Saelens D.; Carmeliet J.; and Hens H.
2003
International Journal of HVAC&R Research, vol 9-2, p. 167-186
In this paper, the energy performance of an office respectively equipped with a conventional insulated glazing unit with exterior shading and with three multiple skin facade typologies (an airflow window, a supply air window and a naturally ventilated window) is modelled and discussed under typical Belgian weather conditions. It is found that multiple skin facades may improve the energy efficiency. However, the analysis shows that variants performing well in winter are not necessarily beneficial in summer. Combining typologies or changing the systems settings according to the particular situation will be necessary to obtain an overall all year round improvement. The results further indicate that evaluating the energy efficiency of multiple skin facades can not be performed by analysing the transmission losses and gains solely. It is imperative to take into account the enthalpy change of the cavity air and to perform a whole building energy analysis.
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