lambourne j c12700655 - a1 sheets - macro presentation

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Introduction This research is based on the potential of seaweed as a sustainable building material. There are examples of houses around the globe which use seaweed as both insulation and a façade materials. The following re- search report focuses on the potential of Irish seaweeds. Aim The aim is to discover if seaweed can be utilised as a sustainable building insulation product to its full potential. It is important to learn if it can be applied as insulation and or as a raw material and what benefits to the environment and to the building industry it can make. As an easy resourced and 100% natural material, it would require virtually no energy to produce, having a positive effect on the carbon footprint. This highlights the im- portance of the potential of the material. Brief History on Seaweed Seaweed refers to several species of mac- roscopic, multicellular, marine algae that live near the seabed (benthic). The term includes some members of the red, brown, and green algae. Seaweeds can also be classified by use (as food, medicine, fertilizer, filtration, industrial, etc.). The study of seaweed is known as phycology. Seaweed may belong Objectives Develop a seaweed based building insula- tion product capable of being used affec- tively within the built environment. Collect various species of seaweeds na- tive to Ireland and perform various tests such as resistance to fire and the water retention capabilities to determine the characteristics of each seaweed as a pos- sible building insulation to be used as an additive. Design & construct various seaweed pan- els of different thicknesses which are to be tested for its thermal characteristics. Eelgrass In Scandinavia and UK, this is the most wide- ly distributed seagrass, dominates sandy and muddy sediments in coastal areas of low to moderate wave exposure. In southernmost Construction of the Eelgrass Panels Methodology I tested the capabilities of Neptune balls, Neptutherm and a couple of types of locally sourced Irish seaweed as a panel of insu- lation. I have decided to begin my testing with the Neptutherm insulation. The idea is to construct sample panels of seaweed in- sulation at various thicknesses to determine whether different heat flows and conductivi- ties can be achieved. At this moment in time I have constructed 3 panels with overall widths of 30mm, 50mm and 100mm. Each panel is sheeted with 6mm of plywood and features lightweight timber studs to join the panels via screws. This leaves a void in the centre of the panel, which is to be filled with the seaweed samples. The next step to this process is the testing of these panels. In order to determine the energy and thermal performance of the sea- weed in the panel, the amount of heat flow and thermal conductivity will have to be cal- culated. Through my research so far I have discovered two options in how to find this information; Use a heat flux meter/sensor Use an existing guarded hot box or a con- structed one. . A heat flux sensor is “a transducer that gen- erates an electrical signal proportional to the total heat rate applied to the surface of the sensor”. The measured heat rate is divided by the surface area of the sensor to determine the heat flux. The calculated heat flux is then divided over the thermal gradient to result in the thermal conductivity. The heat flow calcu- lated through the panel is measured in joules per second and is measured in W/m2. I in- tend to acquire a heat flux sensor to place on the interior plywood sheet of the panel (warm side) and measure the heat flow through the seaweed to the exterior plywood (cold side). This test will be performed on all types of seaweed obtained above and on all panel sizes mentioned previously. An additional test will be performed also, with the introduction of an A4 sized sheet of aluminium foil. This foil will be stuck on the inner face on each ply- wood sheet. The tests will determine whether the aluminium will have a drastic effect on the heat flow or thermal conductivity. A U-Value calculation can then be obtained from the above tests. The results from these tests will lead to alternative panel constructions such as the introduction of water proof membranes etc. The main purpose of a hot box is to “evalu- ate the thermal properties, such as U-values and R-values, of materials”. When using this method, I would need to fix the seaweed sample between a hot chamber and a cold chamber. Readings of temperature will be taken using a data logger at different inter- vals while the temperature of the hot and cold chambers remain constant. Projected Timeline (at this stage) Short Term Goals The next step is to source all equip- ment needed for first conductivity tests. It is also essential to source all seaweed samples required. Once all equipment & samples are obtained, the first tests for conductivity will begin. Medium Term Goals Once all the thermal conductivity tests are completed, the next stage after this is to source comparable materials to test against seaweed results. ref: arrow.dit.ie ref: eko heat sensors Guarded Hot Box Heat Flux Sensor Analysis of Existing Materials using BuilDesk Primary Testing of the Irish Seaweed Primary Testing and reserch into seaweed panels An Investigation into Seaweed as a potential Building Insulation product c12700655 Jack Lambourne T7 - Macro Presentation 23rd February 2016 Case Study : Modern Seaweed House, Laeso, Denmark EGG WRACK KELP KELP Comparing existing products Hemp Wool, RockWool & Sheeps Wool As part of my research into seaweed as a potential insulation product, it is important to be able to com- pare it to existing products in the market. On this page I have focused on hemp wool insulation in a structural panel and analyzed its thermal performance through build desk. Various calculations have been discovered including the U-Value of a typical 100mm Panel, the condensation risk and the surface humidity. The pan- el’s outer leaves are made of prefabricated plywood panels with the hemp wool in between. In this case, the hemp wool panel has a U-Value of 0.44 W/m2K. As regards surface humidity, there is es- timated to have no hint of mold growth in this particular panel. As regards interstitial condensation, it is esti- mated that it does not completely evaporate during the summer months. This could lead to further problems down the line. May is the best month of the year as it hardly experiences any interstitial condensation. As part of my research into seaweed as a potential insulation product, it is important to be able to compare it to existing products in the Various calculations have been discovered including the U-Value of a typical 100mm Panel, the condensation risk and the surface humidity. The panel’s outer leaves are made of prefab- ricated plywood panels with the sheeps wool in be- tween. In this case, the Sheep’s wool panel has a U-Value of 0.35 W/m2K. As regards surface humidity, there is estimated to have no hint of mold growth in this par- ticular panel. As regards interstitial condensation, it is estimated that it completely evaporates during the summer months. July to October are the best month of the year as it hardly experiences any interstitial con- densation. As part of my research into seaweed as a potential insulation product, it is important to be able to compare it to existing products in the Various calculations have been discovered including the U-Value of a typical 100mm Panel, the condensation risk and the surface humidity. The panel’s outer leaves are made of prefab- ricated plywood panels with the Rock wool in between. In this case, the Rockwool panel has a U-Value of 0.36 W/m2K. As regards surface humidity, there is estimated to have no hint of mold growth in this par- ticular panel. As regards interstitial condensation, it is estimated that it completely evaporates during the summer months. April is the best month of the year as it hardly experiences any interstitial condensation. Weight when dry = 100 grams Weight When wet =180 grams Note: The water intake of the bladder wrack increased its weight by 80% from its original. Weight when dry = 100 grams Weight When wet =120 grams Note: The water intake of the eelgrass increased its weight by 20% from its original. Weight when dry = 100 grams Weight When wet =140 grams Note: The water intake of the egg wrack increased its weight by 40% from its original. Weight when dry = 100 grams Weight When wet =120 grams Note: The water intake of the kelp increased its weight by 20% from its original. Fire Resistance test Note: When dry, the Kelp sea- weed take 5 seconds to catch fire and singe. When wet, it does not catch fire at all. Fire Resistance test Note: When dry, the Egg Wrack seaweed take 20 seconds to catch fire and singe. When wet, it does not catch fire at all. Fire Resistance test Note: When dry, the Kelp sea- weed immediately starts to catch fire and singe. When wet, it does not catch fire at all. Fire Resistance test Note: When dry, the bladder wrack seaweed take 5 seconds to catch fire and singe. When wet, it does not catch fire at all. Thermal Conductivity : 0.039 W/m 2 K Density : 25 kg/m 3 Fire Resistance Class : B2 Available thickness (mm) : 160, 180, 220, 300 Thermal Conductivity : 0.034 W/m 2 K Density : 45 kg/m 3 Fire Resistance Class : A1 Available thickness (mm) : 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 100 Thermal Conductivity : 0.039 W/m 2 K Density : 35 kg/m 3 Fire Resistance Class : E Available thickness (mm) : 50, 75, 100 Ref: commons.wikimedia.org Ref: http://www.theyearofmud.com Ref: www.conservationgateway.org Ref: http://www.neptutherm.de Ref: www.theyearofmud.com 3D Sketch of the seaweed roof pitch 1:20 Section through the gable end of the house Gable End Ref: www.theyearofmud.com Erection of Seaweed panels Eelgrass Harvesting Eelgrass stuffed into panels Eelgrass put into nets Modern Seaweed House,Laeso Ref: www.theyearofmud.com Floor Construction (U = 0.09 W/m^k) 25 x 180 mm Pine floorboards, 2 x 45 mm lathing+cross lathing, with 90 mm softwood fibreboard sound impact insulation between; vapour retardant PE film with 245 mm seaweed insulation with 12 mm cement-bound particle board on 45 x 195 mm larch edge beam. Roof Construction Roof (U = 0.11 W/m^k): Roof cladding, seaweed in wooilen nets, ca. 300 mm; doubled roof lathing, horizon- tal, 2x 30 mm; verticai lathing, 25 x 45 mm; roofing felt seailng layer; roof boards, 21 x 121 mm; rafters, with seaweed insula- tion in-between, 245 mm; membrane waterproofing; OSB-3 panel, 12 mm; wood fibreboard, 3.2 mm; seaweed insulation, 100 mm; doubie-layered textile covering; cotton inner iayer rendered fire-retardant Wall Construction (U = 0.14W/m2k) 150mm Netted Seaweed in 45mm x 150mm larchwood frames with 25mm x 45mm Vertical Lathing on 245mm Eelgrass Seaweed on 12mm OSB on 25mm Horizontal Lathing on 25mm Vertical Boaring Detail of Wall and floor connection Detail of wall and floor connection at front elevation 1:100 Ground Floor Plan 3D Cut Section through the Modern Seaweed House 1:20 Cut Section through the roof and floor Exploded View of the Wall Build-up 3D Overall Sketch of the Modern Seaweed House 1:20 Section through Wall & Roof Interior View of Seaweed House External View of Seaweed House Density Test (Neptune Balls) Weight when dry = 1 oz Weight When wet = 5 oz Note: The water intake of the neptune balls increased its weight five times upon itself. Fire Resistance test (Neptune Balls) Note: The neptune balls were set alight by a lighter and the time taken to singe was re- corded when we tand dry with some intersting results. When dry, the balls take 10 seconds to catch fire and singe. When wet, it does not catch fire at all. 30mm Seaweed Panel 30mm Exploded Seaweed Panel with plywood 30mm Constructed Panel Model Plan View of Panel 3D Sketch of using the heat flux sensor to measure heat flow through each panel 3D View of all three sample panel sizes 3D Sketch of guarded hot box and how it might possibly assemble together Example of an industrial sized guarded hot box 50mm Seaweed Panel 50mm Exploded Seaweed Panel with plywood 50mm Constructed Panel Model Plan View of Panel 100mm Seaweed Pan- 100mm Exploded Seaweed Panel with aluminium 100mm Constructed Panel Plan View of Panel A typical USB style digital datalogger which records temperature and humidity Diagram of typical guarded hot box requirement Step 1: Sample placed on scales and weighed Step 2: Sample placed in measuring bowl Step 3: Wet Neptune Balls are placed and measured. Step 4: The comparison of wet and dry balls. Step 1: Picture of equip- ment used for this test. Step 2: The sample is lit while both wet and dry. Step 3: Results of lighting wet sample. Step 4: Results of lighting dry sample. Aluminium Sheet Floor and Roof Junction Detail Fire Resistance tests of Seaweeds BLADDER WRACK EELGRASS Porosity tests of Seaweeds BLADDER WRACK EELGRASS EGG WRACK Results Results Hemp Wool Panel Rock Wool Panel Sheep’s Wool Panel Characteristics Characteristics Characteristics Bladder Wrack is Prepared The sample is weighted Water is added to the sample The weight is recorded Eelgrass is Prepared The sample is weighted Water is added to the sample The weight is recorded Egg Wrack is Prepared The sample is weighted Water is added to the sample The weight is recorded Kelp sample is Prepared The sample is weighted Water is added to the sample The weight is recorded Kelp & Lighter are used The lighter is used on sample The effects of the lighter The sample is severely weak Egg Wrack & Lighter are used The lighter is used on sample The effects of the lighter The sample is sustainable Eelgrass & Lighter are used The lighter is used on sample The effects of the lighter The sample is severely weak BladderWrack & Lighter are used The lighter is used on sample The effects of the lighter The sample’s fronds pop Sample consists of plywood panels either side Sample consists of plywood panels either side Sample consists of plywood panels either side Analysis of Interstitial Condensation & Humidity Analysis of Interstitial Condensation & Humidity Analysis of Interstitial Condensation & Humidity Interstitial Condensation per calendar month Interstitial Condensation per calendar month Interstitial Condensation per calendar month Saturation Pressure and Vapour Pressure Saturation Pressure and Vapour Pressure Saturation Pressure and Vapour Pressure

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Page 1: Lambourne J C12700655 - A1 Sheets - Macro Presentation

IntroductionThis research is based on the potential of seaweed as a sustainable building material. There are examples of houses around the globe which use seaweed as both insulation and a façade materials. The following re-search report focuses on the potential of Irish seaweeds.

AimThe aim is to discover if seaweed can be utilised as a sustainable building insulation product to its full potential. It is important to learn if it can be applied as insulation and or as a raw material and what benefits to the environment and to the building industry it can make. As an easy resourced and 100% natural material, it would require virtually no energy to produce, having a positive effect on the carbon footprint. This highlights the im-portance of the potential of the material.

Brief History on SeaweedSeaweed refers to several species of mac-roscopic, multicellular, marine algae that live near the seabed (benthic). The term includes some members of the red, brown, and green algae. Seaweeds can also be classified by use (as food, medicine, fertilizer, filtration, industrial, etc.). The study of seaweed is known as phycology. Seaweed may belong

Objectives

• Develop a seaweed based building insula-tion product capable of being used affec-tively within the built environment.

• Collect various species of seaweeds na-tive to Ireland and perform various tests such as resistance to fire and the water retention capabilities to determine the characteristics of each seaweed as a pos-sible building insulation to be used as an additive.

• Design & construct various seaweed pan-els of different thicknesses which are to be tested for its thermal characteristics.

EelgrassIn Scandinavia and UK, this is the most wide-ly distributed seagrass, dominates sandy and muddy sediments in coastal areas of low to moderate wave exposure. In southernmost

Construction of the Eelgrass Panels

MethodologyI tested the capabilities of Neptune balls, Neptutherm and a couple of types of locally sourced Irish seaweed as a panel of insu-lation. I have decided to begin my testing with the Neptutherm insulation. The idea is to construct sample panels of seaweed in-sulation at various thicknesses to determine whether different heat flows and conductivi-ties can be achieved. At this moment in time I have constructed 3 panels with overall widths of 30mm, 50mm and 100mm. Each panel is sheeted with 6mm of plywood and features lightweight timber studs to join the panels via screws. This leaves a void in the centre of the panel, which is to be filled with the seaweed samples. The next step to this process is the testing of these panels. In order to determine the energy and thermal performance of the sea-weed in the panel, the amount of heat flow and thermal conductivity will have to be cal-culated. Through my research so far I have discovered two options in how to find this information;

• Use a heat flux meter/sensorUse an existing guarded hot box or a con-structed one.

. A heat flux sensor is “a transducer that gen-erates an electrical signal proportional to the total heat rate applied to the surface of the sensor”. The measured heat rate is divided by the surface area of the sensor to determine the heat flux. The calculated heat flux is then divided over the thermal gradient to result in the thermal conductivity. The heat flow calcu-lated through the panel is measured in joules per second and is measured in W/m2. I in-tend to acquire a heat flux sensor to place on the interior plywood sheet of the panel (warm side) and measure the heat flow through the seaweed to the exterior plywood (cold side). This test will be performed on all types of seaweed obtained above and on all panel sizes mentioned previously. An additional test will be performed also, with the introduction of an A4 sized sheet of aluminium foil. This foil will be stuck on the inner face on each ply-wood sheet. The tests will determine whether the aluminium will have a drastic effect on the heat flow or thermal conductivity. A U-Value calculation can then be obtained from the above tests. The results from these tests will lead to alternative panel constructions such as the introduction of water proof membranes etc. The main purpose of a hot box is to “evalu-ate the thermal properties, such as U-values and R-values, of materials”. When using this method, I would need to fix the seaweed sample between a hot chamber and a cold chamber. Readings of temperature will be taken using a data logger at different inter-vals while the temperature of the hot and cold chambers remain constant.

Projected Timeline (at this stage)Short Term Goals• The next step is to source all equip-

ment needed for first conductivity tests. It is also essential to source all seaweed samples required. Once all equipment & samples are obtained, the first tests for conductivity will begin.

Medium Term Goals• Once all the thermal conductivity tests

are completed, the next stage after this is to source comparable materials to test against seaweed results.

ref: arrow.dit.ie ref: eko heat sensors

Guarded Hot Box Heat Flux Sensor

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An Investigation into Seaweed as a potential Building Insulation product c12700655 Jack Lambourne T7 - Macro Presentation 23rd February 2016

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As part of my research into seaweed as a potential insulation product, it is important to be able to com-pare it to existing products in the market. On this page I have focused on hemp wool insulation in a structural panel and analyzed its thermal performance through build desk. Various calculations have been discovered including the U-Value of a typical 100mm Panel, the condensation risk and the surface humidity. The pan-el’s outer leaves are made of prefabricated plywood panels with the hemp wool in between.

In this case, the hemp wool panel has a U-Value of 0.44 W/m2K. As regards surface humidity, there is es-timated to have no hint of mold growth in this particular panel. As regards interstitial condensation, it is esti-mated that it does not completely evaporate during the summer months. This could lead to further problems down the line. May is the best month of the year as it hardly experiences any interstitial condensation.

As part of my research into seaweed as a potential insulation product, it is important to be able to compare it to existing products in the Various calculations have been discovered including the U-Value of a typical 100mm Panel, the condensation risk and the surface humidity. The panel’s outer leaves are made of prefab-ricated plywood panels with the sheeps wool in be-tween.

In this case, the Sheep’s wool panel has a U-Value of 0.35 W/m2K. As regards surface humidity, there is estimated to have no hint of mold growth in this par-ticular panel. As regards interstitial condensation, it is estimated that it completely evaporates during the summer months. July to October are the best month of the year as it hardly experiences any interstitial con-densation.

As part of my research into seaweed as a potential insulation product, it is important to be able to compare it to existing products in the Various calculations have been discovered including the U-Value of a typical 100mm Panel, the condensation risk and the surface humidity. The panel’s outer leaves are made of prefab-ricated plywood panels with the Rock wool in between.

In this case, the Rockwool panel has a U-Value of 0.36 W/m2K. As regards surface humidity, there is estimated to have no hint of mold growth in this par-ticular panel. As regards interstitial condensation, it is estimated that it completely evaporates during the summer months. April is the best month of the year as it hardly experiences any interstitial condensation.

Weight when dry = 100 grams

Weight When wet =180 grams

Note: The water intake of the bladder wrack increased its weight by 80% from its original.

Weight when dry = 100 grams

Weight When wet =120 grams

Note: The water intake of the eelgrass increased its weight by 20% from its original.

Weight when dry = 100 grams

Weight When wet =140 grams

Note: The water intake of the egg wrack increased its weight by 40% from its original.

Weight when dry = 100 grams

Weight When wet =120 grams

Note: The water intake of the kelp increased its weight by 20% from its original.

Fire Resistance test

Note: When dry, the Kelp sea-weed take 5 seconds to catch fire and singe. When wet, it does not catch fire at all.

Fire Resistance test

Note: When dry, the Egg Wrack seaweed take 20 seconds to catch fire and singe. When wet, it does not catch fire at all.

Fire Resistance test

Note: When dry, the Kelp sea-weed immediately starts to catch fire and singe. When wet, it does not catch fire at all.

Fire Resistance test

Note: When dry, the bladder wrack seaweed take 5 seconds to catch fire and singe. When wet, it does not catch fire at all.

Thermal Conductivity : 0.039 W/m2K

Density : 25 kg/m3

Fire Resistance Class : B2

Available thickness (mm) : 160, 180, 220, 300

Thermal Conductivity : 0.034 W/m2K

Density : 45 kg/m3

Fire Resistance Class : A1

Available thickness (mm) : 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 100

Thermal Conductivity : 0.039 W/m2K

Density : 35 kg/m3

Fire Resistance Class : E

Available thickness (mm) : 50, 75, 100

Ref: commons.wikimedia.org Ref: http://www.theyearofmud.com

Ref: www.conservationgateway.orgRef: http://www.neptutherm.de

Ref: www.theyearofmud.com

3D Sketch of the seaweed roof pitch

1:20 Section through the gable end of the house Gable End

Ref: www.theyearofmud.com

Erection of Seaweed panels

Eelgrass Harvesting

Eelgrass stuffed into panels

Eelgrass put into nets

Modern Seaweed House,Laeso

Ref: www.theyearofmud.com

Floor Construction (U = 0.09 W/m^k)

25 x 180 mm Pine floorboards, 2 x 45 mm lathing+cross lathing, with 90 mm softwood fibreboard sound impact insulation between;vapour retardant PE film with 245 mm seaweed insulation with12 mm cement-bound particle board on45 x 195 mm larch edge beam.

Roof ConstructionRoof (U = 0.11 W/m^k):Roof cladding, seaweed in wooilen nets, ca. 300 mm; doubled roof lathing, horizon-tal, 2x 30 mm; verticai lathing, 25 x 45 mm; roofing felt seailng layer; roof boards, 21 x 121 mm; rafters, with seaweed insula-tion in-between,245 mm; membrane waterproofing; OSB-3panel, 12 mm; wood fibreboard, 3.2 mm; seaweed insulation, 100 mm; doubie-layered textilecovering; cotton inner iayer rendered fire-retardant

Wall Construction (U = 0.14W/m2k)

150mm Netted Seaweed in45mm x 150mm larchwood frames with25mm x 45mm Vertical Lathing on245mm Eelgrass Seaweed on12mm OSB on25mm Horizontal Lathing on25mm Vertical Boaring

Detail of Wall and floor connection

Detail of wall and floor connection at front elevation

1:100 Ground Floor Plan

3D Cut Section through the Modern Seaweed House

1:20 Cut Section through the roof and floor Exploded View of the Wall Build-up

3D Overall Sketch of the Modern Seaweed House

1:20 Section through Wall & Roof

Interior View of Seaweed House

External View of Seaweed House

Density Test (Neptune Balls)Weight when dry = 1 oz

Weight When wet = 5 oz

Note: The water intake of the neptune balls increased its weight five times upon itself.

Fire Resistance test (Neptune Balls)

Note: The neptune balls were set alight by a lighter and the time taken to singe was re-corded when we tand dry with some intersting results. When dry, the balls take 10 seconds to catch fire and singe. When wet, it does not catch fire at all.

30mm Seaweed Panel 30mm Exploded Seaweed Panel with plywood 30mm Constructed Panel Model Plan View of Panel

3D Sketch of using the heat flux sensor to measure heat flow through each panel 3D View of all three sample panel sizes

3D Sketch of guarded hot box and how it might possibly assemble together

Example of an industrial sized guarded hot box

50mm Seaweed Panel 50mm Exploded Seaweed Panel with plywood 50mm Constructed Panel Model Plan View of Panel

100mm Seaweed Pan- 100mm Exploded Seaweed Panel with aluminium 100mm Constructed Panel Plan View of Panel

A typical USB style digital datalogger which records temperature and humidity

Diagram of typical guarded hot box requirement

Step 1: Sample placed on scales and weighed

Step 2: Sample placed inmeasuring bowl

Step 3: Wet Neptune Balls are placed and measured.

Step 4: The comparison of wet and dry balls.

Step 1: Picture of equip-ment used for this test.

Step 2: The sample is lit while both wet and dry.

Step 3: Results of lighting wet sample.

Step 4: Results of lighting dry sample.

Aluminium Sheet

Floor and Roof Junction Detail

Fire Resistance tests of Seaweeds

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Porosity tests of Seaweeds

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Results

Results

Hemp Wool Panel Rock Wool Panel Sheep’s Wool Panel

Characteristics Characteristics Characteristics

Bladder Wrack is Prepared The sample is weighted Water is added to the sample The weight is recorded

Eelgrass is Prepared The sample is weighted Water is added to the sample The weight is recorded

Egg Wrack is Prepared The sample is weighted Water is added to the sample The weight is recorded

Kelp sample is Prepared The sample is weighted Water is added to the sample The weight is recorded

Kelp & Lighter are used The lighter is used on sample The effects of the lighter The sample is severely weak

Egg Wrack & Lighter are used The lighter is used on sample The effects of the lighter The sample is sustainable

Eelgrass & Lighter are used The lighter is used on sample The effects of the lighter The sample is severely weak

BladderWrack & Lighter are used The lighter is used on sample The effects of the lighter The sample’s fronds pop

Sample consists of plywood panels either side Sample consists of plywood panels either side Sample consists of plywood panels either side

Analysis of Interstitial Condensation & Humidity Analysis of Interstitial Condensation & Humidity Analysis of Interstitial Condensation & Humidity

Interstitial Condensation per calendar month Interstitial Condensation per calendar month Interstitial Condensation per calendar month

Saturation Pressure and Vapour Pressure Saturation Pressure and Vapour Pressure Saturation Pressure and Vapour Pressure

Page 2: Lambourne J C12700655 - A1 Sheets - Macro Presentation

An Investigation into Seaweed as a potential Building Insulation product c12700655 Jack Lambourne T7 - Macro Presentation 23rd February 2016

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Introduction

As part of my research, it was required for me to go to National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) to meet with a marine biologist named Maeve Ed-wards. Maeve is an expert is all seaweed species and has written relevant papers that are useful as part of my thesis topic. I contacted her after read-ing a paper she wrote about cultivating Laminaria Digitata (Kelp) and asked if she could give any advice towards my project. Maeve pointed me in the di-rection of Ascophyllum Nodosum as a colleague she knows heard of its use as a cavity insulation in Nova Scotia in Canada. This really intrigued my in-terest and gave me great hope in the potential of seaweeds as an insulation material. After a few weeks of emailing back and forth gathering information, Maeve offered to help me harvest the seaweed itself down in Galway. I met her at NUIG and she drove us out to Spiddal, just past Connemara. Maeve knew of a good place where all different types of seaweed would be to har-vest. When we arrived at the site, all I could see was miles and miles of seaweed among rocks as the tide was in. I was thought how to use a knife to cut the seaweed 20cm from the holdfast (root) in order for the seaweed to regrow. I loaded one black bag full of Eggwrack and Bladder Wrack to bring home with me to experiment as part of my investigation. On the right of this text you can see the official risk assessment form that was needed for the duration of the harvesting of the seaweed. It establishes the level of danger and level of risk to each person involved in the visit. Emergency numbers are also included on the form in case an accident happens on site.

LOCATION OF SITE

Introduction

As part of my research, it is important that I test seaweeds and their thermal properties. An important part of this is finding the thermal conductivity of each seaweed sample. I have researched a few different ways of doing this, with other equipment. This page however, focuses on Hukseflux thermal sensors which are used to measure heat flux through an object. A brief description of the operation of the sensors are seen below:

Brief Summary

HFP01 serves to measure the heat that flows through the object in which it is incorporated or on which it is mounted. The actual sensor in HFP01 is a thermopile. This thermopile measures the differential temperature across the ceramics-plastic composite body of HFP01. Working completely passive, HFP01 generates a small output voltage proportional to the local heat flux. HFP01 can be used for in-situ measurement of building envelope thermal re-sistance (R-value) and thermal transmittance (H-value) according to ISO 9869, ASTM C1046 and ASTM 1155 standards. A typical measurement location is equipped with 2 sensors for good spatial averaging. If necessary two sensors can be put in series, creating a single output signal.

The idea of using the Hukseflux is to generate a thermal conduc-tivity reading on various seaweed samples. Each heat flux plate will be placed on various points of the plywood panel in order to gain an average reading of the heat flux. The temperature on one side must have a difference of at least 10 degrees from the other in order to achieve an accurate reading of the heat flux. For this, there must be total control over the temperature on the exterior leaf and the interior leaf of the plywood panel. The warm side can be controlled easily through a basic room temperature, the snag is controlling the exterior temperature. This test will probably be performed over at least a week to gener-ate accurate results for each seaweed type and panel size.

In order to choose a local Irish seaweed, it is important to thoroughly investi-gate various types with different tests. Firstly, from my perspective, it is im-portant to understand the structure and biology of the characteristics of each seaweed type. I start with Egg Wrack, also known as Ascophyllum Nodosum. This particular type of seaweed was brought to my attention from a local Irish Marine Biologist from Galway. She mentioned that in the region of Nova Sco-tia in Canada that they used to stuff this seaweed type into the cavity in walls as a form of insulation. More information is needed about this, but I feel it is a very interesting start. Rather than using seagrasses such as Eelgrass and Neptune Grass, it will be fascinating to see if a seaweed can perform to the same standard acting as an insulation.

The next seaweed type is Kelp. It is a very common seaweed that washes up on most Irish beaches. The following information below will explain both the characteristics and biology that may possess the potential to be an insu-lation for the built environment.Laminaria digitata is a large brown alga in the family Laminariaceae, also known by the common name Oarweed. It is found in the sublittoral zone of the northern Atlantic Ocean. L. digitata is a tough, leathery, dark brown sea-weed that grows to two or three metres. The holdfast which anchors it to the rock is conical and has a number of spreading root-like protrusions called rhizoids. The stipe or stalk is flexible and oval in cross section. The blade is large and shaped like the palm of a hand with a number of more or less reg-ular finger-like segments. This seaweed can be distinguished from the rather similar Laminaria hyperborea by being darker in colour and having a shorter stipe that does not easily snap when bent.

Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common name bladder wrack or bladder-wrack, is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, also known by the common names black tang, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, black tany, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus, and rock wrack. It was the original source of iodine, discov-ered in 1811, and was used extensively to treat goitre, a swelling of the thy-roid gland related to iodine deficiency.The fronds of F. vesiculosus grow to 90 centimetres (35 in) long and 2.5 cen-timetres (1.0 in) wide and have a prominent midrib throughout. It is attached by a basal disc-shaped holdfast. It has almost spherical air bladders which are usually paired, one on either side of the mid-rib, but may be absent in young plants.

The pictures that you see on this page are all a part of the set up you need for the testing of the seaweed thermal conductivities. The ma-chine that is used is the CR1000 Data logger from Campbell Scientif-ic Inc. It is very important to first test the machine in order to confirm that it is working correctly and generating logical results. In order to do this, the CR1000 is combined with thermocouples and Hukseflux heat flux sensors. The software provided takes readings off the heat flux sensors at any interval of the users choosing. Calculations such as thermal resistance, internal and external temperatures are taken and logged into the software as a live document. In this instance, when the machine is confirmed to be working properly, I will use the CR1000 on a plywood panel filled with seaweed for a duration of two weeks. This is the recommended amount of time in order to obtain accurate results. The results will then be taken from the software and converted into an excel spreadsheet where graphs and data will be displayed for use.

Overview of CR1000

The CR1000 is our most widely used datalogger. It can be used in a broad range of measurement and control functions. Rugged enough for extreme conditions and reliable enough for remote environments, it is also ro-bust enough for complex configurations. The CR1000 builds on the foundation of our CR10X dataloggers, and has already been put to use all over the world. Increased memory and more measure-ment channels make it a powerful core component for your data-acquisition system.

As part of my analysis of the potential of seaweed, I found it appropriate to perform an LCA into how the seaweed would affect an existing building. From using GaBi, I intend to obtain data from that about the seaweed and then use Tally as a Revit extension. This is an important step in the long run of analyzing the potential of seaweed as insulation.

Life Cycle Assessment

• Design for Environment• Eco-efficiency• Eco-design• Efficient value chains

As part of my analysis of the potential of seaweed, I found it appropriate to perform an LCA into how the seaweed would affect an existing building. From using GaBi, I intend to obtain data from that about the seaweed and then use Tally as a Revit extension. This is an important step in the long run of analyzing the potential of seaweed as insulation.The Tally application allows architects and engineers work-ing in Revit® software to quantify the environmental impact of building materials for whole building analysis as well as comparative analyses of design options. While working on a Revit model, the user can define relationships between BIM elements and construction materials from the Tally database. The result is Life Cycle Assessment on demand, and an important layer of decision-making information with-in the same time frame, pace, and environment that build-ing designs are generated. As a Revit application, Tally is easy to use and requires no special modeling practices.

Another method of testing the thermal conductivity of the vari-ous types of seaweed is through the Company C Therm, based out of Canada. I contacted them initially asking could they offer advice about the testing of the seaweed. They came back to me with a phone call and offered to test my samples free of charge as part of a testing contract. I have been in touch with one of the lab technicians who has been helping me figure out a testing method that will help test each seaweed type. It was suggested by C Therm that a thermal conductivity test will be performed while under various weights of compression. This will help un-derstand the way the seaweed behaves and will help greatly in understanding its potential as an insulation project. My plan is to send C Therm three types of seaweed samples to test under three forces of compression and a generate a thermal conduc-tivity for each one. C Therm assured me that they will generate reports based on each sample. This will be a huge step forward in my research.

Summary

The C-Therm TCi Thermal Conductivity Analyzer was developed with a consortium of users from industry including Kodak, the US Navy, Henkel Technologies (formerly Advanced Applied Ad-hesives) and PMIC. The technology has since been broadly ap-plied by clients the world-over in characterizing metal hydrides, explosives, Nano materials (SWCNTs / MWCNTs), polymers, nuclear materials, thermal interface materials (electronics), heat transfer fluids, ceramics, insulation, construction materials, ad-vanced fabrics, and various other materials.

WebinarI was asked by Sarah Ackermann from C Therm to be a guest speaker at their latest webinar which will take place at the end of March. I will be speaking about my research into seaweed.

When researching, I happened to come across the company known as advance nonwoven. I discovered that they had cer-tain dealings with seaweed (eelgrass) and it intrigued my inter-est. Advance Nonwoven manufacture seaweed insulation mats which are then used for roof ridges. They are a company based in Denmark where eelgrass grows abundant and so is easy to collect and harvest. A project was carried out in Denmark to fix an existing roof with the newly manufactured seaweed insulation mats and placed on to the ridge. The photos are seen below provided by Stig Gamborg from Advance Nonwoven.

My main contact in the company is Stig Gamborg. I emailed him about my thesis and asked him any advice he might offer. My main question was discussing whether local Irish seaweeds could be used for manufacturing instead of eelgrass. Stig in-formed me that this would be possible, so I organized three different types of seaweed to be sent to Advance Nonwoven in Denmark. I am hopeful that the kelp, bladder wrack and egg wrack can be used to manufacture a mat of seaweed insulation. If this experiment is successful, I will then test the properties of the seaweed mat to determine its potential as an insulation. Basic tests will be performed such as fire resistance, thermal conductivity etc.

It will be an unexpected result if the kelp, bladder wrack or egg wrack work as insulation mats.

Laptop Adaptor connection

Photo of datalogger with laptop connection

NUI Galway Harvesting Egg Wrack, Kelp and Bladder Wrack

Maeve Edwards is part of the Marine biology department in NUI Galway and is based in the Martin Ryan building on the campus. The campus map on the left shows the location of the Mar-tin Ryan Institute building. The picture below the campus map is the Martin Ryan Institute building.

The Martin Ryan Institute is a marine research and teaching facility on the campus of NUI Galway and at Carna, Co. Galway. The Institute is the home of marine research at NUI Galway and is the regional and national centre for the study of marine and freshwater resources, ocean and coastal process-es. Our research programmes promote the exploration and development of marine physical resources, increase understanding of aquatic biodiversi-ty, analyse effects of environmental/climate change on aquatic ecosystems and facilitate sustainable development of aquatic biological resources.

The Institute is currently active in the following research areas:

• Aquaculture, including fish and shell-fish broodstock development, seaweed cultivation

• Biodiscovery: marine sponge andalgal taxonomy (funded by a BeaufortAward)

• Biodiscovery: marine adhesives andbiomaterials

• Functional foods from the sea (Nutra-Mara)

Martin Ryan Institute Output of CR1000 Test

Input of CR1000 and Hukseflux test

Calculation Step in the Thermal Conductivity Process Softwares proposed to use

Seaweed Insulation Mat Research

Existing Seaweed Insulation Mat made from Eelgrass Proposed Seaweed Insulation Mat made from either Bladder Wrack, Egg Wrack or Kelp

Stage 1 - Harvesting the Eelgrass Stage 2 - Testing & Manufacturing Stage 3 - Application Stage 1 - Proposed Testing Stage 2 - Proposed Manufacturing Stage 3 - Proposed Application

Overview of Egg Wrack, Kelp and Bladder Wrack

Seaweed Inputs

Map of Ireland Showing location of Spiddal, Co. Galway

Location map of Spiddal, Co. Galway showing the harvesting site Risk Assessment Report from the site visit to Spiddal, co. Galway

Beach full of dead Kelp View of egg wrack in habitat Photo of Harvested Bladder Wrack Egg Wrack growing over rocks Egg Wrack in natural habitat

The Martin Ryan Institute building in NUI Galway

NUI Galway campus map showing location of Martin Ryan Institute

Close up of Bladder Wrack Ripe Egg Wrack Demonstration of Seaweed cutting My harvesting of the seaweed

Cutting the egg wrack myself Placing it into a harvesting bag Seaweed continues to be cut 25000 tons harvested annually

Seaweed is pulled as long as 1.5m View of seaweed beside the lake View of harvested seaweed

Close up of the kelp on the beach Example of a seaweed holdfast Close up of Egg Wrack Team Photo

Sketch of Egg Wrack

Sketch of Bladder Wrack

Sketch of Kelp

Ascophyllum Nodosum

Fucus Vesiculosus

Kelp seaweed

Plan and 3D sketch of a Hukseflux Heat flux sensor

Photo of Hukseflux setup

Cold side of the sensor

Warm side of the sensor Drawings of Hukseflux Sensor

Ascophyllum Nodosum

Fucus Vesiculosus

Kelp seaweed

3D Sketch of CR1000 Datalogger

Proposed Section & 3D Design of the seaweed panel

Plan view of the CR1000 Datalogger with controls3D Part sketch of the panel Photo of entire CR1000 datalogger test setup

Laptop used to gain outputs from datalogger

Excel outputs from thermocouples and Hukseflux’s

Excel outputs from internal and external air temps

U Value calculations from excel

Average U Value calculations from 3 Hukseflux’s

Average Temperature readings at various positions

Delta T readings from a 14 day test

C Therm steps to completion

Diagram of the sensor and the TCI Compression accessory

3D Sketch of TCI unit with Seaweed sample

Section of TCI unit with Seaweed sample Sketch of TCI Compression Accessory testing Seaweed Sketch of TCI Thermal Conductivity Analyzer``

Outputs are calculated & results are formed on laptop

C Therm TCI Thermal Conductivity Analyzer equipment

Sketch of Egg Wrack

Sketch of Bladder Wrack

Sketch of Kelp

Example of a flow and processes diagram using GaBi

Example of outputs generated from Tally using Revit