1999 Volume 24 Issue 74 Pages 1-11
The 'thermal control wall' heat exchanger, functions as a skin wall as well as a means to vary the exterior wall thermal resistance of a building. The 'thermal control wall' consists of an interior panel, structural wall, an exterior panel and a control valve. The 'thermal control wall' can thus save energy for air-conditioning. This paper describes an evaluation of the 'thermal control wall' through simulation and outdoor test results. One type of 'thermal control wall' which has it's exterior panel installed higher than it's interior panel, has higher thermal conductivity than other types. The performance of the 'thermal control wall' is influenced by solar radiation, wind velocity, and temperature differences. This performance can be calculated using the 'thermal control wall' specifications and weather data.