A study of the effectiveness of different control strategies in double skin facades in warm and humid climates

Thermal building simulations were linked to nodal airflow network simulations for a detailed ventilated facade calculation of performance. The validated simulation model can be used to optimize airflow window design in respect to reducing the solar heat gains during the summer period by controlling the exhaust airflow. This may result in significant energy savings and a reduction in systems cooling size. This work evaluates different control strategies of internally ventilated facade designs in respect to energy consumption savings. It further proposes a new type of airflow window to control the exhaust airflow that can help to reduce cooling load of an office up to almost 40%. An important factor was the development of a climate sensitive regulator that helps to take advantage of the hot and humid climate.