Development of a building thermal solution using solar renewable energy production

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical study of the development of a thermal solution in buildings using solar renewable energy production in winter cold conditions. The Building Thermal Modelling numerical model, using solar sources through a DSF (Double Skin Facade) system, in a virtual small building, calculates the energy distribution, the internal variables and the thermal comfort level. The study considers a virtual small building equipped with two DSF systems, installed in south-facing windows, equipped with a duct system connected to an internal ventilation system, based on a mixing ventilation system. Each DSF is used to heat two or more spaces. The DSF systems are built with two transparent surfaces, forming an internal canal used to transport the warm air and to produce thermal energy, and are equipped with a set of internal lamella. The Building Thermal Modelling numerical model uses energy and mass balance integral equations for the opaque bodies, transparent bodies, internal bodies and internal air and contaminants. The study, made in winter cold conditions, in Mediterranean environment, evaluates the internal temperature and thermal comfort level evolution that the occupants are subjected. Without DSF system, the spaces equipped with windows turned south are thermally uncomfortable by positive PMV values, while the spaces equipped with windows turned North and East are thermally uncomfortable by negative PMV values. With DSF system, in general, all spaces are thermally comfortable. When the spaces with east and south facing windows are occupied the acceptable thermal comfort is verified by negative PMV values. When the north facing space is occupied the acceptable thermal comfort is verified in the noon by positive PMV values and in the final of the afternoon by negative PMV values.