Numerical investigation of the energy performance of an Opaque Ventilated Façade system employing a smart modular heat recovery unit and a latent heat thermal energy system

Abstract

The building sector is responsible for more than 40% of the EU's total energy consumption.To reduce the energy consumption in buildings and to achieve the EU's fossil fuel saving targets for 2020 and beyond 2050, the energy efficient retrofitting strategies are critically important and need to be implemented effectively. This paper presents a dynamic numerical investigation of the energy performance of an innovative façade integrate-able energy efficient ventilation system (E2VENT) that incorporates a smart modular heat recovery unit (SMHRU) and a latent heat thermal energy system (LHTES). A number of component simulation models, including SMHRU, LHTES, Cladding and Building Energy Management System (BEMS), were developed and then integrated using the TRNSYS software which is an advanced building energy performance simulation tool. On this basis, sizing, optimisation and characterisation of the system elements including the HVAC system and insulation layer thickness were carried out. The overall energy efficiency of the E2VENT system and its impact on the energy performance of a post-retrofit building were then investigated. In particular, the heating and cooling energy performance of the E2VENT façade module was numerically studied at five different climatic conditions in Europe. Furthermore, the innovative E2VENT retrofitting was compared with traditional retrofittings in terms of the energy efficiency and primary energy savings. It was found that the innovative E2VENT

Characterization of Fatty Acids as Biobased Organic Materials for Latent Heat Storage

“…Once the PCM is completely solidified, the LHTES system is ready for a new cycle. Most previously developed LHTES systems [5][6][7] are based on paraffin waxes.…”

Experimental Validation of a Numerical Model of a Ventilated Façade with Horizontal and Vertical Open Joints

“…Other authors experimentally compare different OVF options [43]. Some studies assess the influence of design [44,45] and climate conditions [46][47][48][49] on energy savings, giving key strategies for the system efficiency. Currently, photovoltaic systems are integrated in ventilated façades, and experimental [50], numerical [51] and combined studies [52,53] have been carried out for these kinds of solutions.…”

Energy Performances of Tensile Material in Building Renovation in the Nordic Region

“…Therefore, building retrofit actions are more and more fostered by the government to encourage the improvement of the overall building energy efficiency. These energy efficiency retrofit actions can be classified into active or passive (Chen et al, 2020;Ciampi et al, 2021b;Diallo et al, 2017). Active actions include installing different active technologies, while passive actions aim either to manage better the thermal gains and energy losses of the building or to increase the use of natural lighting, heating, and cooling.…”