Evaluating the Thermal Performance of Active Envelopes PDF

Active envelopes are presented as energy-efficient envelope solutions. In this paper, a numerical model to evaluate the thermal behavior of active envelopes is discussed and compared with in situ measurements. The agreement between the measurements and the simulations is good for the mechanical flow active envelope, but less so for the natural flow variant. After implementing the numerical model in an energy simulation program, an annual energy simulation on a selected number of active envelope typologies has been performed and compared to a classical cladding system. The U-factor and g-value of active envelope systems become dependent on the system properties and even on the climatic conditions for natural flow envelopes. To correctly evaluate the energy efficiency of active envelopes, it is imperative to take into account the enthalpy change of the cavity air.

Authors: Dirk Saelens; Hugo Hens, Ph.D.

Citation: Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VIII

Keywords: December, Florida, 2001