The project of research "Characterization, construction and analysis of an active façade module with Peltier cells", carried out by professors of the School of Architecturegoal is to design, build and analyze the energy performance of an active ventilated façade incorporating a thermoelectric air-conditioning system. This project has as its main researcher professor José Antonio Sacristán, and has a team formed by professors César Martín Gómez, Marina Vidaurre and María Ibáñez . The research is also the subject of María Ibáñez's doctoral thesis . 

To achieve the goal, throughout this year, the module is being monitored to assess its operation and response capacity in real situations, thus evaluating the possible energy savings and analyzing the feasibility of its commercialization and incorporation in new buildings or its use for building renovation.

To this end, a module of essay (which simulates a room) has been built, equipped with a prototype of the innovative facade (with air flow control) and thermoelectrically air-conditioned to monitor its behavior and assess its response to real conditions. At the same time, a second identical module has been built, but equipped with conventional ventilated façade and air conditioning systems. Both modules are monitored using the method of comparing both solutions with a minimum of variables and reaching objective conclusions. During this time, the economic and energy costs and benefits will be evaluated, and the feasibility of their application in new or existing buildings will be studied.

Climate control by Peltier cells

The Peltier cell air conditioning system consists of a heat pump (heating and cooling with the same installation) designed to be incorporated into a facade. It allows an individualized control of the indoor conditions, with a minimum occupied surface, without the presence of pipes, ducts, liquids or fumes and with total absence of maintenance. Peltier cells are thermoelectric devices capable of conducting heat between two separate media by applying a direct electric current. They are used in refrigerators for the transport of organs, satellites or submarines.

The project proposes to take advantage of the air conditions of the chamber of one of the facades to carry out heat exchanges between the chamber and the interior of the room, as appropriate, from agreement with the outside climatic conditions. In the facade where this innovative air conditioning system is incorporated, there are also a series of mechanisms that allow the control of the air flow inside the chamber.

This initiative is supported by partnership of the University of Navarra and the companies Teczone, Rockwool, Jacar Montajes S.L., Aislamientos San Fermín, Trox, Balat, Metaldeco S.L., Berotza and PIDECO.