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The 3D Printing Potential for Heat Flow Optimization: Influence of Block Geometries on Heat Transfer Processes

Author

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  • Tullio de Rubeis

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Annamaria Ciccozzi

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Letizia Giusti

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Dario Ambrosini

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

Abstract

The building envelope is a crucial element in the regulation of thermal energy in the indoor environment, from which comfortable living inevitably depends. Designing a low-dispersion envelope represents a fundamental strategy to minimize the energy demand and HVAC systems’ consumption. To this end, the need to select suitable insulation has become increasingly important, and the search for new solutions is constantly evolving. This justifies the great interest in the study of energy-efficient and sustainable insulation materials that are able to provide the low thermal transmittance values of multilayer components. To date, 3D printing has experienced a growing popularity for the research of alternative building materials (e.g., concrete). Conversely, it still appears to be very uncommon for the research of purely energy-efficient solutions. The aim of this work is to compare the thermal performance of three 3D-printed PLA (polylactic acid) blocks, characterized by different internal geometries and air cavities: (i) a multi-row structure; (ii) a square structure; (iii) a honeycomb structure. The study was conducted theoretically, with two-dimensional heat transfer modeling, and experimentally, by means of a heat flow meter and infrared thermography. The results showed that the configurations of the 3D-printed blocks reduced the flow of heat exchange. In addition, as the complexity of the blocks’ internal structure increased, a heat flow reduction could be observed. In particular, the honeycomb structure showed a better behavior than the other two blocks did, with an experimental transmittance value that was equal to 1.22 ± 0.04 W/m 2 K. This behavior, which was mainly due to an attenuation of convective and radiative internal heat exchanges, suggests that the 3D printing has great potential in this field.

Suggested Citation

  • Tullio de Rubeis & Annamaria Ciccozzi & Letizia Giusti & Dario Ambrosini, 2022. "The 3D Printing Potential for Heat Flow Optimization: Influence of Block Geometries on Heat Transfer Processes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:23:p:15830-:d:986574
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tullio de Rubeis & Mirco Muttillo & Iole Nardi & Leonardo Pantoli & Vincenzo Stornelli & Dario Ambrosini, 2019. "Integrated Measuring and Control System for Thermal Analysis of Buildings Components in Hot Box Experiments," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-22, May.
    2. Berman, Barry, 2012. "3-D printing: The new industrial revolution," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 55(2), pages 155-162.
    3. Abu Bakar, Nur Najihah & Hassan, Mohammad Yusri & Abdullah, Hayati & Rahman, Hasimah Abdul & Abdullah, Md Pauzi & Hussin, Faridah & Bandi, Masilah, 2015. "Energy efficiency index as an indicator for measuring building energy performance: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 1-11.
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    5. Tullio de Rubeis, 2022. "3D-Printed Blocks: Thermal Performance Analysis and Opportunities for Insulating Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-13, January.
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