Dynamic insulation and natural ventilation: Feasibility study

Dynamic insulation refers to the use of porous insulation material through which ventilation air enters a building, thereby reducing the conductive heat loss through the material to very low levels. The technical success of dynamic insulation relies on maintaining the required flow direction through the material. This is normally achieved by means of an electrically driven mechanical ventilation system. The energy consumption of the electric system must be offset against the saving from the dynamic insulation, with the result that dynamic insulation becomes much less attractive. This paper describes a theoretical study of the technical feasibility of using dynamic insulation with natural ventilation alone. It also considers the novel use of wind-driven mechanical ventilation to extend the range of application of dynamic insulation while retaining a 'natural' system. The results of the study are promising. They indicate that dynamic insulation and natural ventilation are compatible and that there is a strong synergy between dynamic insulation and wind energy. This could lead to significant reductions in the energy consumption of buildings.