Modelling double skin façades (DSFs) in whole-building energy simulation tools: Validation and inter-software comparison of a mechanically ventilated single-story DSF

Adrienn Gelesz,András Reith,Valentina Serra,Kristian Skeie,Francesco Goia,Giovanni Gennaro,Elena Catto Lucchino

doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107906

Abstract

Double skin façades (DSFs) have been proposed as responsive building systems to improve the building envelope’s performance. Reliable simulation of DSF performance is a prerequisite to support the design and implementation of these systems in real buildings. Building energy simulation (BES) tools are commonly used by practitioners to predict the whole building energy performance, but the simulation of the thermophysical behaviour of DSFs may be challenging when carried out through BES tools. Using an exhaust-air façade case study, we analyse and assess the reliability of four popular BES tools when these are used to simulate a DSF, either through available in-built models or through custom-built representations based on zonal models. We carry out this study by comparing numerical simulations and experimental data for a series of significant thermophysical quantities, and we reflect on the performance and limitations of the different tools. The results show that no tool is outstandingly better performing over the others, but some tools offer better predictions when the focus is placed on certain thermophysical quantities, while others should be chosen if the focus is on different ones. After comparing the different models’ limitations and challenges, we conclude that BES tools can simulate the performance of DSF systems over long periods. However, their use alone is not recommended when the simulation’s scope is to replicate and study short-term phenomena and dynamic aspects, such as sizing the building’s HVAC system.

Highlights

Double skin façades (DSFs) are a typology of solar façades which are often adopted to reduce energy use [1] and to provide better thermal and visual comfort conditions compared to traditional single-skin fa çades [2]
Building Energy Software (BES) tools are, on the other side, meant for modelling an entire building and predicting the whole building energy performance, and when a DSF is modelled in a BES tool, it is, possible to link the DSF’s performance with that of the entire building
The main aim of the research activity presented in this paper is to evaluate the capabilities and accuracy of some of the most commonly adopted BES tools in modelling a relatively common mechanically ventilated DSF type, called climate façade

Summary

Introduction

Double skin façades (DSFs) are a typology of solar façades which are often adopted to reduce energy use [1] and to provide better thermal and visual comfort conditions compared to traditional single-skin fa çades [2]. Because of the more complicated behaviour than conven tional building envelope solutions, the design and optimisation of a DSF cannot be based on rules-of-thumb or simple performance parameters. They should be based on results derived from dynamic energy performance simulation. Limits to a great extent the possibility to study the DSF’s performance under real operation. Building Energy Software (BES) tools are, on the other side, meant for modelling an entire building and predicting the whole building energy performance, and when a DSF is modelled in a BES tool, it is, possible to link the DSF’s performance with that of the entire building.

Methods

Results

Conclusion