Work

Development and energy savings analysis of active thermal switches with thermal storage for dynamic building envelopes in residential buildings

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents the design, experimental evaluation, and energy savings potential of an active thermal switch technology for building envelopes, enabling variable thermal resistance. The switch incorporates a low-power motor and a Raspberry Pi-based control for programmable switching, real-time monitoring, and fault detection. The effective thermal conductivity of a switch inserted into a 10 in × 10 in (0.064 m 2 ) insulation is measured to ∼0.046 W/m-K in the OFF state and 0.258–0.316 W/m-K in the ON state. Cyclability tests over 225 thermal cycles show no performance degradation. Outdoor tests using scaled-down models demonstrate improved performance of wall-integrated phase change materials (PCMs). Building energy simulations on single-family residential homes across various US cities' climates indicate that integrating these switches with PCM-based thermal storage can reduce annual heating and cooling energy use by up to 1,090 kWh and energy costs by up to $286, with average savings of 738 kWh (24%) and $130 (24%), respectively.

Source: Cell Reports Sustainability

DOI: 10.1016/j.crsus.2026.100817

Authors: Zhiying Xiao, Sajith Wijesuriya, Ravi Anant Kishore, Tim J. LaClair, Chuck Booten

Institution: National Laboratory of the Rockies

Language: English

Topic: Phase Change Materials Research

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,730