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Improving insulation capabilities at Gabriel de Castilla Station for a better energy-efficiency , 2020

Author: Lt. Mario Garzón Juan; (REI-11) Spanish Army

SummaryProper identification and evaluation of design parameters of living zones, such assupporting alternative or renewable energies, will contribute to more energy efficient

bases, with obvious economic savings, but more importantly will guarantee less

environmental impact in the area. In addition to greater environmental security due tothe reduction of the logistics C footprint and the spillage risks.

This study aims to carry out an analysis of the optimal parameters to comply with theNZEB (nearly zero energy building) concept.

The object of the study focuses on three sections:

• Current status of the insulation of the Spanish Antarctic Base "Gabriel de Castilla"

and the influence of thermal bridges on energy behavior.

• Thermal transmission coefficients of the infrastructure.

• Influence of the thermal behavior of the infrastructures on the soil of the “Gabriel

de Castilla” Base.

The aim of the study is to propose improvement to reduce energy consumption by upto 85%, and increase environmental comfort with a supply of renewable energies.

Preliminary studies

Methodology

Problems detected by De Pablo, M.A. (Study of the active layer in relation to

the BDdC main module, 2015) and by Rodriguez Soria, B. [CUD] (Monitoring

and Characterization of the BgdC, 2019):

• Lack of good temperature control in air conditioners.

• Analysis of the Electric Network.

• Stuffiness.

• Large vertical gradients.

• Air infiltrations.

• Insulation in poor condition.

Status of the insulation and thermal bridge

Goals:

1. Detect the lack of insulation continuity throughout the walls.

2. Determine the different existing thermal bridges. For this, the thermal imager andthe thermal transmission coefficient meter have been used.

Development:

1. Thermographic image and temperature analysis.

2. Any element that gave 1ºC of the same material was considered a thermal bridge.

Results:

Thermal transmission coefficientsGoals:

1. Know and compare the quality value of wall insulation.

Development:

1. Measurements have been made on different days so that the result is lessinfluenced by other parameters.

2. It is observed that the values are at least 0.30 W / m2K with respect to the Spanishregulations and at least 0.75 with respect to the Passive House parameters.

Influence on the soil BGdC

Conclusions• There is a relationship between the year of construction and the condition of

the insulation and thermal bridges.

• As a general rule, the greatest loss occurs at the joint of panels.

• The window placed in Campaign XXXII located in the life module stands out

positively, having lower losses than even the walls themselves.

• There is deterioration in the insulation, mainly in the central area of some

panels.

• Having well-insulated and well-ventilated buildings reduces the influence on

permafrost

Goals:

1. Know the influence of infrastructure on the ground by means of temperaturesensors.

2. Reduce the influence on permafrost.

Development:

1. Buildings have been ventilated to observe the consequences.

2. Analysis of thermographic images and temperature sensors

Proposed solutions:

• Increased insulation of buildings

• Improved sealing of the joints.

• Replace the air conditioning system

with controlled mechanical

ventilation with enthalpic heat

recovery.

• Produce heating and hot water with

a single integrated aerothermal

system.

• Global transmittance data of the enclosures

by measurements made with Testo 635.

• Thermal bridges and the influence of external

heat transmission have been obtained with a

thermal imager.

•

Data logger has been used to obtain energy

losses and influence on the ground.

The 19th COMNAP Symposium "Antarctic Station Modernization"