Survey evaluation of thermal boundary condition in the inside and outside of double skin facade

Purpose: Double skin facade is a representative advantageous passive technology of building skin in the aspect of energy saving and environment improvement, reduces heat loss with buffer space in winter season and enhances indoor air and comfort of residents by activating natural ventilation in mid-season. However, in summer season, temperature increase in the intermediate space due to solar energy from exterior transparent skin could be a potential problem; also, relatively weak buoyancy of air caused by low density difference between double-skin facade could increase cooling load as air of intermediate space in high temperature hangs. However, proof data is insufficient to objectify such phenomenon. Method: In this study, researchers surveyed air temperature of intermediate space and airflow and diagnosed its cause targeting on applied multistory facade in the building which gives thermal uncomfort to residents. Also, the researchers produced Solar-air heat transfer coefficient meter, measured thermal boundary condition of double-skin facade, and presented the result of measurement as an objectified verification material regarding overheating phenomenon in the intermediate space of double-skin facade in summer season. Result: Inefficient condition was verified that total heat increases and overheating due to insufficient natural ventilation in multistory facade. In addition, logic behind preceding research was objectified and verified regarding high temperature phenomenon in the intermediate space which could increase cooling load in summer season.