Weather-based operation strategy for a dynamically compartmentalized double-skin façade system

Abstract

This study proposed a weather-based operation strategy for a dynamically compartmentalized double-skin façade (DSF) system. The system features two separate air cavities, each of which serves as an inlet or an outlet. The cavities are placed at different levels to facilitate the buoyancy-driven ventilation and the preheating effect. To enhance the performance, the compartmentalized DSF needs to be operated in active cooling (AC), passive cooling (PC), and hybrid heating (HH) modes based on the outdoor condition. Therefore, this study proposed the appropriate operation strategy for the system and evaluated the influence of the strategy on building's thermal performance. Various mode-control thresholds for switching between AC–PC and between PC–HH modes were examined. A validated building simulation model was used to evaluate the operation strategy through a case study, and the results were discussed on the basis of the two types of performance indicators (PIs): the cooling and heating energy use intensity (for AC and HH modes) and hot and cold discomfort hours (for PC and HH modes). A lower AC–PC threshold increases the cooling energy while decreasing the hot discomfort. The influence of a PC–HH threshold on discomfort hours is not linear and vary by modes; therefore, PIs in each mode should be prioritized to determine the optimal threshold. The case study indicated that the DSF with the proposed operation strategy saved 28% cooling energy and 98% heating energy in comparison to a single-skin façade system. Significant hot discomfort may occur in the HH mode, emphasizing the importance of adaptive operations.