Topology Morphing Insulation: A Review of Technologies and Energy Performance in Dynamic Building Insulation
Topology morphing insulation enables the on-demand switching of thermal properties between insulative and conducting states through shape change. The adaptive nature of these systems allows them to regulate heat transfer by dynamically altering insulation materials or systems in response to changing...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2023-10-01
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| Series: | Energies |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/19/6978 |
| _version_ | 1797575915244355584 |
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| author | Tyler R. Stevens Nathan B. Crane Rydge B. Mulford |
| author_facet | Tyler R. Stevens Nathan B. Crane Rydge B. Mulford |
| author_sort | Tyler R. Stevens |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Topology morphing insulation enables the on-demand switching of thermal properties between insulative and conducting states through shape change. The adaptive nature of these systems allows them to regulate heat transfer by dynamically altering insulation materials or systems in response to changing conditions, including environmental factors, electrical grid dynamics, and occupant requirements. In this article, we highlight the potential of topology morphing insulation for advancing building envelope design, improving energy efficiency, and facilitating on-demand adjustments in effective thermal conductivity. We provide a comprehensive overview of topology morphing insulation, delving into its underlying principles, mechanisms, and potential applications. This review explores cutting-edge research and the potential application of insights from non-building concepts, such as nature, textiles, and origami. Additionally, it examines crucial aspects such as actuation mechanisms, effectiveness, lifecycle considerations, sustainability implications, and manufacturing feasibility. We discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing topology morphing insulation solutions. Thanks to its transformative capabilities, topology morphing insulation holds tremendous promise for advancing building envelope design, driving energy efficiency improvements, and facilitating responsive changes in effective thermal conductivity. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:46:05Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-c9172b5dfb5540c7ac0bbc8430c62045 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:46:05Z |
| publishDate | 2023-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj.art-c9172b5dfb5540c7ac0bbc8430c620452023-11-19T14:21:31ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732023-10-011619697810.3390/en16196978Topology Morphing Insulation: A Review of Technologies and Energy Performance in Dynamic Building InsulationTyler R. Stevens0Nathan B. Crane1Rydge B. Mulford2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USADepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USADepartment of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, USATopology morphing insulation enables the on-demand switching of thermal properties between insulative and conducting states through shape change. The adaptive nature of these systems allows them to regulate heat transfer by dynamically altering insulation materials or systems in response to changing conditions, including environmental factors, electrical grid dynamics, and occupant requirements. In this article, we highlight the potential of topology morphing insulation for advancing building envelope design, improving energy efficiency, and facilitating on-demand adjustments in effective thermal conductivity. We provide a comprehensive overview of topology morphing insulation, delving into its underlying principles, mechanisms, and potential applications. This review explores cutting-edge research and the potential application of insights from non-building concepts, such as nature, textiles, and origami. Additionally, it examines crucial aspects such as actuation mechanisms, effectiveness, lifecycle considerations, sustainability implications, and manufacturing feasibility. We discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing topology morphing insulation solutions. Thanks to its transformative capabilities, topology morphing insulation holds tremendous promise for advancing building envelope design, driving energy efficiency improvements, and facilitating responsive changes in effective thermal conductivity.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/19/6978topology morphing insulationswitchable thermal insulationbuilding insulationgrid-responsive building envelopesenergy efficiencyenergy savings |
| spellingShingle | Tyler R. Stevens Nathan B. Crane Rydge B. Mulford Topology Morphing Insulation: A Review of Technologies and Energy Performance in Dynamic Building Insulation Energies topology morphing insulation switchable thermal insulation building insulation grid-responsive building envelopes energy efficiency energy savings |
| title | Topology Morphing Insulation: A Review of Technologies and Energy Performance in Dynamic Building Insulation |
| title_full | Topology Morphing Insulation: A Review of Technologies and Energy Performance in Dynamic Building Insulation |
| title_fullStr | Topology Morphing Insulation: A Review of Technologies and Energy Performance in Dynamic Building Insulation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Topology Morphing Insulation: A Review of Technologies and Energy Performance in Dynamic Building Insulation |
| title_short | Topology Morphing Insulation: A Review of Technologies and Energy Performance in Dynamic Building Insulation |
| title_sort | topology morphing insulation a review of technologies and energy performance in dynamic building insulation |
| topic | topology morphing insulation switchable thermal insulation building insulation grid-responsive building envelopes energy efficiency energy savings |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/19/6978 |
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