E2VENT – design and integration of an adaptable module for residential building renovation

• Main Authors: Paolo Basso, Michele Mililli, Francisco J. M. Herrero, Roberto Sanz, Pau Casaldiga
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: TU Delft Open 2017-05-01
• Series: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering
• Subjects: Building façade retrofitting, Ventilated façade, Design integration, Heat recovery, PCM, Air renewal
• Online Access: https://journals.open.tudelft.nl/index.php/jfde/article/view/1678
• ISSN: 2213-302X; 2213-3038

The paper presents an innovative approach to the retrofitting of the adaptive ventilated facade module developed in the EU project E2VENT.  The E2VENT innovative facade module is targeted to Optimal Adaptability and Heat Exchange for the refurbishment of existing buildings and is composed of two main parts: an adaptable smart modular heat recovery unit (SMHRU), which is adjustable to work within the ventilated façade cavity, is able to recover heat from ventilation air, and can preheat ventilation air in winter while precooling it in summer; and a latent thermal heat energy storage system (LTHES) which is based on phase change materials fitting in the cavity and is complementary to the SMHRU. Following a brief introduction of the E2VENT project, the integration of the new technology at the building scale, and analysis of the foreseen design issues in terms of interfaces and façade singularities shall be discussed.  The paper will discuss how the systemic managing of these issues at the design level is vital in preventing inconsistencies between parts and helps with the design team working process.