An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Passive Façade and Proposals for Improving Its Energy Performance

Eugen Iavorschi (), Laurențiu Dan Milici (), Pavel Atănăsoae and Constantin Ungureanu
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Eugen Iavorschi: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University “Ștefan cel Mare” of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania
Laurențiu Dan Milici: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University “Ștefan cel Mare” of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania
Pavel Atănăsoae: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University “Ștefan cel Mare” of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania
Constantin Ungureanu: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University “Ștefan cel Mare” of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-28

Abstract: The double-skin façade (DSF), referred to hereinafter as a passive façade, represents an alternative technology aimed at improving the energy performance of buildings with glass envelopes. A passive façade consists of a traditional façade supplemented on the interior by a secondary layer, which is separated by a ventilated cavity with a variable width. Numerous studies have been conducted to optimize the control of passive façades with the aim of improving building energy performance. This study focuses on comparing experimental data for the passive façade with numerical simulations conducted in ANSYS Fluent 17, proposing optimization options based on the analysis of temperature and velocity fields within the façade. The results reveal the dynamics of natural free convection within the passive façade, the presence of recirculation zones in the experimental model, and the manifestation of the “chimney effect” observed in the temperature analysis of the façade’s interior in both experimental and numerical models. ANSYS Fluent 17 is a numerical simulation software used extensively in engineering and research to provide precise and comprehensive solutions for complex fluid dynamics problems. Although there is a body of existing research, the need for further investigation into façade design, control, and optimization continues.

Keywords: passive façade; energy performance; energy efficiency; aesthetics; experimental modeling; numerical modeling; ANSYS Fluent 17; boundary conditions; flow model; natural ventilation (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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