CISOL

Solar Research Center

General description of the activity

The CISOL- Solar Research Centre ETSAV promotes sustainable solar projects at the Vallès School of Architecture of the (ETSAV).

 

As a centre of information, exhibition and documentation of products, systems and projects in the area of sustainable architecture with emphasis in solar systems, CISOL offers a solid base of knowledge about the architectural integration of these technologies.

 

Its location in the Center of Research and Technology Transfer (CRITT) and its relationship with different departments and research entities in and outside of the Vallès School of Architecture allows a multidisciplinary approach. The CISOL attends requests and collaborations from public administration as well as any other public or private entity.

 

The CISOL offers services in the field of energetic consultancy, technological training, solar design and bioclimatic architecture with focus on innovation projects and applied research in these areas.

Specific areas of research energy field

CISOL has realized projects in the field of building integration of solar technologies, energetic refurbishment and sustainable architecture. In collaboration with public and private entities, CISOL has developed innovative projects and realized applied research as well as studies, reports and publications in these fields.

 

LOW3 (www.low3.upc.edu) is an energetically self-sufficient solar house which represented the UPC – Barcelona Tech at the international university competition SOLAR DECATHLON EUROPE 2010.

 

Once converted into LIVING LAB LOW3 at the Sant Cugat Campus during 2011 the prototype allows the experimentation and evaluation of its bioclimatic systems, its renewable energy systems and its low impact construction systems.

The laboratory counts with a 4,0 kWp photovoltaic installation, thermal collectors integrated in the south façade, a innovative low energy HVAC system and a domotic control system with sensors for temperature, relative humidity, CO2 concentration and contact sensors for openings.

 

LIVING LAB LOW3 fosters teaching and research activities in the field of solar architecture, building simulation and scientific performance evaluation of buildings.

SOLAR CUBE (www.cisol.com.es) is an educative and experimental laboratory on solar energy that aspires to create knowledge amongst students about the potential of solar photovoltaic energy in the field of architecture, helping to develop, in collaboration with companies, innovative solutions for the architectural integration of these technologies.