Historic building's heating system converted for summer cooling
In a historic building in Zurich, Switzerland, traditional air conditioners have been replaced with existing heating radiators retrofitted with aluminum-finned convectors.
With a new method developed in Switzerland for old buildings that overheat in summer and fail to cool down at night, the existing heating system has been adapted to provide summer cooling.
Innovative Step in a Historic Building in Zurich
In a historic building located in Zurich, Switzerland, a unique method was preferred against the problem of overheating in the summer months instead of traditional and high-energy-consuming mobile air conditioners. As part of the restoration work, the existing infrastructure was transformed.
Convectors Replaced Radiators
The old-type radiators in the building were completely dismantled and replaced with special aluminum-finned convectors. These special panels under the windows were designed to provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.
Cooling Mechanism in Summer Mode
During the operation of the system in summer mode, water at a temperature of approximately 20 degrees Celsius is circulated through the convectors. Integrated fans pass the warm air in the room over these panels to provide cooling.
Prevention of Condensation and Protection of History
By keeping the water temperature constant at 20 degrees, the formation of condensation water in the building is prevented. In this way, both the historic structure of the building is protected and safe usage is achieved.
Providing Heating in Winter Mode
The developed innovative system seamlessly meets the traditional heating needs of the building in the winter season by passing 26-degree water through the pipes.
Major Savings in Energy Consumption
Thanks to this new method applied, the building's district heating consumption decreased by about two-thirds, namely to the 66 percent level. The renewal of the facade and windows also played a role in achieving this success.
Experts Emphasize Cooling of the Future
Matthias Sulzer from Empa pointed out that cooling rather than heating is performed throughout the year in the Zurich building. Sulzer emphasized that district cooling networks will play a vital role in the future and that cooling is becoming the new heating concept.