The Potential of Façade-Integrated Ventilation Systems in Nordic Climate: Advanced decentralised ventilation systems as sustainable alternative to conventional systems

Abstract

The work evaluates the applicability of facade-integrated ventilation systems in a Nordic context.

For this purpose the state of the art of facade-integrated ventilation (FIV) and demands for ventilation system in Norway and criteria for an comprehensive evaluation are identified. In this framework agreements between national requirements and system-specific performance are assessed. The evaluation investigates indoor environment and comfort with focus on aspects of indoor air quality. Energy efficiency and emission efficiency are evaluated by comparison with a centralised ventilation system. Implications of FIV in operation are outlined in respect to usability, maintenance and life cycle costs. Furthermore, aspects of building integration regarding requirements on the built environment and the aptitude of FIV for flexibility and typologies are examined.

The used tools in this work include “ESP-r”, “Simien” for dynamic simulation of building performance and energy performance as well as “Okobau.dat” for the determination of building component related emissions.

The results of the evaluation show that current systems do not comply with all requirements of the Norwegian building code and related regulations. Some aspects need adaptation to local requirements. However, good performance and many possibilities can be expected in other fields e.g. indoor environmental comfort and user satisfaction since advanced principles are exploited.

The technology has an enormous potential. It might be an alternative if there is demand for high expectations on indoor environment and conventional ventilation system are not applicable. The technological limits of facade-integrated ventilation are not reached yet. Possibilities of further development of the concept itself and related technologies are outlined in the work