Impact of cavity extraction fans on thermal and energy performance of existing UK hotel

Abstract

The advantages of double-skin facade (DSF) systems, ranging between their aesthetic architectural benefits, acoustic benefits and ability to decrease the heating demand of the internal environment, have increased their popularity in Europe since the mid-1980s. However, appropriate consideration must be accorded to their design to ensure that their possible advantages are not negated. This work evaluates how the effect of extraction fans installed in the cavity of the DSF adjoining a central atrium impacts the thermal condition of the atrium and, consequently, the overall energy consumption of an existing UK hotel building. The results of the investigation demonstrated that the DSF extraction fans improve the internal temperature and condition of the adjacent central atrium, particularly in the summer. The fans result in a marginal increase in the overall energy consumption when operated throughout the year; hence, the optimum schedule for the operation of the extraction fans is during the cooling-dominant period.