Example environment dissertation topic 3:

Thermal storage options for new dwellings achieving 100% zero carbon targets through the use of fully sealed envelopes.

Fully sealing the building envelope to eliminate waste heat and thus to maximise energy efficiency is a common technique in new houses built to meet the UK government’s ‘100% zero carbon by 2016’ targets. However, this results in an increased need to provide cooling options, particularly in the warmer southern regions of the UK. This dissertation explores thermal storage and cooling strategies for construction, with a particular emphasis on solar cooling. Such cooling can be achieved by photovoltaic-based electrical cooling systems and thermal collection. The project tests several installations in Cornwall and determines the optimal format for such installations, and makes recommendations for future applications of this technology.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Chidambaram, L.A., Ramana, A.S., Kamaraj, G. and Velraj, A. (2011). ‘Review of solar cooling methods and thermal storage options’, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 15(6), pp. 3220-3228.
• Lowe, R. (2007). ‘Technical options and strategies for decarbonizing UK housing’, Building Research & Information, Vol. 35(4), pp. 412-425.
• Syed, A., Izquierdo, M., Rodriguez, P., Maidment, G., Missenden, J., Lecuona, A. and Tozer, R. (2005). ‘A novel experimental investigation of a solar cooling system in Madrid’, International Journal of Refrigeration, Vol. 28(6), pp. 859-871.