Dr. Phalguni Mukhopadhyaya is a professor at the University of Victoria and his area of expertise includes energy efficient buildings, high performance thermal insulations, hygrothermal response of building envelopes, bio-based construction materials, and retrofit technologies1. His current research focus is on heat-air-moisture (HAM) transport through building envelopes and materials and its impact on the durability, energy efficiency and sustainability of the built environment1.
One of his notable works on dynamic insulation is a study conducted by Anoopkumar Shukla under the supervision of Dr. Mukhopadhyaya. The study titled “Impact on building energy performance by deployment of dynamic insulation in residential buildings in Canada” investigates dynamic insulations, runs simulations, and assesses the possible energy savings brought on by using dynamic insulation materials (DIMs) in exterior walls in place of conventional static insulation2. DIMs can alter their thermal properties based on control procedures, unlike conventional static insulations, to accomplish desired goals2. According to the analysis’s findings, dynamic insulations can drastically lower the amount of energy needed to run heating and cooling systems2.
Difference between dynamic and static insulation
Static insulation and dynamic insulation are two different types of insulation used in buildings, each with its own unique properties and applications.
Static Insulation: Static insulation refers to traditional insulation materials that have a fixed thermal resistance, also known as R-value. This R-value does not change with time or environmental conditions. Examples of static insulation materials include fiberglass, mineral wool, and foam board. These materials work by reducing heat flow through the building envelope, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature regardless of the weather outside1.
Dynamic Insulation: Dynamic insulation, on the other hand, is a more advanced type of insulation that can change its thermal properties in response to changing environmental conditions. This means that the R-value of dynamic insulation can vary over time, allowing it to provide more or less insulation as needed. Dynamic insulation works by using materials or systems that can store and release heat, effectively ‘buffering’ the indoor environment against changes in outdoor temperature2.
In summary, the main difference between static and dynamic insulation lies in their ability to respond to changing environmental conditions. Static insulation has a fixed R-value and does not change with time, while dynamic insulation can adjust its thermal properties to provide optimal insulation under varying conditions.
Impact on building energy performance by deployment of dynamic insulation in residential buildings in Canada
They explored the use of dynamic insulation, which is a type of insulation that can change its thermal properties depending on the weather conditions and the indoor temperature. Unlike regular insulation, which has a fixed thermal resistance, dynamic insulation can adjust its thermal conductivity and heat capacity to optimize the heat transfer between the indoor and outdoor environments. This way, dynamic insulation can help reduce the heating and cooling loads of your home and save you money on your energy bills.
The paper, titled “Impact on building energy performance by deployment of dynamic insulation in residential buildings in Canada”, presents a detailed analysis of how dynamic insulation works and how it can be applied to different types of residential buildings in Canada. The authors used computer simulations to compare the energy performance of buildings with dynamic insulation and buildings with static insulation. They also considered various factors, such as the climate zones, the building orientations, the control strategies, and the cost-benefit ratios.
The results of the study showed that dynamic insulation can significantly lower the energy consumption of residential buildings in Canada, especially in cold climates. The authors estimated that dynamic insulation can reduce the annual heating energy demand by up to 40% and the annual cooling energy demand by up to 20%. They also found that dynamic insulation can improve the indoor thermal comfort and air quality by reducing the temperature fluctuations and the infiltration of outdoor pollutants.
The paper is a valuable contribution to the field of building science and energy efficiency. It demonstrates the potential of dynamic insulation as a smart and sustainable solution for improving the thermal performance of residential buildings. If you want to read the full paper, you can find it here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.109474
Other works of Prof.Phalguni
Prof. Dr. Phalguni Mukhopadhyaya’s research on bio-based construction materials is part of his broader focus on the durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability of the built environment1. His work involves the application of innovative engineered high-performance exterior building envelope materials and systems1.
Bio-based construction materials are a key area of his research. These materials, such as bamboo, hemp, and straw, can provide a wide range of applications, from structural purposes to thermal insulation2. Bio-based solutions can be contextualized to respond to specific needs of different geographies, thus providing appropriate responses to the challenges faced in each region2.
These materials not only have the ability to lower the carbon footprint when used in building, but also have the capacity of storing carbon during their service life and removing large amounts of CO2 due to their fast growth2. This makes them a promising solution for achieving net-zero-carbon built environments2.
However, these promising solutions still require further development and understanding of the scope of their benefits along the value chain before being promoted as sustainable development solutions2. Dr. Mukhopadhyaya’s research contributes to this understanding and promotes the use of bio-based construction materials for a sustainable future.
Prof. Phalguni’s work on dynamic insulation in residential buildings. He shows how to use air flow and heat exchange to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor comfort. He also explains the benefits and challenges of this technology, and gives some examples of real-world applications.
Dr. Deniz Eren Erisen