Performance analysis of mixed-mode building ventilation algorithm integrated with transparent BIPV/T double skin facade

Abstract

This study addresses building performance profiles of building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal double-skin façades (BIPV/T-DSF) integrated with the decision-making for the opening control algorithm in the mixed-mode building ventilation system. Three models were generated and simulated in this study. The integrated model, a focused model, indicated its potential in a performance comparison with two other conventional BIPV/T-DSF models (non-ventilated cavity and cavity ventilated BIPV/T-DSF models). The mixed-mode building ventilation algorithm was generated and implemented in the focused model to maximize passive heating and cooling while reducing energy consumption and increasing the indoor thermal comfort level. Three cities were chosen to represent three different climates: hot summer continental and cold winter climate (Daejeon, South Korea), tropical savanna (Bangkok, Thailand), and continental subarctic (Tayshet, Russia). Multi-criteria simulation results showed that implementing the logically created mixed-mode building ventilation algorithm in a transparent BIPV/T-DSF has outstanding potential to improve thermal comfort, especially during the moderate season, and reduces energy consumption somewhat compared to the two other studied models. Another part of this paper presents a sensitivity analysis of this focused model. Such variables as cavity width, louver width on the external BIPV/T-DSF, and lower operable window elevation on the internal BIPV/T-DSF were examined for varied configurations. Among the considered variables, louver width on external BIPV/T-DSF showed the most impact on the building energy performance of the BIPV/T-DSF integrated with a mixed-mode building ventilation model, while overall performance improvement level relied on each city’s climate condition.