CoolDUK - Analysis for alternative cooling concepts of offices in the historic buildings of the Danube-University Krems

Due to potential summerly overheating of office rooms in its historic buildings, the Danube University has started a scientific investigation of alternative cooling and air-conditioning concepts. The regulation of the temperature via an air-conditioning systems can be regarded as problematic due to the partially listed building structure, the lack of corresponding installation possibilities and the expected energy and maintenance expenditures. Instead, innovative and sustainable solutions such as fully automated ventilation cooling and shading will be tested for their suitability.

This project is a preliminary study with an initial experimental assessment of the cooling potentials to test and on the one hand if such systems can comply with the normative requirements for recreational and office space on the other hand to increase the directly related comfort during the summer months . The work includes the analysis of the relevant influencing variables as well as the collection of reference data on temperature development under current real-life conditions of use and the selective implementation of control measures. It will serve as a light-house reference and "laboratory" for further investigations.