Double-Skin Façade CFD simulation

Abstract

In this project, we have modeled and simulated a Double Skin Facade (hereafter DSF), 6 meters wide and 4 high. An average day was calculated for every month with official weather data and ANSYS FLUENT v15’s Solar Calculator. The focus of the project is to help alleviate one of the problems of DSF: heat accumulating inside of the building because radiation transforms into heat, which is then stuck inside due to the glass’ thermal isolation properties, similar to a greenhouse. The design consists of a series of Venetian blinds connected by pipes through which water is circulated, accumulating sun’s radiated heat and remove it from the façade. In the results section, the amount of heat is analyzed and compared with the base case without the blind system, as studied by my colleagues J. Parra and A. Ravello in their senior project. The conclusion is that we can achieve significant energetic savings thanks to this design.