This service offers a comprehensive thermal performance evaluation of construction components—including wall panels, prefabricated façade systems, and window assemblies—at the component level, prior to full-scale in-situ testing or installation. The objective is to characterize the thermal behavior of individual building elements under controlled conditions to assess their energy efficiency and suitability for integration into high-performance envelope systems.
Thermal analysis at the component level typically combines several material-level testing methods with structural configuration considerations. These include:
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Thermal conductivity testing using Guarded Hot Plate or Thermal Needle Probe methods
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Specific heat capacity measurements via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
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Surface temperature mapping and heat transfer evaluation under test conditions
Such pre-integration tests provide insights into how composite elements (e.g., multilayer panels with insulation, membranes, and coatings) behave thermally. It helps identify potential thermal bridges, inconsistent insulation performance, or energy loss paths before proceeding to in-situ installation or product scaling.
This service is especially valuable for:
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Product development: when a new component is being prototyped or optimized.
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Certification preparation: to ensure thermal parameters are within acceptable limits.
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Material validation: especially for hybrid or bio-based construction systems.
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Prefabrication quality control: when production needs to meet defined thermal specs.
By understanding how materials and layers interact thermally at the unit level, manufacturers and developers can make informed decisions about design improvements, material substitutions, or additional treatments (e.g., reflective layers, vapor barriers).
The testing campaign is carried out at NTUA’s advanced laboratories, with optional connection to the LivingLab facility for follow-up in-situ testing if desired.
