layer has a honeycomb cell wall creation. (Injuries don’t cause big damages in the isolation)"U" factor of thecreated structure: 0,17W/m²K

-The good heat- changing equipment is important for minimalizing the energy loss.

It can not only regain the internal “used” heat of air but the unnecessary heat

of cooking and lavatory units. (Using the condensation)

–The lavatory and cooking units turn back the grey water for using.

- The tiny wind power plant planted next to the igloo.

3. Description for the application of intelligent high technology, materials, and products

Our plan examines the opportunity of economical energy supply to a given volume unit, with different climate. To achive this we have applied PCM (phase-changing materilas). What are the PCM?

As we know ice absorbs and lets off heat meanwhile it melts and freezes. During this process the temperature doesn’t change only the physical condition. We call the materials with such features phase change materials (PCM).

We can find several examples for former and later using of these materilas in architecture.

The former materials could be easily damaged (susceptible to selection) they were not successful.

As they developed the material there were more opportunities and new applications: we can find some examples in car factory, textile industry. It is almost inevitable in computer industry. Perhaps it was forgotten in architecture but it begins developing now a days.

(In 2003 we developed a PCM of which 1kg can store 104 kJ heat energy-the same as 59 kg concrete)

We undertook the task to find a new architectural application for this new material. So we developed the canvas structure filled with PCM, the mobil habitat with PCM filled walls and  the PCM akkumlator:

PCM akkumlator:

The operation of accumulator: We place small balls in a long flexible pipe, and we roll this into a storing pot. We place the storing pots under vacuum. Vacuum is one of the best heat isolation (we can see it in car production, space technology) so the accumulator lets off heat only when we use it.

The storing pots can be joined depending on heat demand. In the case of longer using the accumulators can charge from one heating/cooling unit, so we make a central heating/cooling without “line”.

Application modes:

a Start from areas that are hot or rich in energy source to that kind of area where we have to heat the units.

Incoming air : We join a heat changing on the charged accumulator. One part of the incoming air comes in the accumulator pipe filled with PCM balls through a heat changing. We put out as much heat as we need for the keeping up of temperature. The heat changing mixes the hot air coming out from the accumulator with other preheated air to an appropriate temperature and gets to the interior space.

Out-coming air: Out-coming air goes out through the heat changing and it gives most of its temperature to the incoming air.  In the case of longer using the accumlators can charge from one heating unit, so we make a central heating without "line".

b In tropical desert and semi-desert climate at night when it’s 0C degrees we have to heat, and during daytime we have to cool.  We can cool the accumulator with cool air at night, and we can heat up it  with the incoming air during daytime while we can cool the inner space. At night we can cool the accumulators again

and heat up the inner space, and so an…

c If we need cooling continuously we can do it according to analogy of version a . 

4. Benefits 

The development of the sustainable technology reacts to some boundary condition.  Benefits coming from its using:

Society-environment

It’s widespread using means  globally significant energy saving which results in a more spared environment.

Environment-economy

The PCM materials are not only the spare products of oil producing, these paraffine materials come from maize, rape, sunflower etc. These can be produced from bio-oil as well. It’s more efficient using of these sources of energy than  burning them only as a fuel. It helps with the cooperation of environment and economy.

Economy-society

Producing paraffines opens a new segment in the industry and agriculture. It creates useful workplaces for everyone. It involves the local people reasonably into producing. In addition to this it provides more liveable environment to them.

The energetic advantages of the accumlator:

-The accumlator can be charged with renewing sources of energy.

-It can be recharged after its discharge. According to the measurements of labor it’s fulfil is unchanged after 10000 discharges- practically it has  eternal life.(The salt which is needed for its operating doesn’t fractionate from them as in the case of Glaubert-salt).

-Because of the outputwhich belongs to the small mass it can be transferred easily.

-the building can be adpted to different climates.(The PCM accumlator can be changed according to weather.)

-The operation of the structure can be influenced dinamically.( So can be the heat household of the building)

- It provides free energy from the fluctuation of heat-both for heating and cooling.

- Using PCM technology doesn’t have limit for the form creation.