Among the technological solutions for external walls, the Trombe wall is an interesting proposition for obtaining solar radiation energy. The aim of the presented research is to determine the influence of glazing parameters on the thermal performance of the Trombe wall containing a phase change material (PCM). In the experimental tests, three glazing (G1, G2, and G3) with different heat transfer coefficient (Ug) and total solar energy transmittance factor (g) were used. The tests were carried out under laboratory conditions in a small-scale simulation chamber. The thermal energy of absorbed solar radiation was simulated with a heating panel. All of the walls are characterized by high dynamics of operation in the first two days. From the moment of heating, the walls achieve the minimum value of the heat flux after 16–18 h. In practice, this means the highest thermal efficiency of the wall during the night of the next day. A noticeable influence of the type of glazing on the operation of the barrier was found. The obtained results suggest that the most effective barrier for “sunny days” is the B1 barrier. The B2 barrier is suitable for alternating days in the cycle: “sunny day”, “cloudy day”. However, the B3 barrier is the most advantageous in periods with a predominance of “cloudy days”. In addition to the experimental studies, a numerical model of the B1 barrier was developed and simulation was carried out using the finite element method. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental tests. The second numerical simulation confirmed the rightness of using the heating panel in experimental tests.

The article presents a comparative analysis carried out using three methods, determining the heat transfer coefficient U for a ceramic product modified with a phase change material (PCM). The purpose of the article is to determine the convergence of the resulting thermal characteristics, obtained using the experimental method, numerical simulation, and standard calculation method according to the requirements of PN-EN ISO 6946. The heat transfer coefficient is one of the basic parameters characterizing the thermal insulation of a building partition. Most often, for the thermal characteristics of the partition, we obtain from the manufacturer the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient λ for individual homogeneous materials or the heat transfer coefficient U for the finished (prefabricated) partition. In the case of a designed composite element modified with a phase change material or other material, it is not possible to obtain direct information on the above parameter. In such a case, one of the methods presented in this article should be used to determine the U factor. The U factor in all analyses was determined in stationary conditions. Research has shown a significant convergence of the resulting value of the heat transfer coefficient obtained by the assumed methods. Thanks to obtaining similar values, it is possible to continue tests of thermal characteristics of partitions by means of numerical simulation, limiting the number of experimental tests (due to the longer test time required) in assumed different partition configurations, in stationary and dynamic conditions.

The Moon’s environmental conditions present limited opportunities for waste heat dissipation, so internal heat gains (IHG) are a key component of thermal balance in a lunar building. Despite the significant development in energy saving and energy storage technologies of the last thirty years, the issue of IHG in lunar buildings has not been readdressed since the early 1990s. This study is based on an inspection of internal heat sources conducted aboard LUNARES, the first European extraterrestrial analogue habitat. The equipment absent on LUNARES, but indispensable for an actual lunar base, was identified and accounted for, along with additional laboratory and maintenance equipment. Three main groups of internal heat sources were identified and studied in detail. Waste heat generated by electric devices was accounted for, along with occupational heat loads adjusted for lunar partial gravity conditions. Assuming a photovoltaic power source for the studied building, two alternative energy storage systems (ESS) were analysed as another source of waste heat. Depending on the time of lunar day and applied ESS, the nominal IHG were between 73 and 133 W/m². The most significant internal heat sources in a lunar base are life support systems and potentially, regenerative fuel cells; thus, lithium–ion batteries were recommended for ESS. Within assumed parameter range, parametric study exhibited differences in IHG between 41.5 and 163 W/m².

The article presents four equivalent methods for checking mold growth on the surface of building barriers and checking water vapor condensation on their surface. Each method applies to two parallel phenomena that may occur on a building barrier. The first method is to calculate and compare temperature factors. In the second method, the characteristic humidity in the room is calculated and compared. The third method is to calculate and compare the characteristic temperatures in the room. The fourth method is based on the calculation and comparison of characteristic water vapor pressures. Three boundary conditions are presented for each method and phenomenon: when a given phenomenon can occur, when it begins or ends, and when it does not occur. The presented methods systematize the approach to the problem of mold development and surface condensation. The presented calculation results relate to the selected building barrier functioning in specific indoor and outdoor climate conditions. The calculation results confirm the compliance of the presented methods in identifying the phenomenon of mold growth or condensation on the surface of the barrier. A graphical interpretation of the results for each method with periods of occurrence or absence of a given phenomenon is also presented.

Solar radiation is the primary source of life energy on Earth. The irradiance of the upper atmosphere is about 1360 W/m², and it is estimated that about 1000 W/m² reaches the ground. Long-term storage of heat energy is related to the use of a suitable thermal energy carrier. It may be either artificial or natural water tank, or artificial gravel-water tank, or aquifer or soil. It is justified to store the generated energy in large heating systems due to the nature of solar thermal energy. Typically, in such a solution storage space is a large solar collector farm. The reason for this is the proportionally small unit profits, which only in the case of large number of units provides sufficient energy that can be accumulated. It should be noted that Poland, a country located in a temperate and less harsh climate such as Scandinavia and Canada, has a relatively high potential for solar revenue. In the last decade, it has caused mainly small and individual heating installations. However, much of the municipal and industrial economy continues to rely on energy from non-renewable resources. This is due not only to the lack of a high-efficiency alternative to non-renewable energy resources, but also to the thermal state of buildings throughout the country, where old buildings require thermomodernization. This has the effect of both polluting the environment and the occurrence of smog, as well as pollutants in water and soil. This directly affects the occurrence of civilization diseases and other societal health problems. Therefore, the surplus of thermal clean energy that occurs during the spring and summer period should not only be used on a regular basis, but also stored for later winter use. The paper presents the concept of housing estate, which consists of 32 twin housing units. The solid character of buildings consistently refers to passive construction, and the materials meet the requirements for the passive buildings.

The article presents the concept of improving the thermal insulation properties of a window thanks to the installation of an additional internal window. The resulting quasi-box window can be an alternative to the thermo-modernization of windows by replacing them. Measurements of the thermal parameters of the prototype and the unmodified window were made in an office space during its standard use. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the compared solutions was made.