Investigations on multi-layer solid wood panels with heating and cooling elements

Multi-layer solid wood panels are used in civil engineering as construction element as well as design-and functional element. The fundamental idea of this industry driven project was the integration of climatic-control functions (cooling/heating) with fluid filled elements in multi-layer solid wood panels. Solid wood panels with different design were tested on bending strength and dimensional stability under changing climatic conditions. They show, in relationship to a reference element, a degreasing of bending strength and dimensional stability. Further investigations on optimizing heat transfer were carried out with hygrothermal tests. An evaluation of heating curves shows that panels with high density top layer, and pipes designed in spiral curse, increase the heating performance. The optimal pipe distance was found to be 80 mm, with a covering layer of 4 mm thickness.