SUPSI - G-box

Research

G-box

The main objective of the project is the development of a transportable calorimeter, easily reproducible on the basis of a prototype. Unlike banks of a fixed measurement (laboratory tests), the device is temporarily mounted on existing facades to measure their actual behavior (single skin, double skin, opaque glass facades) and their potential for solar protection.

Contemporary architectural style is characterised by an increasing use of glass in construction. In summer, this results in overheating within the premises and the use of air conditioning.

Despite numerous efforts to improve the characteristics of glass, the problem persists and is amplified, mainly due to the fact that the theoretical performance established in the laboratory is hardly ever found in actual construction. It appears, therefore, essential to assess the thermal loads of a building in such a way as to facilitate control and reduction. Thus, it is necessary to have a portable device which allows in situ measurements of the transmission of solar energy through both transparent and translucent facades.

The project involves planning a campaign of measurements on representative facades in real operating conditions, in order to obtain a range of well documented case studies which will bring to light the differences between theoretical development and real application.

The use and dissemination of the gathered data and knowledge will be useful for the training of builders (architects, builders of facades, etc.) in ad hoc courses (Bachelor, Master, continuous training), and the creation of a website specific to this topical issue.

The apparatus and protocol of measurements will ultimately be available for the assessment of existing buildings, with the aim of reducing the significant energy consumption related to air conditioning.

The project, funded by the Federal Office of Energy, is directed by Daniel Pahud, a researcher at the Institute for Applied Sustainability of the Built Environment of the Department of Environment, Construction and Design, in collaboration with Reto Camponovo from the LEEA of the HEPIA, the equivalent technical university like SUPSI in Geneva.

Project Title: G-box  
Manager: Daniel Pahud and Reto Camponovo 
Department: Department of Environment, Construction and Design 
Research Units: Institute for Applied Sustainability of the Built Environment
Project Duration: 2009-2011  
Funding: Federal Office of Energy