Quantifying and predicting performance of the solar dynamic buffer zone (SDBZ) curtain wall through experimentation and numerical modeling

The recent rise in the environmental and economic costs of energy demands a need to design and build more sustainable building systems. Curtain wall assemblies show great promise—the spandrel panels within them can be natural solar collectors. By using a solar dynamic buffer zone (SDBZ) in the spandrel cavity, solar energy can be efficiently gathered using the movement of air. There is a need for a numerical model capable of predicting performance of this system. This paper presents the quantification of a prototype SDBZ curtain wall system through experimental testing in a laboratory environment. Results from the experimental testing were used to validate a one-dimensional numerical model of the prototype.This research shows a SDBZ curtain wall system as an effective means of reducing building heating energy consumption. The numerical model showed good correlation with experimental results in the expected operating range of the system. Given the lack of published literature for similar systems, this research acts to validate a simple, innovative approach to collect solar energy that would otherwise be lost to the exterior using already existing components within a curtain wall. This research shows the SDBZ curtain wall has the potential to act as a significant solar collector.