Background and Aim
The AKT Project 2022-2023 was an undertaking between Liverpool John Moores University and Zenova. The project set out to explore the performance of thermal barrier coatings in a retrofit environment with the specific aim of evaluating the performance of Zenova IP for use in retrofit applications.
Testing
Methodology:
- Collect and compare pre and post installation data for – surface and ambient temperatures, humidity, U-value and air quality.
- Install Thermal material coating in 1920’s exemplar house.
- Evaluate any change in energy performance of the room.
- U-Value, thermal imaging.
- Apply Zenova thermal coating.
- Record post installation performance.
- Compare Findings and Run the digital twin simulation to estimate the impact using IES Virtual Environment and EDSL TAS software Summary of the Results 1.
Results
The trial successfully demonstrated that applying just 1mm of Zenova IP provided the following improvements:
The Field results:
- 1920 semi-detached two-story home with brick and plasterboard construction has the existing U-value of 3.37W/(m²K).
- 1mm of Zenova IP painted on walls and ceiling internally.
- Average U-value test for post-refurbishment: 2.1022 W/(m²K).
- The improvement is 1.2678 W/(m²K).
The Digital Twin results:
- Zenova IP has the advantage of the thickness factor against other insulation materials.
- The thermal conductivity value of 0061 W/(m. K).
- The U-value reduction by 09%.
- Heating energy consumption reduction by 85%.
- Building CO2 carbon reduction by 15%.
- Energy Performance Asset Rating improvement from E to D.
- SAP Score improvement of 24 points from the pre-refurbishment score of 121 to 97.
Liverpool John Moores University Dr Monower Sadique stated, "This was a very exciting project for myself and a team of five colleagues to work on, with the Zenova team. It is very rewarding when positive results from innovation come through to fruition and can make a difference in the world. A very impressive product with a very bright future."