Modelling of double skin facades in whole-building energy simulation tools: A review of current practices and possibilities for future developments

Advanced building envelope systems can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improve the energy flexibility of buildings while maintaining high levels of indoor environmental quality. Among different transparent envelope technologies, the so-called double skin facades (DSFs) have been since long time proposed as an effective, responsive building system. The implementation of DSF systems in a real building is highly dependent on the capabilities of the prediction of their performance, which is not a trivial task. The possibility to use whole-building energy simulation (BES) tools to replicate the behaviour of these systems when integrated into a building is, therefore, a crucial step in the effective and conscious spread of these systems. However, the simulation of DSFs with BES tools can be far more complex than that of more conventional facade systems and represents a current barrier. This article is based on evidence from the scientific literature on the use of BES tools to simulate DSF, and provides: (i) an overview of the implementation of DSFs systems in BES tools, with the current capabilities of some selected BES tools; (ii) a comprehensive review of recent, relevant simulation studies, where different approaches to modelling and simulating DSFs are reported; and (iii) the identification of current gaps and limitations in simulation tools which should be overcome to increase the possibilities to correctly predict the performance of DSFs when integrated into a building.

[1]  Tin-Tai Chow,et al.  PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE PHOTOVOLTAIC DOUBLE-SKIN FACADE , 2009 .

[2]  Sooyoung Kim,et al.  Determining Photosensor Conditions of a Daylight Dimming Control System Using Different Double-skin Envelope Configurations , 2007 .

[3]  Ireneusz Zbicinski,et al.  Environmental, energy and economic aspects in a zero-emission façade system design , 2016 .

[4]  Vítor Leal,et al.  The role of the PASLINK test cell in the modelling and integrated simulation of an innovative window , 2008 .

[5]  Gregory M. Maxwell,et al.  An empirical validation of modelling solar gain through a glazing unit with external and internal shading screens , 2007 .

[6]  J. Hensen.  MODELLING COUPLED HEAT AND AIR FLOW: PING-PONG VS ONIONS , 1995 .

[7]  Kamaruzzaman Sopian,et al.  Perspectives of double skin façade systems in buildings and energy saving , 2011 .

[8]  E Ery Djunaedy,et al.  BUILDING SIMULATION FOR MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE - AIR FLOW IN PARTICULAR , 2005 .

[9]  Jan Kośny,et al.  PCM-Enhanced Building Components , 2015 .

[10]  Igor Mujan,et al.  Experimental validation of a EnergyPlus model: Application of a multi-storey naturally ventilated double skin façade , 2016 .

[11]  Sotiris Papantoniou,et al.  A parametric study of the energy performance of double-skin façades in climatic conditions of Crete, Greece , 2014 .

[12]  André De Herde,et al.  Optimal operation of a south double-skin facade , 2004 .

[13]  Daniel M. Madyira,et al.  An experimentally validated mathematical and CFD model of a supply air window: Forced and natural flow , 2013 .

[14]  Alessandro Dama,et al.  Wind and buoyancy driven natural ventilation in double skin façades , 2016 .

[15]  W. Rohsenow,et al.  Thermally Optimum Spacing of Vertical, Natural Convection Cooled, Parallel Plates , 1984 .

[16]  Fariborz Haghighat,et al.  Energy performance assessment of double-skin façade with thermal mass , 2010 .

[17]  Carla Balocco,et al.  A non-dimensional analysis of a ventilated double façade energy performance , 2004 .

[18]  Rasmus Lund Jensen,et al.  Experimental Analysis and Model Validation of an Opaque Ventilated Facade , 2012 .

[19]  Kenneth Ip,et al.  Perspectives of double skin façades for naturally ventilated buildings: A review , 2014 .

[20]  Pablo Sebastian Ferrer-Gisbert,et al.  Energy performance of a ventilated façade by simulation with experimental validation , 2014 .

[21]  A. Oliva,et al.  Numerical analysis of the thermal behaviour of ventilated glazed facades in Mediterranean climates. Part I: development and validation of a numerical model , 2003 .

[22]  K. F. Fong,et al.  Investigation on energy performance of double skin façade in Hong Kong , 2009 .

[23]  Deuk-Woo Kim,et al.  Difficulties and limitations in performance simulation of a double skin faade with EnergyPlus , 2011 .

[24]  Per Sahlin,et al.  The Neutral Model Format for Building Simulation , 1996 .

[25]  Seung Bok Leigh,et al.  A Study on Cooling Energy Savings Potential in High-Rise Residential Complex Using Cross Ventilated Double Skin Facade , 2004 .

[26]  Benjamin Engel,et al.  Energy Simulation In Building Design , 2016 .

[27]  Refrigerating.  ASHRAE handbook of fundamentals , 1967 .

[28]  Bje Bert Blocken,et al.  Review of external convective heat transfer coefficient models in building energy simulation programs: implementation and uncertainty , 2013 .

[29]  Vítor Leal,et al.  Modelling the SOLVENT ventilated window for whole building simulation , 2004 .

[30]  Ephraim M Sparrow,et al.  Effect of Finite Width on Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow about an Inclined Rectangular Plate , 1979 .

[31]  M. Yazdanian,et al.  Measurement of the Exterior Convective Film Coefficient for Windows in Low-Rise Buildings , 1993 .

[32]  Nuno M.M. Ramos,et al.  Parametric study of double-skin facades performance in mild climate countries , 2017 .

[33]  Andras Reith,et al.  Climate-based Performance Evaluation of Double Skin Facades by Building Energy Modelling in Central Europe , 2015 .

[34]  Jeff Haberl,et al.  Origins of analysis methods used to design high-performance commercial buildings: Whole-building energy simulation , 2016 .

[35]  Juan Luis Lechón,et al.  Experimental and numerical studies to assess the energy performance of naturally ventilated PV façade systems , 2017 .

[36]  Wonjun Choi,et al.  Load characteristics and operation strategies of building integrated with multi-story double skin facade , 2013 .

[37]  Ya Roderick,et al.  BUILDING SIMULATION AS AN ASSISTING TOOL IN DESIGNING AN ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING: A CASE STUDY , 2009 .

[38]  Z. Eskinja,et al.  Modelling thermal transients in controlled double skin Façade building by using renowned energy simulation engines , 2018, 2018 41st International Convention on Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics (MIPRO).

[39]  Robert Weber,et al.  TRNSYS17: NEW FEATURES OF THE MULTIZONE BUILDING MODEL , 2009 .

[40]  Gian Luca Morini,et al.  Empirical validation and modelling of a naturally ventilated rainscreen faade building , 2011 .

[41]  Nuno M. Mateus,et al.  Validation of a lumped RC model for thermal simulation of a double skin natural and mechanical ventilated test cell , 2016 .

[42]  Yuan Bi,et al.  Modeling and Simulation of Ventilated Double-Skin Facade Using EnergyPlus , 2014 .

[43]  YuJi-Suk,et al.  Thermal and energy performance of a building with PV-applied double-skin façade , 2017 .

[44]  Dirk Saelens,et al.  The inlet temperature as a boundary condition for multiple-skin facade modelling , 2004 .

[45]  A. Oliva,et al.  Numerical analysis of the thermal behaviour of glazed ventilated facades in Mediterranean climates. Part II: applications and analysis of results , 2003 .

[46]  Francesco Pomponi,et al.  Energy performance of Double-Skin Façades in temperate climates: A systematic review and meta-analysis , 2016 .

[47]  G. Brown.  Solinstrålning och solavskärmning : Solar irradiation and sun shading devices / , 1974 .

[48]  A.H.C. van Paassen,et al.  Symbiosis of the double skin facade with the HVAC system , 2005 .

[49]  B. Gebhart.  Surface temperature calculations in radiant surroundings of arbitrary complexity—for gray, diffuse radiation , 1961 .

[50]  Draco Iyi,et al.  Double Skin Façade: Modelling Technique and Influence of Venetian Blinds on the Airflow and Heat Transfer , 2014 .

[51]  Nathan Mendes,et al.  Capacitive effect on the heat transfer through building glazing systems , 2011 .

[52]  Francesco Goia,et al.  Reliability and Performance Gap of Whole-Building Energy Software Tools in Modelling Double Skin Façades , 2019 .

[53]  Harris Poirazis,et al.  Double Skin Facades for Office Buildings - Literature Review Report , 2004 .

[54]  S. N. Garg,et al.  Different glazing systems and their impact on human thermal comfort—Indian scenario , 2008 .

[55]  David Infield,et al.  Façades and summer performance of buildings , 2008 .

[56]  Mats Sandberg,et al.  An analytical model for the outflow in a ventilated window with known surface temperatures , 2004 .

[57]  Sebastian Weissenberger,et al.  Experimental and Numerical Studies , 1997 .

[58]  Jlm Jan Hensen,et al.  DESIGN SUPPORT SIMULATIONS FOR A DOUBLE-SKIN FAÇADE , 2001 .

[59]  Brian J. Polidoro,et al.  CONTAM User Guide and Program Documentation Version 3.2 , 2015 .

[60]  Monika Woloszyn,et al.  AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECT OF VENTILATED DOUBLE-SKIN FACADE WITH VENETIAN BLINDS: GLOBAL SIMULATION AND ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY PERFORMANCE , 2007 .

[61]  H. Gurney.  Heat Transmission , 1909, Nature.

[62]  Xiao-li Xu,et al.  Natural ventilation in the double skin facade with venetian blind , 2008 .

[63]  Jon Hand,et al.  CONTRASTING THE CAPABILITIES OF BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE SIMULATION PROGRAMS , 2008 .

[64]  Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad,et al.  Integrated Model for Shading and Airflow Window in BSk , 2017 .

[65]  Georgios Kokogiannakis,et al.  Modelling of double ventilated facades according to CEN Standard 13790 method and detailed simulation , 2007 .

[66]  Rudai Shan,et al.  Optimization for Heating, Cooling and Lighting Load in Building Façade Design , 2014 .

[67]  K. Allacker,et al.  Strategies to Improve the Energy Performance of Buildings: A Review of Their Life Cycle Impact , 2018, Buildings.

[68]  Chang Heon Cheong,et al.  Thermal and Daylighting Performance of Energy-Efficient Windows in Highly Glazed Residential Buildings: Case Study in Korea , 2014 .

[69]  Carla Balocco,et al.  Thermal behaviour of interactive mechanically ventilated double glazed façade: Non-dimensional analysis , 2006 .

[70]  Youming Chen,et al.  Dynamic modeling of the ventilated double skin façade in hot summer and cold winter zone in China , 2016 .

[71]  Valentina Serra,et al.  Thermal Performance Assessment of an Opaque Ventilated Façade in the Summer Period: Calibration of a Simulation Model through in-field Measurements ☆ , 2017 .

[72]  Rosa Romano,et al.  Building envelope innovation: smart facades for non residential buildings , 2011 .

[73]  Mats Sandberg,et al.  Evaluation of Discharge Coefficients for Window Openings in Wind Driven Natural Ventilation , 2006 .

[74]  David Chow,et al.  Heat transfer and air movement behaviour in a double-skin façade , 2014 .

[75]  Alex Amato,et al.  Simulation of ventilated facades in hot and humid climates , 2009 .

[76]  Jan Hensen,et al.  Integrated building performance simulation: Progress, prospects and requirements , 2015 .

[77]  Brina Goldfarb,et al.  Double-Skin Façades , 2005 .

[78]  C. O. Pedersen,et al.  ADVANCED ZONE SIMULATION IN ENERGYPLUS: INCORPORATION OF VARIABLE PROPERTIES AND PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL (PCM) CAPABILITY , 2007 .

[79]  W. Dols,et al.  CONTAMW 2.0 User Manual , 2002 .

[80]  S. O. Hanssen,et al.  Building simulation as an assisting tool in decision making: Case study: With or without a double-skin façade? , 2008 .

[81]  Alessandro Dama,et al.  Naturally ventilated double-skin façade in modeling and experiments ☆ , 2017 .

[82]  A. Lewis.  Ventilation and Air Conditioning. , 1926 .

[83]  Ian Beausoleil-Morrison,et al.  The adaptive coupling of heat and air flow modelling within dynamic whole-building simulation , 2000 .

[84]  Francesco Pomponi,et al.  On the intrinsic flexibility of the double skin façade: A comparative thermal comfort investigation in tropical and temperate climates , 2017 .

[85]  Chris Underwood,et al.  Modelling Methods for Energy in Buildings , 2004 .

[86]  Tokiyoshi Yamada,et al.  Natural ventilation performance of a double-skin façade with a solar chimney , 2005 .

[87]  Luisa F. Cabeza,et al.  Numerical modelling of ventilated facades: A review , 2013 .

[88]  Vítor Leal,et al.  MODELLING A REVERSIBLE VENTILATED WINDOW FOR SIMULATION WITHIN ESP-R - THE SOLVENT CASE , 2003 .

[89]  R. Muehleisen,et al.  A PARAMETRIC STUDY OF THE THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF DOUBLE SKIN FAÇADES AT DIFFERENT CLIMATES USING ANNUAL ENERGY SIMULATION , 2012 .

[90]  Michele De Carli,et al.  Dynamic energy evaluation and glazing layers optimization of façade building with innovative integration of PV modules , 2016 .

[91]  Dirk Saelens,et al.  Experimental Evaluation of Airflow in Naturally Ventilated Active Envelopes , 2001 .

[92]  Dirk Saelens,et al.  Energy performance assessment of single storey multiple-skin facades , 2002 .

[93]  Refrigerating.  ASHRAE handbook and product directory /published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc , 1977 .

[94]  Heejin Cho,et al.  Comparative investigation on building energy performance of double skin façade (DSF) with interior or exterior slat blinds , 2018, Journal of Building Engineering.

[95]  Drury B. Crawley,et al.  EnergyPlus: Energy simulation program , 2000 .

[96]  Jelena Srebric,et al.  A Coupled Airflow and Energy Simulation Program for Indoor Thermal Environmental Studies , 2000 .

[97]  Nuno M. Mateus,et al.  Validation of EnergyPlus thermal simulation of a double skin naturally and mechanically ventilated test cell , 2014 .

[98]  Michael Wetter,et al.  Co-simulation of building energy and control systems with the Building Controls Virtual Test Bed , 2011 .

[99]  Guillaume Polidori,et al.  Modelling of natural convective heat transfer at an internal surface , 2006 .

[100]  Dirk Saelens,et al.  Energy Performance Assessment of Multiple-Skin Facades , 2003 .

[101]  Nader Sadegh,et al.  Calibration of a lumped simulation model for double-skin façade systems , 2004 .

[102]  Michele De Carli,et al.  Evaluation of various CFD modelling strategies in predicting airflow and temperature in a naturally ventilated double skin façade , 2011 .

[103]  Zhiqiang Zhai,et al.  Review of natural ventilation models , 2015 .

[104]  Andreas K. Athienitis,et al.  Optimization of the performance of double-façades with integrated photovoltaic panels and motorized blinds , 2006 .

[105]  Manuel Frey,et al.  Design of a glazed double-façade by means of coupled CFD and building performance simulation , 2017 .

[106]  Geoffrey P. Hammond,et al.  Improved data correlations for buoyancy-driven convection in rooms , 1983 .

[107]  André De Herde,et al.  The most efficient position of shading devices in a double-skin facade , 2007 .

[108]  Giorgio Baldinelli,et al.  Double skin facades for warm climate regions : Analysis of a solution with an integrated movable shading system , 2009 .

[109]  Deuk-Woo Kim,et al.  A HETEROGENEOUS SYSTEM SIMULATION OF A DOUBLE-SKIN FAÇ ADE , 2011 .

[110]  A. Androutsopoulos,et al.  Investigation of the performance of a ventilated wall , 2011 .

[111]  E. Znouda,et al.  Assessment of the Inner Skin Composition Impact on the Double-skin Façade Energy Performance in the Mediterranean Climate , 2017 .

[112]  Vicente Cantavella Soler,et al.  Modeling of ventilated façades for energy building simulation software , 2013 .

[113]  F. Haghighat,et al.  Modeling ventilated double skin façade—A zonal approach , 2008 .

[114]  Jun Tanimoto,et al.  Simulation study on an air flow window system with an integrated roll screen , 1997 .

[115]  M. Sohn,et al.  Building energy simulation coupled with CFD for indoor environment: A critical review and recent applications , 2018 .

[116]  Monika Woloszyn,et al.  MODELING OF THE DOUBLE-SKIN FACADES FOR BUILDING ENERGY SIMULATIONS : RADIATIVE AND CONVECTIVE HEAT TRANSFER , 2005 .

[117]  Essia Znouda,et al.  Coupling TRNSYS 17 and CONTAM: simulation of a naturally ventilated double-skin façade , 2015 .

[118]  Hongxing Yang,et al.  Developing a method and simulation model for evaluating the overall energy performance of a ventilated semi‐transparent photovoltaic double‐skin facade , 2016 .

[119]  Fabio Favoino,et al.  Review of current status, requirements and opportunities for building performance simulation of adaptive facades† , 2017 .

[120]  A.L.S. Chan,et al.  Energy and environmental performance of building façades integrated with phase change material in subtropical Hong Kong , 2011 .

[121]  Brent Griffith,et al.  Diagnostic test cases for verifying surface heat transfer algorithms and boundary conditions in building energy simulation programs , 2012 .

[122]  Dolf van Paassen,et al.  DEFINING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DOUBLE SKIN FAÇADE WITH THE USE OF THE SIMULATION MODEL , 2003 .

[123]  George N Walton,et al.  AIRNET - a computer program for building airflow network modeling , 1989 .

[124]  Qingyan Chen,et al.  A Coupled Airflow-and-Energy Simulation Program for Indoor Thermal Environment Studies ( RP-927 ) , 2006 .

[125]  Jung-Ho Huh,et al.  Operation and control strategies for multi-storey double skin facades during the heating season , 2012 .