Impact of Hygrothermal Properties of Materials on the Energy Efficiency of Ventilation Units
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52825/isec.v2i.3353Keywords:
Hygrothermal Simulation, Moisture Buffering, Energy Efficiency, Humidity RegulationAbstract
The paper investigates the impact of the hygrothermal properties of building materials on the energy consumption of ventilation systems for summer humidity regulation in office spaces. Using EnergyPlus simulations, the study compares timber, reinforced concrete, and brick constructions under identical boundary conditions to ensure comparability, focusing on their hygroscopic properties and ability to buffer indoor humidity. Results show that timber construction reduces energy consumption by approximately 3 % compared to reinforced concrete, which has lower moisture absorption. The findings emphasize the potential of hygroscopic materials to passively regulate humidity, reducing the load on ventilation systems and enhancing energy efficiency. The study highlights the relevance of material selection in sustainable building design and higher humidity buffering materials could reveal even greater energy-saving potential. These insights contribute to the development of energy-efficient and climate-friendly construction practices and therefore help use resources more efficiently.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Laurin Blum, David Sengl, Benedikt Göhmann, Maximilian Gruber
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