Thermal storage options for new dwellings achieving 100% zero carbon targets

through the use of fully sealed envelopes.

Fully sealing the building envelope to eliminate waste heat and thus to maximise
energy efficiency is a common technique in new houses built to meet the UK
government's '100% zero carbon by 2016' targets. However, this results in an
increased need to provide cooling options, particularly in the warmer southern regions
of the UK. This dissertation explores thermal storage and cooling strategies for
construction, with a particular emphasis on solar cooling. Such cooling can be
achieved by photovoltaic-based electrical cooling systems and thermal collection. The
project tests several installations in Cornwall and determines the optimal format for
such installations, and makes recommendations for future applications of this
technology.