AMBER Research

Modeling Phase Change Materials in the Building Envelope

In this project, we analyze several approaches to introduce phase change materials (PCM) in the building envelope and propose and validate thermal modeling approaches to simplify three-dimensional heat transfer processes into one-dimensional. This project uses a combination of BEopt for optimization study, MATLAB for model development, and Dr. Tabares’ environmental chamber to test four different walls. We also propose 1D wall panels to focus on PCM modeling.

All Research Projects

Building- and Community-Scale Energy Modeling and Optimization

Modeling Phase Change Materials in the Building Envelope
Campus energy simulation framework for optimal district energy operation
Renewable energy feasibility study at Fort Berthold Indian Reservation

Building Envelopes

Characterizing and quantifying environmental and economic benefits of cross laminated timber buildings across the U.S.
Energy and hygrothermal analysis of CLT buildings in North America

Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality

Internet of robotic things for occupant sensing and building heating/cooling energy use optimization

Thermal Energy Storage

Sizing Batteries for Integration with Net-Zero Energy Residential Buildings
Modeling and optimization of HVAC thermal storage in commercial buildings
Modeling of behind the meter energy storage
Potential Cost Savings for Energy Storage