Hi-flex: Modularized and autonomous building skin system for maximized energy efficiency

Abstract

HIFLEX is an innovative context-aware modular building skin system capable of operation-time energy and human comfort optimization by being equipped with various sensors, actuators and delicate components for thermal control, solar irradiance regulation and enclosure-based ventilation combined with heat recovery mechanism. Its Low-E coated high performance dual glazing with air cavity in between provides optimized thermal insulation and it also includes photovoltaic film attached motorized blind for solar control while producing electricity to sustain the entire system. The ventilation unit that has a rotating cylindrical fan combined with perimeter heating coil and dampers constitute an omni-directional flexibleair-speed ventilator enabling an autonomously breathing building skin operable with embedded sensing and intelligence.