Building construction using 3-D printing is becoming more common. The idea is to create consistent structures that can be quickly “printed” reducing costs and improving structural integrity. Much work has been done to ensure the printed walls are structurally sound, but now researchers are working on thermal efficiency now.
A study has been performed on various cross sections commonly used in 3-D printing of walls. Concrete is used as the building material. An environmental chamber provides differing temperatures on each side of the proposed wall. Computer simulations are also performed to predict the heat transfer characteristics.
Cavities in the wall are placed to produce lightweight walls that also have good thermal resistance properties. The study showed that rectangular and large triangular cavities stabilized the temperature distribution across the face. Small triangular cavities produce variations in the temperatures as the heat transfer through the concrete was different than through the air enclosed in the cavities. The work will help future builders not only consider the structural needs for a building, but also to make it energy efficient. – Steve Terry, DTC HVAC & Refrigeration Instructor
