Double-skin facades with semi-transparent modules for building retrofit actions: Energy and visual performances

Abstract

The performances and the optimal configuration of new semi-transparent modules for Double-Skin Façade are investigated through the dynamic simulation software TRNSYS and Radiance. A sensitivity analysis is conducted upon varying the: (i) material typology, (ii) cavity depth and (iii) transparency of the materials used for the modules. The analysis highlights that, in comparison with the base case without Double-Skin Façade, the new modules can improve energy efficiency of buildings and indoor environmental quality. The analysis underlines also that the performances and the optimal configuration are strongly dependent on the boundary conditions as well as the material thermal and visual characteristics.