Building envelope thermal evaluation-models and model testing

This thesis aims in the evaluation of the performance of a climate adaptive façade prototype, as it was realized in a testing facility in Seville, Spain. The façade concept was developed within the CommONEnergy EU funded project that aspires to provide knowledge, guidelines and viable solutions for the deep-retrofit of shopping malls. Addressing the problem of existing low performance buildings is crucial and shopping malls are not only energy drainers, but are energy drainers that represent 28% of the non-residential building stock [BPIE, “Europe’s Buildings under the Microscope”,2010]. The first objective was to assess the façade’s performance in comparison to a standard façade system that complied with the minimum design requirements of the host country. Both systems were constructed alongside, ensuring the same environmental conditions affect them, and monitoring systems were installed for the collection of indoor and outdoor data. The analysis was performed on the measured data for the two prototypes, and aimed in comparing their performance as to explore the potential benefits an upgraded system would offer. The second step was the creation of the thermal model representing the testing facility. Detailed analyses were performed on connection details, glazing systems and the photovoltaic unit to assure accurate modelling. The goal was to provide a calibrated model that behaves as the actual system, and would be able to predict its performance in different locations, thus provide a tool that “quantifies” the replication potential of the prototype. As a future step, the development of an index that would evaluate the performance of the façade system in terms of developed ambient temperatures was attempted. This index was produced by using the ratio of indoor over outdoor temperature, and plotted against outdoor temperatures in order to assess whether or not the results remain in a comfort range of 18°C to 22°C.