Experimental assessment of the energy performance of microfluidic glazing components: The first results of a monitoring campaign carried out in an outdoor test facility

Manuela Baracani, Fabio Favoino, Stefano Fantucci, Valentina Serra, Marco Perino, Marisandra Introna, Rene Limbach and Lothar Wondraczek

Energy, 2023, vol. 280, issue C

Abstract: Microfluidic glazing is a newly developed, adaptive, transparent component characterized by micro-channels filled with a circulating liquid, functioning as a heat exchanger and controlling the heat transfer through a façade. The performance of this glazing depends on its design and operation on site. The aim of this study is to present the results of an in-situ performance evaluation of microfluidic glazing components obtained from an experimental campaign in outdoor test cells, and to explore their potential and limitations under realistic working conditions. A case study has been conducted in Turin, Italy, in which two small south-oriented triple glazing units, upgraded with different functional elements, including a laminated semi-transparent Perovskite solar cell and microfluidic glazing, have been investigated under different operating conditions. Overall, the experimental campaign has shown a reduction in the heat exchange through the façade of about 70%. Moreover, this technology allows the temperature in the Perovskite solar cell to be decreased by as much as 10 °C, and the central glazing temperature to be reduced by as much as 41 °C, when set as the central panel, thereby effectively decreasing the risk of thermal degradation or thermal shocks. A temperature difference of 12 °C and 16 °C was recorded, depending on the modules, between the inlet and outlet temperatures.

Keywords: Adaptive façades; Advanced fenestration systems; Smart windows; Water-flow glazing; Building energy efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:280:y:2023:i:c:s0360544223014469

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.128052

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