Alexander Lopez Dominguez

Dr. Alexander Lopez Dominguez

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 January 2020 in Energies
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PEPeru Elguezabal
Peru Elguezabal
ADAlexander Lopez Dominguez
Alexander Lopez Dominguez
Jesús M. BlancoJesús M. Blanco
Jesús M. Blanco
José Antonio Antonio CHICA CHICA PÁEZJosé Antonio Antonio CHICA CHICA PÁEZ
José Antonio Antonio CHICA CHICA PÁEZ
The building sector presents poor performance in terms of energy efficiency and is looking for effective alternatives aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels. The facade is a key element able to harness renewable energy as an Active Solar Thermal Facade (ASTF). The main purpose of this study is the assessment of a novel design concept based on a steel sandwich panel technology. The performance of the active system will be first addressed by a parametric study in order to analyze its behavior and secondly, by describing a real case based on an experimental test by connecting the active panels to a heat pump. The study shows the impact of solar irradiation and mass flow on the thermal jump achieved, while ambient and fluid inlet temperatures are the most influencing parameters in the efficiency of the facade. When coupled to the heat pump, results from a measurement campaign demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the performance of the ASTF. The results presented provide significant proof about the benefits of a synergetic combination of both technologies—solar facades and heat pumps—as efficient alternatives for the building sector, aiming to improve energy efficiency as well as reduce their dependence on non-renewable sources.