Thermomechanical Response of Field-Scale Energy Wall under Different Heating Operations

Abstract

This study conducted field tests to investigate the thermomechanical response of an energy wall under practical intermittent and experimental monotone operation modes. Sensors and thermometers were utilized to measure inlet/outlet water temperature, air temperature, wall temperature, and strain. The heat-exchange performance and three-dimensional thermomechanical behavior of the energy wall were closely monitored and analyzed. The test results revealed that the intermittent heating operation demonstrated superior heat-exchange performance compared to the monotone heating operation, resulting in a reduced magnitude of wall temperature change. Moreover, the study highlighted the influence of physical and thermal boundary conditions on thermally induced stress within the wall. The response of the wall to thermal loading was found to be influenced by various factors, including location, temperature change, and the heating history, particularly in the intermittent operation.