Façade modules for eco-efficient refurbishment of buildings : trombe wall thermal performance in different Portuguese Climates: Bragança, Coimbra, Évora and Faro

Energy performance and building energy efficiency can be achieved by high performance façade systems. Building façades constitute a privileged component to propose solutions, once they have a major influence in the energy consumption in the building and in occupants comfort. Recently, façade systems are increasingly integrating not only sophisticated active systems devices, but also passive solutions. High performance glass and Trombe wall are the façade system improvement in this research work. This paper reports the results of an ongoing investigation on a new façade system concept, designed as: "Façade Modules for Eco-Efficient Refurbishment of Buildings", especially on thermal performance of Trombe wall and glazing modules arrangement. Computational simulation was done with the Design Builder software having as object a room (25 m²) with different arrangements of façade modules. Two different double glazing types (composed by green solar control glass and low-e glass; self-cleaning glass and float clear glass) were considered for four different climates in Portugal (Bragança, Coimbra, Évora and Faro). The use of a façade with one and two combined modules of Trombe walls was studied for four solar orientations (north, south, east and west). Results obtained for heating energy needs were compared to all façade configurations. They indicated a decrease of heating energy needs by the use of one or two Trombe wall and double self-cleaning glass in the façade. These solutions presented a better performance in comparison with others types studied, decreasing heating energy necessities. The great majority of the façades combinations presented heating energy needs lower than the maximum allowed by the Portuguese regulation (RCCTE)