Towards an evaluation framework to enhance building energy independence and flexibility by means of transparent responsive building envelope elements

Enhancing energy flexibility in buildings is crucial as they are evolving into active energy prosumers, capable of consuming, producing, and managing their energy demand. A key yet under-explored aspect is the potential of responsive building envelopes, particularly transparent ones, in contributing to the building energy flexibility.

This study addresses this gap by introducing a simulation framework designed to assess the energy flexibility of responsive building envelope technologies, with a particular focus on double skin façade systems. Through a case study of a reference office located in a temperate climate, the framework evaluates the impact of double skin façades on different key performance indicators measuring building energy flexibility.

The results demonstrate the efficacy of these systems in maintaining indoor comfort conditions during demand response events, thereby reducing the need for supplementary electrical or thermal storage systems after the event and consequently mitigating the rebound effect.