Low-cost building integrated renewable energy systems maximising the output, adaptable for different climatic conditions IDEAS

Research Pillar: Climate Action and Sustainability 

Project Name/Title/Acronym: Low-cost building integrated renewable energy systems maximising the output, adaptable for different climatic conditions IDEAS

Funding Body: EU Horizon 2020

Project Timeframe: May 2018 - April 2023

Key Output(s): Publications can be found here.

Novel building Integration Designs for increased Efficiencies in Advanced climatically tunable renewable energy Systems

Biomimetic Designs for PCM Containment and for Heat Discharge

The Integration and Optimisation of Heat Pump Technology with the PV/PCM

IDEAS novel Integration and Demand-Side Management System

Project Description:

The IDEAS project will create an innovative integrated renewable energy system (RES) for buildings, which will cost effectively exceed current RES efficiencies, generate electricity, heat and cooling mechanisms and is optimised for multifamily, public and commercial buildings located in different climatic conditions. IDEAS is an innovative integrated renewable energy system (RES) to cost effectively exceed current RES efficiencies, generating electricity, heat and cooling technologies. The system is optimised for mixed use building types, across various climate conditions, maximising RES output under diffuse solar radiation climate conditions through luminescent and geometric concentrator techniques leading to current solar system efficiencies being exceeded electrically. Thermal enhancement is achieved using enhanced organic phase change materials (PCM) with a passive biomimetic heat transfer mechanism for heat storage and discharge. A heat pump uses waste heat for an integrated underfloor heating and hot water systems This building integrated RES uses advanced control techniques and intelligent design to maximise performance in solar energy, thermal storage and heat pumps.

Buildings play a significant role in the global energy balance. Typically, they account for 20-30% of the total primary energy requirement of industrialized countries, 40% in the EU. Applying the proposed integrated RES to buildings is an important application for wider integration and deployment of renewable energy. It is also important in achieving our binding EU targets of at least a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030, compared to 1990 and at least 27% of renewable energy in the EU.

For more information on the project visit the website: www.horizon2020ideas.eu

Contact details – for more information contact Prof. Sarah McCormack, mccorms1@tcd.ie

PI: Sarah McCormack

Project Manager: Aisling Shiels shielai@tcd.ie

Researchers: Dr. Subhash Chandra, Dr. Mojtaba Nasiri

PhD Researchers: Anita Ortega, Bill Cass, Aaron Glenn