Smart Materials for Energy-Efficient Heating, Cooling and IAQ Control in Residential Buildings

Overview

This project is developing energy-efficient heating, cooling and air purification strategies by using novel smart materials, especially advanced sorbents, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their related composites, through cross-disciplinary international collaboration. It is gathering existing scientific knowledge and data on novel sorbent materials for cooling / dehumidification, pollutant removal, heating and energy storage. It is studying current and innovative use of these materials in air-conditioning, air purification, and thermal storage systems. Further, it is also identifying and bridging knowledge gaps by establishing links between different disciplines. In the project, experts from building science, materials chemistry, mechanical engineering, material sciences, and environmental health are working together with other stakeholders to accelerate the development of better and more energy-efficient heating, cooling, and indoor air quality (IAQ) control systems by using advanced materials.