Biomimetic actuator toward intelligent shading applications
The Paris Agreement made lowering carbon dioxide emissions a key objective for improving the environment. The European Union uses 50% of its annual energy to heat and cool buildings. Adaptive facades are a possible solution for increasing the energy efficiency of buildings. The existing adaptative facades, however, are technically complex and need an external energy supply.
The Chemistry & Physics of Interfaces (CPI) group, chaired by Pr. Rühe, develops material evolving upon a trigger (magnetic field, humidity or UV light) called actuators. Dr. Carmen Eger developed hygroscopic materials during her Ph.D. that bend upon humidity change inspired by the pinecone. The actuator comprises a PET panel covered with a hygroscopic poly-N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (PDMAA) layer. The bending in the function of the atmospheric humidity will benefit the production of shading systems without energy input.
This work aimed to develop this actuator as an executive component in an energy-efficient adaptive façade. The project is separated in five different parts. The model investigates the possibility of predicting the actuator's mechanical behavior by measuring the hydrogel and passive layer Young's Modulus. The second part evaluates various processing to engineer the hydrogel layer to get the most efficient system. The hygromorphic polymer properties are at the heart of the research. The fourth part studies new features to implement on the actuator (Porous hydrophobic layer, electric trigger, etc.). Lastly, a demonstrator is constructed to prove the actuator’s function in a smart façade application.
Background: The Paris Agreement made lowering carbon dioxide emissions a key objective for improving the environment. The European Union uses 50% of its annual energy to heat and cool buildings. Adaptive facades are a possible solution for increasing the energy efficiency of buildings. The existing adaptive facades, however, are technically complex and need an external energy supply
The Chemistry & Physics of Interfaces (CPI) group, chaired by Professor Dr. Rühe, develops material evolving upon a trigger (magnetic field, humidity or UV light) called actuators. Dr. Carmen Eger developed hygroscopic materials during her Ph.D. that bend upon humidity change inspired by the pinecone. The actuator comprises a PET panel covered with a hygroscopic poly-N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (PDMAA) layer. The bending in the function of the atmospheric humidity will benefit the production of shading systems without energy input.
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