Comparative analysis of natural ventilation performance in non-unifrom double skin facades in temperate climates

This study compares the performance of three different double skin facade configurations in prevailing summer conditions in a temperate climate. CFD simulation results compare cavity air velocity profiles and indoor temperatures to examine the potential for natural ventilation. Of particular interest, is the possibility of vitiated air flowing from one level to the other and increasing the contamination level on subsequent floors.  Results indicate that with almost similar air volumes inside the double skin cavity, the air velocities inside the cavity and into the rooms are unaffected by the changes in the outer skin configuration. Staggering the inlets and outlets of the internal skin leads to a negligible amount of return air entering into subsequent floors