Thermal, Energy and Daylight Analysis of Different Types of Double Skin Façades in Various Climates

• Main Author: Aksamija, Ajla
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: SelectedWorks 2018
• Subjects: Architectural Engineering; Architectural Technology; Architecture; Environmental Design; Arctic
• Online Access: https://works.bepress.com/ajla_aksamija/146

This article explores the thermal, energy, and daylighting performance of double skin façades (DSFs) in different climate types, specifically focusing on three typologies: box window, corridor, and multi-storey DSFs. These systems were investigated and analysed to determine how different DSFs perform in comparison to each other, as well as a typical curtain wall (single skin glazed façade used as a baseline), in a multitude of climate applications. The utilised research methods included two-dimensional heat transfer analysis (Finite Element Method analysis), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, energy modelling, and daylight simulations. Heat transfer analysis was used to determine heat transfer coefficients (U-values) of all analysed façade types, as well as temperature gra-dients through the façades for four exterior environmental conditions. CFD analysis investigated three-dimensional heat flow, airflow, and air velocity within the air cavity of DSFs. Energy modelling and daylight simulations were conducted for an office space that was enclosed by the analysed façade types. Individual energy models were developed for each façade type and for fifteen different climates representing various climate zones and subzones, from very hot to arctic. For daylighting simulations, multiple models were developed to study investigated typologies of DSFs, depth of air cavity between the two skins, orientations and four climate types, as well as dif-ferent sky conditions. Results indicate that there is not a lot of variation in thermal performance of the different DSF types, but that all DSF façades would have significantly improved thermal performance compared to the baseline single skin façade. Energy modelling results indicate significant differences in performance between the DSFs and single skin façade, but fewer variations between the different typologies of investigated DSFs. Moreover, the results show the effect of DSFs in different climate types on energy perfor-mance, heating, cooling, and lighting loads. Daylighting results indicate that all types of DSFs would decrease daylight levels compared to a conventional curtain wall, however, the differences between lighting levels are also dependent on the orientation, air cavity depth, façade type and climate.