Dataset on Trombe wall application in a factory building

An experimental passive solar thermal transmission wall (also known as Trombe wall) prototype was installed on a factory building wall in Kalnciems, Latvia to carry out temperature measurements at different representative locations in order to evaluate Trombe wall's potential to be used as a secondary space heating source. The average winter temperature in Kalnciems is 0.7 °C which stipulates the need for space heating (6-7 months a year). The dataset collection spanned from March 2022 through July 2023, enabling to acquire data over meaningful timeframe, as well as one full year cycle. Exploring Trombe wall technology in a cold climate setting aimed to examine its potential to curtail space heating energy consumption. The experimental Trombe wall prototype was closely monitored, and showcased substantial temperature increase during sunlight hours, emphasizing its potential to be used as a secondary heating source in industrial settings. The Trombe wall structure also demonstrated a sufficient internal temperature gradient (Δt between 1.5 and 5.0 m level a.g.) and generated rather substantial energy output, which is especially important for regions with moderate and cold climates. Enlarging and refining these systems could significantly reduce costs associated to space heating in industrial settings. Recommendations include investigating enhanced air circulation and filtration for improved functionality and user comfort.

An experimental passive solar thermal transmission wall (also known as Trombe wall) prototype was installed on a factory building wall in Kalnciems, Latvia to carry out temperature measurements at different representative locations in order to evaluate Trombe wall's potential to be used as a secondary space heating source.The average winter temperature in Kalnciems is 0.7 °C which stipulates the need for space heating (6-7 months a year).The dataset collection spanned from March 2022 through July 2023, enabling to acquire data over meaningful timeframe, as well as one full year cycle.Exploring Trombe wall technology in a cold climate setting aimed to examine its potential to curtail space heating energy consumption.The experimental Trombe wall prototype was closely monitored, and showcased substantial temperature increase during sunlight hours, emphasizing its potential to be used as a secondary heating source in industrial settings.The Trombe wall structure also demonstrated a sufficient internal temperature gradient ( t between 1.5 and 5.0 m level a.g.) and generated rather substantial energy output, which is especially important for regions with moderate and cold climates.Enlarging and refining these systems could significantly reduce costs associated to space heating in industrial settings.

Value of the Data
• The dataset provides comprehensive information on the performance of Trombe wall technology in a cold climate setting, offering valuable insights into its potential as a supplementary space heating system.By demonstrating the performance of the experimental Trombe wall in maintaining indoor temperatures and potentially reducing heating energy consumption, the dataset contributes to enhanced understanding of sustainable heating solutions, particularly in regions with challenging climatic conditions.Trombe wall integration in factory environments.By analyzing the energy savings and thermal performance data provided in this study, researchers can conduct economic viability assessments for similar projects and evaluate the long-term benefits of adopting Trombe wall technology.These data enable stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the implementation of Trombe walls as a sustainable heating solution, considering both their environmental impact and economic feasibility.• Finally, the dataset has the potential to inform broader research effort s on sustainable heating strategies and renewable energy utilization.By highlighting the effectiveness of Trombe walls in reducing heating energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact, this dataset contributes to ongoing discussions about the transition to renewable energy sources and the development of more sustainable building practices.Researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals can use this dataset to explore innovative approaches to heating and cooling, ultimately advancing efforts to mitigate climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

Background
As the cost of fossil fuel-based energy sources is continuously rising, passive carbon-free energy generation and storage is becoming an increasingly appealing and feasible concept .One of such concepts is a passive solar thermal transmission wall known as Trombe wall technology.It is a passive solar thermal energy storage unit that is utilized to offset building heating loads in an innovative and environmentally friendly way in order to reduce building energy consumption (electricity, gas, etc.) for space heating.Depending on the external climate and the desired level of indoor comfort, the Trombe wall may be combined with an alternative heating system.Consequently, the Trombe wall is typically used as a supplementary system in medium-temperature and cold regions to save building heating energy during the cold period of the year.

Experimental Design, Materials and Methods
The Trombe wall system was integrated into a 10 0 0 m 2 factory building in Kalnciems, Latvia, converted from a sheet metal hangar to a timber-frame modular house component production facility.The factory features poor air-tightness and lack of thermal insulation, leading to indoor temperatures being heavily influenced by outdoor conditions, oftentimes falling below workplace temperature thresholds in colder season (typically lasting from mid-October until early April), stipulating the need for space heating.
The Trombe wall prototype was installed on a fully vertical façade of the factory building, oriented eastwards, and supplemented by fan-enforced air circulation ( + /-200 m 3 /h).The wall's height -5400 mm, width -4000 mm, with a total surface area of 21.6 m 2 and an air gap volume of 0.69 m 3 .Temperature measurements were conducted at various points: indoor and outdoor temperature, along with temperatures at different heights within the Trombe wall structure (1.5 m and 5 m), as well as supply air temperature (directly after fan).A vent and supply duct fan, installed at 5 m above the ground, facilitated the discharge of accumulated thermal air mass into the factory, specifically to the work zone.A 100 mm air channel within the Trombe wall housed the duct fan, directing heated air to the factor's working area through an insulated duct.
Continuous temperature measurements, taken at 10 min intervals, encompassed outdoor and indoor temperatures, temperatures within the Trombe wall at 1.5 m and 5 m heights, and supply air temperature post-fan.Incident solar radiation (W/m 2 ) onto the Trombe wall structure was also monitored.
Experimental setup included detailed specifications of materials (timber framing, polycarbonate glazing, dark corrugated metal sheet backwall), sensors' positioning, and airflow control for comprehensive data collection.

Limitations
1. Different dataset measurements were carried out at different timeframes due to limited sensor availability and technical constraints due to factory operation specifics (until 5/5/22), with solar radiation monitor only being available starting from 27/07 2. The factory wall upon which the Trombe wall prototype was installed is facing East, resulting in the reduction of the potential generated and thus transferred solar heat gain.

Ethics Statement
T he authors have read and follow the ethical requirements for publication in Data in Brief and confirming that the current work does not involve human subjects, animal experiments, or any data collected from social media platforms.

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The dataset offers real-world temperature measurements for refining Trombe wall designs.Researchers can utilize this dataset to analyze temperature variations and calculate energy yields in industrial (as well as residential, commercial) settings across various climate regions.On top of that data serves as a valuable resource for refining Trombe wall designs, optimizing their performance, and enhancing their effectiveness in different environmental contexts.By studying the temperature gradients and energy outputs measured in this study, researchers can develop improved Trombe wall configurations tailored to specific climate conditions, thereby advancing the adoption of sustainable heating technologies in diverse settings.•The dataset serves as a benchmark for future research on passive heating solutions, providing a reference point for evaluating the performance of Trombe walls and comparing them with other alternative heating systems.Researchers can use this dataset to assess the efficacy of Trombe walls in different climatic conditions, explore modifications to Trombe wall structures, and investigate innovative approaches to passive heating.By building upon the findings of this study, future research can further advance our knowl-edge of passive heating technologies and contribute to the development of more sustainable building practices.• The dataset offers em pirical evidence to support assessments of the cost-effectiveness of