Adaptive thermal insulation for energy-efficient buildings: Design and analysis of an innovative thermal switch panel with variable transmittance

Heat transfer management is crucial for reducing building energy consumption, which accounts for 34 % of global energy demand and 37 % of CO2 emissions. Innovative solutions, such as thermal switch variable transmittance panels that adjust thermal insulation in response to environmental conditions, offer significant potential for improving energy efficiency. This paper introduces the design of an advanced panel intended for use in the renovation of older buildings. The panel's thermal resistance can be dynamically adjusted using IoT technology, optimizing free cooling in summer and solar heat gain in winter. The panel becomes conductive through a slight rotation of internal components, which establish a conductive contact between the two ends. A CFD analysis is employed to determine the panel's thermal resistance in both its conductive and resistive configurations. Based on the obtained values, a dynamic analysis of a typical building was performed, comparing this system with traditional external insulation. The study also identifies the optimal control strategy through parametric analysis, highlighting the key variables influencing energy efficiency. This innovative technology achieves cooling demand savings of 6–23 kWh/m2 compared to conventional insulation, with the most significant benefits observed in very hot climates. The percentage cooling savings range from 15 % to 40 %.