An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Passive Façade and Proposals for Improving Its Energy Performance

The double-skin façade (DSF), referred to hereinafter as a passive façade, represents an alternative technology aimed at improving the energy performance of buildings with glass envelopes. A passive façade consists of a traditional façade supplemented on the interior by a secondary layer, which is separated by a ventilated cavity with a variable width. Numerous studies have been conducted to optimize the control of passive façades with the aim of improving building energy performance. This study focuses on comparing experimental data for the passive façade with numerical simulations conducted in ANSYS Fluent 17, proposing optimization options based on the analysis of temperature and velocity fields within the façade. The results reveal the dynamics of natural free convection within the passive façade, the presence of recirculation zones in the experimental model, and the manifestation of the “chimney effect” observed in the temperature analysis of the façade’s interior in both experimental and numerical models. ANSYS Fluent 17 is a numerical simulation software used extensively in engineering and research to provide precise and comprehensive solutions for complex fluid dynamics problems. Although there is a body of existing research, the need for further investigation into façade design, control, and optimization continues.