Experimental and numerical investigation of forced convection in a double skin facade by using nodal network approach for Istanbul

In this study, temperature distribution and heat transfer through the cavity of a double skin facade (DSF) was investigated in the laboratory environment and analyzed numerically by using nodal network approach. The verification of the nodal network method was conducted by using data from the steady-state experiments and the same method was applied for the climate of Istanbul, Turkey under unsteady outside boundary conditions. Furthermore, heat gain and loss values in DSF for January and July were calculated and compared with single skin facade (SSF) application for different directions of the facades. The results were given for a day and a working time period of the office buildings by using monthly average daily climate data. Distinction working hours were more convenient to investigate the energy performance of DSF because of solar radiation effect. Using DSF in all directions, the cooling loads decreased up to 26% comparing to the SSF. DSF system was disadvantageous comparing to the SSF for January. However, it was shown that the heated air in the cavity could be used for preheating process of air in a HVAC system for winter period.