Energetic and hygrothermal analysis of a nano-structured material for rapid-response humidity buffering in closed environments

Three mesoporous silica materials were selected as coatings to provide humidity buffering in retrofitted ‘closed’ environments. The aim was to investigate the resultant indoor climate conditions and energy usage achieved in a representative indoor environment when compared against the traditional building materials spruce and gypsum. Simulation was carried out using the hygrothermal numerical model WUFI Plus v2.1.1.73, and validated against experimental results emerging from a series of physical models that were conducted inside a climatic chamber. Parametric analysis of key variables including ventilation rates, moisture loads and coating surface area using numerical simulation was then undertaken. The MS materials show consistent reduction in fluctuating relative humidity amplitudes for both occupied and unoccupied spaces in daily and annual cycles, providing humidity buffering within ASHRAE comfort limits and a potential reduction in humidification/dehumidification energy demand of up to 100% when compared against a conventional gypsum-lined indoor environment.