Subtask A. Material preparation and characterization

This subtask is devoted to the synthesis, shaping, and characterization of novel smart materials, such as MOFs and hydrogels, and their related composites.

The objectives of Subtask A are:

• To review, analyze and evaluate novel sorbent materials suitable for energy-efficient cooling, dehumidification, air purification (VOCs), and heat energy storage. Selection criteria will be set up for different applications.
• To develop novel materials or further improve the performance of the selected materials for specific applications in different climates.
• To develop a database/dataset of the selected materials with detailed property characterization.
• To develop suitable shaping methods of the best sorbents to adapt to the criteria of the different applications.

Activities:

• A1.1 Materials preparation and properties
  This will consist of (i) a selection of the best MOFs in terms of performance, stability, and cost efficiency, (ii) their scale-up and shaping to meet the requirements of each application and (iii) an evaluation of their performance in small-scale, realistic, in situ or operando conditions assessing also their stability.
• A1.2 Modelling
  The behavior of the selected materials from A1.1 will be analyzed computationally at different scales(microscopic to macroscopic) while their process modeling conditions will be established.
• A1.3 Integration and testing into energy-efficient building environment control systems.
  The most optimally shaped materials from stages A1.1 and A1.2 will be integrated into laboratory scale prototypes to be evaluated in real-life conditions. This includes the aging of the materials under use as well as their final performance evaluation.

Deliverables:

• D1.1 Technical report on the application of MOFs for energy-efficient built environment control.
• D1.2 Publications in high-level scientific journals on material preparation and characterization.
• D1.3 Tools for the selection of MOFs and properties related to energy-efficient built environment control.

Stakeholders involved:

Materials manufacturers; Scientific researchers (MOFs, adsorption, energy, IAQ, etc.); Building owners, end-users.

Subtask B. Applications: cooling and dehumidification

This subtask will be dedicated to the applications of selected smart materials in novel sorption cooling and dehumidification systems.

The objectives of Subtask B are:

• To review, analyze, and evaluate the existing novel sorption cooling and dehumidification technologies, other than conventional vapor compression refrigeration.
• To identify or further develop innovative cooling and dehumidification technologies using new materials (such as MOFs and hydrogels), and their related composites.
• To carry out laboratory tests to measure the performance of the new solid-state cooling and dehumidification systems; numerical modeling and optimization will also be conducted.
• To develop a guideline regarding design and control strategies for novel sorption cooling and dehumidification systems using novel sorbent materials.
• To identify and investigate relevant case studies where the above-mentioned performances can be examined and optimized.

Activities:

• A2.1 literature review on existing novel sorption cooling and dehumidification technologies
  This activity includes a critical review of existing solid-state cooling and solid desiccant dehumidification systems. The sorption performance at the material level and the system level will be evaluated and compared with novel sorbents proposed in Subtask A. 
• A2.2 Experimental characterization of sorptive-separation devices to quantify novel materials’ water-vapor sorption performance.
  This will consist of (i) design and fabrication of sorptive-separation devices using the novel materials developed in Subtask A, (ii) testing and characterization of the cooling/heating and dehumidification performance of the new sorption devices in the lab.
• A2.3 HVAC-system modeling to address material’s system-level performance.
  Numerical modeling of the novel solid-state cooling and dehumidification devices developed in A2.2 will be carried out to evaluate their performance at an HVAC system level. The impact of different outdoor climates (e.g., hot and humid climate, hot and dry climate, and temperate climate, etc.) will also be investigated.

Deliverables:

• D2.1 Technical report on novel solid-state sorption cooling and dehumidification technologies using advanced sorbents.
• D2.2 Scientific publications about the experimental test of the sorption performance of the novel cooling and dehumidification devices
• D2.3 Numerical models for estimating the energy-saving potential of the developed cooling and dehumidification devices using novel materials.
• D2.4 Case study of novel solid-state sorption heating/cooling technologies in different climates.

Stakeholders involved:

HVAC manufacturers; Materials manufacturers; Building service system designers and engineers; Scientific researchers (MOFs, adsorption, energy, IAQ, etc.); Building owners and end-users. 

Subtask C. Applications: Air purification and ventilation 

This subtask identifies opportunities to integrate novel smart materials into building systems (e.g., air purification and ventilation systems, etc.) to manage indoor air quality. Passive application of smart materials in building components (e.g., active paint, wallboards, and textiles coated with advanced sorbents) will also be studied. The objectives of Subtask C are: 

• To review, analyze, and evaluate the existing novel IAQ and ventilation technologies using smart materials.
• To identify or further develop innovative IAQ control and ventilation systems using new materials (such as MOFs and hydrogels), and their related composites.
• To carry out laboratory tests to measure the performance of the new IAQ control and ventilation systems; numerical modeling and optimization will also be conducted.
• To develop guidelines regarding design and control strategies for novel IAQ control and ventilation systems by using novel materials.
• To identify and investigate relevant case studies where the above-mentioned performances can be examined and optimized.

Activities:

• A3.1 Characterization of novel materials’ performance for VOCs sorption and filtration 
  Literature survey and laboratory testing to gather relevant data and existing knowledge about properties for transport, adsorption, and retention of chemical substances (e.g., VOCs) and filtration of PMs by new materials. The synergistic effect of VOC, moisture and PM on the removal performance of the new materials/technologies will be studied.
• A3.2 Review, investigate and develop approaches, equipment, devices and systems in which the novel materials can potentially be applied for air purification and IAQ improvement, either independently or in combination with other technologies such as filtration technology for PMs.
• A3.3 Modelling of the performance under typical residential conditions 
  Numerical model setup and laboratory tests to analyze the performance of the new material-based technologies for IAQ control in residential buildings. The behavior of the materials over time as used in the air purification system under different climates will be analyzed and corresponding control strategies for IAQ management will be developed.
• A3.4 Assessing energy-saving and exposure reduction potential through modeling and case studies 
  Numerical simulations to study the energy-saving and exposure reduction potential of the new smart materials-based air purification technology in residential buildings under different climatic conditions. Experimental study of the energy-saving potential and exposure reduction potential of the new functional materials in residential buildings. Modeling study of the energy-saving potential and exposure reduction potential of the new functional materials in residential buildings under different climates. Case studies will be undertaken to collect data to demonstrate the potential of the new material-based air purification technologies for improving IAQ and saving energy.

Deliverables:

• D3.1 Technical report of sorption and transport properties of the smart materials developed in Subtask A for IAQ control.
• D3.2 Numerical models for estimating the energy-saving and exposure reduction potential of the new materials-based air purification technology under realistic environmental conditions. The data and models will be published in scientific journal articles and a project report.
• D3.3 A guideline regarding design and control strategies for novel IAQ control and ventilation systems by using novel materials.
• D3.4 Scientific publications about the experimental test of novel materials-based air purification technology’s performance

Stakeholders involved:

Air cleaner and HVAC manufacturers; Materials manufacturers; Building service system designers and engineers; Scientific researchers (MOFs, adsorption, energy, IAQ, etc.); Building owners, endusers; Standardization bodies.

Subtask D. Applications: Heating and energy storage

This subtask will focus on the applications of novel sorbent materials in heating and thermal energy storage.

The objectives of Subtask D are:

• To review, analyze, and evaluate the existing novel heating and energy storage technologies by using
• novel smart materials.
• To identify or further develop innovative heating and energy storage using new materials (MOFs and hydrogels) and their related composites.
• To evaluate the performance of the new heating and energy storage system; numerical modeling and optimization will also be conducted.
• To identify potential applications of new heating and thermal energy storage technologies.
• To develop recommendations regarding design and control strategies for novel heating and thermal energy storage by using novel sorbent materials.
• To identify and investigate relevant case studies where the above-mentioned performances can be examined and optimized.

Activities:

• A4.1 Literature review and market review
  Comprehensive literature and market reviews will be carried out with a focus on novel heat energy storage materials. The literature review will provide a comprehensive overview of new smart materials for heat storage, including but not limited to material mechanical and physical properties, container types, applications, heat transfer techniques, environmental impact, system integrations, and benefits and weaknesses. The market review will provide insights on the state-of-the-art product types and applications in the heat storage market, as well as, market size and growth, the technological trend, the drivers, barriers, and the opportunities of the market.
• A4.2 Material characterization and improvement for heating and thermal energy storage 
  Based on the literature and market review, novel materials with a high potential for heat storage (such as MOFs and hydrogels) will be identified and selected for further investigations. The properties of the selected materials will be carefully characterized for targeted heating and thermal storage applications. Certain material properties will be strengthened and enhanced for improved heat storage efficiencies.
• A4.3 Development and performance evaluations of heat storage modules
  Heat storage modules using novel materials will be designed and investigated. The performance of the heat storage will be analyzed, focusing on heat transfer characters, heat storage efficiency, economics, etc.
• A4.4 Identification of potentials and application scenarios
  Simplified heat storage models will be developed. The heat storage model should be so accurate that the heat storage performance can be satisfactorily predicted, but the computation should be so fast that the model can be implemented in a long-term simulation model of the entire system. Simulations using the system models will elucidate potentials and application scenarios for the selected heat storage technologies.
• A4.5 Recommendations
  Application cases will be collected and evaluated. Recommendations regarding heating and thermal energy storage design and control strategies will be given based on experiences and new knowledge gained from the investigations.

Deliverables:

• D4.1 Literature and market review of novel heat storage materials
• D4.2 List of selected materials inclusive properties characterization and improvement
• D4.3 Report on potentials and application scenarios for selected materials
• D4.4 Collection of case studies and recommendations

Stakeholders involved:

HVAC companies; Companies that can produce the heat storage materials; Consulting companies; Researchers/scientists.

Subtask E. Dissemination, management and interaction

The final subtask assures the close alignment of the activities within the annex and the collaborations with
other annexes and TCPs within IEA. This subtask includes the outreach of the annex, such as managing the
dedicated section of the IEA EBC website and organizing international workshops and symposiums on specific
topics. It uses different platforms that IEA provides to interact with the broader target audience. This task will
also ensure the continuation of the connection with (the results from) other ongoing and completed annexes,
especially annexes 68 and 86.

Activities:

• A5.1 Dissemination of the reports and results of the subtasks as TechNotes, Webinars or Information Papers (depending on the subject)
• A5.2 Regular updates on the progress through the newsletters and social media activities
• A5.3 Organization of international workshops and symposiums
• A5.4 Liaison with other annexes and TCPs within IEA

Deliverables:

• D5.1 Website
• D5.2 Newsletter items
• D5.3 International workshops and symposium