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Energies
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Smart and Innovative Solutions for Adaptive Facade Systems
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Smart and Innovative Solutions for Adaptive Facade Systems

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "G: Energy and Buildings".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (16 August 2023) | Viewed by 25699

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Department of Civil Engineering, Campus Politécnico de Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
2. CONSTRUCT-LFC, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering (FEUP), University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Interests: heat, air and moisture transfer in buildings or building components; energy efficiency; thermal comfort; indoor environmental quality; natural ventilation and airtightness; infrared thermography; in situ testing of buildings or building components
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Eva Barreira

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering (FEUP), University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Interests: building technology; sustainable materials; building pathology; infrared thermography; in situ and laboratory testing; hygrothermal behavior of buildings; energy efficiency; thermal comfort; natural ventilation and airtightness
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adaptive Façade Systems (AFS) have the capacity to adjust their performance in response to different stimulus, making them a promising solution for reducing the energy consumption of buildings while improving the indoor thermal comfort.

Building regulations typically address the reduction of the energy demand by imposing high insulation levels and limiting airtightness. In mild climates, and, also, in cold climates due to climatic changes, this approach can however lead to discomfort issues, since, during the year, several periods occur in which an increased heat flux, towards the exterior, across the envelope would be beneficial. The combination of solar and internal heat gains with the incapacity of the system to release the heat can in fact lead to overheating and higher cooling demands.

This Special Issue aims at stimulating the exchange of ideas and knowledge on the use of smart and innovative solutions for adaptive façade systems. To this purpose, original contributions containing theoretical and experimental research, case studies or comprehensive state of art discussions are welcome for possible publication.

Relevant topics to this special issue include, but are not limited to the following:

  • dynamic insulation
  • switchable windows
  • adaptable shading systems
  • active insulation systems
  • new insulation materials
  • smart technology towards an intelligent envelope

Dr. Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida
Dr. Eva Barreira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • adaptive façade systems
  • active insulation
  • dynamic insulation
  • new insulation materials
  • smart envelope

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4765 KiB  
Article
Characterization of a Wall System with Dynamic Thermal Insulation—Experimental Campaign and Numerical Simulation
by Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida, Maria Teles-Ribeiro and Eva Barreira
Energies 2023, 16(17), 6402; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16176402 - 4 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
Dynamic thermal insulation systems (DTISs) can adapt to external environment conditions and help to reduce energy consumption and increase occupants’ thermal comfort, contributing towards the mitigation of overheating. DTISs adjust their configuration to optimize heat transfer through the façade. In this study, the [...] Read more.
Dynamic thermal insulation systems (DTISs) can adapt to external environment conditions and help to reduce energy consumption and increase occupants’ thermal comfort, contributing towards the mitigation of overheating. DTISs adjust their configuration to optimize heat transfer through the façade. In this study, the performance of a DTIS was assessed through laboratory tests and numerical simulation. The DTIS is based on the ventilation of an air gap that facilitates the heat exchanges between the exterior and the interior. To extend the results of the experimental campaign, a set of scenarios was assessed based on numerical simulation. The results of the laboratory tests showed that the R-value obtained when the mechanical ventilation of the air gap is off (insulation state) is 3.89 m2.°C/W. In comparison, when it is on (conductive state), the R-value is 1.56 m2.°C/W, which corresponds to a reduction of approximately 60%. The results of the simulations showed that, when the shading system was on, the higher U-value was useful more than 50% of the time with discomfort, increasing to 75% when the shading system was off. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Innovative Solutions for Adaptive Facade Systems)
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14 pages, 2544 KiB  
Article
Approaching the Theoretical Maximum Performance of Highly Transparent Thermochromic Windows
by Daniel Mann, Lavinia Calvi, Cindy P. K. Yeung, Roberto Habets, Ken Elen, An Hardy, Marlies K. Van Bael and Pascal Buskens
Energies 2023, 16(13), 4984; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16134984 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1630
Abstract
Thermochromic window coatings represent a promising technology to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in intermediate climates. With the technology approaching market introduction it is important to investigate its performance limits within smart windows and to identify existing development challenges. Here we analyze [...] Read more.
Thermochromic window coatings represent a promising technology to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in intermediate climates. With the technology approaching market introduction it is important to investigate its performance limits within smart windows and to identify existing development challenges. Here we analyze the theoretical maximum performance of thermochromic window coatings that modulate IR transmission whilst retaining high visible transparency. The set limitations lead to a theoretical maximum solar modulation of 39.1%. Within an insulated glazing unit (IGU), where at least 2 glass panes and a conventional low-e coating are required, this value is further reduced to 12.9%. We show that by carefully selecting a low-e coating with the highest compatibility to a thermochromic coated glass and by allowing 10% of modulation in the visible spectral range, the theoretical maximum can be increased to 23.1%, illustrating the importance to codesign and match both coatings within a smart window to reach optimum performance. Furthermore, we compared our current best-performing VO2:SiO2 composite coating within an IGU to the theoretical maximum. The analysis shows that with a solar modulation of 13.4%, the coating is currently at 59% of the theoretical maximum. Finally, we propose and discuss several strategies to proceed further toward the theoretical maximum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Innovative Solutions for Adaptive Facade Systems)
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19 pages, 41926 KiB  
Article
Self-Cleaning Mortar Façades with Addition of Anatase and Rutile Titanium Dioxide for Cool Façades
by Eduardo Linhares Qualharini, Carina Mariane Stolz, Matheus Martini, Eduardo Polesello and Clara Rocha da Silva
Energies 2023, 16(4), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041874 - 14 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1588
Abstract
The concern with the best energy performance of buildings is a current theme, and construction materials that bring improvements to the performance of buildings and their surroundings are in demand. Façades play a crucial role in regulating the temperature within buildings by permitting [...] Read more.
The concern with the best energy performance of buildings is a current theme, and construction materials that bring improvements to the performance of buildings and their surroundings are in demand. Façades play a crucial role in regulating the temperature within buildings by permitting or obstructing the transfer of heat and also affect the ambient temperature. Light-colored façades help maintain environments with milder temperatures, but pollution, rain, and other degrading agents darken the colors of the façades, reducing their capacity of sunlight reflection. In this scenario, the present study analyzed the addition of different types of titanium dioxide, anatase and rutile, in cement tiles for building façades, combining the ease and speed of assembly with the self-cleaning effects of photocatalysis. The 1 cm thick tiles were produced with a 1:3 mortar ratio (cement:sand/dry aggregate) with a 0.5 water:cement ratio and the addition of 0.3% polypropylene fiber. Different admixture levels (0%, 5%, and 10%) of rutile and anatase titanium dioxide were used. The samples were tested for flexural strength, absorption, permeability, and photocatalysis effect by observing the color change and surface characteristics of the boards using a spectrophotometer. In addition, the hygroscopicity was analyzed through a water drop, using a goniometer. The results obtained showed that cement tiles with 5% titanium dioxide, which influences the color variation of the tiles, meet the regulatory requirements for use in outside environments. Thus, these materials have the potential to be used as cool façades since, by keeping their color lighter, the materials can reflect sunlight, therefore keeping lower temperatures inside the building, and, consequently, minimizing the heat island effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Innovative Solutions for Adaptive Facade Systems)
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17 pages, 5520 KiB  
Article
Advanced Insulation Materials for Facades: Analyzing Detachments Using Numerical Simulations and Infrared Thermography
by Stefano Perilli, Davide Palumbo, Stefano Sfarra and Umberto Galietti
Energies 2021, 14(22), 7546; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14227546 - 11 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1845
Abstract
In building construction, it is very important to reduce energy consumption and provide thermal comfort. In this regard, defects in insulating panels can compromise the capability of these panels of reducing the heat flow by conduction with the surroundings. In recent years, both [...] Read more.
In building construction, it is very important to reduce energy consumption and provide thermal comfort. In this regard, defects in insulating panels can compromise the capability of these panels of reducing the heat flow by conduction with the surroundings. In recent years, both experimental techniques and numerical methods have been used for investigating the effect of defects on the thermal behavior of building panels. The main novelty of this work regards the application of both numerical and experimental approaches based on infrared thermography techniques for studying the effects of defects such as debonding on the insulation properties of cork panels. In particular, the effects of defects were investigated by using the Long Pulse Thermography technique and then by analyzing the thermal behavior of the panel during the cooling phase. Results show the capability of the proposed approaches in describing the effects of defects in cork panels such as detachments and the benefit effect of a shield coating in improving the insulation properties of the panel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Innovative Solutions for Adaptive Facade Systems)
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17 pages, 5373 KiB  
Article
Transition Planes for Visual Comfort: Out View with Complex Fenestration System Design at Restaurants in Spain
by Urtza Uriarte, Jose Miguel Rico-Martinez, Joan L. Zamora and Rufino J. Hernández
Energies 2021, 14(7), 1906; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14071906 - 30 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2582
Abstract
This work deals with daylighting for quality indoor atmospheres, considering building skins. In recent years, almost all retrofit facades of restaurants are highly glazed façades, boosting glare, sun ray absorption and overheating inside. Most of the time, they are not integrated with daylight [...] Read more.
This work deals with daylighting for quality indoor atmospheres, considering building skins. In recent years, almost all retrofit facades of restaurants are highly glazed façades, boosting glare, sun ray absorption and overheating inside. Most of the time, they are not integrated with daylight control; therefore, lighting and out view requirements are not so balanced. Taking into account this daylighting complexity, an alternative façade system is proposed to simulate by Radiance. Previously, perception simulations are compared with measured data, in order to discretize the simulations. In addition, for one point three different view are assessed as: work plane, relation plane and the out plane. Subsequently, two virtual façade models, windows combined by complex fenestration system (CFS) as prismatic film (PF) and highly glazed façade, are tested according to daylighting. For that, three indexes have been used: daylight glare probability (DGP), daylight glare index (DGI) and daylight autonomy (DA). The results show that the proposed complex façade has a good light contribution with less absorption, while maintaining the outside view. In addition, the DGI is needed to test the out plane, because DGP is more suitable for lower luminance; therefore, each visual plane should be assessed regarding different visual comfort conditions, or parameters and methods. Accordingly, the mean DGI result of window combined by CFS is approximately lower in 5% than highly glazed façade. However, the DA of highly glazed is higher in 5%, but the DA of window combined by CFS is enough, above 80%. Definitely, the complex scene at restaurant with the proposed integrated façade system improves light performance and indoor atmosphere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Innovative Solutions for Adaptive Facade Systems)
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Review

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21 pages, 10185 KiB  
Review
Paper Review of External Integrated Systems as Photovoltaic Shading Devices
by Paolo Corti, Pierluigi Bonomo and Francesco Frontini
Energies 2023, 16(14), 5542; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145542 - 22 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1701
Abstract
The building sector contributes to 40% of the total final energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in Europe, and these are set to increase in the coming years. International directives are pushing towards a decarbonisation roadmap to improve the quality of cities [...] Read more.
The building sector contributes to 40% of the total final energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in Europe, and these are set to increase in the coming years. International directives are pushing towards a decarbonisation roadmap to improve the quality of cities and the health of citizens. Buildings have a potentially central role in terms of energy transition as a means to produce and save energy. Photovoltaic shading devices (PVSDs) protect buildings from direct solar radiation and overheating while producing renewable electricity onsite and increasing the users’ thermal comfort. Even though the potential of the PVSD is considerable, the sector is still unexplored, and few studies on the topic are available in the literature. This systematic review aims to present an exhaustive overview of the current literature on state-of-the-art PVSDs by analysing the scientific framework in terms of the status of the research. It presents a performance-based approach focusing on innovative products, PVSD design strategies, and energetic performance in distinct climate conditions and configurations. In particular, 75 articles and about 250 keywords were identified, selected, and analysed. The literature review serves as a basis for further R&D activities led by both the industrial and the academic sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Innovative Solutions for Adaptive Facade Systems)
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23 pages, 4087 KiB  
Review
Enhancing Smart Home Design with AI Models: A Case Study of Living Spaces Implementation Review
by Amjad Almusaed, Ibrahim Yitmen and Asaad Almssad
Energies 2023, 16(6), 2636; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062636 - 10 Mar 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 13683
Abstract
The normal development of “smart buildings,” which calls for integrating sensors, rich data, and artificial intelligence (AI) simulation models, promises to usher in a new era of architectural concepts. AI simulation models can improve home functions and users’ comfort and significantly cut energy [...] Read more.
The normal development of “smart buildings,” which calls for integrating sensors, rich data, and artificial intelligence (AI) simulation models, promises to usher in a new era of architectural concepts. AI simulation models can improve home functions and users’ comfort and significantly cut energy consumption through better control, increased reliability, and automation. This article highlights the potential of using artificial intelligence (AI) models to improve the design and functionality of smart houses, especially in implementing living spaces. This case study provides examples of how artificial intelligence can be embedded in smart homes to improve user experience and optimize energy efficiency. Next, the article will explore and thoroughly analyze the thorough analysis of current research on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in smart homes using a variety of innovative ideas, including smart interior design and a Smart Building System Framework based on digital twins (DT). Finally, the article explores the advantages of using AI models in smart homes, emphasizing living spaces. Through the case study, the theme seeks to provide ideas on how AI can be effectively embedded in smart homes to improve functionality, convenience, and energy efficiency. The overarching goal is to harness the potential of artificial intelligence by transforming how we live in our homes and improving our quality of life. The article concludes by discussing the unresolved issues and potential future research areas on the usage of AI in smart houses. Incorporating AI technology into smart homes benefits homeowners, providing excellent safety and convenience and increased energy efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Innovative Solutions for Adaptive Facade Systems)
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