Fluidised glass façade elements for an active energy transmission control

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Type and Duration

FFF-Förderprojekt, May 2008 until January 2012 (finished)

Coordinator

Institute of Architecture and Planning

Main Research

Sustainable Planning and Construction

Field of Research

Sustainable Design

Description

A glass façade system which controls the energy flows within the transparent building envelope will be developed. The facade enables the perfect comfort in the building, while simultaneously reducing the energy demand. Two fluid filled layers will be implemented in the glass facade. These two layers are regulating all energy flows. The inner fluid layer keeps the surface temperature constantly at room temperature. The outer liquid layer controls the solar radiation by absorption. The predominantly challenge in this project will be the absorption of the fluid driven forces within the glass panes. Furthermore the whole building services have to end up in a compact and simple plug and play system. The system integrates floor heating, cooling ceiling, solar collector, shading device and insulating façade in one element. The transparent facade increases the energy efficiency of buildings in every climate zone and enables the use of renewable energy - solar energy - at the whole façade area.

Practical Application

Architects and engineers receive a standardised product, which crucial increases the efficiency of their building. The user-friendly plug and play system - glass, window frame, building services - enables the use of renewable energy in an easy way. Because of the active control, the system can be used in every climate zone at every building type.

Keywords

Architecture, Renewable energy, Building Physics, Sustainable Construction, System development

Principal Investigator

Prof. Dipl.-Arch. ETH/SIA Dietrich Schwarz

Project Collaborator

Dr. Daniel Gstöhl

Sponsor

Partner

Publications

  • Hube, W., Platzer, W., & Schwarz, D. (2004). Entwicklung eines flüssigkeitdurchströmten Fassadensystems zur Solarenergiekontrolle und- nutzung. Paper presented at the 14. Symposium Thermische Solarenergie, Staffelstein.

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