CFD Modeling for Thermal Behavior of Open-Type Double-Skin Facades

Open-type double-skin facades (DSF) depend on natural ventilation without any mechanical devices. In order to study thermal performances of the open-type DSF, principles of energy saving and heat transfer procedure of this facade are illustrated through theoretical analysis; a computer modeling is conducted by use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology, in which changes of environment temperature, opening-closing state and air velocity variety are considered. Based on that, example simulations and parameter analyses are performed. Analytical results indicate that opening or closing thermal channel timely would reduce energy consumption by 40%~60%; adoption of different glasses for inner and outside glass layers would realize better energy saving effects; rational design of thermal channel width and construction details would affect thermal behavior. The thermal transfer coefficient K, which provides bases for thermal design, is presented. Finally relevant design recommendations are also put forward.