Thermal performance characterization of a modular system for facade

Abstract

The developed system corresponds to multifunctional prefabricated modular elements that combine an insulation layer with a cast coating material for exterior that can imitate stone or concrete. These systems need auxiliary elements of fixing to connect them mechanically to the structural wall of the building, in order to ensure its stability, using anchorage, profiles, rails, among others. The use of these systems connected to the coating interrupts the continuity of thermal insulation, causing additional heat losses through linear and point thermal bridges, having an detrimental effect on thermal performance of the system. The development of fixing of present multifunctional panels was based on the evaluation and adoption of appropriate solutions in order to minimize thermal bridges and reinforce the stability of the panel. For evaluation purposes some models are evaluated, with different connecting systems, configurations and different materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, galvanized steel and Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) profiles. The quantification of thermal bridges, for evaluation of thermal performance, has been made using computing programs, HEAT2 and HEAT3. The evaluation of a system developed in this research work, i.e. incorporating profiles in thermal insulation, shows a good thermal resistance contributing significantly to the thermal insulation and energy conservation in building.