Development and Experimental Assessment of Components for Architecturally Integrated Solar Air-Heating Façades

Khaoula Friji, Valeria Villamil Cárdenas, Valentina Serra, Abdallah Bouabidi and Stefano Fantucci ()
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Khaoula Friji: TEBE Research Group, Politecnico Di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
Valeria Villamil Cárdenas: TEBE Research Group, Politecnico Di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
Valentina Serra: TEBE Research Group, Politecnico Di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
Abdallah Bouabidi: Laboratory of Mechanical Modelling, Energy & Materials (LM2EM), LR24ES23, National School of Engineers of Gabès (ENIG), University of Gabès, Avenue of Omar Ibn-Elkhattab, Zrig, Gabès 6023, Tunisia
Stefano Fantucci: TEBE Research Group, Politecnico Di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-22

Abstract: This study investigates a Solar Air Heating Façade (SAHF), architecturally enhanced through the integration of granular translucent Silica-Aerogel into multi-wall polycarbonate (PC) panels and the implementation of coated timber lamellas. The novelty of this work lies in the combined evaluation of thermal resistance and solar transmission properties of façade-integrated components, aiming to improve both energy efficiency and architectural integration. Two experimental campaigns were conducted: (i) thermal transmittance tests to determine the U-value of PC panels with and without Silica-Aerogel infill, and (ii) solar transmission measurements under controlled artificial solar radiation to evaluate the optical performance of various lamella configurations and coatings. Results show that the incorporation of Silica-Aerogel reduced the U-value by 41.8%, achieving a minimum of 1.19 W/m 2 K with the 20 mm thick PC panel, while decreasing the solar transmission of 43–53% depending on the incidence angle. The integration of reflective aluminum-coated timber lamella demonstrated promising results, enabling effective management of solar radiation. These findings highlight the potential of façade systems that combine high-performance insulation with visually integrated shading elements.

Keywords: solar façades; aerogel; Trombe wall; lamellas; thermal insulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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