Modelling the SOLVENT ventilated window for whole building simulation

Whole building simulation may play a key role in the optimization and assessment of the market potential of new building components. ESP-r was used for these purposes in the development of a novel ventilated reversible glazing system. The innovative character of the 'SOLVENT' window required the development of a specific simulation approach within this whole building simulation software, in order to account for buoyancy in the air channel. A multi-zone approach with an air flow network was developed, and several variations studied. Parametric studies assessed the effect of the number of zones into which the window is divided, heat transfer correlations for the air gap and for the external surface of the window, local loss coefficients for the air flow network and the use of the ISH module for detailed solar radiation treatment. An experimental measurement campaign performed in the PASSYS test cell in Porto allowed calibration and verification of the simulation model, as well as an analysis of the accuracy achieved.