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2005
Conference Paper
Titel
Development of a glass facade with internal fluid flow
Abstract
The primary goal of this research is to develop a glass façade element which actively controls thermal energy losses and solar energy gains through the building envelope. At the root of this type of façade is a four layer glazing element with two fluid filled chambers and one gas filled chamber in the middle. The fluid in the outer chamber absorbs solar radiation and reduces the energy transmission into the building. The gas chamber in the middle, along with the Low-E coating of the third glass pane, further reduces energy transmission. The cooling and heating of the building is fulfilled by the inner fluid chamber. The regulation of the indoor temperature over the entire surface of the glass façade reduces the convection currents and thus increases the comfort level. During periods of high solar radiation, the clear fluid in the outer chamber is exchanged by a coloured one. This clouding system increases the absorption capability of the fluid and thus the efficiency of the system. As the water level of the external fluid reservoir is located below the façade element, depression is present within the chamber, resulting in an undesirable inward deformation of the panes (lens effect). In order to minimize this deformation, glass balls acting as spacers are glued onto one of the panes.
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