Thermal Activated Building
Thermal activated building (TAB) is basically a simple technology. It has been a standard system for heating and cooling in the commercial sector for many years and is increasingly gaining ground in residential buildings as well. With climate change and the energy transition, the utilization of storage capacity is becoming increasingly interesting.
With "thermal building component activation" (TBA or often also TAB "Thermal Activated Buildings"), pipe systems are inserted into walls or ceilings through which hot or cold water is conducted. The building masses are used to regulate the temperature and replace the classic radiator or air conditioning system.
Thanks to its storage capacity, TCA is predestined for coupling with alternative energy sources and is therefore a sustainable method for the future.
The activated components emit heat over their entire surface or absorb it again - depending on the heating or cooling situation. In contrast to underfloor heating, which is laid in the screed, the pipes are installed on the lower reinforcement level or in the core of concrete ceilings or precast concrete elements before the concreting process, whereby the entire component is thermally activated.
Due to the large transfer surfaces, the system temperatures can be kept very low (temperature difference between surface and room air approx. 1-6 °C), making component activation ideal for the use of environmental energy
Due to its storage capacity, TCA is predestined for coupling with alternative energy sources and is therefore a sustainable method for the future. The minimal energy input can be covered, for example, by ambient heat from geothermal energy or groundwater, solar energy, photovoltaics, wind or with biogenic fuels or district heating.
The most important advantages at a glance:
- Heating + cooling with one and the same system
- Low investment and operating costs
- Due to the large storage mass, energy can be stored for several days and released at different times
- Increase in the proportion of renewable energy with appropriate control (flexibility potential)
- Unlimited service life
- Silent, gentle cooling, without draughts
- Comfortable room climate due to radiant heat (tiled stove effect)