The design and the evaluation of a prototype of responsive wall system

A design proposal for an experimental energy responsive dry wall system is presented, including innovative materials, like phase change materials and high insulated materials, based on a dry wooden modular constructive system, with easy assembly and energy flow performances. The wall system is designed to be arranged for several different climate conditions, permitting to modify the internal sequence of layers in relation to different thermal performances requirements, coupling high thermal capacity, producible with low cost, easily constructable or removable and manageable with custom external finishes. The virtual prototype is a modular wall panel, realized with modular components too which provide the wall shape without other vertical structural elements. The wall panel is composed by a plywood timber frame, subdivided into two main layer, realized by vertical and horizontal wood elements and interior and external wood panels. Into the frame there are wood wool insulation, a vapour barrier sheet in polyethylene, PCM and VIP insulation. An air gap is designed to arrange the energy performances providing, if necessary, for a ventilated façade or increasing insulation material thickness. Energy simulations and analysis, made to evaluate hygrothermal performances in relation to the different configurations, provide dynamic and stationary thermal behaviours highlighting great thermal performances.