The Energyflo Cell

[Graham Clyde]

Hi Folks,

Just wondering if anyone has came across this product - 'The Energyflo Cell', It is intended to be used in timber frame elements and has a BBA certificate - 08/4578.

Link: http://staging.ecobuild.co.uk/var/uploads/exhibitor/2993/prby0aftot.pdf

It is refered to as a dynamic thermal insulation product used in walls, floors, ceilings and pitched roofs in conjunction with suitable air delivery systems to draw fresh outside air into the building through the filter layer.

I am not convinced that it will actually work. For a start, I wonder how it would stand up to an air leakage test!

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards

Graham

[Mark Siddall]

Had a look a this at eco-build. To many reasons why this does not stack up. In discussion with the building scientist that developed it he admitted that the physics will produce a building that is nearer to 45kWh/m2/yr rather than 15kWh/m2/yr. Then you have to add it the risk other thermal bypass and buildability (corners, interfaces with other building elements etc.) So I have to say that I'm unconvinced.

Mark

[Dave Howorth]

I'm glad I'm not the only one with doubts!

The proposal as I understand it is to seal a large area of filter fabric in the wall and leave it there for 50 years or more. The BBA says no maintenance is required and shows a graph indicating the filter won't block up. But what about biological growth? Passing in with the air there will be living organisms (bacteria etc) and other organic matter (pollen etc) as well as inorganic dust. Some at least will be caught by the filter. There is uncontrolled humidity in the incoming air. What prevents the growth of bacteria, fungi etc over the decades?

[Geoff Stow]

We will be having a presentation on Dynamic Insulation at this years Conference (The WISE Building @ CAT 1st & 2nd October). I will forward these points to the workshop leader to help inform the debate.