Experimental Investigation of Innovative Double Skin Facade System Integrated with Photobioreactor
Project no. 22910 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2021
Summary
<p>Double skin facades (DSF), which play a significant role in increasing building energy efficiency, can lead to issues such as a greenhouse effect in the interior when applied in hot climate regions. In the application of the Photobioreactor (PBR) facade, the integration of microalgal biomass into architecture can not only ensure energy efficiency but also address overheating problems through shading effects. Additionally, it can contribute to user comfort through carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption and help reduce carbon emissions. In this project, the proposed DSF system integrated with PBR, functioning as a multifunctional facade</p><p>element, aims to experimentally investigate the impact of the applied PBR layer and the cultivated microalgae on the heat transfer coefficient (U-value) and light transmittance, depending on climatic factors. Thus, the contribution of PBRs to the energy performance of DSF systems has been determined. Furthermore, in line with environmental goals for zero carbon emissions, the CO2 absorption capacity and production efficiency of microalgae have been thoroughly examined.</p><p>In the study, a prototype of the DSF integrated with the PBR system and experimental control setup were established in the outdoor environment oriented towards the south in Izmir, characterized by hot and humid climate conditions. In both systems, microalgae were cultivated for a year, and measurements of U-value and light transmittance were taken in response to changes in microalgal density. Additionally, culture medium samples were collected from the systems for microalgae counting and spectrophotometric measurements.</p><p>Furthermore, the amount of CO2 absorbed by microalgae was examined through chlorophyll-a measurements. According to the research results, it was observed that in the DSF integrated with the PBR system, microalgae were less affected by extreme temperatures and sunlight. As microalgal density increased, it was determined that the PBR inner layer reduced the thermal transmittance and light transmittance of the DSF system, providing shading.</p><p>Key Words: Photobioreactor, Microalgae, Double skin facade, U value, Light transmittance, CO2 absorption.</p>