A system called "RENbuild" for the combined regenerative supply of buildings with fresh air, cooling and electricity is currently being developed by the Center for Applied Energy Research (CAE) in Würzburg and other project participants. The RENbuild system is composed of hybrid collectors, a high-performance heat/cold storage system, a heat pump system and a building automation system.
According to the CAE, the RENbuild system offers several advantages. For example, the heat pump can provide heating and cooling. The latent heat storage tanks used, with a storage capacity about three times higher than conventional water storage tanks, offer the possibility of intermediate storage of heat and cold. Building automation also allows the system to be operated in an energy-saving manner.
The RENbuild system is currently already being tested in a residential building, a show house in Estenfeld near Würzburg. An office building with the system is scheduled to go into operation this summer. Corresponding measurements will then also be carried out on both buildings. The research project is being funded to the tune of around three million euros.
Source and further information: cae-zerocarbon.de
© Fotolia
