Journal of Indoor Environmental Quality

Building envelope integrates thermal/pv solution

Building envelope integrates thermal/pv solution

We came across this innovative integrated thermal/pv solution which lends itself well to new buildings and retrofits. As it relates to the thermal component - in principle using the building envelope as a surface to collect and discharge heat makes sense and though we haven’t come across any research papers or design methodologies to study – it is an approach that would have benefits determined by similar design considerations of roof mounted collectors, i.e.: location, orientation, collector performance, etc. We'll see more of these creative solutions as industry begins the massive task of bringing the inventory of inefficient structures into the modern world high performance buildings.

Photo credit: Dawn Solar's Combined Heat and Power System: Dawn Solar Thermal System with PV tiles during construction.

High Performing Buildings

The first issue of High Performing Buildings published by ASHRAE.

HPB is unique in that it focuses on buildings that not only aim to meet sustainability objectives but that actually achieve them. Case studies include measured performance and lessons learned. All of this is developed through the support of leading practitioners in sustainability.

For more information about High Performing Buildings, visit www.HPBmagazine.org

RBc:  Great magazine and readers will find radiant heating and cooling in several of the noted projects.

Visit HER HOME today.

“Set aside for a moment comfort, versatility and efficiency. If you suffer from allergies, that may be all the reason you need to consider radiant heat! Indoor air quality is improved because dust and allergens aren’t circulating through the ductwork and the registers, as with forced air heating. Households with radiant floor heating host 50 to 80 percent fewer dust mites, according to the Association for Applied and Experimental Research of Allergies. That means you can be more comfortable in your new home, pay less and breathe free in the bargain!” Excerpt from Heat for the Feet, HER HOME magazine.

RBc: I’ve been following Linda Reimer and HER HOME magazine for several years and it has become one of my top recommended sites. Linda, president of Design Basics Inc., recognized a need to publish a magazine for women in the dreaming or planning stage of building a new home or remodeling their present home. Why? Because research shows 80% of homebuilding and remodeling decisions are made by women, and she was amazed there wasn't a single women's magazine on the newsstand at the time with this focus. More than that, she and her friends Susan Conbere and Kate Fried understand the diversity and dynamics in the word comfort and have done a marvelous job presenting the benifts of radiant heating in Heat for the Feet.  I would suggest you spend some time over there where you can read the article and a lot more. Visit HER HOME

Pennsylvania Library A Must Read

"Reduction of air infiltration through the use of concrete walls and insulated windows will significantly reduce operating costs and enhance indoor air quality and maximize natural daylighting. Low-E double-glazing; energy efficient mechanical systems, including radiant floor heating and operable windows; and the possible use of a geothermal heating system will also contribute to a LEED rating." Excerpt from Frederic Schwartz Selected to Design Pennsylvania Library Openness and connection to nature, as well as historic relevance, were important factors for the design jury. by Meaghan O'Neill Interior Design · March 15, 2007 Read more about this radiant heated library.

RBc: As an avid fan of higher learning this project is top notch in my books.

Origins of Ondol

“Gudeul refers to an under-ground heating system, or to the floor or room that is heated by the system. Folklore expert Son Jin-tae presumes that “gudeul” originates from “guun dol,” or “baked stones.” “Ondol,” or warm stone, was created by a combination of Chinese characters to describe “gudeul” before hangul was invented.” Excerpt from A warmer backside for Asia by You Sang-chul, Asia news editor at the JoongAng Ilbo., Copyright by Joins.com, Inc.  Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization, All Rights Reserved 

RBc; History shows the Koreans using this style of heating over 23 centuries ago. As noted by Wendy Croix, Interior Design School Review Columnist on a Business Week interview with Korean design professor Lee Kun Pyo, the, “Traditional Korean homes, even the poorest, have heated flooring--the “ondol gudeul” --an interior feature Western designers now think of as a luxury for upscale homes.”

This is another example of us North American’s taking the most basic stuff - make it expensive and tag it as a luxury item…it just doesn’t have to be this way.

Discuss this topic at our online forum.

Tonights Webinar On Radiant Cooling and Heating

Tonight Only, 8:00 P.M. EST, March 07th, 2007 One Hour Live Webinar on Radiant Cooling and Heating - Register Here.

Common Ground

I want our readers to meet John Vastyan, whom I've known for several years. John specializes in marketing communications and business-to-business PR, serving the radiant heat, hydronic, geothermal, plumbing & mechanical, HVAC and broad construction markets. His website has a wealth of information in the articles he's published. John has also worked with our current Carlson Holohan Industry Award of Excellence Winner, Mr. Dave Yates.  Spend some time there, you'll be glad you did.  Visit Common Ground

Reminders

Notices for Students and Site Visitors
1) Register Now for Snow Melting Webinar, Tues, Dec 12
2) View the 2006 Year End Review, All the Most Popular Stuff

Weil-McLain Canada makes donation.

We could never bring to our visitors the great content at the healthyheating.com website and blog nor provide the online support at the forum without the help from private and public donors and sponsors.

Weil-Mclain Canada heard what we were doing in education and training for indoor environmental quality and stepped up to help us out.  Because of their recent donation we'll be adding more outstanding scientific images on IAQ + ICQ = IEQ from various libraries

For those that study the site, the "Total Comfort System" shown below includes the Weil McLain Ultra wall mount condensing boiler.

Please consider donating by downloading anyone of the guides or schematics. All funds go towards building and maintaining this site.

So there ya have it....

"From the Inside Out, which contains case studies of schools and children’s centres that have participated. One of the shining examples in the booklet is the Jubilee Sure Start Centre in Tulse Hill, London. Out of their consultation with the children and staff came a building designed with underfloor heating and toilets that are colourful and spacious enough for adults." Excerpt from Pupils drawn to grand designs, SCHOOLS should involve children. Obvious, isn’t it? Not so obvious when it comes to building design though, according to School Works, an education advisory body.  Copyright 2006 Times Newspapers Ltd.

RBc: So there ya have it...when it comes to having a roof over your head - involve your kids...maybe you'll end up enjoying comfort only these school kids appreciate!