1. Dynamic Insulation Systems

This chapter overviews the latest reported analysis results of dynamic insulation materials allowing building envelope to vary its thermal resistance properties. In particular, the chapter presents a summary of the results obtained from a set of analyses to evaluate the potential energy savings associated with replacing traditional, static insulation with dynamic insulation materials (DIMs) for both residential and commercial buildings. In order to determine the effectiveness of DIMs to reduce heating and cooling energy use, two different control schemes are investigated including simplified 2-step control with low-high insulation settings and optimal control strategy based on genetic algorithm (GA) search technique. It is generally found that the performance of DIMs varied significantly by climate, with total heating and cooling energy use savings that can reach up to 40% especially in locations with mild weather conditions.