The project will develop an energy efficient system for heating and cooling buildings using an innovative, smart, composite material (THEMAC) and will be more efficient than conventional technology thus reducing carbon emissions. The THEMAC project will develop a new class of smart materials for building interiors to reduce energy consumption/CO2 emissions. Uniquely, THEMAC will provide a “total comfort” solution by controlling both temperature and humidity, in contrast to improved insulation and heat storage materials introduced in recent years that only address heat losses/gains. Furthermore, THEMAC materials will passively respond to occupancy and diurnal/seasonal changes. A key technical challenge is matching the properties and relative proportions of the PCM and wSAP components to achieve the required performances for differing building types and climates. A family of THEMAC materials is envisaged for various combinations of hot/cold/humid/dry conditions. Coupling THEMAC with a hybrid solar/air heat pump is especially attractive as it has a higher performance than conventional air/air source heat pumps. THEMAC will allow humidity control in residential/commercial systems, as well as in larger buildings using a passive SAP technique.

The overall aims of the project is to investigate the technical and commercial feasibility of a novel technology that would enable Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) powered by low carbon energy sources to become economically viable for a wide range of space heating applications. It creates a new commercial opportunity for UK industry addressing fuel poverty by making space heating cheaper. In this project, the proposed EfficientGeoTech system avoids expensive, large drilling rigs required for conventional borehole, the use of portable piling machines allows GHEs to be installed on otherwise inaccessible sites. The project will demonstrate to house builders and local authorities significant potential for reducing buildings' energy consumption. Such improvements would benefit future occupants by reducing their heating costs and thus improving their standard of living. The work will also help more broadly in enhancing public awareness that sustainable heating is feasible if technologies are properly developed. The key features, i.e. low cost, high efficiency, ease of production and installation, will help stimulate the building and energy technology market, increasing the strategic role in the UK economy and, creating more employment.