Optimization of GELCLAD VETURE kit' thermal performance.

Abstract

The GELCLAD project intends to develop a versatile, easy to install, eco-friendly and highly performing external wall prefabricated insulation solution based in the VETURE kit concept. The insulating material of the GELCLAD kit is a nano-silica aerogel targeted to reach very low design thermal conductivity (.) values and able to be co-extruded with the kit’s skin (eco-WPC extruded profiles)[1]. In order to evaluate the GELCLAD kit thermal performance, computer simulations have been performed using three-dimensional steady-state and transient heat transfer programs (HEAT 3). This paper shows how alternative fixation solutions can influence the thermal performance of the GELCLAD kit and evaluate the influence of thermal insulation thickness on its thermal performance, for the different climatic conditions of the project partners (Portugal, Spain, Germany, United Kingdom and Slovenia).