Tesis Doctorado
COOLFACADE - Architectural Integration of Solar Cooling Technologies in the Building Envelope
Fecha
2018Autor
Knaack, Ulrich
Auer, Thomas
Klein, Tillmann
DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Institución
Resumen
The thesis evaluates the possibilities and constraints for the architectural integration of solar cooling systems in façades, in order to support the design of climate responsive architectural products for office buildings as self-sufficient alternatives to conventional air-conditioning systems. The potential for façade integration is assessed considering both the architectural requirements for the integration of building services in the façade development process; and the potential climate feasibility of self-sufficient integrated concepts, matching current technical possibilities with cooling requirements from several warm climates. Although interesting prospects were identified in this dissertation, important technical constraints need to be solved to conceive a façade component fail-tested for application in buildings. Furthermore, several barriers related to the façade design and development process would need to be tackled in order to introduce architectural products such as these into the building market. The identification and discussion of these barriers, along with the definition of technology driven development paths and recommendations for the generation of distinct architectural products, are regarded as the main outcomes of this dissertation, serving as a compass to guide further explorations in the topic, under an overall environmentally conscious design approach.