Climate protection systems

Sub-structure systems for sustainable climate protection

When it comes to modernising existing buildings, every project starts with a decision: demolition and new build or refurbishment with added value. How energy-efficient is the building today and how could it contribute to energy generation in the future?
The German government is aiming for a climate-neutral building stock in Germany by 2050. The aim is to completely avoid the emission of climate-damaging greenhouse gases in the building sector.

Facades are the power plants of tomorrow
New building requirements need new solutions. Architects create unique facade constructions with their designs. At the same time, buildings need to become more sustainable. Facades in particular offer great potential for reducing CO₂ emissions. While BIPV facades can actively generate electricity (= electrical energy), solar-thermally activated facades are able to generate heat (= thermal energy).

Both technologies can be integrated into ventilated rainscreen facades and contribute to the sustainability of buildings.
The decision between BIPV and solar-thermally activated facades depends on the specific requirements of the building and the energy efficiency targets.

Building-integrated PhotoVoltaics – BIPV

  • Various fixings possible visible and concealed
    • According to approval
    • According to DIN 18008

Solar-thermally activated facades

  • Energy generation through the use of solar thermal energy
    (e.g. sheet metal facade)
  • Heat recovery via the surface and ambient temperature of the facade, transfer to a storage tank or the utilisation concept of the building services

SYSTEA – Climate protection and design do not exclude each other

Of course, the aesthetic component plays an important role in facade design. BIPV facades are characterised by their diverse design options and thus fulfil both energy-related and aesthetic functions.

Profile system for visible fixing of Building Integrated Photovoltaic-cells (BIPV)

The new UKLA-BIPV profile system distinguishes itself by the fact that the solar-active building elements, such as glass panels, are screwed onto the vertical Aluminium T-support profiles from the outside using coated brackets.

The size of the individual elements depends on different, property-specific factors, but in most cases should not exceed a size of 2,600 x 1,300 mm.

All BIPV elements are fully revisable. The solar-thermally activated facade elements are generally made of 3 mm thick aluminium in facade quality.

Carrier profiles are connected to the wall brackets using screws, bolts or rivets. When doing this, the horizontal sliding points take up horizontal (wind) loads and fixed points take up horizontal and vertical loads (dead loads). Constraint-free assembly is achieved at the sliding points in vertical longitudinal holes. One fixed point is allocated for each support profile.

Profile system for concealed fixing of solar-thermally activated panels

With the help of solar energy activated thermal panels, solar heat energy and the cooling effect of facades can be used to charge up low energy stores. Through this use, heat energy pumps and ground probes can be used much more efficiently, or even for the first time at all. In summertime, the heat energy gain can be used to activate earth and soil as a store for ground probes.

The new UBE ECO system with passive house-certified stainless steel wall brackets enables the discreet installation of photovoltaic modules and solar-thermally activated panels using agraffes. The agraffes are attached to the back of the aluminium sheets using weld-on bolts. A set screw is used to adjust the height of the panels. No fixing points are visible on the visible side. Activated and non-activated elements can be fastened in the same way.

Thanks to this innovative solution, facade surfaces can be used to generate energy, which contributes to sustainable building concepts along with other objectives such as rainwater retention and greening. Green facades, on the other hand, do not contribute to energy generation.

It is not possible to distinguish between activated and not-activated elements in either the UKLA-BIPV System for Building Integrated Photo Voltaics, or with the UBE DUO System.

Functionality of the green facade in the ventilated rainscreen facade

  • Standard substructure
  • Planning of irrigation technology (system technology)
  • Cultivation of the green panels if necessary

Renovation instead of demolition: refurbishment of an office building at DEUTSCHE ROCKWOOL

The ageing existing building was so cleverly upgraded, extended and remodelled that the primary energy requirement of the office building was reduced by over 80% as a result of the refurbishment. The DGNB German Sustainable Building Council awarded the ‘new, old’ building a gold certificate.
SYSTEA wall bracket: stainless steel / profile system: ALWI-S + ALKAPO

Photos © DEUTSCHE ROCKWOOL

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