Adaptive membrane material

About

New membrane materials for building applications have been developed by us which possess unique properties of adaptive heat and light transmission. The changes in heat transfer and translucency are triggered by temperature. The effects are due to the application of phase change material (PCM). PCMs are able to change their physical state, i. e. from solid to liquid, within a certain temperature range. During such a melting process, the PCM absorbs and stores a large amount of latent heat. The temperature of the PCM and its surrounding remains nearly constant throughout the entire process. The fact that PCMs absorb large amounts of latent heat without any temperature change makes them an innovative means of heat storage. In the new membrane material’s design, the PCM is cross-linked into a polymeric compound which is coated onto a textile carrier material. Applied to a building's envelopes, the PCM incorporated into the membrane material regulates the heat transfer into and out of the structure starting at given trigger temperatures and adapts the heat flux to prevailing requirements. This capability enhances the thermal comfort, reduces the building’s air-conditioning and heating demands, and therefore, makes the structure more energy efficient. Furthermore, by minimizing the daily temperature fluctuations, the material’s aging process will be delayed substantially which enhances the service life of the structure and contributes to its sustainability. While changing from solid to liquid, the PCM’s appearance transforms from opaque to transparent. Incorporated into a transparent carrier material, the phase change causes a change in the light transmission which is also triggered by temperature. In a facade application, this feature can eliminate the need for a costly and often complex shading system. Furthermore, the efficiency of the interior lightning will be increased by the application of these membrane materials.