FH Salzburg: New research building Twin2Sim opened
The aim of the research activities in Twin²Sim is to develop solutions for technical building systems, components, building shells and multifunctional facades, to test them in experiments and to further develop them. Thermal, hygric and flow behavior, daylight quality, deformation of components, noise protection and the interaction of the prototypes with the room and the use in the room are examined – all under the real conditions of the environment. This makes the investigations more complex, but also more realistic. The data obtained from hundreds of sensors in both short-term and long-term measurements are collected and mapped in a “digital twin”. This enables the development of models and the simulation on the “Digital Twin” – hence the name “Twin²Sim”.
Twin²Sim is one of the largest research projects that the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences has implemented in its 25-year existence. With the available scientific possibilities, the test building not only corresponds to the current state of the art, but is also built as an energy-efficient, constructive timber construction. Together with the team from LP Architecture an architecturally high-quality wooden building was realized that corresponds to the location in Kuchl.
Research for more sustainability and climate protection
“With Twin²Sim we can gain new insights into how building technology, components, space and people interact,” explains project manager FH-Prof. Michael Grobbauer the goals of the research project. “We can develop and test new components. As a ‘small world’, the test building and test bench are representative of the ‘big world’ of built reality and the investigation of solutions under real conditions. Together with companies, we can now develop new solutions and products to reduce energy requirements, for climate-neutral and comfortable buildings and to improve building performance.”
Knowledge transfer and cooperation
The research building with the planned projects is an incubator for ideas from business and research and a place for collaboration. Business interest was evident even before construction. More than 20 companies have supported the project with contributions in kind. There is great interest in further cooperation with the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences in the non-university and university sectors. The cooperation with companies is an important factor in the research of the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and a significant impetus for the initiation of Twin²Sim.
A calibration phase is currently taking place on the Twin²Sim. Full operation will begin in spring 2023. The first trials will start in late autumn 2022; a prototype from the center Alpine building is expected to be installed on the test bench in November 2022.
More about Twin2Sim: www.fh-salzburg.ac.at/twin2sim