Abstract
Complex Fenestration Systems are characterized by optical and thermal performance depending on the angle of incidence of solar radiation, due to complex geometries and/or highly reflective surfaces of glazing and/or shading systems. In addition to the complexity of the shading system itself, the CFS could also be characterized by different types of cavities such as naturally ventilated ones. All those peculiarities have to be covered by adequate thermal and optical models. Implementing Complex Fenestration Systems (CFS) in the modern architecture of non-residential buildings is a trend driving the need for improved methods and validated tools supporting the design. Especially for highly glazed building facades, the detailed modelling of CFS plays a major role in enabling reliable simulations for thermal and daylighting performance predictions as well as for comfort evaluation. The models’ development to evaluate CFS within building energy simulation tools has increased significantly in recent years (Kirimtat et al. 2016). Although the number of tools is increasing, clear workflows including important aspects like high modelling flexibility, usability and efficient runtime while preserving detailed results are still rarely available – particularly in the field of CFS modelling (Loonen et al. 2016). Finally, besides the topic of the most suitable toolchain selection and correct implementation, the issue of which environmental boundary conditions’ set to be chosen is to be faced by every modeller. Norms and standards often refer to extreme simplified conditions, resulting in a oversizing of the system. This problem has been faced by the definition of a new tool, called FACADEgis, supporting in the identification of the most adequate boundary conditions depending on the analysis target and based on measured data. This report briefly presents some possible procedures for the modelling of Complex Fenestration Systems (CFS) and the setting of the most appropriate boundary conditions, as developed and experienced by the FACEcamp partners. Further insights into the toolchains are reported in the FACEcamp Milestone M4.1. For any more detailed information, please refer to direct contact with Eurac Research, Institute for Renewable Energy.