Not far from the beach on Swansea Bay, a revolutionary new building is taking shape that it is claimed could end fuel poverty and solve the war over the thermostat in offices. For the “Living Classroom”, which construction workers are hurrying to complete before the start of term at Swansea University, is a building that integrates an array of cutting edge renewable energy technology. It generates its own electricity from the sun, which is then stored in batteries made with saltwater – that might help put out a fire, rather than starting one – and also absorbs and redistributes solar heat. But the scientists, architects and engineers who de signed it believe one feature in particular could be used to help companies save money, cut greenhouse gas emissions and end squabbles over the thermostat. The underfloor heating system uses panels coated with a special paint. When a harmless low-voltage electric current is passed through the paint, it heats up. The result is a heating system for each individual desk. Professor Dave Worsley, one of the team behind the building, the subject of a talk at the British Science Festival in Swansea, said: “It’s right by your feet. It heats up very quickly and cools down very quickly.
“If your feet are warm, the rest of you feels much better.
Independent 9th Sept 2016 read more »