Computational fluid dynamics assessment for the thermal performance of double-skin façades in office buildings under hot climatic condition

In general, a double-skin façade has been used to reduce energy consumption as well as to improve thermal performance in buildings as a buffer space between indoors and outdoors. The goal of this study is to undertake pre-normative research to provide information for developing a comprehensive double-skin façade system under the climatic condition in Saudi Arabia. To pursue this goal, the characteristics associated with the double-skin façade system are identified. In addition, the impact of various configurations on the thermal performance of the double-skin façades is evaluated under the weather situation in Saudi Arabia. Computational double-skin façade models are created by computational fluid dnamics simulation to assess the thermal performance of the various configurations such as cavity geometry and the use of a shading device. As a result, the variation of the opening size has a significant impact on the temperature in the cavity of the double-skin façade. For the air velocity in the cavity, the variation of the opening size and cavity depth is less sensitive. Moreover, the use of a shading device has an impact on the temperature drop in the cavity of the double-skin façade. Practical application: Generally, many studies have investigated the efficiency of double-skin façade applications due to its beneficial aspects. However, a few buildings have adopted double-skin façades to their envelopes. With a substantial growing demand for building industry in Saudi Arabia, double-skin façade applications to building design can be a solution for reducing building energy consumption. The present study investigates the thermal performance of double-skin façades under hot climates in Saudi Arabia and it can provide information for building stakeholders to develop proper double-skin façade systems.