Jaroslav Jerz

Abstract:

The recent development of sustainable products with extremely high added value obtained using knowledge acquired by materials science indicates the need of using new science-based approaches to achieve appropriate values of all factors influencing product sustainability. Nowadays, the main objective of scientists in an effort to reduce the environmental impact is to increase the research potential focused on new, environmentally acceptable renewable energy sources. The complete reorientation of future research activities towards improving properties of highly advanced engineering materials for the efficient use of renewable energy is thus foreseen. Novel heating/cooling panels made from aluminium foam have been developed by the Institute of Materials & Machine Mechanics (IMSAS). The panels were successfully tested in pilot application in 260 m2 open space office room. The low heat capacity of aluminium foam allows changing the temperature very quickly, whereas the temperature of the entire foam volume is always very uniform due to excellent thermal conductance of aluminium cell walls. The heat is transferred into or from the foam using foamed-in tubes, which are completely embedded in the foam, keeping excellent contact to cell wall aluminium. The developed panels provide an excellent alternative for large built-in ceiling radiators for efficient heating or cooling of rooms using low potential energy resources. The testing "Smat Grid" laboratory oriented to study effective management of production and consumption of renewable energy equipped with 29 kW photovoltaic power station, concentrated thermo-solar panels, heat pumps for conversion of geothermal energy from four 100 m deep drill holes, heat storage vessels and advanced control units has been launched recently in the experimental hall of IMSAS in Bratislava. The potential use of "Smat Grid" for testing of advanced materials for photovoltaic systems as well as testing of materials used in a new type of thermo-magnetic engine in order to verify opportunities of new method for conversion of low-potential heat into mechanical and then to electrical energy in a temperature range of 30-50°C will be presented in this contribution.