technologyscanning

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research

Finding New Ideas For Housing

Cover photographs courtesy of: Conita Technologies, Symbol Technologies, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. technologyscanning

Issue 1 November 2001

One of PATH’s major research support services is PATH Technology Scanning. Technology Scanning tells us about technology developments in other industries, from other nations, from federal laboratories, and from other building sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in other industries that could be transferred and applied to housing. Technology Scanning–published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development/PATH and prepared by the NAHB Research Center, Inc.–is updated as technology Finding developments dictate. The Research Center works to New unite technology developers from outside of residential Ideas For construction with manufacturers in the Housing residential housing sector. These issues of Technology Prepared for: Scanning are one in a series. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Each issue in the series falls Office of Policy Development and Research into one of the following categories: Washington, D.C. • Design and Internet Tools Prepared by: • Safety NAHB Research Center, Inc. • Surfaces and Interior Finishes Upper Marlboro, MD • Building Envelope Technologies Contract No.: • Electrical C-OPC-21289 • Plumbing • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning • Energy/Power Systems Generation • Basic Materials • Information Technology • Sustainable Design Strategies • Materials Recycling and Reuse • Thermal and Moisture Protection • Indoor Environmental Quality Call the ToolBase Hotline at 800-898-2842 for information about other available Technology Scanning issues. Or, log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. technologyscanning PATH Technology Scans

Description new and existing technologies from private Contact: The Partnership for Advancing Technology industry, research universities, and Dana Bres in Housing (PATH) advances technology in government laboratories. Through this effort, Carlos Martin the home building industry to improve the it is PATH’s hope that manufacturers and U.S. Department of Housing and affordability and value of new and existing builders will begin making contacts with Urban Development homes. Through public and private efforts, other industries for new R&D efforts, and Washington, D.C. PATH adds value to seven of the nation’s key that those industries will begin to develop Phone: 202-708-4370 housing attributes: affordability, energy building-specific applications and Email: [email protected] and efficiency, environmental impact, quality, technology transfer opportunities. In the [email protected] durability and maintenance, hazard long term, we hope that there will be a Larry Zarker mitigation, and labor safety. PATH recognizes sustained investment and interest by the NAHB Research Center, Inc. the importance of planning research and housing industry into technological Upper Marlboro, MD setting priorities for technology development developments in other areas. Phone: 301-430-6205 Email: [email protected] that will enable the home building industry Update to work towards the PATH mission. Notice One major research support service that The Technology Scanning project PATH provides is called PATH Technology continues to develop as new and emerging The work that provided the basis for this Scanning. Technology Scanning tells us technologies in areas from energy use to publication was supported by funding under about technology developments in entirely materials to information technology are contract number C-OPC-21289 from the U.S. different industries, from other nations, and uncovered. We suggest that all building Department of Housing and Urban from other building sectors that may have product manufacturers review these lists for Development. The substance and findings of application in residential construction. great new ideas, just like we hope that non- the work are dedicated to the public. The building innovators realize the great author is solely responsible for the accuracy History opportunities and markets available in of the statements and interpretations To date, PATH has accomplished its first housing. Get new report updates by visiting contained in this publication. Such exploration for the “Other Industries” www.pathnet.org or www.toolbase.org. interpretations do not necessarily reflect the Technology Scan. This ongoing effort views of the government. involved mining reports and publications on While the information in this document is believed to be accurate, neither the authors, nor reviewers, nor the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, nor the NAHB Research Center, Inc., nor any of their employees or representatives makes any warranty, guarantee, or representation, expressed or implied, with respect to the technologyscanning accuracy, effectiveness, or usefulness of any information, method, or material in this document, nor assumes any liability for the use of any information, methods, or materials Safety Safer Digging Near Utilities Safe Excavation disclosed herein, or for damages arising from Soft trencher, a new Safe Excavation is an technology in excavating equipment, uses electronic device that attaches to a backhoe, such use. supersonic air to break soil. Loosened dirt providing real time warning of a utility line Safety technology applications can then be vacuumed away. It is harmless immediately ahead of the digging tool. It include ideas that reduce or to buried utilities and safer for the operator. can detect and provide depth, location, and eliminate hazards from specific It clears a one foot wide trench (wider with size of buried cables, gas lines, or toxic construction tasks that are most About the NAHB Research multiple passes) up to a depth of 10 feet @ waste lines. It attaches to trenchers, associated with injury or accident 15cfm/min. backhoes, and other digging machines. It is (falls, back injury, trenching, or Center, Inc. ready for commercialization with proper digging accidents). Contact: Steve Okonek financing. They are working also on an Electric Power Research Institute enhanced version that detects plastic-coated The NAHB Research Center is a not-for- Technology Scanning 3412 Hillview lines and fiberoptic lines. One of PATH’s major research support Palo Alto, CA 94304-1395 Contact: profit subsidiary of the National Association services is PATH Technology Scanning. Phone: 850-855-1068 Leonhard Bernhold Technology Scanning tells us about Associate Professor of Civil Engineering technology developments in other of Home Builders (NAHB). The NAHB has North Carolina State University industries, from other nations, from Safer Inspection federal laboratories, and from other Phone: 919-515-3677 200,000 members, including 50,000 builders building sectors. PATH looks for Climber Robot is a mobile breakthroughs in other industries that robot that propels itself vertically for could be transferred and applied to Research to Reduce Construction Back who build more than 80 percent of new housing. Technology Scanning– inspection to perform remote sensing of Injuries published by the U.S. Department of man-made structures. Applications today American homes. The NAHB Research Center Housing and Urban Development/PATH include shipbuilding, aircraft inspection, North Carolina State and prepared by the NAHB Research bridge inspection, and building inspection. Industrial Engineering Department, Center, Inc.–is updated as technology It could be used in inspecting roofs, second Ergonomics Lab, is doing motion analysis conducts research, analysis, and demonstra- developments dictate. The Research Center story applications, foundation or trenches, on jobsites. From that research they hope to works to unite technology developers from where the person inspecting may be at risk develop prototype tools using lumbar tion programs in all areas relating to home outside of residential construction with for fall or injury. motion monitors, as well as develop manufacturers in the residential housing sector. Contact: comparative tool and equipment testing building and carries out extensive programs This issue of Technology Scanning is Vanderbilt University and analysis. one in a series. Each issue in the series Office of Technology Transfer Contact: of information dissemination and inter- falls into one of the following categories: Nashville, TN Dr. Steven Lorenc • Design and Internet Tools Phone: 615-343-2430 Association Director • Safety change among members of the industry and • Surfaces and Interior Finishes Center for Construction Technology and Integration • Building Envelope Technologies Safety Equipment from between the industry and the public. • Electrical North Carolina State University • Plumbing Logging Industry Campus Box 7908 • Heating, Ventilating and Air This firm from the logging Raleigh, NC 27695-7908 Conditioning Phone: 919-515-3677 • Energy/Power Systems Generation industry provides some of the best safety • Basic Materials devices for the logging industry and is now • Information Technology entering the construction industry. One of • Sustainable Design Strategies its construction safety products is a new • Materials Recycling and Reuse state-of-the-art Ultra-Jack Scaffold system. • Thermal and Moisture Protection Other products include fall-arresters, roof • Indoor Environmental Quality brackets, and wind anchors. Call the ToolBase Hotline at 800-898-2842 for information about other Contact: available Technology Scanning issues. Qual Craft Industries, Inc. Or, log onto pathnet.org and Stoughton, MI www.toolbase.org. Phone: 781-344-1000 www.qualcraft.com

451 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20410 Email: [email protected] Issue 1 November 2001

Technology Scanning–published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development/PATH and prepared by the NAHB Research Center, Inc.–is updated as technology developments dictate. Foreword

As a result of rising levels of homeownership in recent years, the homebuilding industry has expanded to meet the new demand for homes for America's families. Unfortunately, most homes being produced do not fully utilize available technologies that can result in greater affordability, durability and energy efficiency. Too often, the home building industry has lagged others in the pace of technological innovation and adoption. Several causes have been identified to account for this slow pace of technology adoption. They include high development costs, code acceptance, and the need for extensive experience with a product before builders will adopt it.

Because new technologies can play an increasingly critical role in the affordability, durability and energy efficiency of American homes, we must identify ways to speed their integration into the housing industry. While many promising technologies are currently in use, other industries have developed products or processes that can be used in housing. These technologies have demonstrated performance that can be evaluated.

Looking to other industries will reduce the time and costs associated with the introduction of new products in the housing industry. By selecting proven technologies, homebuilders will be able to provide more affordable, durable and energy efficient housing to America's families. In addition, many of the technologies will provide homes which are safer for both the residents and builders.

This process of Technology Scanning was sponsored by the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH), a public-private partnership administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Technology Scanning examined technology developments in other industries, from other nations, from federal laboratories, and from other building sectors for potential breakthroughs that could be transferred and applied to the residential construction industry. This cross-industry information sharing has never been performed in such a comprehensive manner. Technology Scanning efforts will also include highlighting housing opportunities to industries that traditionally have not marketed to the housing industry.

This report presents the results of PATH's initial Technology Scanning efforts. Many of those technologies have the potential to make housing more affordable, durable and energy efficient. Future reports on PATH's Technology Scanning activities will be prepare as technology developments are identified.

Lawrence L. Thompson General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research technologyscanning

Design and New Tool for Designers, Idea People Collaborative Sketch-up is a new sketching Design/Engineering Online Internet Tools software that combines the elegance and A host of websites offer collaborative spontaneity of pencil sketching with the design and engineering services. Included This category highlights some of the speed and flexibility of digital media. It are some of the following: new applications in design, allows users to more quickly explore l AECCafe.com–free online resource engineering software, and “what-if’’ scenarios. for architects, engineers, CAD techs, associated tools, as well as internet Contact: project managers; collaboration design and Last Software l BuildFind.com–Buildfind includes engineering sites. Boulder, CO AECjobbank.com, Building.com, Phone: 303-245-0086 Remodelonline.com, www.sketchup.com Contractorlocate.com, and Builderscentral.com; Pocket CAD l Buzzsaw.com.com–online collaboration Now you can download CAD and procurement; drawings to a PDA or pocket PC instead of Engineering.com–resource tool running and carrying sets of blueprints. l You can electronically send prints to a built by engineers for engineers to share, customer’s printer or site. Or, you can do search, and source; Technology Scanning a wireless transfer to another PC. Prints l Ideal.com–transform, acquire, view, One of PATH’s major research support collaborate, store, edit, and transfer large services is PATH Technology Scanning. can be projected to a presentation screen Technology Scanning tells us about or large monitor for electronic CAD files; technology developments in other presentation. This system is powered by l Projectvillage.com–Enterprise industries, from other nations, from federal AutoDesk technology. Pocket CAD Pro community model, web-based laboratories, and from other building sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in costs $199. A downloaded demo is collaboration, customizable workflow, other industries that could be transferred available at www.pocketcad.com. and e-commerce; and applied to housing. Technology ProjectEdge.comProjectEdge.com–project Scanning–published by the U.S. From Manufacturer to Architect l Department of Housing and Urban communication/management systems, Development/PATH and prepared by the Now 3D images of a company’s workflow and collaborative capabilities, NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as product can be instantly inserted into a full off-line functionality; technology developments dictate. The design or project. You can determine the Research Center works to unite technology l ProjectGuides.com–online developers from outside of residential visual and cost impacts of that product on professional service consultants automate construction with manufacturers in the the building or home. Product!Center, business development and consultant residential housing sector. run by Briscnet, is a database with more selection; This issue of Technology Scanning is than 30,000 manufacturers and over BuildZone.net–leading building one in a series. Each issue in the series falls 70,000 products. All in Visual Basic l into one of the following categories: industry portal with special focus on Applications (VBA), they are ready for • Design and Internet Tools Indian construction industry; • Safety downloading and 3D insertion into a set • Surfaces and Interior Finishes Construction.com–access to the • Building Envelope Technologies of plans. The database also applies the l • Electrical specifications to the plan in a copy and construction marketplace through Dodge, • Plumbing Sweets, ENR, ARCHITECTURAL RECORD, • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning paste format. A spreadsheet connected to • Energy/Power Systems Generation the plans can be opened and the cost and various state construction sites; and • Basic Materials Projecttalk.comcom–an internet based • Information Technology impact determined. Similar products can l • Sustainable Design Strategies be compared visually and cost community where you use project • Materials Recycling and Reuse management tools without updating or • Thermal and Moisture Protection competitively for trade-off analysis. • Indoor Environmental Quality Contact: maintaining them or worrying about Call the ToolBase Hotline at Briscnet security. Employees or users get unique 800-898-2842 for information about other access codes. available Technology Scanning issues. Or, Phone: 603-436-6868 log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. www.briscnet.com

451 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20410 Email: [email protected]

Issue 1 November 2001 technologyscanning

Safety Safer Digging Near Utilities Safe Excavation Soft trencher, a new technology Safe Excavation is an electronic Safety technology applications in excavating equipment, uses device that attaches to a backhoe, supersonic air to break soil. Loosened providing real time warning of a include ideas that reduce or dirt can then be vacuumed away. It is utility line immediately ahead of the eliminate hazards from specific harmless to buried utilities and safer digging tool. It can detect and provide construction tasks that are most for the operator. It clears a one foot depth, location, and size of buried associated with injury or wide trench (wider with multiple cables, gas lines, or toxic waste lines. accident (falls, back injury, passes) up to a depth of 10 feet @ It attaches to trenchers, backhoes, trenching, or digging accidents). 15cfm/min. and other digging machines. It is Contact: ready for commercialization with Steve Okonek proper financing. They are working Electric Power Research Institute also on an enhanced version that 3412 Hillview detects plastic-coated lines and Palo Alto, CA 94304-1395 fiberoptic lines. Phone: 850-855-1068 Contact: Leonhard Bernhold Safer Inspection Associate Professor of Civil Technology Scanning Climber Robot is a mobile robot Engineering One of PATH’s major research support that propels itself vertically for North Carolina State University services is PATH Technology Scanning. Technology Scanning tells us about inspection to perform remote sensing Phone: 919-515-3677 technology developments in other of man-made structures. Applications industries, from other nations, from federal today include shipbuilding, aircraft Research to Reduce Construction laboratories, and from other building Back Injuries sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in inspection, bridge inspection, and other industries that could be transferred building inspection. It could be used North Carolina State Industrial and applied to housing. Technology in inspecting roofs, second story Engineering Department, Ergonomics Scanning–published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban applications, foundation or trenches, Lab, is doing motion analysis on Development/PATH and prepared by the where the person inspecting may be jobsites. From that research they hope NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as technology developments dictate. The at risk for fall or injury. to develop prototype tools using Research Center works to unite technology Contact: lumbar motion monitors, as well as developers from outside of residential Vanderbilt University develop comparative tool and construction with manufacturers in the residential housing sector. Office of Technology Transfer equipment testing and analysis. This issue of Technology Scanning is Nashville, TN Contact: one in a series. Each issue in the series falls Phone: 615-343-2430 Dr. Steven Lorenc into one of the following categories: Association Director • Design and Internet Tools Safety Equipment from • Safety Center for Construction Technology • Surfaces and Interior Finishes Logging Industry and Integration • Building Envelope Technologies • Electrical This firm from the logging North Carolina State University • Plumbing industry provides some of the best • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Campus Box 7908 • Energy/Power Systems Generation safety devices for the logging industry Raleigh, NC 27695-7908 • Basic Materials and is now entering the construction • Information Technology Phone: 919-515-3677 • Sustainable Design Strategies industry. One of its construction safety • Materials Recycling and Reuse • Thermal and Moisture Protection products is a new state-of-the-art • Indoor Environmental Quality Ultra-Jack Scaffold system. Other Call the ToolBase Hotline at products include fall-arresters, roof 800-898-2842 for information about other available Technology Scanning issues. Or, brackets, and wind anchors. log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. Contact: Qual Craft Industries, Inc. Stoughton, MI Phone: 781-344-1000 451 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20410 www.qualcraft.com Email: [email protected]

Issue 1 November 2001 technologyscanning

solid surface sheet material and can be finishing or staining required. It adapts to Surfaces and applied with spray equipment. It is more many different surfaces with its flexible Interior forgiving than solid surface sheet goods, fabric backing. with a seamless look. This new ColorWall uses natural or Finishes breakthrough makes wall surfaces and reconstituted dyed veneers with a tough, other interiors easier and more sealed coating, formulated specifically to Outlined here are several finish and economical to finish with solid surface veneers, for superior protection from UV surfaces technologies that could be material. Granicoat, when applied and everyday wear. Standard sheet sizes applied in housing for various properly, gives a ten-year warranty. used in retail interior applications are benefits stated. Contact: 24”x96”. Safas Corp Contact: Clinton, NJ VenTec Phone: 973-772-5252 Chicago, IL www.safascorp.com Phone: 312-733-7383 Lower Cost Solid Surfaces www.ventecveneer.com Granicoat is an economical, Decorative Surface Material Wears durable, and sprayable solid surface Like Armor Innvironments Organic application. It has the same properties as Vydex can be shaped into rounds, Wall Coverings curves, etc., and is thermally formed to Innovations has produced a create seamless, long-lasting surfaces for revolutionary new line of organic wall Technology Scanning walls and retail fixtures displays. The coverings which create a new direction in One of PATH’s major research support material is relatively low cost and the surfaces industry. The line of wall services is PATH Technology Scanning. combines durable PVC films and high coverings is created entirely from natural Technology Scanning tells us about technology developments in other impact resistant rigid PVC into a surface resources or environmentally attractive industries, from other nations, from federal product that stands up in high wear products. The organics, including coffee, laboratories, and from other building areas. aduzki bean, green tea, charcoal and sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in For housing it could be used in wall mugwort, are transformed into particle other industries that could be transferred and applied to housing. Technology panel interior applications or traditional form and applied to cellulose backing. Scanning–published by the U.S. surface areas like counters for low cost, Its other line is PaperWeaves, Department of Housing and Urban high wear applications. developed from cellulose paper and Development/PATH and prepared by the washed with pearlized translucent color. NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as Contact: technology developments dictate. The TC Millwork It uses powder from mineral mica. Both Research Center works to unite technology Bensalem, PA lines are amazingly creative, fresh, and developers from outside of residential Phone: 215-245-4210 environmentally attractive wall coverings construction with manufacturers in the www.tcmillwork.com or surface solutions. residential housing sector. Contact: This issue of Technology Scanning is Eco Floors one in a series. Each issue in the series falls Innovations into one of the following categories: Made from recycled rubber, this Phone: 1-800-227-8053 • Design and Internet Tools durable flooring is used in retail and www.innovationsusa.com/ • Safety commercial environments. It makes use innvironments.html • Surfaces and Interior Finishes • Building Envelope Technologies of old tires. It is manufactured in tile • Electrical form. Tiles are odor-free, flexible in Textra Paintable Wall Coverings • Plumbing • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning design, and could be used in places where Johns Manville introduced Textra • Energy/Power Systems Generation ceramic tile is found today for a softer, Glass Textile, a wall finish system. It is • Basic Materials environmentally attractive floor surface. affordable, durable, and easy-to-install. • Information Technology • Sustainable Design Strategies Contact: Made from woven glass yarns, which are • Materials Recycling and Reuse Phone: 1-877-ECO-SURF strong and flame resistant, its open-weave • Thermal and Moisture Protection • Indoor Environmental Quality Email: srzgerberltd.com structures permit natural moisture vapor Call the ToolBase Hotline at www.regupol.com diffusion. Textra can be applied directly to 800-898-2842 for information about other concrete, OSB, and plywood surfaces. available Technology Scanning issues. Or, Pre-Finished Wood Wall Covering Textra is competitive versus alternative log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. ColorWall, using over 300 colors, finishes on both initial cost and life-cycle patterns, and species of dyed wood cost, with lower installation time and cost. veneers, provides an environmentally Contact: friendly, naturally beautiful wall surface. Johns Manville 451 7th Street, SW It is less expensive than paneling, Denver, CO Washington, DC 20410 Phone: 303-654-3103 Email: [email protected] provides more natural beauty, with no www.jm.com/textra Issue 1 November 2001 technologyscanning

Building International Space Station NASA’s Environmentally Closed Life Envelope Support Systems (ECLSS) group Technologies developed vehicle/habitat systems that incorporate lightweight, re-configurable This category includes technologies materials, spaces, or modules. Included which relate to the structure, are fasteners that are quick, strong, and assembly of, the protection of, or the easy to use and assemble. thermal efficiency of the exterior NASA has also developed new, building envelope. Technologies inflatable living quarters made from a 24- outlined here relate to wall panels, layer composite of textiles. It is stronger roof and floor systems, and than metal, and its indestructible outer insulation applications. Some layers protect inner bladders that hold air. technologies outlined here are An outer shell provides insulating technologies outlined here are Courtesy: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory creative thinking about the exterior properties from 250°F to -200°F. Using building shell and its function of Nextel 3M material from the auto protecting the occupants. industry, Kevlar from DuPont, protecting the occupants. A sample of a GFP baffle, removed from its Combitherm from the food packaging barrier bag. Inert gas fills the sealed interior industry, and Nomax from the protective of the panel. Technology Scanning clothing industry, NASA engineers have One of PATH’s major research support developed an innovative, thick, inflatable services is PATH Technology Scanning. Technology Scanning tells us about shell able to withstand extreme technology developments in other temperatures, meteorite debris, and other industries, from other nations, from federal flying space debris. Many of these ideas resistance is R-12. Full-scale prototypes laboratories, and from other building can be transferred on an earthly scale to have been fabricated and are in test and sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in structural analysis mode. other industries that could be transferred housing. Down-scaled, more earth-like and applied to housing. Technology applications of this material/textile Contact: Scanning–published by the U.S. composite could be used in walls and Dariush Arasteh, LBL National Laboratory Department of Housing and Urban roofs of homes. Phone: 510-486-6844 Development/PATH and prepared by the Email: [email protected] NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as Contact: http://windows.lbl.gov/adv_Sys/ technology developments dictate. The Laura Nelson Research Center works to unite technology integrated/default.htm developers from outside of residential NASA Johnson Space Center construction with manufacturers in the Email: [email protected] Gas-Filled Wall Panels (GFPs) residential housing sector. This issue of Technology Scanning is Integrated Window and Lawrence Berkeley National one in a series. Each issue in the series falls Wall System (IWS) Laboratory, Building Technologies into one of the following categories: Program has been working since the late LBL National Laboratory, • Design and Internet Tools 1980s on gas-filled wall panels. Using the • Safety Environmental Energy Tech Division, has • Surfaces and Interior Finishes same principles that are now common in developed an integrated window/wall • Building Envelope Technologies gas-filling air space in windows, they • Electrical system. A pre-engineered panel extends • Plumbing have developed wall panels filled with an full width and height and thickness of a • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning inert gas in a controlled space. They are • Energy/Power Systems Generation wall section. It includes an operable or able to achieve an R-19 wall in the space • Basic Materials fixed sash, recessed night insulation • Information Technology normally consumed by a 2x4 wall cavity, • Sustainable Design Strategies panel, integral solar shading panel, and a and R-30 in the space of a 2x6 wall cavity. • Materials Recycling and Reuse moveable interior control device. It is • Thermal and Moisture Protection Some effort has been focused on • Indoor Environmental Quality designed to be a factory-built wall section residential wall panels, as well as Call the ToolBase Hotline at shipped to the site and incorporated with insulation for appliances, namely 800-898-2842 for information about other the rest of the wall structure. It uses wall available Technology Scanning issues. Or, refrigerator panels filled with gas. log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. framing to anchor window sashes and does away with window frames and typical window header framing. With its night insulation deployed, its thermal 451 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20410 Email: [email protected]

Issue 1 November 2001 Gas-Filled A cellular structure inside the panel, Composite Housing System The units consist of composite Wall Panels (GFPs), with low diffusion gas barrier films in a Uses Waste Glass structural panels for the sides, end walls, continued hermetic seal, retains the panel gas fill of The ACE awards, recognizing the and roofs. The units have been argon or krypton. Cost per square feet = composite industry’s best new structurally certified independently in $0.69 for 2x4, 16" o.c. wall, and $0.94 for applications, went to the Ambiente Italy and Japan for design, wind, and 2x6, 16" o.c. wall. The weight is Housing System made completely of snow loads. The units, once folded out to comparable or less than the weight of composite materials in September 2000. It an 88 inch wide x 260 inch long x 92 traditional wall construction. Technical is billed as hazard-resistant housing, inch high (33 inch high when folded for issues being addressed include thermal designed to resist hurricanes and shipping) rectangular cube, provide 151 aging characteristics and search for low- withstand earthquake forces. It is also fire square feet while weighing around 3,500 flame spread materials. and flame resistant. With no timber or lbs. Many of these principles and ideas Contact: steel in the home, it’s made entirely from could be applied in whole or part to the Dariush Arasteh, LBL National Laboratory recycled glass core material, generating U.S. housing industry. Phone: 510-486-6844 no production waste in the Contact: Email: [email protected] manufacturing process. This housing Top Glass S.p.A. http://gfp.lbl.gov/ system has superior thermal and sound Milan, Italy characteristics, is low maintenance, www.topglass.it or Composite Building durable, and long lasting. www.compositestech.com Funded by the Office of Naval Raw waste glass is processed into (March/April 2001 issue of Composites Research and developed at the U.S. Navy’s honeycomb-like material, then cast into a Technology) Manufacturing Technology Center of composite of resin and fiber. This Tilt-up Foam Core Panels Excellence for Composites Manufacturing technology uses non-degradable waste. It (CECMT), this technology employs uses 13 tons of waste glass that would Energy Panel Structures, Inc, composites for the entire house. The have gone to landfill for each house. displayed its latest technology for pre- building/shelter technology is easy to This system is affordable and engineered buildings at the World Dairy assemble. It was assembled in the durable (20-year warranty). It reduces Expo, which allows for one of the most Dominican Republic in less than 24 damage from natural hazards and is flexible, low-cost building options for hours by 10 people without specialized environmentally responsible and friendly. agricultural buildings. The tilt-up foam tools or heavy equipment. The outside Ambiente has turn-key manufacturing core panels are water resistant and have finish and roofing materials were applied plants developed. This technology has 50 percent better R-values with pre- within an additional 36 hours. It has very direct potential application for advanced finished interiors. good thermal values, with R-42 roofs and wall panel systems and whole house Contact: R-24 walls. It is also fire resistant, systems. Energy Panel Structures, Inc. corrosion resistant, and termite resistant. Contact: Graettinger, IA The DOD labs are going to work with Malcolm Parish, Director Phone: 1-800-967-2130 CECMT to incorporate composites into Ambersham Technology Group www.epsbuildings.com “contingency” structures and field test Ambiente Housing Keep Water Away from Foundation them. Luquillo, Puerto Rico Contact: Phone: 787-889-1362 ElectroOsmotic Pulse (E0P) is a Loretta DeSio Email: [email protected] technology developed for the U.S. Army. It Phone: 703-696-5032 www.ambientehomes.com repels water molecules electronically, Email: [email protected] controlling groundwater intrusion into Emergency Housing Ships Flat, structures. Keeping groundwater away Composolite FRP Panels Folds Out prevents structural and corrosion This is a new lightweight, high A Milan, Italy company, Top Glass damage, while improving indoor air strength, glass fiber reinforced polymer S.p.A, has developed a portable, quality. modular construction system. It has been lightweight house that ships in folded Contact: used extensively in Europe for over 10 form. It is stacked three high for shipping Vincent Hock years, and is now being produced by and folds out to 92 inches high when Army Corps of Engineers Strongwell in the U.S. Applications for deployed. It was developed for the Construction Engineering Research housing include wall panels, floor Universita del Progetto, Italy, as Laboratory (CERL) decking, and roof decking. emergency housing or command centers Phone: 217-373-6753 Contact: in natural disaster areas. The units meet Email: [email protected] Phone: 540-645-8000 international modular shipping Email: [email protected] standards. When stacked three high, they www.strongwell.com occupy similar space to truck cargo containers. The units are insulated composite panels around a metal frame that is hinged for folding. The units can be folded and unfolded many times, so they are re-locatable as well. technologyscanning

Electrical New Efficient Lights Incandescent bulbs offer warm but inefficient light. Fluorescent lights save Listed in this section are the DeCorp energy and last longer but cast a green America’s technology findings that directly or glow. Researchers have developed a new FlatWire in part could be applied to the light combining the best of both types. It’s consists mechanical infrastructure of three a tiny, solid-state laser that delivers a flat (electrical) of housing. longer lasting white light with minimal conductors electricity. The device emits an ultraviolet insulated Courtesy: DeCorp America light, which strikes a phosphor coating. on either side with The coating glows with an eye-pleasing a film. white light. Light bulbs made with these chips would last 10 times longer than fluorescent bulbs and 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs. The chip, only 20 micrometers square, will be ready within two years as a prototype and pilot, with commercial models in 5-10 years. This technology has application for Technology Scanning industrial, commercial, and residential One of PATH’s major research support lighting. services is PATH Technology Scanning. Technology Scanning tells us about Contact: technology developments in other Jung Han industries, from other nations, from federal Sandia National Laboratories laboratories, and from other building sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in Albuquerque, NM other industries that could be transferred Phone: 925-294-2951 and applied to housing. Technology Email: [email protected] Scanning–published by the U.S. Fast-Cooking Technology Department of Housing and Urban http://www.sandia.gov/LabNews/LN10- Development/PATH and prepared by the 06-00/uv_story.html Developed for space station living, NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as this will find its way into the home over technology developments dictate. The Ultra Thin Electrical Wire the next several years. This technology Research Center works to unite technology FlatWire is a technology consisting developers from outside of residential cooks foods faster with focused, less construction with manufacturers in the of three flat conductors insulated on wasted energy. The technology, called residential housing sector. either side with a film. It’s thinner than a Enersyst, uses jets of hot air on the top This issue of Technology Scanning is business card. Today it carries 12volt and bottom of the oven focused on the one in a series. Each issue in the series falls audio or 120v line current. It applies flat food. This eliminates warm-up times and into one of the following categories: to a wall similar to drywall tape, and can • Design and Internet Tools the energy to heat the whole oven cavity. • Safety be covered with drywall compound or Enersyst air impingement technology is • Surfaces and Interior Finishes paint. The manufacturer is seeking UL • Building Envelope Technologies being tried in restaurants (Domino’s, • Electrical approval. They are also working with the Pizza Hut, Lincoln Food Services), and • Plumbing National Electrical Code on an internal • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning vending machines where hot, fast, oven- • Energy/Power Systems Generation wiring system for new construction, fresh food is desired and now possible. • Basic Materials especially those houses built with foam- Thermador has been working with • Information Technology core panels or insulated concrete form • Sustainable Design Strategies Enersyst to develop a line of residential • Materials Recycling and Reuse technology. • Thermal and Moisture Protection energy saving, fast cooking ovens for the • Indoor Environmental Quality Contact: consumer. Call the ToolBase Hotline at DeCorp America Contact: 800-898-2842 for information about other Nashville,TN Malcolm Webster available Technology Scanning issues. Or, www.decorp.com log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. Technology Liaison National Technology Transfer Center 316 Washington Avenue Wheeling, WV 26003 451 7th Street, SW Phone: 304-243-2543 Washington, DC 20410 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.nttc.edu Issue 1 November 2001 technologyscanning

Plumbing capture heat from residential drainwater. Versiloc Tubing Gravity Film HX (GFX) is the process This technology is a proprietary being tested at two sites in Duluth, MN, combination of silicone elastomers in a Listed in this section are the and Madison, WI, to capture and reuse high strength pressure tubing. Smooth, technology findings that directly or the heat from shower and dishwasher hot inner surfaces are intended to reduce in part could be applied to the water for pre-heating of additional hot particulate build-up. It is temperature mechanical infrastructure water (63 percent of the hot water use in resistant to –112°F and 320°F. It is taste a house). This technology could save a (plumbing) of housing. and odor free. This technology could have portion of the energy use in hot water application in residential plumbing and heaters today. movement of water. A second project by this group is an Contact: integrated water-heating refrigerator. This Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics uses the excess capacity and heat Phone: 973-696-4056 produced by refrigerator condensers for www.tygon.com Hot Water Recovery and Heat Capture other uses in the house. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, l Mode 1 - takes heat from the Hot Water and Heating Comfort Buildings Technology Center, is refrigerator’s condenser and applies it to MonoSolar is a sleek, well-designed researching emerging technology to pre-heat water and air; and system for hot water. A European design, l Mode 2 - when no refrigeration is needed, condenser heat is applied to water it is compact and small. It can be and a second evaporator is used to cool connected to the company’s Multisolar Technology Scanning unit and other Daalderop heating units One of PATH’s major research support air space. services is PATH Technology Scanning. Benefits include reduced energy to for central heating or extra heating. The Technology Scanning tells us about produce hot water, extra space heat, and a Monosolar unit has 100-litre capacity, is technology developments in other easy to install, has an integrated industries, from other nations, from federal reduced cooling load in summer. A prototype has been built and testing is drainback system, has frost and laboratories, and from other building overheating safeguards, requires no sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in underway. It is a joint effort between other industries that could be transferred ORNL, North Carolina State University, antifreeze in cold climates, requires no and applied to housing. Technology and Davis Energy Group. maintenance, and has a long life span. Scanning–published by the U.S. Contact: Department of Housing and Urban Contact: Development/PATH and prepared by the John Tomlinson or Robert Wendt Daalderop BV NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as The Netherlands technology developments dictate. The Oak Ridge National Lab Oak Ridge,TN Phone: +31 344 636 500 Research Center works to unite technology www.daalderop.nl developers from outside of residential Phone: 423-547-0260 construction with manufacturers in the Email: [email protected] Join Copper Pipe Faster residential housing sector. Join Copper Pipe Faster This issue of Technology Scanning is Plumbers Training Program– Pro Press system, a joint one in a series. Each issue in the series falls Low Cost Solar Water Heating development by Ridgid Tools and Viega, into one of the following categories: Solar water heating solutions have forms a permanent, watertight seal in just • Design and Internet Tools seconds for common copper pipe sizes. • Safety been around since the 1960s. Oftentimes • Surfaces and Interior Finishes the builders’ reluctance to adopt them There is no soldering and no sweating of • Building Envelope Technologies joints, which is better for the • Electrical has prevented more widespread use of this • Plumbing technology. A UK company has developed environment. Additionally, it has faster • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning “SHINE 21,” a major new project aimed installation time per run, per house. Each • Energy/Power Systems Generation fitting, over 200 available, has a seal built • Basic Materials at low-cost training of plumbers in the • Information Technology design and installation of solar water in each end. There is also a special • Sustainable Design Strategies elector-hydraulic crimping tool developed • Materials Recycling and Reuse heating systems. This program is being • Thermal and Moisture Protection put into use in the UK for skilled by Ridgid that crimps the fitting and seals • Indoor Environmental Quality craftspeople. The company that developed it to the pipe permanently. Call the ToolBase Hotline at Contact: 800-898-2842 for information about other the program also sells and markets low available Technology Scanning issues. Or, cost solar water heating systems, which Ridgid Tools log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. cost around 1500 British pounds or about Phone: 1-888-743-4333 $2,100 U.S. www.ridgid.com Contact: Filsol, Ltd 451 7th Street, SW John Blower Washington, DC 20410 Phone: +01269 860229 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Issue 1 November 2001 technologyscanning

Heating, Next Generation Pulse Hydronic Radiant Cooling Combustion Technology Lawrence Berkeley National Ventilating Next generation pulse combustion Laboratory is working on a project to and Air technology reduces fuel consumption by develop Hydronic Radiant Cooling Conditioning 50 percent and reduces greenhouse gases (HRC), which separates the tasks of by 30 percent through cleaner emissions. ventilation and thermal space New breakthroughs in the design of heat conditioning as it shifts the peak cooling Listed in this section are the chambers result in higher heat transfer load to later in the day. The technology technology findings that directly or coefficients with thermal efficiencies of 97 relies on radiation from a cooled surface in part could be applied to the percent. This technology is under to provide sensible cooling, and it uses air mechanical infrastructure (heating, research for commercial and distribution to fulfill ventilation and ventilating and air conditioning) manufacturing uses, but with further indoor humidity requirements. of housing. research and development could be Demonstrations are currently operating applied to residential heating systems. in office buildings in Switzerland, Austria Contact: (2), and Oakland, CA, as well as at a Dr. Dilip Manuel, Business retail store in Utah. (Refer to Project Development Manager LBNL-13) David Proctor, Primary Researcher Contact: CSIRO Thermal & Fluids Engineering Helmut Feustral, LBL National Lab Technology Scanning Melbourne, Australia Phone: 510-486-4021 One of PATH’s major research support services is PATH Technology Scanning. Phone: +61 3 9 252 6000 Email: [email protected] Technology Scanning tells us about Email: [email protected] http://epb.lblgov/thermal/hydronic.html technology developments in other industries, from other nations, from federal Micro-Capillary Heat Exchange/ laboratories, and from other building Cooling System Solar Pre-Heat of Fresh Air sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in other industries that could be transferred Similar to radiant heat in floors, Cuts Heating Cost and applied to housing. Technology this technology uses liquid in tiny tubes This is a technology from the Scanning–published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban in the ceiling to cool a space. Water agriculture industry’s crop drying process. Development/PATH and prepared by the moves through tiny tubes (twice the It uses solar energy to preheat air used in NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as diameter of pencil lead) and is chilled to ventilation systems. The Department of technology developments dictate. The 59°F for cooling or warmed to 86°F for Energy and the National Renewable Research Center works to unite technology developers from outside of residential heating. The large surface area promotes Energy Laboratory are developing this construction with manufacturers in the faster heat exchange with substantial technology for use in commercial and residential housing sector. energy savings. Tubes are connected in residential structures. The system heats This issue of Technology Scanning is parallel and placed in panel form, which air by as much as 54°F, reducing the one in a series. Each issue in the series falls into one of the following categories: can have plaster or other finishes applied annual heating cost by $1 to $3 per • Design and Internet Tools over the top. Dehumidification is still square foot. Solarwall uses perforated • Safety required in humid climates. metal sheeting as a solar absorber, which • Surfaces and Interior Finishes • Building Envelope Technologies Contact: costs half as much as traditional glazed • Electrical KaRo solar panels. • Plumbing • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Archhamps, France Contact: • Energy/Power Systems Generation www.karo.cc NREL Technology Transfer Office • Basic Materials • Information Technology Phone: 303-275-3008 • Sustainable Design Strategies • Materials Recycling and Reuse • Thermal and Moisture Protection • Indoor Environmental Quality Call the ToolBase Hotline at 800-898-2842 for information about other available Technology Scanning issues. Or, log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org.

451 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20410 Email: [email protected]

Issue 1 November 2001 The system installs simply over Floor Covering concrete slabs. Concrete Airflow Modeling Software Warm Air Thermal Bank Flovent provides software and and Pipes consulting services to evaluate and simulate airflow/movement in a structure Insulation during the design phase to optimize the design and performance of HVAC systems for better indoor air quality, and healthier and more comfortable homes at lower costs. By studying and modeling airflow, more accurate equipment can be sized. Floor plans and wall plans can be adjusted to take problem areas away and

Courtesy: Luwa BV, Netherlands, an agent of TEAP in Europe Courtesy: Luwa BV, create more efficient air flows, thereby reducing the energy needed to run the systems. They refer to it as interior aerodynamics. Energy is absorbed by the system during excess heat Floor Covering Contact: production times, then Pipe Flowmerics released during need in Phone: 508-357-2012 off-peak times. www.flovent.com Duct Audits for Peak Efficiency Brookhaven National Laboratory is 80 mm doing field research using duct audits on forced air duct system performance. They measure inefficiencies in duct design and layout and installation and assembly, which directly result in energy loss and Thermal indirectly contribute to poor indoor air Bank Insulation quality. (Project reference BNL-2) Contact: Richard Krajawski Brookhaven National Laboratory Phone: 514-344-3804 Email: [email protected] State-of-the Art in Heat Storage System Under-floor Building Automation Luwa Sustainable Energy Alternative to Metal Ductwork Progress in communication demonstrated its latest in heat storage FabricAir, Inc. in Louisville, KY, has standards has led to new forms of systems for storing heat produced by solar brought over a European series of fabric building automation. BACnet is one set of PV systems, at Sustain 2001. Their ductwork to the U.S. UL-approved and operability protocols that allow field TEAP29 product makes use of latent heat NFPA-certified, it has been used for over devices in HVAC to talk to each other and to achieve higher thermal density. Energy 30 years in Europe. It provides an centralized command centers. The other is absorbed by the system during excess alternative to metal ducts that is energy is LonMark and LonWorks operability heat production times, then released by efficient, quieter, lightweight, and has a protocols. The LonMark catalog now programmable controls during need in potentially lower installation cost. The contains over 220 products that inter- off-peak times. The system installs simply fabric ducts are available in sizes from 8 operate over a LonWorks Network. The IT over concrete slabs and comes in easy-to- to 80 inch diameter round ducts. The industry has spawned a whole new set of use capsule sections that are embedded fabric is treated to resist mold, with zipper scripting languages with the intent of with under floor heating tubes or connections for ease of assembly. integration and blending of protocols and electrical heating cables. A screen is then Contact: soft technologies. Common language has applied over the top to provide a finished, www.fabricair.com allowed many devices to link together and walkable surface. Other Fabric Duct be controlled collectively versus Contact: Manufacturers: individually. Luwa BV Pal Int’I Soft Air Contact: Netherlands DuctSox, Dubuque, IA Ken Sinclair Phone: +31 0-35-541-55-51 Phone: 319-589-2777 Email: Email : [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.teappcm.com technologyscanning

Energy/Power Fuel Cell Technology Systems Fuel cell technology combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate Generation electricity and pure water. This technology is virtually silent and produces The technology findings here relate no pollution. Fuel cells can be used to to alternative means of power power vehicles, homes, factories, and creation, conservation or offices. They are modular in design , conversion against traditional gas, making them versatile in configuration. Courtesy: Nuvera Fuel Cells coal-produced electric, or nuclear- based power. This area of Fuel Cells Engineering Framework sustainable energy technology is at and Road Map the forefront of a number of Pacific Northwest National industries including housing. Laboratory, Material Resources Group, is establishing a systems engineering framework for the development of fuel cells. They are defining barriers and mapping a plan for advanced fuel cell Technology Scanning development. Nuvera intends to work with leading One of PATH’s major research support Contact: services is PATH Technology Scanning. organizations around the world to Technology Scanning tells us about Bernie Saffell demonstrate and test the commercial technology developments in other Pacific Northwest National Laboratory viability of small-scale power modules. industries, from other nations, from federal Richland, WA laboratories, and from other building The demonstrations will be designed to sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in Phone: 509-372-4565 increase overall awareness and perception other industries that could be transferred Email: [email protected] of fuel cells among consumers as viable and applied to housing. Technology www.pnl.gov/fuelcells Scanning–published by the U.S. clean energy alternatives. Nuvera was Department of Housing and Urban Nuvera Introduces Line of Residential formed in April 2000 in a merger of Development/PATH and prepared by the De Nora Fuel Cells, Milan, Italy, and Epyx NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as Fuel Cell Modules Corp, a fuel processing division of the technology developments dictate. The In response to a growing need for Research Center works to unite technology American consulting firm of alternative on-site energy solutions, developers from outside of residential Arthur D. Little. construction with manufacturers in the Nuvera is developing small-scale fuel cell residential housing sector. power modules designed to provide a Contact: This issue of Technology Scanning is range of deployable power anywhere, Nuvera Fuel Cells one in a series. Each issue in the series falls anytime. The modules are flexible fuel Deborah Cullen into one of the following categories: Cambridge, MA • Design and Internet Tools cell technology that provide the user • Safety freedom of fuel choice from hydrogen, Phone: 617-498-5398 • Surfaces and Interior Finishes natural gas, or propane. Email: [email protected] • Building Envelope Technologies www.nuvera.com • Electrical The units are intended for remote • Plumbing • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning power use away from a power grid or as • Energy/Power Systems Generation residential backup to traditional power • Basic Materials • Information Technology sources. Three lines of compact, stacked • Sustainable Design Strategies fuel cells in aesthetically pleasing • Materials Recycling and Reuse housing are under development: • Thermal and Moisture Protection • Indoor Environmental Quality l Premium Fuel Cell Module 1kW - Call the ToolBase Hotline at Propane 800-898-2842 for information about other available Technology Scanning issues. Or, l Premium Fuel Cell Module 1kW - log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. Hydrogen l Premium Fuel Cell Module 5kW – Natural Gas

451 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20410 Email: [email protected]

Issue 1 November 2001 Fuel Cell Technology,,, World’s Largest Fuel Cell Installation Passau, the fuel cell provider, feels it Solar Dynamic Energy Conversion continued Middletown, Connecticut, USA will help users get comfortable with fuel This conversion technology Juvenile Training Center, has ordered a cells in and around the home and generates electricity/power with a small 1.2 MW fuel cell system for an estimated encourage greater use of fuel cell surface area. It is lightweight, and has a $18 million. It is to be installed by Select adoption for homes, cars, appliances, and higher power-weight ratio than Energy. This will be the largest single outdoor power equipment. The VP of conventional photovoltaics. It can be installation to date. When fully debugged Marketing for NovArs GmbH said, “If applied to housing with a relatively small and operational, it will provide a major people get comfortable with this surface area and power generation units. technology on a small scale, they are portion of the facility’s power. Contact: more likely to have confidence with it on Great Lakes Industrial Technology Center Iceland to Demonstrate First Real a larger scale.” John Glenn Research Center Hydrogen Based Economy MIT is currently performing tests on Cleveland, OH the new application. Iceland announced plans to start a Phone: 216-433-4000 fleet of hydrogen powered fuel cell buses Contact: and hydrogen filling stations to provide Manhattan Scientifics, Inc. Solar Cell Technology and Systems the world’s first real demonstration of a Marvin Maslow for Houses hydrogen-based economy. A consortium New York, NY Sanyo, a Japanese maker of of companies including Shell Hydrogen, Phone: 212-752-0505 electronics, has developed a new structure Daimler-Chrysler, and Norsk Hydro, will Email: [email protected] cell, called HIT, with 17 percent mass spend about $6.5 million U.S. dollars to www.mhtx.com/media-center/ production line cell efficiency. This new start up the project. The four-year project pressrelease30.htm hybrid structure of a cell reduces energy will demonstrate the viability and loss and is the world’s highest efficiency implementation issues for a hydrogen- for a prototype cell at 20 percent. Sanyo’s based economy. Three buses powered by Photovoltaic/Solar Technology goal for the new process is a low-cost, fuel cells and a refilling station at an Solar technologies have been large- volume production solar cell for existing Shell retail site will be at the around for a long time. However, our housing. To date these cells have been heart of the demonstration. knowledge of solar technology has applied in houses as shingles in Japan’s test houses. The key technology Fuel Cell Vacuum Cleaner improved greatly over the past few decades. There are now better, more breakthrough has been in the application Electrolux LLC has designed, and is practical applications to harness the sun’s of a thin film technology of Amorphous ready to release with the assistance of power. Photovoltaic conversion occurs Silicon (a-SI:H cell) on a crystalline Manhattan Scientifics, Inc., the first fuel within solar cells made from silicon. Silicon base. Pilot manufacturing lines cell powered vacuum. Using technology Multiple cells are connected together and have demonstrated mass production from NovArs GmbH, located near Passau, sealed to form solar power modules which capability and potential efficiency. Germany, the stacked fuel cell is a collect the sun’s energy and convert it Contact: composite material held together with into electricity. Solec International, Inc. sealants instead of bolts. The cells are Jawid Shahryar lightweight and generate power of 1,000 Carson, CA watts. Electrolux will sell the backpack Phone: 310-834-5800 (x207) vacuum cleaner next year. Email: [email protected] www.sanyo.com/aboutsanyona/ company_profiles/solec.html

Hpower’s RCU 1-10 kW AC residential unit. Courtesy: Hpower The Georgetown University Fuel Cell Bus. window frame is being pursued as well. Reliability and durability will be key attributes to prove. Contact: National Center for Photovoltaics National Renewable Energy Laboratory Golden, CO Email: [email protected] www.nrel.gov/ncpv.NCPVHotline Courtesy: Fuel Cells 2000 Solar-Shell Renewables Technology to turn the sun’s rays into power on earth has been around for SunSlates Roofing and Photovoltaics Integrated into Windows some time, but recent focused efforts Façade Systems The National Renewable Energy around photovoltaics are forging new Atlantis Solar Systems’ strategy has Laboratory has integrated a PV inroads. The energy conversion takes been to incorporate photovoltaic electrochromatic device into smart place within a solar cell manufactured technology into building products. In its windows. Termed PV-EC Smart Window, from silicon. Multiple cells are connected first demonstration project installed in this technology could derive better together and sealed into solar power Switzerland one year ago, they used functional use of the window and reduce modules. Shell has recently opened a SunSlates photovoltaic, a thin-film solar heating and cooling needs of the building state-of-the-art solar cell plant in cell roofing and façade product. Since by 25 percent, lighting demand by 50 Germany. It is the world’s most integrated then, it has been used successfully in percent, and peak power demand by 30 plant and Europe’s largest single solar Burgdorf Switzerland’s Regional Hospital, percent. A dye-sensitized solar cell cell line. With their size and technical along with 70 other applications across electrode is the heart of the technology know-how, Shell has produced Germany and Switzerland. Solar Building and can be used in conjunction with cooperative efforts in Amersfoot, Holland, Systems LTD, Exmore, VA, have installed today’s known window technologies of with 70 architects to bring about the some systems in the U.S. Low e coatings, gas fills, and space largest solar residential development in Europe. Through a joint venture with a Contact: evacuation techniques. Making the cells thin enough to be semi-transparent to the South African utility company, Eskom, Atlantis Solar Systems Shell is bringing sun-derived power to Jorn Jurgens human eye is one of the technical challenges being worked on. Another 50,000 homes in remote areas not Bern, Switzerland connected to public power grids. They Phone: +41 31 300 3200 method of building the cells into the Email: [email protected] www.atlantisenergy.com/as1.htm Photovoltaic Cladding Located just outside London, the University of Southampton is the first building to have mono-crystalline vertically mounted PV arrays generating Credit Jim Yost electricity. It is the most monitored, most watched installation of PVs. The goal is not only to collect performance data, but also reliability, durability, and economic data. A total of 96 modules are configured in sub-arrays divided across four levels of the building. Contact: Abubakr S. Bahaj Sustainable Energy Research Group University of Southampton Civil and Environmental Department Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK Phone: + 44 23 80 592051 Email: [email protected] www.soton.ac.uk/~serg/solar/solar.htm

Mid-sized photoelectrochromic window turning dark under a voltage applied by two small PV cells attached to the side of the window. Amorphous Solar Cells A company representative said Amorphus silicon solar cells hold a DunaSolar has great interest in working number of advantages over typical crystal with the U.S. building industry on solar silicon cells. They can be manufactured photovoltaics and would be interested in using less energy and raw materials, further test installations or pilot which promises to be a lower cost and applications. They also would like to work Courtesy: PowerLight Corporation more environmentally friendly means to with some roofing manufacturers on produce cells in mass production integration. quantities. Also, their thin film design Contact: allows for physical flexibility and the DunaSolar Inc, ability to be fabricated into large-area Budapest, Hungary cells, or wide varieties of shapes and sizes. Phone: +361 431 9620 ask for the Market Embedding them into other substrates is Applications manager also easier due to their thin www.dunasolar.com configuration. Manufacturers see great Quick Connectors for Easier potential for integration of function and Installation Solar Cells design. Contact: Solel of Israel introduced a simple, innovative technology at Sustain 2001, The hybrid solar/wind project at Parker Baekaert ECD Solar Systems LLC Ranch, Waimea, Hawaii, leverages daytime Auburn Hills, MI which allows flexible, quick connection of sunlight and warm Hawaiian winds. Phone: 248-475-0100 solar cells to create large banks of cells. Email: [email protected] Efficiently connecting larger banks of www.ovonic.com/unisolar.html cells results in lower costs, reduced thermal loss, and higher efficiency. Their DunaSolar-Amorphous Solar Cells system avoids harmful emissions and is Solar-Shell have supplied Shell Oil’s offshore drilling maintenance-free once installed. Renewables, rigs with solar power in harsh conditions Amorphous silicon solar cells Contact: continued with special adaptations. They are provide 8-15 percent more energy than crystalline ones when illumination is low Solel Solar Systems LTD supplying Sun Stations (combinations of Israel solar and biomass) for village electrical (scattered cloudiness). Dunsolar is one of Phone: 972-2-9996620 needs in the Philippines. Solar power the leading producers of these cells. They www.solel.com generation is expected to grow by 22 currently have U.S. test sites with UL- approved panels in Davis and percent per year to a capacity of 1.5-2 Photovoltaics and Wind Power Hybrid Sacramento, CA, in industrial and public Gigawatts by 2010. System Installed in Waimea, Hawaii buildings. Their Sacramento sites will be Contact: Contact: the focus of a tour at the 6th annual UPVG One of the world’s largest hybrid Shell Solar BV Photovoltaic Conference in October 2001. solar/wind energy power projects is up Amsterdam Netherlands and running in Waimea, Hawaii, at Phone: +31 20 630 3000 Parker Ranch on the Big Island. The 175 www. shell-renewables.com kW’s of PV panels are a ground-mounted tracker system that rotates to follow the sun east to west, capturing the maximum

The hybrid solar/wind project at Parker Ranch features 175 kW of solar and 50

kW of wind turbines. Courtesy: PowerLight Corporation amount of the sun’s power, supplemented Gas station for hydrogen by 50 kW’s of energy produced by five vehicles Sun wind turbines. The combined system leverages clean renewable energy 24 +CO2 Hydrogen hours a day providing power for the Storage

ranch’s water pumping operations. The Follow-/Reserve Land Harvesting/ Biomass Steamreformer G. Johnssen Wolf Courtesy: Dr. Transport Storage cost of the hybrid system is more than Electricity covered by the amount of reduced utility Gas Clean-Up Fuel Cell bills. The entire system was designed and Feedstock for Biomass 2-3 Weeks Gas Conditioning installed by PowerLight Corporation of Energy Conversion Preparation California. Contact: Dedicated Biomass Minimized Transport Distance H2O Mineral Ash H2O Heat (e.g. C4-reeds) (Fertilizer) PowerLight Corporation Small power plants Decentral/Distributed Berkeley, CA Carbon Deposition operating near biomass sites Power Generation Phone: 510-540-0550 Closed Water Loop www.PowerLight.com

Up to 500 kg H O per 1000 kg dry biomass Italian Government Speeds Adoption 2 Process for PV The Electro-FarmingTM Concept The Italian government allocated L60 billion (approx $28 million U.S.) for a program to provide incentives for the early adoption of PV technology. BioMass Technology energy carriers (perennial plants, rapidly Approximately $9 million goes toward growing trees, annual plants and Biomass technology converts waste grasses); and public, government, and municipal stream material or rapidly renewable Natural building and packaging buildings’ installation of PV, while about plant material into useful heat and/or l materials. $19 million will be used for private sector electricity. Some current applications in The patented Electro-Farming and households that wish to use PV to Europe take waste from wood processing process enhances the role of biomass in supply a significant portion of their power industries or the agricultural sector and future power supply via a new process for needs. Up to 75 percent of the cost of the produce briquettes and pellets. These are the thermo-chemical transformation of system will be covered in the form of then burned cleanly in specially designed biomass. The biomass is broken down grants from this program. This is a good units which can heat factories, offices, into its chemical components, and then example of government providing funds and even homes. to get technology adopted and in use in cooked with high temperature steam. The both the public and private sector. BioMass = Chemically Stored water is cracked into its components, Contact: Solar Energy hydrogen and oxygen. This process results in a high conversion rate of energy/unit Dr. Leonardo Berlen, Rome Italy Biomass Co-generation and Phone: +39 06 442 49241-47 Electro-Farming is a process to use and of weight. This process opens the door for the commercially viable production of Email: [email protected] harness nature’s power. BioMass for hydrogen from biomass for fuel cells. www.isesitalia.it energetic conversion results from many sources: Small or mini-plants can produce small batches for local consumption, even to

l Waste material from forestry the extent of a home producing and recultivation; processing its own biomass into hydrogen l Recycling from landscape for fuel cell use, thereby greatly reducing conservation measures; infrastructure and transportation energy l Recycling from the wood processing envisioned for delivering biomass or industry; hydrogen to individual customers. l By-products from the agricultural Electro-Farming has the capability to sector; develop the smallest possible power plants with the highest possible efficiency levels l By-products from the food processing industry (olives, lemon peels); and low operating costs. Specific cultivation of biogenic Contact: l Dr. Wolf G. Johnssen Grottenberg, Germany Phone: +49 8138 92950 Email: [email protected] Christine Angerer USA Phone: 914-310-4435 Email: [email protected] Biomass -Shell Renewables In Norway, biomass is in action International Awards for Residential Shell Oil might change its name providing energy to industrial and Biomass Heating Unit one day to eliminate the word “oil.” The residential customers using bark residues OkoFen, a German company, has name of one of its fastest growing from a nearby wood processing plant. won several international awards for its divisions, Shell Renewables, could be a Whitewood briquettes are being marketed innovative residential heating unit that leading contender. Biomass is in the to customers for heating alternatives to runs off biomass pellets. Its powerful commercially viable stage. The idea of its fuel oils, using specially designed units design and function were awarded the use is proven but the logistics and for residential homes. These commercial Energy Globe 2001 and the Innovation commercial selling of it is yet to be tried pilots are beginning to show competitive 2000 award by the world sustainable in large scale. Shell Renewables’ goal is potential against gas, oil, and coal even energy community. It provides heat for to develop a dedicated wood fueled in these early stages. hot water systems and radiant heating biomass business on a worldwide scale Contact: systems. It is self-cleaning and with a 10 percent global share for Shell Renewables automatically compresses the ashes Biomass by 2010, with several hundred Shell Centre produced. It delivers fully automated megawatts of capacity in place by 2005. London UK heating needs fueled by biomass pellets Already demonstration trials are Phone: +44 171 934 3628/ 3646 that burn clean. OkoFen is a pioneer in underway in Chile and Uruguay, showing www. shell-renewables.com pellet burning systems and today’s a scaled infrastructure producing (in market leader. They were one of the most conjunction with Shell Forestry) and popular exhibits for residential energy using biomass to generate clean power systems at the Sustain 2001: Sustainable with total regard for the environment. Energy Exposition. The unit is very well Larger scale capacity is being developed designed, compact and installation ready. in Northern and Central Europe. Contact: OkoFen Pellet Heating Phone: 0043 0 7286/7450 www.pelletsheizung.at technologyscanning

Basic Materials Coatings, Chemicals, and Self-Placing Concrete (MelFlow) Ingredient Materials This formulation of ingredients for concrete reduces the amount of water The Basic Materials category These material technologies have used, optimizes water/cement ratio, outlines technology in coatings, been developed by large global materials research companies to be sold into a increases strength and durability, and chemicals, or ingredients that reduces mixing time by 30 to 40 percent. improve durability and longevity; number of applications such as coatings, chemical additives, and ingredients. They It is self-compatible and self- composite materials; advanced have specific engineered properties that consolidating. It requires no tamping or multipurpose materials; and when combined with other materials, vibrating, and it provides density without structural or strength materials. provide a desired engineered outcome. segregation. It is being developed for the These technologies, many of which Korean and Asian building industries. Contact: originated at basic research levels in DuPont Tefzel universities or national labs, hold Meca Engineering Ltd promise for a variety of This ingredient material is 3rd Kumho Bldg 123-25 engineered to have durable, wear- construction applications. Karrak-Dong Songpa- Ku resistant characteristics. It is used today as Seoul, Korea a protective coating for Uni-Solar shingles Phone: +82-2-443-3497 and standing-seam metal roofing. The www.new-technologies.org/ECT/Civil/ roofing products are wear-resistant, flowconc.htm Technology Scanning durable, and weatherable. This ingredient One of PATH’s major research support material has other potential applications Highly Durable, Environmentally services is PATH Technology Scanning. Friendly Paint Technology Scanning tells us about in construction products, where the technology developments in other desired outcome is durability and wear The Army Research Lab (ARL) has industries, from other nations, from federal resistance (siding, decking, flooring, and patented coating technology available for laboratories, and from other building other surface products). sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in transfer that is highly weatherable and other industries that could be transferred Contact: durable. It is flexible at ambient and and applied to housing. Technology DuPont subzero temperatures, mar-resistant, and Scanning–published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Technology Transfer Office corrosion chemical agent resistant. This Development/PATH and prepared by the Phone: 877-881-9787 water-dispersible coating can be applied NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as www.dupont.com/teflon/films/ with standard spray equipment and low technology developments dictate. The next-gen.html VOCs. The technology may have paint Research Center works to unite technology developers from outside of residential and finish applications in the housing construction with manufacturers in the DuPont ImRon Coating industry. residential housing sector. This DuPont coating comes from a Contact: This issue of Technology Scanning is history of coating innovation. It is touted one in a series. Each issue in the series falls John Escarsega into one of the following categories: to out-weather other industrial paints. It Coatings Technology Team • Design and Internet Tools has superior abrasion resistance. Michael Ruasa Technology Transfer • Safety Currently, it’s used in heavy equipment • Surfaces and Interior Finishes Phone: 410-278-5028 • Building Envelope Technologies manufacturing for equipment that sees Email: [email protected] • Electrical harsh conditions on a daily basis. It has • Plumbing • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning significantly reduced maintenance costs • Energy/Power Systems Generation for those users of heavy equipment. • Basic Materials • Information Technology Applications in housing could include • Sustainable Design Strategies paints and stains, along with coatings on • Materials Recycling and Reuse a variety of exterior components. • Thermal and Moisture Protection • Indoor Environmental Quality Contact: Call the ToolBase Hotline at DuPont 800-898-2842 for information about other Technology Transfer Office available Technology Scanning issues. Or, log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. Phone: 877-881-9787 www.dupont.com/finishes/na/ 000401.html

451 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20410 Email: [email protected]

Issue 1 November 2001 Coatings, Chemicals, Durable, Tough, No-Slip Coating Contact: Contact: and Ingredient Malcolm Webster Vanberg Coatings Materials, continued From the after-market and OEM truck industry, bed liner material, which Technology Liaison Lenexa, KS is applied by spray or roller, can be looked National Technology Transfer Center Phone: 800-874-0631 at for a weatherable, durable, and slip- 316 Washington Avenue Email: [email protected] resistant surface for almost any substrate. Wheeling, WV 26003 www.vanbergcoatings.com Phone: 304-243-2543 TUFF STUFF, one brand of coating, can Durable New Metal Coating be applied to almost any metal, wood, or Email: [email protected] concrete surface. One can create various www.nttc.edu Cleary Building Corp, Verona, WI, textures and colors with additives. It has www.new-technologies.org/ECT/Civil/ introduced a breakthrough in painted been proven for 15 years in the truck bed surtreat.htm metal panels to the dairy industry for metal outbuildings. Alurite 2000Plus liner market. This coating could have Composites and Coatings Consortium application in roofing for homes or other coating system is a durable enhancement coatings needing weatherable, durable This group has developed Advanced which allows for a 35-year warranty on properties. If applied in roofing, it could Coating deposition technology that can painted metal panels for roofs, sidewalls, speed up the time to finish a roof and be a efficiently deposit thin films or sputter etc.–an industry first. This coating could safer means to finish the roof for the coats of durable coatings on a variety of be looked at for other building worker. materials. This consortium has also component durability enhancements in developed affordable, high-wear, high residential building products. Contact: heat-resistant ceramic composites. Rhino Linings Contact: San Diego, CA Contact: Cleary Building Corporation Phone: 619-450-0041 Great Lakes Industrial Technology Center Verona, WI www.rhinolinings.com John Glenn Research Center Phone: 608-845-9700 Cleveland, OH www.Clearybuilding.com Concrete Corrosion Solutions Phone: 216-898-6426 Biocide Coating Additives This technology uses electrical Moisture-Resistant Coatings treatment combined with a chemical This coating additive controls mold process to fight destruction of concrete This NASA-developed coating for or mildew cost effectively for interior or structures from salt air, moisture, and ceramics makes the coatings 1,000 times exterior coatings. Mergal S90 is baking sun. It was developed by NASA’s more durable. The moisture-resistant formulated for roofing products, sealants, Kennedy Space Center research scientists coating made from specially treated and architectural coatings. Troy biocides for the protection of all of NASA’s concrete boron nitride extends the shelf life of are environmentally sound, durable, and structures, buildings, and miles of composite materials. It can also be long lasting. runways and launch pads in Florida, the applied by chemical vapor deposition to Contact: Texas Gulf, and Alabama. The process, many substrates where durability and Troy Corp., called electromigration, sends corrosion- protection from heat, moisture, and other Florham Park,NJ inhibiting ions to the rebar or steel within elements are desirable. The process and Phone: 973-443-4200 a slab or structure. Surtreat’s proprietary coating, developed for NASA by Advanced www.troycorp.com chemical protection is applied to the Ceramics Corp, Cleveland, OH, opens up Duration High-Performance surface and seeps into the concrete to the new opportunities for more durable Exterior Coating rebar to prevent further corrosion. It materials and composites in all corrects the chemical imbalance that can industries. Sherwin-Williams, in addition to cause the rebar to corrode. Contact: showing its low odor paints launched last Concrete loses its pH or acidity level Malcolm Webster year, exhibited another new coating at the over time. New poured concrete has Technology Liaison International Coatings 2001 Expo, called values of 11,12, or 13, and these high National Technology Transfer Center Duration high performance exterior values help to inhibit corrosion. As 316 Washington Avenue coating. The company offers a lifetime concrete naturally ages and is exposed to Wheeling, WV 26003 warranty for a single coat properly more UV, the pH values drop. When it Phone: 304-243-2543 applied on exterior walls. This coating is reach levels in the 8-9 range, concrete Email: [email protected] based on modified acrylic that adheres becomes susceptible to quicker www.nttc.edu well, is flexible, and protects against deterioration. That’s why bridges, cracks and chips. New Acrylic Roof Coating buildings, roadways, driveways, patios, Another brand new development and sidewalks deteriorate more rapidly Vanberg Coatings, introduced to the launched this year makes coatings that after they reach a certain age. NASA dairy industry, is a new acrylic roof dry on substrates as cool as 35 degrees anticipates saving significant time and coating that is a monolithic membrane Farenheit, which extends the painting money over traditional repair methods providing a durable, water-tight surface season well into the fall and winter that are shorter lived. over concrete, wood, or metal roofs. It months in many parts of the country. withstands UV light, temperature Contact: extremes, mildew, etc. Sherwin-Williams www.sherwin-williams.com/dig/ newsolutions/duration.asp Owens Corning complete Composite/Fiber Structural composite Materials and Applications truck bed incorporates a Composite material and process composite bed, technologies are among the fastest fenders, and sidewalls in one growing new material applications. component Composites are combinations of materials ready to and resins that orient fibers, mats, or assemble to a matrix structures in the desired area and truck frame. direction to take advantage of their individual properties. Composites are usually stronger and lighter in weight than the materials they replace. Currently the automotive industry is the biggest user of new applications. The construction industry is emerging as the Courtesy: Owens Corning next big target for the composites industry. As applications expand, processes improve for volume applications, and the volume of composites increase. The raw materials Plastic Silica Composite Tougher Contact: and finished part costs will continue their than FRP ParaBeam, the Netherlands downward trend. New configurations and Ohio State University scientists have Phone: +31(0) 492-570625 materials are also emerging, namely patented a method of mixing plastic with Fax: +31(0) 492-570733 ceramics and carbon fiber technology. silica to create a heat-resistant material Email: [email protected] five times more impact resistant than www.composite.about.com/library/PR/ 2001/blparabeam1.htm Affordable Fiber-Reinforced fiber reinforced plastic (FRP). The Ceramic Composites patented manufacturing process forces Reinforced Cores at Lower Costs melted plastic into the pores of silica, This consortium has developed thereby creating a stronger bond. It can Webcore Technologies of Dayton, affordable, high-wear, high heat-resistant be used as a lightweight substitute for Ohio, claim their Tycor fiber-reinforced ceramic composites. Developed for the iron, steel, or aluminum. The process was foam cores are a low-cost solution for defense and aerospace industries, these first developed for making tough plastic composite sandwich. The process uses technologies are finding their way into dental fillings for the medical industry. glass or carbon fibers to build a 3D web many civilian applications through the and lattice structure within low-density Contact: federal government’s Technology Transfer foam. Both skin faces are mechanically John Lanutti Centers. stitched together through the core. The Ohio State University fiber structure allows for quick resin flow Contact: Phone: 614-292-3926 and uniform wet-out. Cores and panels Great Lakes Industrial Technology Center Email: [email protected] are being developed for commercial John Glenn Research Center www.acs.ohio-state.edu/units/research/ industries (aviation, marine, truck, and Cleveland, OH archive/tufplast.htm Phone: 216-433-4000 civil engineering). Applications in ParaBeam 3D Glass Fabrics construction could include building panels, and structural components that Owens Corning Composite Systems At the Composites 2001 Show, a combine thermal, structural, and surface At the Composites 2001 Show, Dutch firm demonstrated cutting-edge properties in one composite sandwich Owens Corning displayed its latest venture technology to make impregnated, instead of individual parts. with a tier-one automotive supplier–a lightweight sandwich panels and skins complete composite truck bed assembly from glass fabrics. Panels or skins are an Contact: for Ford. It incorporates a composite bed, ideal basis for easy finishing with other Lynn Stanley fenders, and sidewalls in one component laminates or foils. Foam cores can be Webcore Technologies ready to assemble to a truck frame. It integrated for thermal purposes. Dayton, OH eliminated multiple metal and steel Properties include lightweight, excellent Phone: 937-879-3212 components; it increased durability; it strength and stiffness, full service www.compositecenter.org/ reduced weight; and it improved fuel adhesive properties, easy reparability, and press4_content.stm efficiency. This is a good example of corrosion and water-resistance. systems integration. Owens Corning, a Applications in Europe include storage current building industry supplier, could tank walls, high-speed watercraft skins, explore this approach for components in truck and cargo floors, train and bus houses (i.e., walls, floors, roof panels), exteriors, building cladding, and interior taking more of a component/systems partitions. Ideal applications in the approach vs. parts and pieces. housing industry could include building Contact: panels and skins, and floor and roof Owens Corning World Headquarters panels. Phone: 800-438-7465 www.owenscorning.com/composites Composite/Fiber Composolite FRP Panels Composite Panel Structural Material pedestrian bridges in western U.S. Structural Materials National Parks. Upon verification of the and Applications, This is a new lightweight, high From the civil engineering industry continued strength, glass fiber reinforced polymer comes a technology called Composite benefits and properties, other broader modular construction system. Used Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bridge complex applications can be developed extensively in Europe for over 10 years, it deck. The deck sections are lightweight, and tested. is produced by Strongwell in the U.S. highly durable, strong, and rigid. Test Contact: Applications for housing include wall bridge installations can be found in Ohio, Antonio Nanni panels, floor decking, and roof decking. Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. University of Missouri-Rolla Contact: This technology could be applied in wall Civil Engineering Department Phone: 540-645-8000 panels, roof decks, floor, and deck panel Rolla, MO Email: [email protected] systems. Phone: 573-341-4000 www.strongwell.com/PULT/ Contact: Email: [email protected] pultrusion.htm Robert Sweet, Jr. www.rb2c.umr.edu Creative Pultrusions, Inc Carbon Fiber Mat Tougher Fiber/Cement Composites 214 Industrial Lane This is a process technology to PO Box 6 This technology creates more increase bond strength and interface Alum Bank, PA 15521-0006 opportunity for application of carbon toughness of synthetic fibers. It is used in Phone: 814-839-4186 fiber as a structural material in reinforcing cement-based composites. www.creativepultrusions.com composites. Several companies have now Application allows tailoring interface perfected carbon fiber in mat or sheet properties of a given system to produce Space Age Materials on Earth form as reinforcement in composites, cost effective, high performance, fiber- Transfer of high tech composites making it much easier to develop reinforced, cement-based composites technologies from aerospace has always products with superior strength, and (Patent issued) (File #1193). The been relatively cost prohibitive. With lighter weight than traditional wood or material, called Torex, optimizes simpler and more accessible production steel products. Previous carbon fiber geometry of fiber reinforcement in processes, composites could reach broader forms of strands or fiber length were cement, ceramics, and polymeric markets faster and less expensively. application specific and limited in what composites for lower cost (Patent issued) Quickstep Technologies of Australia applications could be developed. (File #1063). has developed an advanced mass This advancement greatly expands the opportunity to use carbon fiber in Contact: production process for high quality structural composites and plastics. Here Mitch Goodkin composites. They are able to produce fiber are several of the new materials: University of Michigan reinforced plastics that are cheaper, with TechTransfer Office higher strength, improved appearance, l Fortafil Fibers- Uniweb continuous Ann Arbor, MI and reduced cure times. The solution fibers sheet and IsoWeb random chopped Phone: 734-764-4290 involves an innovative system employing fiber mat; Email: [email protected] lightweight rigid molds suspended in heat l OBS, Inc- Produces lightweight www.umich.edu (search on “Torex”) transfer liquids (water or oil). The liquid carbon fiber yarn fabric for extremely circulates in a low-pressure environment thin, lightweight application; Low Weight Composite Sandwich with a flexible membrane maintaining l Schappe Techniques- 100 percent Promises High Strength constant pressure and heat on the mold. carbon fiber yarn and multi-axial fabric; Moldite Technologies has developed The pressure and heat compact the and a pultrudable reinforced plastic that can laminate and cure the component, while l Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics- Bay rival steel and aluminum in strength and vibration forces out trapped air and gases. Mills Carbon Fabrics. stiffness at a tenth of the weight. Other Quickstep has set up a pilot plant to test a Currently applications have been in benefits include impact resistance, mass production scalable effect. leisure and recreational products, mildew resistance, and fire resistance. Contact: industrial products, and aerospace Dave Peash, Chief Executive, sees Quickstep Technologies applications. Carbon fiber fabrics and potential applications in the automotive, Phone: +61-8-9364-8270 mats could be developed into composite marine, aerospace, and construction www.quickstep.com.au wall systems, roof panels, floor panels to industries. Currently, they are testing the produce high-strength, lightweight, easy- material formulation in plastic reusable Lower Cost Structural Substitute to-handle building panels. Carbon fibers pallets. Structural fiber reinforced plastics is have been added to Glulam beams to Contact: a new material technology that could be a increase the load bearing capacity by up Dave Peash or Dave Demerst substitute for traditional structural to 100 percent. Moldite Technologies materials like steel, concrete, masonry, Contact: Novi, MI and wood. It is low weight, high strength, www.fortafil.com Phone: 1-810-296-8851 with lower installed costs and lower www.sgbti.com (Saint Gobain) www.link2semiconductor.com/articles/ maintenance costs than traditional Dedicated search engines at is032313.jsp structural materials. The technology is www.wwcomposites.com being tested in Japan as concrete mesh reinforcement; in highway bridges in Calgary, Canada; in a prototype composite bridge in Russell, Kansas; and in Snap Joint Technology for Assembling Innovative Structural Modeling Called Meshlite Starlite, the glass panels Composite Structures and Simulation can withstand a 50 kg weight dropped Developed for aerospace CSIR Boutek, a national agency and from a height of 4m. It is designed to be applications and utility transmission research arm in South Africa, aligns R&D tougher than glass and lower in price. Its towers, this technology allows composites with current and future needs in South main uses include doors, windows, and to be used in many applications with the Africa, bringing the latest technology to skylights. It is currently being tested in benefits of less weight, faster assembly, bear on applied solutions. Among the nuclear power plant applications where less labor, and less equipment. It is in use materials research is an assessment of shatter resistance is critical. on DOT projects and transmission towers new innovative structural applications Contact: in California. It is proposed for assembly (modeling and simulation, physical Meshlite, Ltd of all composite rocket towers at testing), and ceramics use and Phone: +44-1691-652545 Vandenburg Air Force Base. This application in building products. www.meshlite.com technology has won industry awards and Contact: Flexible Glass has made the job of connecting Theuns Knoetze, Programmer composite applications simpler. Phone: +27-12-841-4985 The Material Resources Group at Contact: Email: [email protected] the Pacific NW National Laboratory is Dr. Clem Hiel Neo Moikangoa, Div. Director developing flexible glass for the flat panel W. Brandt Goldsworthy & Associates Phone: +27-12-841-3763 display industry. It has the flexibility of Torrance, CA Email: [email protected] plastic and barrier protection Phone: 310-375-4565 approaching that of glass. Roll-up Email: [email protected] Glass Reinforced Plastic Won’t Shatter computer screens and other flexible wall www.blackzendesign.com/contractwork/ Glass reinforced plastic flat sheet displays are possible. The process involves goldwebsite/product/mainprod.htm developed in the UK claims to be able to depositing multiple layers of organic and withstand the most violent of storms. inorganic materials in stacks. The Structural Ceramics University of Pennsylvania, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, is doing work in deformation and fracture of structural materials, chemistry and physics of ceramics, polymeric materials, and electronic materials. Surfaces and interfaces research includes: metal-ceramic interfaces, polymer-ceramic interfaces, carbon based materials, and inter-metallic alloys. Synthesis and materials processing research provides the discipline that looks at materials (new or modified) to solve a standing industry problem or enable applications of new materials into an Courtesy: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory industry. Some of the specific projects with potential for construction industry use and application include: l Structural Ceramics—Professor I-Wei Chen developed two novel ceramic applications, including a ceramic wood combination; l Molecular Control of Adhesion— Professor Russell Composto; and l Interface of Structural Materials— Professor David Luzz. Contact: Takeshi Egami Cahir, Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Pennsylvannia Philadelphia, PA University of Penn Technology Transfer Center Phone: 215-573-4500 www.seas.upenn.edu/mse Scintillating glass optical fibers are the first viable medium for large-area, solid-state, thermal neutron sensors that have applications in national security, medicine, and materials research. Here, ultraviolet-induced fluorescence mimics scintillation. Flexible Glass, stacking architecture allows each layer to Advanced “Smart” Materials New “Active” Materials continued help protect against defects in adjacent A new generation of materials is in Funded by the Army Research layers (10 microns thick). Office, with development at MIT, this The results are glass-like clarity, the research phase at several national labs and universities. These materials technology utilizes electric voltage to impermeable, and durable, but flexible direct material change into a desired and a lot like glass. Flexible glass could perform multiple functions, can be engineered to change function, and can mechanical response (active fiber have application in doors and windows in composites). Materials with multiple, the future or incorporate the functions of be embedded with other chip and coating technology to make materials do what we changeable functions can be engineered windows and displays into one product. to replace many materials with one Windows could be simpler, lighter weight, want and when we want on demand to set criteria. application. In the building industry, and with fewer parts. changeable glass is already being tested. Contact: Other applications include interior / Gordon Graff A Plastic that Heals Itself exterior surfaces that adjust to conditions Head Researcher The Washington Post reports on a or can be adjusted to fit pre-desired Materials Resource Group self-healing plastic that uses high tech conditions. Pacific NW National Laboratory materials and a low-tech concept inspired Contact: Richland, WA by the human body. It has been developed Professor Yet-Ming Chiang Pam Harrington, Breakthroughs editor for use in repair of car bodies, surfboards, Material Sciences at MIT Phone: 509-375-4506 Defense Department applications, pole- Phone: 617-253-6471 Email: [email protected] vaulting, and cell phones. Work is also Email: [email protected] being done on embedded sensors in the New Composite Material to www.mit.edu/ceramics/research.html materials that show weak or wear spots by Replace Concrete changing their color, so that the user Material Can Change Functions ® Ductal is a new composite knows fatigue of the material before it Graphite flakes and film, highly building material being developed jointly fails and causes harm or injury. Healing reflective and silvery-black, are by several European companies and is site specific to the area fractured or electrically conductive and can be used LaFarge Corp of the U.S. LaFarge cracked and is accomplished when new wherever appearance and conductive Corporation is one of North America’s resin is self generated and formed around coatings are important (high luster largest suppliers of construction materials the fissures or cracks. paints, surface coatings, conductive like cement, gypsum, roofing, aggregates, Contact: flooring, shielding material) (Tech and concrete. The new material Scott White #129ML). announced at the World of Concrete2001 Department of Aeronautical and Contact: is impermeable, non-corrosive, Astronautical Engineering Antonio Goncalves, Director cementitious-like, containing chopped University of Illinois at Urbana- Temple University Office of wollastinite and bronze fibers along with Champaign Technology Transfer mineral fillers. Phone: 217-333-1017 Phone: 215-204-7662 Carbon fiber can be added and the Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] material adjusted for the different www.ssm7.aae.uiuc.edu/self-healing www.patents.temple.edu/ properties required. Ductal® can take any complete_list.html surface texture and can be pigmented for a high quality surface finish. Ductal® is expected to be lighter weight, less labor and machine intensive, and a replacement for conventional concrete structural parts. With strength similar to steel and toughness equal to ceramics, it can outperform steel and concrete. The purported cost savings come from faster construction time generating labor and material savings. Ductal® is pre-mixed and with the addition of water can run through existing concrete batching equipment. Contact: Andy Radler VP & GM in charge of development LaFarge Corp Herndon,VA Phone: 703-480-3600 www.lafargecorp.com technologyscanning

Streamlining the control information is sent and Information Inspection Function interpreted at the remote site. (Patent Technology issued) (File #095 1) This technology Mobile Inspection Assistance could be applied in a remote inspection This category includes a lot of the This technology, developed by process, or for automation of hazardous latest IT wireless, Personal Digital Carnegie Mellon students, employs construction tasks. wearable inspection computers with Assistant, and mobile computing Contact: image capture, voice recognition, pen Robin Rasor technology. The technologies here and voice interface. It is aimed currently University of Michigan streamline the paper documentation at bridge inspectors and surveyors, but TechTransfer Office process and other construction once perfected can be configured for Ann Arbor, MI related tasks. almost any construction inspection Phone: 734-764-4290 process to achieve greater speed and Email: [email protected] For more information on this topic, accuracy with less manual or subjective www.techtransfer.umich.edu see Design and Internet Tools. intervening. (Search: 0951) Contact: Professor James Garrett Human-Computer Intelligent Carnegie Mellon University Interaction Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Cutting-edge research is being done Phone: 412-268-5674 using artificial intelligence, robotics, Technology Scanning Email: [email protected] computer vision, and cognitive science to One of PATH’s major research support www.ce.cmm.edu/ngarrett/home/ attempt to duplicate human perception services is PATH Technology Scanning. research-activity.html and interpretation. If research continues Technology Scanning tells us about to be successful, the merger of computing technology developments in other Virtual Inspections industries, from other nations, from federal Virtual Inspections and human skills could open up many laboratories, and from other building At Purdue University they are applications. sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in developing technology using embedded other industries that could be transferred Contact: and applied to housing. Technology sensors, which leads to smart structures Narendra Ahuja Scanning–published by the U.S. that can be evaluated and inspected Beckman Institute for Advanced Science Department of Housing and Urban remotely. Along with this capability, and Technology Development/PATH and prepared by the researchers are developing hybrid, NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as University of Illinois technology developments dictate. The computerized decision support systems for Urbana, IL Research Center works to unite technology virtual inspections. The system uses Phone: 217-333-1837 developers from outside of residential digital cameras and optical scanners to Email: [email protected] construction with manufacturers in the acquire data and images to be machine www.vision.ai.uiuc.edu residential housing sector. processed. The technology applied to This issue of Technology Scanning is inspections leaves out interpretive Adaptive Computing System Capable one in a series. Each issue in the series falls of Learning and Discovery into one of the following categories: judgment, while bringing objective, • Design and Internet Tools quantitative, and reliable results. This technology bridges the realm • Safety Contact: of artificial intelligence and computer • Surfaces and Interior Finishes • Building Envelope Technologies Luh Maan Chang, School of Civil simulation of natural learning and • Electrical Engineering discovery. It is well suited for repeatable, • Plumbing • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Purdue University, Construction predictable tasks. (Patent issued) • Energy/Power Systems Generation Engineering Management Division (File #0059) • Basic Materials West Lafayette, IN • Information Technology Contact: • Sustainable Design Strategies Phone: 765-494-2240 Robin Rasor • Materials Recycling and Reuse Email: [email protected] University of Michigan • Thermal and Moisture Protection TechTransfer Office • Indoor Environmental Quality Visual Remote Control of Devices Call the ToolBase Hotline at Ann Arbor, MI 800-898-2842 for information about other With this technology one could Phone: 734-764-4290 available Technology Scanning issues. Or, signal and control remote mechanisms Email: [email protected] log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. with visual information stream — www.techtransfer.umich.edu allowing for user-friendly control inputs (Search: 0059) and simpler, inexpensive means to control remote devices. This method creates icons 451 7th Street, SW on the visual scene through which Washington, DC 20410 Email: [email protected]

Issue 1 November 2001 Logistics Streamlining Next Generation Bar Coding Conita’s PVA enables mobile for Logistics workers to call from any Tracking and Integration Software phone and access crucial from the MIT Research works with the information and people through a single, intuitive, latest in bar code technology to take voice-driven interface. complex logistics and simplify and Courtesy: Conita Technologies streamline them. Born out of research for the defense industry, this latest technology is now being applied to civilian industries. It is available for transfer and is adaptable to almost any logistics process. good at logistics, a definitive factor in the many times over: 8 percent gains in recent Gulf War. The technology they use productivity, 80 percent drop in incorrect Contact: can be applied or transferred to other items shipped, 50 percent drop in product Kay-Yeung (Sunny) Siu industries. shortages, and increases in inventory MIT This technology uses a radio accuracy to 99.5 percent. Boston, MA frequency identification tag, which is a Contact: Phone: 617-253-5589 silicon chip less than 3 millimeters Email: [email protected] Savi Technology square, embedded in a label, the Mountain View, CA www.mit.edu/newsoffice/ packaging, or the product itself. It allows newbarcode.html Phone: 1-650-934-8000 readers and computers to track a product www.savi.com Wireless Tracking Technology as it moves through a factory, through warehouses and distribution centers, into Other Companies Manufacturing Wave ID will license technology retail establishments, even as its product Radio Tags or EFIDs: developed at the Pacific NW National life is up as it goes to a recycle center. It Texas Instruments, Dallas, TX Laboratory for the DOD that can track the uses a magnetic field emitted by the Motorola, Rolling Meadows, IL movement of goods and people. The reader to power the chip. Intermec, Everett, WA systems include wireless radio frequency In order to communicate, the chip Phillips Semi-conductors, Eindhoven, tags ranging in size from a grain of rice has conductive carbon ink which, when Netherlands to a credit card. The tags are used to the chip is powered, the antenna coil SCS, San Diego, CA identify, locate, and monitor items as they transmits data from the chip back to the move through a system or complex Military Contact: reader. The ultimate goal is to put a radio CECOM (Army Communication distribution. tag on virtually every manufactured item, Contact: Electronic Command) each tracked by networks of readers in Research and Development Engineering Staci Maloof factories, warehouses, and homes, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Fort Monmouth, NJ transforming huge supply chains into Phone: 908-532-0353 Richland, WA intelligent, self-managed entities. Phone: 509-372-6313 Today bar codes only identify classes Mobile Logistics Devices for Email: [email protected] of products. This, however, identifies Common PDAs www.pnl.gov/news/2000/waveid.htm individual products. Bar codes have to be Dynasys has developed the latest in deliberately scanned at specific orienta- Efficiently Moving People, Equipment, data collection attachments for Palm tions; radio tags need only be within Materials, Job Tasks Pilot and Symbol PDAs. They are in use range of a reader. by many warehousing, manufacturing, Logistics technology is an enhanced The Department of Defense picked capability to plan, analyze, deploy, and and logistics companies. These devices up this technology after the huge logistics allow for mobile collection of data for sustain material and personnel flow to tasks involved in the Gulf War of moving multiple points. Components include real logistics and tracking purposes. They supplies and equipment to different attach and interface with common Palm time data updates, data reconciliation, destinations. The cost of the radio tag was data visualization, machine learning, and Symbol PDAs and software. $100 for military applications in extreme Three areas potentially relating to multi-level access and security, integrated conditions. Since then, manufacturers applications, simulations, and training the construction industry are: and researchers have modified the tags to and communication. The military is very l The Mag Card Swipe attaches to a satisfy more commercial requirements Palm Pilot and takes data from the and the cost is now down around $0.50- magnetic stripe on credit cards, health $1.00 per tag for short-range chips. The insurance cards, and information cards. goal of researchers and manufacturers of Talking to the technical representative the tags is to get a penny per tag cost. about use for the construction industry, Savi’s Savi Technology, developer of this he said it could be to take data onsite 412 tag technology, originally tried marketing is used from subs and trade workers for time and this technology to parents to keep track of attendance or hours worked by issuing to track toddlers in the supermarket. When ammuni- them pass cards with appropriate tions in parents rejected the idea, he found a information embedded in the magnetic the military application and contracted with stripe.

Courtesy: Savi Technology military. DOD after the Gulf War to end wasteful l Scan barcodes with portable “just in-case” logistics. From that success, attachments to Palm Pilots or Symbol they were able to employ technology PDAs could be used for inventory control, commercially in specialty industries that or for tracking of materials into or out of ship time sensitive goods. Companies using the system say it has paid for itself the site. Product barcodes, which many increase their responsiveness, and Contact: have now as a result of mass merchants’ recapture time lost in transit and while Melard Technologies requests to manufacturers, would be remote. Armonk, NY needed on the construction materials. Contact: Phone: 914-273-4488 l Scan 2D symbolgies, PDF, Conita Technologies www.melard.com DataMatrix, or Maxicodes could be used Columbia, SC l TouchLite Handheld PC- tough, in inspection tasks to automate, simplify, Phone: 888-515-6200 rugged design with a large carry handle, and link to electronic plans and Email: [email protected] touch screen commands, and Windows documents about the house. www.conita.com CE platform. It has an easy, no keypad Contact: use with a large display screen. Dynasys Rugged, Waterproof, Durable, Field- Ready PDAs and Computers Contact: Clearwater, FL Two Technologies, Inc. Phone: 1-800-867-5968 At the Mobile and Field Automation Horsham, PA www.dyna-sys.com Expo, several companies introduced field- Phone: 215-441-5305 ready rugged devices for computing that www.2T.com withstand the rigors of tough conditions Documentation Streamlining GETAC Notebook PC- has water- and & Task Productivity and harsh environments like a construc- l tion jobsite. The following are a few dust- tight magnesium cases, Intel PII or Personal Virtual Assistant (PVA) examples: III chips, and touch screen and sunlight SideArm All-Terrain Handheld PC- options. They are shock proof, vibration Conita develops voice-driven, l proof, wireless, and built to survive. mobile productivity solutions–connecting Designed for the Real World— readable workers who are on the go with their most display even in bright sunlight, built-in l GETAC Tablet PCs – have launched critical data and communications– microphone, durable display window and three new models: CA35, CA25, and anytime, anywhere. The PVA enables rugged Santoprene case, wireless access to PC700/702 series. All of these have mobile workers to call from any phone the internet, automated tracking and rugged, durable, magnesium outer shells and access crucial information and dispatch systems, and peer-peer and screens, and are tested to 3 foot drop people through a single, intuitive, voice- communications. It has a 16-hour battery heights. They are either pen activated or driven interface. Conita solutions enable life on a single charge, and has a water- touch screens. mobile workers to stay in-the-know, sealed design. Contact: GETAC, Inc. Irvine, CA Phone: 949-699-2888 www.getacusa.com l Symbol Technologies and ViryaNet Mobile Software- tough, rugged, mobile PDAs can be configured to fit a company’s internal network so that the field force has the same connection to the company as the desktop users in the company. Some models are available as PDA and phone. These are used heavily for field service functions in locating and dispatching field service people, ensuring Courtesy: Symbol Technologies’ SPT 1700 Courtesy: Symbol Technologies’ they arrive on time, and with the right parts to meet the service obligation. Information can be transmitted back to the company on call completion, parts used, detailed expenses and notes–all in real time at the close of the service call. This system could be applied in construction not only in service calls but also in up-front construction with subs and trade groups who come on the jobsite to perform tasks or to bring parts. Contact: ViryaNet Southboro, MA Phone: 1-800-661-7096 www.viryanet.com or Symbol Technologies Holtzville, NY Phone: 631-738-2400 www.symbol.com

Ruggedized, mobile-wireless devices use ViryaNet to connect field engineers and on site managers to remote services and corporate data. Documentation E-phone Does it All Streamlining and Task Productivity, The PC-ephone (CYBird)is a continued wireless personal digital assistant with full internet, PC, cell phone, and organization capabilities. This mobile phone and PDA/ PC runs on Microsoft’s CE operating system. The bluetooth wireless technology features a handset that is adaptable up to 30 feet away from the main unit. The cost is estimated between $1500-$1700. This device dispenses the notion of three

separate devices: PDA, cell phone, and photographer Courtesy: Deanna Horvath, Xerox PARC computer. They are waiting for FCC approval for release of the product. Contact: Se Yup Choi Cyberbank South Korea Phone: +82-2-3483-4541 Email: [email protected] www.cb.co.kr/e/index.asp SmartPaper MaestroSigns, prototypes of the ones Macy’s installed for a pilot at their Bridgewater, New Jersey store. E-paper Electronic paper, developed by 3M and Xerox, is thin and flexible. It is made with a thin layer of tiny round beads Procurement & Labor l EngineerSupply.com–online sandwiched inside the paper to display Streamlining purchasing of architectural, engineering, images. The beads are black on one side and construction supplies; and white on the other. Specialized A host of website companies offering l Construction.com–access to the electronic devices signal the paper to flip procurement services continues to expand construction marketplace through Dodge, certain beads to form the desired image. and decline as some come in and others Sweets, ENR, ARCHITECTURAL RECORD, E-paper is portable and updateable. exit. They include some of the following: and various state construction sites; and Single sheets can be used for many BuildFind.com–the building l l Projectalk.com–an internet based images. Potential applications in housing industry hub, Buildfind includes community where you use project include blueprints or construction AECjobbank.com, Building.com, management tools without updating or documents, especially where lots of Remodelonline.com, maintaining them or worrying about changes are occurring. Contractorlocate.com, security. Employees or users get unique Contact: Builderscentral.com; access codes. Xerox Palo Alto Research Center l Buzzsaw.com–online collaboration Palo Alto, CA and procurement; Phone: 650-812-4000 l One Build.com–leading e-market Email: [email protected] enabler and supply chain provider for www.parc.xerox.com/dhl/projects/gyricon construction materials; www.sciam.com/2001/1101issue/ l ProcureZone.com–specification 1101ditlea.html library and tools for automating procurement of engineered equipment and materials; l BuildZone.net–building industry portal with special focus on Indian construction industry; l RealLabor.com–labor management software to track and manage daily labor; Courtesy: Xerox

SmartPaper being unrolled. technologyscanning

Design/Layout Sustainable l East/West Street orientation can only achieve 30 percent street shading. The Design/Layout category lists Design In addition to street orientation, ideas and technologies that involve design urban layout affects energy use. The Strategies and orientation. Low energy architecture following are some good and poor and community design cover ideas that examples of layout and its impact on This category highlights a variety of change the dynamics of heat gain in technologies and land use groupings of homes or communities. energy use: orientation ideas which contribute Software and information technology are l Inner tier suburb streets with very to improved design efficiency, also included in this category, which mature trees provide added shading and particularly as related to energy contributes to more efficient design reduced energy costs to each home in the area; efficiency and sustainability. capability. l New developments, often built in farm fields or large tracts of open land, Urban Micro-Climate/Urban Geometry are some of the worst “heat sinks” and Urban Micro-Climate (the effect of a continue to be for 10 to 20 years, cluster of homes on each individual assuming trees are planted; home) is often neglected in many urban l Concrete streets reflect more heat designs. For example, in hot, dry back into the atmosphere; asphalt streets Technology Scanning climates, the compact cluster of homes absorb and store more heat. However, One of PATH’s major research support generate a large, thermal mass because of first cost, more asphalt streets services is PATH Technology Scanning. attenuating the ambient conditions and driveways are put in than concrete; Technology Scanning tells us about around each home, making each home’s Wide streets that are poorly shaded technology developments in other l industries, from other nations, from federal air conditioner work harder and longer. generate added heat for the homes laboratories, and from other building Proper street orientation and layout around them versus narrower streets, sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in of homes can have considerable effect on oriented and properly shaded; other industries that could be transferred the shading, which affects the urban and applied to housing. Technology l Parkways (separated by grass or Scanning–published by the U.S. micro-climate and environmental landscaped islands) are also more Department of Housing and Urban performance of the homes. Building effective than wide streets at giving off less Development/PATH and prepared by the heights, proximity, and street width NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as heat; technology developments dictate. The influence the heat generation Water near and adjacent to street Research Center works to unite technology characteristics of the street surfaces and l developers from outside of residential surfaces also reduces the amount of heat surrounding grounds in the local urban given off to surrounding homes; construction with manufacturers in the micro-climate. residential housing sector. The position of the home in North/South street orientation can l This issue of Technology Scanning is l proximity to the street also can influence one in a series. Each issue in the series falls result in street shading between 40 heat gain. Homes close to the street in into one of the following categories: percent and 80 percent (dependent on • Design and Internet Tools tightly packed neighborhoods leave little • Safety latitude); room for wind to dissipate heat, leaving • Surfaces and Interior Finishes Street orientation of NW/SE can only • Building Envelope Technologies l heat to be absorbed by surrounding • Electrical manage shading between 30 percent and homes; and • Plumbing 50 percent of the street area throughout • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning l Cul-de-sacs also have large asphalt • Energy/Power Systems Generation the year; and • Basic Materials surface areas and can have tight housing • Information Technology configurations, which absorb heat from • Sustainable Design Strategies the street surface. • Materials Recycling and Reuse • Thermal and Moisture Protection Contact: • Indoor Environmental Quality Department of Architecture and Call the ToolBase Hotline at 800-898-2842 for information about other Urban Design available Technology Scanning issues. Or, University of Constantine log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. Algeria www.univ-constantine.d3 (French) MIT Department of Architecture www.destech.mit.edu/forum/ 451 7th Street, SW research.html Washington, DC 20410 Email: [email protected]

Issue 1 November 2001 Sketch of an Urban Heat-Island Profile F C 92 33

32

Late Afternoon 31 Courtesy: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Temperature 30 85

Rural Commercial Urban Suburban Residential Residential Suburban Downtown Park Rural Residential Farmland

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Environmental Energy Division is working on a project which uses light (cooler) surfaces and specific trees strategically placed to reduce the effects of urban heat islands on cooling loads.

Reducing Urban Heat Islands City of Tomorrow, Malmo, Sweden Over 800 living units (apartments) through Design The City of Tomorrow in Malmo, and homes of the future will be on display Lawrence Berkeley National Sweden, is being built to include a during and after construction in 2001, in Laboratory’s Environmental Energy Sustainable Housing Expo and the largest housing exhibition of the Division is working on a project which permanent living. It will be the largest of modern era. Bo01, with around 50 uses light (cooler) surfaces and specific its kind. The city of Tomorrow (Bo01) homes, is specifically designed to trees strategically placed to reduce the aims to stimulate debate on architecture, demonstrate new thinking and new effects of urban heat islands on cooling technology, construction, and living that technologies around sustainable loads. Urban heat islands increase the will contribute to international R&D in practices. The housing area exhibit will cooling loads on surrounding areas and the housing sector, and that will spread include different types of sustainable accelerate formation of urban smog. The knowledge on future homes to many buildings with regard to energy, building research examines solar reflectivity of people. materials, waste treatment, IT solutions, building materials and paving materials, Malmo is taking the first and green issues. and uses computer modeling of climate coordinated step towards development of and air quality to see the effects of large- a sustainable city. This will be a long- scale changes in solar reflectivity. term initiative, with a number of future Several demonstration buildings additional elements that make it the and landscapes are located in San Jose, expected world leader in dense, urban, Sacramento, Gilroy, and Downy, sustainable development and a model for California. The next stage of the project other projects around the globe. will use the information learned to date to work with roofing manufacturers to develop cooler materials, paving companies to look at next generation paving materials, and with municipalities to offer incentives to use the new materials and landscape strategies. They also have begun to draft roof reflectivity standards and codes. (Project ref LBNL-7) Contact: Hashem Akbari LBL National Laboratory Environmental Energy Division Phone: 510-486-4287 Email: [email protected] The European Village (formally of and low emitting materials; prepped for open in August ‘01) will be a future deconstruction and recycling; IT Courtesy: Bo01 demonstration of houses that reflect for effective operation. national characteristics of 16 countries l Lithuania: heating and hot water adapted to Sweden’s climate and building via connection to local heating grid; conditions. These houses will be built rainwater usage and air recuperation using environmentally sustainable systems; natural building materials like methods. As of May, eight countries had clay and wood; PV incorporated into the begun construction. Among the countries design. showcasing their best will be Sweden, Beyond housing, the City of Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Czech Tomorrow will showcase public Republic, Greece, Slovenia, Lativa, and transportation, electric hybrid vehicles, Lithuania. During construction, those urban planning methods and practices, from building related fields are invited to IT for the environment, biodiversity, and view the construction practices and 100 percent locally renewable energy. technology only visible during Sun, wind, and water will be the forms of construction. Once construction is energy production, together with energy finished, the Village will be open to the from refuse and sewage generated in the general public (August ‘01). district. Electricity will be generated by Examples of specific countries’ wind power and photovoltaic cells. housing applications: Contact: l Norway::: 3 levels or longitudinal City of Malmo’s Project Office for Bo01 zones (services, living, and solar) built on Phone: +46 40 35 95 50 a strict planning module to avoid waste; Email: [email protected], Shown above are six of the buildings being construction is easily dismantled for www.bo01.com constructed as part of the City of Tomorrow. future recycling; designed and built for 25 percent energy reduction over the norm in Norway; uses a rainwater collection Low Energy, Sustainable system and solar collection and Architecture & respect to the sun and surrounding regulation practices. Community Design buildings. Also outlined in this section are Sweden: ecologically adapted for a materials or surfaces, which reduce the l Low energy architecture looks at long lifespan; low maintenance; effects of architecture and infrastructure concepts and new thinking in regards to recyclable materials; energy management on heat gain. with high direct sunlight; limited number landscaping, street and site layout, with

The City of Tomorrow (Bo01) aims to stimulate debate on architecture, technology, construction, and living that will contribute to international R&D in the housing sector. Courtesy: Bo01 Sustainable Urban Housing In China

Demonstration projects were Courtesy: Bo01 highlighted at the Sustain2001 Conference. These are being planned in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, China as part of a joint effort by MIT and Over 800 housing units will be Tsinghua University. Three years of pre- on display in 2001. planning and criteria development have gone into the effort to date, with construction starting in year 4 (late The City of Tomorrow takes a big step forward towards the 2001). This demonstration will showcase development of a sustainable city. the exploration of design, technology, and implementation of environmentally responsive urban housing. Areas of special focus are site Technologies for l Sustainable urban transportation orientations and design integration with Sustainable Buildings system; natural cooling properties, mechanical Sustainability in this instance Safety for workers and occupants; systems advancements, envelope/ l means “meeting the needs of the present and enclosure thermal comfort, and visual without compromising the ability of l Healthy to live in for users. comfort. Promising technologies and future generations to meet their needs.” systems will be incorporated into the Contact: Sustainable buildings are characterized Centre for Sustainable Technologies project. over their period of use by: The collaborative includes the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland Consuming minimal energy and following: l www.engj.ulst.ac.uk/CSTNEW water use; MIT Department of Architecture, www.arch.VUW.ac.n3/cbpr/index.html l Efficiently using environmentally U.S.; l Centre for Building Performance benign material and energy; Research University of Tokyo Industrial l Minimizing direct and indirect Victoria University Sciences, Japan; l waste; Wellington, New Zealand Tsinghua University and Tongji l Integration with surrounding University, China; and l environment; l Institute of Solar Energy Resource, Air & Climate Group, Switzerland. Sponsors and funding include: l Kann-Rassmussen Foundation (Velux –founder); and l Alliance for Global Sustainability. Contact: MIT Leon Glicksman Email : [email protected] or Qingyan Chen Email: [email protected] Website on the demonstration: //chinahousing.mit.edu technologyscanning

Alternative Use pearlized translucent color using powder Materials from mineral mica. Both lines are Recycling and These specific technologies could amazingly creative, fresh, and Reuse provide more environmentally attractive environmentally friendly wall coverings alternatives to common building or surface solutions. ingredients. They involve rapidly Contact: This category has technologies that are regenerating resources. made from environmentally attractive Innovations materials (salvaged products, post- New York, NY consumer or post-industrial recycled Soy Bean Composite Products Phone: 1-800-227-8053 content, rapidly renewable products, These products are made from Email: [email protected] minimally processed materials). It also environmentally attractive, agricultural, www.innovationsusa.com/ can include products that are green rapidly renewable resources that farmers innvironments.html because of what isn’t there (products can grow in many regions of the U.S. that use less material, products that are Many are lower cost alternatives as well. alternatives to ozone-depleting Three products that are ready for use are Waste Stream Reuse substances, and other hazardous as follows: components). These technologies take advantage l Environ is a bio-composite that and put to use waste stream material that resembles wood, but is made from otherwise is thrown away. They have been recycled paper products, soy flour, and reused in part or in whole in applications Technology Scanning soy-based resin. It is designed for use in One of PATH’s major research support that solve problems for another industry. services is PATH Technology Scanning. countertops and cabinetry. Tests have Technology Scanning tells us about shown it to be three times harder than technology developments in other oak. Extensive South African Study on Waste for Usable Construction industries, from other nations, from federal SoyOyl is a soy-based foam with uses laboratories, and from other building l Products sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in in appliances, carpets, and other other industries that could be transferred construction products. CSIR Boutek, a national agency in and applied to housing. Technology Soy-Based Wood Adhesives are South Africa, aligns R&D with current Scanning–published by the U.S. l and future needs in South Africa, Department of Housing and Urban under development as replacements for Development/PATH and prepared by the formaldehyde adhesives used today in bringing the latest technology to bear on NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as OSB and plywood. These would reduce applied solutions. Among the materials technology developments dictate. The research is an extensive study of waste Research Center works to unite technology VOC emissions at major processing plants developers from outside of residential making building products and sheet materials turned into construction construction with manufacturers in the products. residential housing sector. materials consumed in home building. Contact: Contact: This issue of Technology Scanning is Theuns Knoetze, Programmer one in a series. Each issue in the series falls United Soybean Board into one of the following categories: St Louis, MO Phone: +27-12-841-4985 • Design and Internet Tools Phone: 888-235-4332 Email: [email protected] • Safety Neo Moikangoa, Div. Director • Surfaces and Interior Finishes www.unitedsoybean.org • Building Envelope Technologies Phone: +27-12-841-3763 • Electrical Innvironments Organic Email: [email protected] • Plumbing • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Wall Coverings www.csir.co.za • Energy/Power Systems Generation • Basic Materials Innovations has produced a Solid Waste Used as • Information Technology revolutionary new line of organic wall • Sustainable Design Strategies Synthetic Aggregate • Materials Recycling and Reuse coverings that create a new direction in • Thermal and Moisture Protection the surfaces industry. The line of wall The University of Calgary developed • Indoor Environmental Quality coverings is created entirely from natural Terra-Bond, a process which encapsulates Call the ToolBase Hotline at resources or environmentally attractive any form of solid waste (contaminated 800-898-2842 for information about other soil, sand, mine tailings, ash, slag, available Technology Scanning issues. Or, products. log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. The organics, including coffee, mineral, and refinery wastes) and binds aduzki bean, green tea, charcoal, and their contaminants to produce an inert mugwort are transformed into particle aggregate. This inert aggregate (a patent form and applied to cellulose backing. Its is pending in the U.S. and Canada) is 451 7th Street, SW then available for use in most any Washington, DC 20410 other line is Paper-Weaves, developed from cellulose paper, washed with masonry, landscaping, or concrete mix Email: [email protected] application. This waste stream reuse Issue 1 November 2001 Solid Waste Used as technology also reduces the impact of Contact: materials. It is billed as hazard-resistant Synthetic Aggregate, mining natural aggregate from gravel Peter Genzer housing, designed to resist hurricanes continued pits, river bottoms, and other open Brookhaven National Laboratory and withstand earthquake forces. It also excavation processes. Phone: 631-344-3174 claims to be fire and flame resistant. With Contact: Email: [email protected] no timber or steel in the home, it’s made Hugh Jones, VP of UTI www.bnl.gov/bnlweb/pubaf/pr/ entirely from recycled glass core material, University of Calgary - University bnlpr082399.html generating no production waste in the Technologies International manufacturing process. This housing Eco Floors Calgary, Alberta system has superior thermal and sound Phone: 403-270-7027 Made from recycled rubber, this characteristics, is low maintenance, Email: [email protected] durable flooring is used in retail and durable, and long lasting. www.uti.ca commercial environments. It makes use Raw waste glass is processed into of old tires. It is manufactured in tiles honeycomb-like material, then cast into a Coating from Shellfish that are odor-free, and flexible in design. composite of resin and fiber. This Protects Materials It could be used in places where ceramic technology uses non-degradable waste. It This unique solution was derived tile is found today for a softer, environ- uses 13 tons of waste glass per house, that watching and wondering how the delicate mentally friendly floor surface. is waste that would have gone to landfill. body of a shellfish stays protected in harsh Contact: This system is affordable, durable conditions. The technology is an Phone: 1-877-ECO-SURF (20-year warranty), reduces damage from environmentally attractive, water-based Email: EcoSurfaces@Dodge-Regupol, Inc natural hazards, and is environmentally coating made from extracted components www.regupol.com/comm/ECOsurf.htm responsible and friendly. Ambiente has of crushed shellfish. This coating protects turn-key manufacturing plants metals and other common substrates Composite Housing System Uses developed. This technology has direct from corrosion and moisture damage. It Thirteen Tons of Waste Glass potential application for advanced wall is harmless to the environment and puts The ACE awards, one of the panel systems and whole house systems. to use a by-product of the seafood composites industry’s best new applica- Contact: processing industry, which is thrown out tions, went to the Ambiente Housing Malcolm Parish, Director today. System made completely of composite Ambersham Technology Group Ambiente Housing Luquillo, Puerto Rico Phone: 787-889-1362 Email: [email protected] By studying shells, www.ambientehomes.com bones, and teeth, Pacific Northwest Edible Packaging Can be Consumed National Laboratory researchers developed Edible packaging material a process that “grows” technology that is being developed for the bone-like material on food packaging industry could rapidly be implants, such as the applied across other industries. This hip implant shown here, making them stronger consumable packaging, under and last longer. development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Center in Albany, CA, could eliminate much of the packaging going to landfill. Developer Tara McHugh created the packaging from pureed fruits and vegetables, dried and formed to a thin sheet. Current work is looking at consumable modifiers that adapt the packaging to various property needs in different packaging applications. The packaging can be consumed by people or more likely by animals instead of being thrown away. If applied to other industries, it brings new meaning to “eating on the job.” You could open up a whole new animal-based clean-up crew for jobsites. Contact: Tara McHugh U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Agricultural Research Center Albany, CA Phone: 550-559-6060 Courtesy: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory www.pw.usda.gov technologyscanning

Thermal and Thermal Technologies Moisture NASA Aerogels, Super Cryogenic Insulation Some Protection Areogel, an aerosol-based super thin examples of insulation technology, provides very high antibacterial, This category outlines technologies thermal properties with a very thin anti-dust mite and stain- that could be applied to thermal or application. Aerogels can be applied in resistant moisture protection products to keep several forms. This technology holds textiles for people more comfortable and potential in almost any building envelope healthcare, protected from the elements. The application. such as technologies are from various Contact: covers and fillings for industries and include NASA Lew Parish, STAC Tech Counselor

Courtesy: French Technology Press Office Courtesy: French Technology bedding technology, which keeps people Southern Technology Applications Center (STAC) (mattresses, comfortable and protected in space. duvets, University of Florida pillows) from Gainesville, FL the French Phone: 407-867-6373 company www.myflorida.com/stac Abeil. NASA Heat Shield Protective Coatings Technology Scanning and Insulation One of PATH’s major research support Ames Research Center has services is PATH Technology Scanning. developed protective coatings for ceramic Super Therm Ceramic Technology Scanning tells us about Paint Insulation technology developments in other materials which lower the surface industries, from other nations, from federal temperature of a thermal coating. They Developed in conjunction with a laboratories, and from other building reduce the heat transfer through the division of NASA, this technology contains sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in surface preventing the degradation of the several ceramic components. When other industries that could be transferred underlying substrate. They also have very applied as a coating to walls, roofs, etc., it and applied to housing. Technology good impact resistance. The estimated Scanning–published by the U.S. will provide a non-toxic, non-flammable, Department of Housing and Urban cost is $5 /square foot. This technology, durable coating that keeps heat out and Development/PATH and prepared by the developed for heat shields, can be applied conserves energy. The coating is water NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as to many other materials besides ceramics based and environmentally friendly. It is technology developments dictate. The to convey heat away from a substrate. applied in spray or roller form. NASA is Research Center works to unite technology These are lightweight, flexible, currently testing it on shuttle launch pads developers from outside of residential construction with manufacturers in the easily formulated, and environmentally and external tanks. residential housing sector. safe (water based, no solvents). Potential Contact: This issue of Technology Scanning is applications include roofing for homes, Jerry Pope one in a series. Each issue in the series falls especially in high fire danger areas. They Superior Products International into one of the following categories: could also be used for fireproof 6459 Universal Ave. • Design and Internet Tools insulation, or as a siding product or paint Kansas City, MO 64120 • Safety coating to reduce summer heat gain. • Surfaces and Interior Finishes www.new-technologies.org/ECT/Civil/ • Building Envelope Technologies These technologies are also used to supertherm.htm • Electrical keep space travel comfortable and are • Plumbing transferable to solve insulation or thermal NASA High-Tech, • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning • Energy/Power Systems Generation problems: Low Temp Insulation • Basic Materials l Toughened uniPC fibrous insulation New lightweight metal alloy and • Information Technology (TUFI) • Sustainable Design Strategies ceramic insulation used for protection of • Materials Recycling and Reuse l Composite flexible blanket the space craft during re-entry has been • Thermal and Moisture Protection insulation (CFBI) applied to mittens and gloves and • Indoor Environmental Quality Contact: Call the ToolBase Hotline at emergency rescue blankets. A low density, 800-898-2842 for information about other Phil Herlth honeycomb-like material was fabricated, available Technology Scanning issues. Or, NASA Ames Research Center capable of inhibiting convective and log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. Phone: 650-604-0625 radiative heat transfer. This cloth-like Email: [email protected] honeycomb material can be fabricated to www.ctoserver.arc.nasa.gov:80/TechOpps/ match the temperature range of the pccm.html application it will face, so if you don’t 451 7th Street, SW need it to withstand 2200°, like NASA, it Washington, DC 20410 can be fabricated to match more normal Email: [email protected] earthly temperature extremes.

Issue 1 November 2001 NASA High-Tech, Using the same honeycomb strength of steel at a fraction of the weight Intelligent Textiles Low Temp concept, NASA scientists and a private and has excellent performance at high Insulation, l Cambrelle Extreme is an company, Thermolon, developed a light- temperature. exceptionally warm textile which keeps continued weight, lower cost version of plastic 3M Thermal Insulation radiant heat in, while it wicks away insulation for blankets and clothing that moisture harmlessly. This superior has better properties than wool or This application absorbs sound in thermal and moisture management polyester fleece. It is four times warmer; it high-noise areas and provides excellent system is found in footwear and other dries faster; and the honeycomb structure thermal properties. The 3M Acoustic outerwear; doesn’t trap moisture. The honeycomb Composite Sheet Material (ACM) – a l Thermolite Extreme is unsurpassed insulation structure has even been made ceramic composite that is lightweight and in warmth per unit of weight, and it’s from recycled plastic or milk containers can be cut, fabricated, shaped, or molded extremely durable. It is applied most often to demonstrate its environmental sense. to nearly any configuration. It is also fire in high performance outdoor gear; Whirlpool Corporation is looking to use resistant and retains its physical l CoolMax and ThermaStat this moisture-tolerant alternative to properties up to 400 degrees F. performance fibers are worn by replace CFC blown foam insulation that It comes in sheets 4’x4’ and Olympians and race car drivers to control would make refrigerators even more thickness from 1 inch to 3 inches. moisture and regulate temperature; and energy efficient and environmentally Contact: l NoMax Fibers are flame resistant responsible. Bronwen Kleissler fibers for race suits. They provide superior Contact: Phone: 651-736-6930 flame resistance in various locations. Malcolm Webster [email protected] These DuPont textile technologies Technology Liaison www.3M.com hold potential for many building National Technology Transfer Center envelope products, components, and 316 Washington Avenue systems. Wheeling, WV 26003 Performance Technologies Contact: Phone: 304-243-2543 from the Textile Industry DuPont Technology Transfer Office Email: [email protected] Phone: 877-881-9787 www.nttc.edu High-Tech Fabrics for Clothes www.dupont.com/insulations/product/ 3M Thermal Barrier Nextel Developed by French technologists, thermoextreme.html several fabric technologies bring more This application of technology in function to clothes. One textile Breathable Coating Technology auto racing reduces heat transfer from technology allows jackets to become Several companies, including W.L. the engine, exhaust, and track surface. warmer as temperatures drop. Another Gore, employ the latest in breathable Nextel delivers a flexible insulating technology makes T-shirts with ceramic fibers and textiles. These textiles permit barrier against high temperature. It can fibers to repel ultra-violet rays. A third moisture to pass through one way and be made into tiles, textiles, or wraps. It is technology impregnates clothing with a keep heat in. Gore Tex, well known in the also used in the burners of high efficiency chemical that wards off insects. Any of outwear business, could be applied to hot water tanks reducing nitrogen oxide these have application potential for housing to solve similar moisture emissions by as much as 85 percent. protecting occupants of homes. management problems that it did in 3M Metal Matrix Composites Contact: outerwear. French Technology Press Office Contact: 3M has developed a high Chicago, IL W.L. Gore & Associates performance, high strength, metal matrix Phone: 312-222-1235 Elkton, MD composite material used to reinforce www.consulfrance-chicago.org/french/ Phone: 800-455-2791 aluminum and its alloys. This non- english/sciencetechnology.htm www.gore.com magnetic, low-density material has the A European Company with a textile called Breathe performs the same function– keeping heat in, keeping rain out, while allowing moisture to pass through from the inside. Damart’s Contact: anti-UV, heat- UCB Secteur Chimique reflective tee Belgique,UK shirts for men, Phone: +32-2-334-5111 women, and www.search.ucb-group.com/ children. default.cfm?UCBC A third company, StedFast, makes StedAir, a moisture barrier used by firefighters to keep them comfortable, letting moisture out, keeping heat away, and keeping them dry inside. A blanket Contact:

Photos Courtesy: French Technology Press Office Photos Courtesy: French Technology made of StedFast Moisture Management Systems Rhovyl AS+ Phone: 888-673-8441 fiber with www.stedfast.com antibacterial and anti-dust mite properties (from Rhovyl). technologyscanning

Water Quality International Joint Venture Indoor Indoor Comfort Water Purification - BioClear Environmental Canada and Japan collaborated to Quality BioClear is an inexpensive, provide improved ventilation in houses. chemical-free process for purifying water. The joint venture focused on the It was originally developed for the defense Indoor environmental quality development of international standards industry and NASA. It is technology that is includes technologies that hold for non-forced air systems. Japan’s migrating to the recreation industry and Building Research Institute (BRI) has potential for improving the various holds potential for clean water systems aspects of indoor living quality: built a test house using alternative development in the housing industry. systems. Testing, data collection, and indoor air quality, water quality, Contact: experiments are done jointly, with health, and comfort quality. Natural Water Technologies exchange of ideas and information to find Atlanta, GA better alternatives for indoor home Phone: 401-303-0068 comfort. www.nctn.hq.nasa.gov/innovation/ The collaborative effort is Innovation56/water.htm investigating thermal comfort and noise reduction for mechanical ventilation Comfort Quality systems. The agencies will bring findings to manufacturers, designers, and Technology Scanning Intelligent Rooms regulatory agencies in an effort to create One of PATH’s major research support This technology allows a room to better ventilation and indoor air quality services is PATH Technology Scanning. Technology Scanning tells us about respond to verbal commands for strategies than are currently used. technology developments in other information or give users related Contact: industries, from other nations, from federal information the user didn’t think to ask National Research Council of Canada laboratories, and from other building sectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs in for but might need or find useful. It Institute for Research in Construction other industries that could be transferred begins to automate the comfort aspects of Dr. James Reardon and applied to housing. Technology indoor living and gives users of the room Phone: 613-993-9700 Scanning–published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban easier command of their environment to Email: [email protected] Development/PATH and prepared by the meet their specific criteria. www.nrc.ca/corporate/english/index.html NAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated as Contact: technology developments dictate. The Building Control Systems and Howard Shrobe, Director of Artificial Building Control Systems and Research Center works to unite technology Micro HVAC Systems developers from outside of residential Intelligence Lab construction with manufacturers in the MIT Pacific NW National Laboratory, residential housing sector. Phone: 617-253-7877 Material Resources Group, is researching This issue of Technology Scanning is Email: [email protected] advanced controls, low-cost, highly one in a series. Each issue in the series falls into one of the following categories: www.ai.mit.edu reliable long-life sensors, automated • Design and Internet Tools diagnostics, and advanced micro-scale • Safety Embedded Technologies in Houses HVAC technology. The micro-scale HVAC • Surfaces and Interior Finishes • Building Envelope Technologies As a connected technology to the technology consists of compact heat • Electrical project above, this technology makes a pumps, miniature heat actuated • Plumbing • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning house responsive and reactive to compressors, and a micro-channel heat • Energy/Power Systems Generation environmental influences, much like the exchanger. This technology could make • Basic Materials • Information Technology human body does. As the body automation control available on a • Sustainable Design Strategies automatically adjusts itself to the miniaturized scale. • Materials Recycling and Reuse • Thermal and Moisture Protection surrounding conditions, so, too, would Contact: • Indoor Environmental Quality the house. Embedding thinking chips, Bernie Saffell Call the ToolBase Hotline at sensors, and other control devices will Pacific NW National Laboratory 800-898-2842 for information about other available Technology Scanning issues. Or, allow homes to anticipate, adjust, and Richland, WA log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org. react to changes around it. Phone: 509-372-4565 Contact: Email: [email protected] Chris Luebkeman www.pnl.gov/microcats Assistant Professor 451 7th Street, SW MIT Washington, DC 20410 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.web.mit.edu/newsoffice/mr/1998/ house.html Issue 1 November 2001 Information for FIRST RESPONDERS TO AN INDOOR CHEMICAL RELEASE Ventilation System OFF Flows depend strongly on wind and on the indoor-outdoor temperature difference, especially when windows are open. Courtesy: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Outdoors Warmer: Outdoors Cooler: Indoor air, which carries the contamination, tends Indoor air, which carries the contamination, tends to descend as it leaks from the building. Outside to rise as it leaks from the building. Outside air air enters upper floors. Some contamination may enters lower floors. Some contamination may still still move upwards due to local flows or drafts. move downwards due to local flows or drafts.

Air Quality Intelligent Air Quality Monitoring Materials Produce No Out-gassing Indoor Pollutant Sources Study The Idaho National Engineering Materials that produce no out- and Environmental Lab has a project, gassing in closed system environments LBNL has a large research program which integrates embedded sensors and (like the space station) can significantly on the indoor environment, including air micro-systems to detect, measure, and improve indoor air quality. In outer space, distribution and ventilation in analyze indoor air quality. They then use it’s critical to survival. Applied to homes commercial and residential buildings, the information to make necessary on earth, it creates healthier living spaces. chemistry and physics of indoor air adjustments in the HVAC system to meet Any gasses given off materials can pollution, air flows and pollutant pre-determined parameters for indoor air dramatically affect the air quality of the transport within buildings, and exposures quality. (Project reference INEEL-4) space station. Materials NASA is to airborne pollutants and resulting Contact: researching in various applications health risks. Idaho National Engineering and include glass textiles, non-porous Although this research program is Environmental Laboratory composites, non-toxic adhesives, and not funded to answer questions about the Idaho Falls, ID material surfaces that do not promote above topics from home builders, Phone: 800-708-2680 bacterial growth. They are also building owners and the general public, Email: [email protected] researching materials which will assist in the researchers maintain a useful website low noise propagation. where the visitor can identify existing “Displacement Ventilation” Contact: publications in journals, in conference Indoor Air Quality Laura Nelson papers, and as LBNL reports. It is then Sponsored by ASHRAE, this is an NASA International Space Station Project possible to request copies of specific approach to ventilation that improves Email: [email protected] publications from LBNL. indoor air quality while saving energy. www.jsc.nasa.gov The website of the Indoor “Displacement ventilation’’ provides Environment Department is: cleaner air with greater comfort while http://eetd.lbl.gov/ied.html reducing the amount of air needing Contact: heating or cooling. It is an alternative Lawrence Berkeley National Lab method to move hot or cold air in Email: [email protected] a structure. Contact: Professor Quingyen Chen or Leon Glickman MIT www.architecture.mit.edu/research/bt/ iaq_fdv.htnl