ETH tests building materials with artificial sun
In einem neuen Labor der Eidgenössischen Technischen Hochschule (ETH) können Forschende Gebäudematerialien unter verschiedenen klimatischen Bedingungen erproben. Dazu wurde das Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab mit einer künstlichen Sonne ausgestattet.
ETH Zurich now has a laboratory in which researchers can test building systems, components and materials under various climatic conditions. The centrepiece of the Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab is an artificial sun, ETH explains in a press release. It consists of a swivelling arm with hundreds of powerful light-emitting diodes and can simulate the path of the sun at different locations around the world.
In addition, the outer walls, ceilings and floors of the laboratory’s three research cells can be replaced with prototypes to be tested. Among other things, a semi-transparent façade made of printed polymer is currently being trialled, which is designed to shield or transmit sunlight depending on the angle of incidence. It was developed by a group of researchers led by Arno Schlüter. The ETH Professor of Architecture and Building Systems also initiated the Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab.
“If you want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, materials, building technology and the behaviour of the occupants all play a role,” Schlüter is quoted as saying in the press release. “In the Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab, we can research the interplay of these factors.” The new lab will also be open to external researchers and industry partners.