Durable and Dynamic Building Envelopes: Insulation Performance Longevity and Active Thermal Control

Advancing building envelope technologies is essential for improving energy efficiency, reducing peak demand, and enhancing resilience under variable climate conditions. In addition to improving the long-term thermal performance of static foam insulation systems, this work explores innovative approaches to active envelope systems that dynamically manage heat flow. Thermally active envelopes can redistribute energy in response to changing weather and indoor conditions, reducing unwanted heat transfer and improving occupant comfort.

Active building envelopes, such as the Thermally Anisotropic Building Envelope (TABE), have demonstrated the ability to harness naturally available thermal energy through integration with thermal storage devices or geothermal loops. To fully realize these benefits, effective control strategies are required to minimize reliance on conventional HVAC systems and stabilize energy demand. This study implements novel reduced-order modeling and predictive control approaches to optimize the performance of active envelope systems. Field demonstrations and simulations across multiple climates show substantial reductions in heating and cooling energy use, peak electrical loads, and overall operating costs.

Collectively, these advancements illustrate a pathway toward next-generation buildings that combine resilience with intelligent thermal management. The results demonstrate how the adoption of advanced building envelope technologies can enhance both building and grid energy security.