The featured research project was intended to develop and test a specially modified brick façade, which would convert solar radiation on the façade into thermal energy for heating purposes. The main objective was to measure the energy extraction potential but all other issues concerning technical feasibility also had to be taken into account.
To this end a masonry structure had to be developed, which allowed integration of the inserted pipe to dissipate the energy introduced, while allowing simple, practicable installation. Various tests were carried out on masonry walls and individual bricks.
On sunny winter days, an energy extraction potential of 1.9 kWh per square metre of façade and day was measured. During summer days, an extraction potential of up to 2.6 kWh/(m2·d) could be observed. The initial findings allow the assumption that this energy could be utilized with the use of a heat pump.