CFD modelling of naturally ventilated double-skin facades with Venetian blinds

Abstract

This study describes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of naturally ventilated double-skin facades (DSFs) with Venetian blinds inside the facade cavity. The 2D modelling work investigates the coupled convective, conductive and radiative heat transfer through the DSF system. The angles of the Venetian blind can be adjusted and a series of angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 80°) have been modelled. The modelling results are compared with the measurements from a section of a prototype-facade testing facility and with predictions from a component-based nodal model. Agreement between the three methods is generally good. It is thought that discrepancies in the results are caused by the simplification of the CFD model resulting in less turbulence mixing within the facade cavity. The CFD simulation output suggests that the presence of the Venetian blinds is able to enhance the natural ventilation flow within the facade cavity and significantly reduce the heat gains to the internal environment. It was also found that the convective heat transfer coefficients on the glazing surfaces are insensitive to the blind angles. The work demonstrated the capability of CFD for modelling complicated heat transfer processes through the DSF system and offered some guidance for CFD practitioners who wish to model similar type of flow.