**Nomenclature**



maintenance costs and operational costs was used as a reference point in the comparison. We

By focusing on the investment costs of the THU system, the results reveal that THU v1.2 prototype design is 30% more economical than THU v1.1 design, due to a better design strategy in the manufacture process and the dissipation systems. By considering only dissipation systems, it was noted that the use of heat pipe sinks increase by 30% the investment costs. Although the heat pipe sinks offer better performance in terms of heat dissipation, the manufacturing process of a finned heat sink is less complicated than that of a heat pipe sink, so that the finned

From a comparative point of view, the results show that the conventional air-conditioning system is economically viable than a THU system; therefore, if THU was to enter the market, it is necessary to implement a strategy that reduces costs. Regarding the thermal performance, the results demonstrate that THU v1.2 had a more stable thermal behaviour than the conventional air-conditioning system. The maintenance costs indicated that THU v1.2 prototype is more economically viable in maintenance than the conventional air-conditioning system. Moreover, verifying the environmental benefits between the studied systems, it was found that the maintenance of a conventional air-conditioning system has a greater environmental impact than the THU v1.2 system. The authors recommended a life cycle analysis (LCA) of

The authors acknowledge financial support from Conacyt (México), PRODEP, Universidad de Navarra Project no. 1804805, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación del Gobierno de España BIA2013-46463-R, Asociación de Amigos de la Universidad de Navarra, Aislamientos San

found that the overall cost of this project was approximately 84,860 Euros.

both prototypes, in order to know the pros and cons of the environment.

heat sink system is more economic.

136 HVAC System

**Acknowledgements**

**Conflict of interest**

**Nomenclature**

There is no conflict of interest.

ABE active building envelope

CFM cubic foot per minute

COP coefficient of performance

ASTRW active solar thermoelectric radiant wall

Fermin, Berotza, Jacar, Rock wool, Teczone, Trox.
