Development of wood covering elements with integrated electric heating - HRZZ - GRIpod
Acronym: GRIpod
Principal investigator: Associate Prof Vjekoslav Živković, PhD
Funding: Croatian Science Foundation
Grant number: IP-2024-05-9506
Total budget: 197,685.00 EUR
Scientific area: Biotechnical sciences
Scientific field: Wood technology
Institution: University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology
Duration: 19.12.2024. – 18.12.2027.
Research group:
Andrija Novosel, PhD
Associate Prof Andreja Pirc Barčić, PhD
Prof Dr Hrvoje Turkulin, PhD
Prof Dr Goran Mihulja, PhD
Associate Prof Josip Miklečić, PhD
Associate Prof Tomislav Sedlar, PhD
Tomislav Gržan, M.Sc.
Abstract:
The aim of this project is to develop a new heating system integrated into wood floor or wall coverings. This applied research is organized through 6 work packages in order to achieve the following objectives:
O1. to investigate the possibility of creating a portable - demountable heating system integrated in wood elements
O2. to equalize the distribution of heat over the surface of the face and cross-section of the sample
O3. to understand the interaction of components
O4. to create a dimensionally stable wood product despite its installation in changing climatic conditions
O5. to create a functional unit composed of large number of elements with integrated heating components
O6. to investigate life cycle assessment of the product (LCA).
The GRIpod system aims to reduce or completely eliminate the shortcomings of existing solutions and ensure uniform distribution of heat over the entire surface, enable product reuse, ensure fine temperature regulation and rational use of electrical power. Adhesives for the integration of the layers ensure product stability in conditions of increased surface temperature and the integration of the heating system into the wooden assembly. The preliminary and still unpublished results of our own experiment show the great potential of the proposed system. GRIpod meets the modern needs of tenants and, in addition to low energy consumption and high comfort of use, enables them to move the system and reuse it if necessary without additional costs. The advantage of this unique system is manifested in a significant reduction of costs and adverse environmental impact thanks to the absence of the need for additional boilers, installation pipes and additional heating elements that take up space. An additional advantage of the GRIpod system is the absence of the risk of a breakdown caused by a possible flood from the hot water heating system, as well as simple regulation and separate management for individual rooms.
Key words: wood coverings, electric heating, stability, integration, portability