Sustainicum Collection

This building block builds on the group of building blocks on energy. Students are expected know the basic terms concerning energy and the interrelations of environmental issues (see the introductory building block "The Energy Problem").

The building block "Thermal Energy" seeks to establish a basic understanding of heat energy and heat losses. It is important to understand that the form of energy 'heat' deals with comparatively large amounts of energy and that a decrease in heat losses is therefore very efficient. In fact, the main form of energy consumed by the two sectors, small consumers and industry, is thermal energy. Ways in which heat losses can be drastically reduced using simple methods is discussed in chapter "Thermal Insulation of Buildings". This building block also consists of an interactive part where students measure thermography and heat losses in order to analyze the thermal performance of buildings. Students should detect deficiencies and recognize possibilities for improvement.

Table of contents

• Demand for thermal energy
• Heat losses of buildings
• Insulation, breathing walls
• Thermal analytical methods - thermography
• Thermal analytical methods - heat flow measurement

Application

1. Introductory presentation on thermal energy losses - presentation and notes are provided (time required: about 2 hours).
2. Interactive information on how to use the thermography camera (time required: about 1 hour). 
3. Interactive presentation on heat flow measurement (time required: about 0.5 hours)
4. Optional: an evening excursion with a thermography camera can be organized (e.g. analysis of institute buildings).

Instructions for the presentation and experiments are provided in the form of notes corresponding the presentation slides. 

Intended effects on students

• Understanding the development of heat losses
• Decreasing heat losses increases efficiency
• Insufficient insulation can easily be recognized and heat losses avoided.

Material, resources

The presentation, including comments and notes, is provided and can be used as a basis for lectures. Each lecturer may focus on different aspects, add information to the presentation or adapt the presentation to his/her specific needs.

For the interactive part, a thermography camera and a heat flow sensor are required.