An Innovative Façade Element with Controlled Solar-Thermal Collector and Storage

Thomas Wüest, Lars O. Grobe and Andreas Luible
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Thomas Wüest: Competence Centre Building Envelope, Institute of Civil Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, CH-6048 Horw, Switzerland
Lars O. Grobe: Competence Centre Building Envelope, Institute of Civil Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, CH-6048 Horw, Switzerland
Andreas Luible: Competence Centre Building Envelope, Institute of Civil Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, CH-6048 Horw, Switzerland

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 13, 1-21

Abstract: A novel façade element is presented that forms a symbiosis between an enhanced box-type window, a closed cavity façade, and a Trombe wall. This hybrid, transparent-opaque façade element features an absorbing water tank, that is installed behind a controlled shading device toward the cavity of a non-ventilated Double Skin Façade in the parapet section. To evaluate the potential impact on building performance, a transient simulation model is developed in Modelica and calibrated by comparison with measurements on a prototype. The effect of the absorbing thermal storage on heat transfers under solar radiation is analyzed in comparison to (i) conditions excluding solar radiation and (ii) an empty tank. An evaluation for four European cities demonstrates that the annual heating demand can be reduced by more than 4.2% and cooling demand by at least 6.6% compared to a façade without thermal storage. The effect is explained not only by the increased thermal mass, but also by the effective modulation of solar gains by the controlled absorbing storage. The dampening of heat flow fluctuations and the control of solar gains is a promising means to reduce the installed power of HVAC (heating/ventilating/air conditioning) installations.

Keywords: Trombe wall; closed cavity façade; building dynamic simulations; thermal storage; passive solar façade; real-world test system; Modelica (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:13:p:5281-:d:378419

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