A Building Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (BIPV/T) system that consists of a mechanically ventilated, multi-skin facade, a between-the-panes venetian blind layer, and a between-the-panes Photovoltaic (PV) panel is considered. Ambient air is drawn in and forced to flow upward through the system. As air moves through the system, it is heated by the blind layer, the glazing layers, and the PV panel. This BIPV/T system is especially attractive because it can produce electricity and thermal energy in the form of preheated fresh air and allow for adjustable daylighting. There is a need to understand, design, and optimize BIPV/T systems. The velocity and temperature fields around the blind slats were experimentally and numerically studied. Experimental observations and numerical models are essential in understanding the complex fluid dynamical and thermal system and providing design and optimization guidelines. Solar-optical and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models were developed and validated at various blind slat angles and flow mean speeds. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and temperature measurements were taken inside the ventilated facade. A simple empirical one-dimensional (1–D) model was developed, based on average surface temperatures and heat transfer coefficients, to quickly calculate average surface temperatures and heat flux rates. Between-the-panes convective heat transfer coefficients were obtained from CFD and used in the 1–D model. Despite high vertical temperature stratifications along the glazing, shading, and air layers, the 1–D model can predict the surface temperatures accurately and allow for future optimization and inclusion in building energy simulation software.

Abstract <br /> This thesis deals with the numerical investigation of the upper section of a building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal double-façade. The upper section consists of an airflow window with a between-the-panes roller blind. The purpose of this thesis is to develop and validate a numerical model in order to optimize the design of the system. The lower section, which consists of building-integrated photovoltaics, has already been modelled at Concordia University. The results from the lower section will be used as inputs to the upper section. <br /><br /> The validation of the model was carried out in three stages. In the first stage, the model was validated for forced convection between parallel plates using analytical data as benchmarks. In the second stage, a radiation analysis was performed for single, double and triple-glazed closed system with natural convection only. In the third and final validation stage, experimental data gathered from the Solar Lab at Concordia University was compared to the numerical model. The model included the effects of radiation for an open system with forced convection and a between-the-panes roller blind. For all three stages of validation, the results from the model were in excellent agreement with the benchmarking data. <br /><br /> Once the model was validated, a parametric analysis was used to determine the effects of varying key model parameters. The outlet temperature, the useful energy gain, and the net energy gain of the system were plotted as a function of inlet velocity. It was concluded that as the flow rate through the cavity was increased, the air temperature at the outlet approached that of the outdoor ambient air. By computing the heat generated from advection as well as the total losses from the system, including the heat lost from the indoor environment as well as the power consumed by the fan, the net useful heat gain of the system was calculated as a function of insolation level. Operating points (of the fan) for the upper section were therefore determined as functions of insolation level. A second order polynomial equation provided an excellent fit to the data and could therefore be used to determine the ideal operating point of the upper section for any insolation level.

A Building Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (BIPV/T) system that consists of a mechanically ventilated, multi-skin facade, a between-the-panes venetian blind layer, and a between-the-panes Photovoltaic (PV) panel is considered. Ambient air is drawn in and forced to flow upward through the system. As air moves through the system, it is heated by the blind layer, the glazing layers, and the PV panel. This BIPV/T system is especially attractive because it can produce electricity and thermal energy in the form of preheated fresh air and allow for adjustable daylighting. There is a need to understand, design, and optimize BIPV/T systems. The velocity and temperature fields around the blind slats were experimentally and numerically studied. Experimental observations and numerical models are essential in understanding the complex fluid dynamical and thermal system and providing design and optimization guidelines. Solar-optical and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models were developed and validated at various blind slat angles and flow mean speeds. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and temperature measurements were taken inside the ventilated facade. A simple empirical one-dimensional (1–D) model was developed, based on average surface temperatures and heat transfer coefficients, to quickly calculate average surface temperatures and heat flux rates. Between-the-panes convective heat transfer coefficients were obtained from CFD and used in the 1–D model. Despite high vertical temperature stratifications along the glazing, shading, and air layers, the 1–D model can predict the surface temperatures accurately and allow for future optimization and inclusion in building energy simulation software.

Building integrated water efficiency strategies can generate energy or reduce the energy consumption of the building. Solar and wind are two natural forces that are commonly used to provide energy to buildings today; water, on the other hand, is usually ushered off site and not utilized to its full potential. The question is how to find a way to reduce the energy used to get the water needed for the building, because water is an important aspect to care about and save. This will require several methods and strategies in order to find the best and most efficient way of doing this. This thesis is proposing a smarter way of utilizing one of earth's most precious resources as a guideline for the designer to conserve energy by using a water harvesting system, grey water system and reuse, water use reduction, water heating and cooling. Concentrating more on generating energy or reducing energy consumption using water by fuel cells, solar water heater, photovoltaic thermal and algae. Finally, the proposed method is to generate energy using algae, while growing it to the building's façade facing south. Algae panels use water and sunlight to grow, then are harvested in the building to generate enough energy to power it. Algae is the most known source of energy now and only used for industrial purposes, however applying it to a research building called Engineering Innovative building got 134 feet south façade, will be a huge source of energy to power it up. It also can be used for educational purposes to study.

Due to the fact that construction, maintenance and operation of buildings consume almost 50% of the energy today, architects play a major role in the reduction of energy consumption. The building’s envelope (façades and roof) can have a significant and measurable impact. With regard to overheating and the potential lost of internal heat, transparent parts of the building envelope have a large effect on the building’s energy consumption. Modern, transparent façade systems can fulfill contemporary demands, such as energy conservation, energy production or the degree of visual contact, of sustainable buildings in order to reduce internal heating, cooling, and electrical loads. An analysis of existing shading devices and façade design leads to a comparative analysis of conventional shading devices like horizontal and vertical blinds as well as eggcrate and honeycomb shading structures in a hot-humid climate like Austin, Texas. This study helped evaluating strengths and weaknesses of each device resulting in an optimization process of conventional shading devices. Ultimately, an optimized shading structure has been developed. This project aimed to develop an advanced transparent façade system for a south-oriented commercial façade in Austin, Texas, which fulfills high standards with regard to low energy use, by limiting cooling loads and demands for artificial lighting while avoiding glare and heat losses during the cold season. The optimization has been achieved in providing full shading for a specified period of time throughout the year while providing maximized solar exposure. The shading structure consists out of an array of fixed shading components varying in size and proportion to fulfill criteria like specific views, transparency and aesthetics. The shading structure has been compared to conventional shading devices and analyzed with regard to the reduction of annual solar radiation. The improvement in design and energy consumption contributes to the variety of shading structures for building skins. It is anticipated that the solutions will help to widen the options for aesthetically pleasing, high-performance façades for commercial buildings.

This thesis takes a step back to evaluate the architecture of the isolated Nordic home, where the exterior wall, or facade, stands out as the element with most potential for creating less isolated living conditions. As the physical threshold between domains of seemingly opposite social dynamics, the domestic- and the public; The façade serves as buildings most instrumental tool for establishing the relationship between the two. In their current state, however, as two-dimensional walls, facades have become limited in their ability to merge these two seamlessly. From having been a spatial composition of distinct elements –each with their own functions, facades of today have been reduced to only the outermost wrapping around buildings. However, when synthesizing research by architects R. Koolhaas, D. Leatherbarrow, M. Mostafavi and P. M. Martinelli, it becomes clear that contemporary facades are better understood as sealing systems that together with the rest of the buildings comprise the protective envelope around buildings. Therefore, in order to reverse the notion of facades only being superficial skins, and in hopes to create a more gradual separation between private homes and their public surroundings, this thesis speculates how facades could be distilled into distinct elements in order to be reintroduced as layers of a more spatial composition again. This new “Domestic Façade” then, as an assembly spanning between the interior and exterior, would compose an inhabitable threshold that facilitates free movement and living between the private unit and its public surroundings.

The built environment has largely separated itself from the natural one, making demands of nature, and requiring the natural environment to exist on its terms. This prevailing condition has led to the detriment of the natural environment and consequently, those who must inhabit both. Because of this, a shift from the domination of the natural environment to reconciliation with it is necessary. Serving as an intermediary between these two worlds, architecture has the potential to blur the boundaries once created by the built environment in the pursuit of reconciliation. Architecture can learn from the natural environment and take that which has been poorly adapted to aim for a more synchronous future. Shaping culture and perspective, architecture can serve as a signal to humanity that this reconciliation is worth pursuing. This thesis explores the dialogue between form and facade to comment on architecture's flawed yet hopeful path as it seeks a more sustainable relationship with nature. / Master of Architecture / The facade acts as an element of nature, attaching itself to the building like a mask as if it were nature itself taking over the building. Composed of coral-inspired ceramic pieces, the facade hosts an alternative green wall of algae. An otherwise typical rectilinear building form transforms itself, stretching certain spaces beyond its bounds to reach out to the facade as if a reconciliation is desired. This thesis explores the dialogue between form and facade to comment on architecture's flawed yet hopeful path as it seeks a more sustainable relationship with nature.

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The pursuit of reducing waste and carbon emissions in the building industry is a challenge which is collective, prescient, and an opportunity for explorations of new material practices and fabrication methods. This thesis seeks to show how digital fabrication can serve as a tool in material reclamation and reuse in architecture. Utilizing the design of a pharmaceutical headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts as a vessel for investigation, both the challenges and potentials of such a process are evaluated. This proposal includes a process by which material reclamation drives design decisions in order to show that when architects consider material lifecycles and design for a process, rather than just a product, new possibilities can be realized for a building and its implications. By reusing existing metal cladding in the pharmaceutical building's solar veil, not only is waste reduced, but a narrative is conveyed about possible futures. Through creative material practices and digital tools, architects have the opportunity to create a future that is locally grounded, resource efficient, and less wasteful while meeting the needs of an expanding global population. This thesis raises a number of questions around material use in buildings, fabrication methods, facade design, and the balance between performance and embodied traits. The journey of designing for material systems is documented here in order to show the possibilities for change in the industry towards more sustainable material practices. / Master of Architecture / Around the world, buildings are one of the top producers of carbon emissions and waste. Responsible and creative methods for material use in buildings is imperative to address the current global climate and environmental crises. This thesis seeks to show how digital fabrication can serve as a tool in material reclamation and reuse in architecture. Utilizing the design of a pharmaceutical headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts as a vessel for investigation, both the challenges and potentials of such a process are evaluated. In this proposal, material reclamation drives design decisions in order to show that when architects consider material lifecycles and design for a process, rather than just a product, new possibilities can be realized for a building and its larger impacts. By reusing existing metal cladding in the pharmaceutical building's solar veil, not only is waste reduced, but a narrative is conveyed about possible futures. Through creative material practices and digital tools, architects have the opportunity to create a future that is locally grounded, resource efficient, and less wasteful while meeting the needs of an expanding global population. This thesis raises a number of questions around material use in buildings, fabrication methods, facade design, and the balance between performance and embodied traits. The journey of designing for material systems is documented here in order to show the possibilities for change in the industry towards more sustainable material practices.

this thesis is an exploration of how the existing site and structure of a 1908 schoolhouse can be transformed and given a new life as a community arts center in marion, virginia. existing geometry, structure and openings are examined in order to design a project which integrates old and new elements. the design strives to create indoor and outdoor gathering spaces that promote creativity and arts education. / Master of Architecture