The potential of inclined walls to reduce overheating risk: A Passivhaus case study for UK current and future climates

Lavafpour, Yahya; Sharples, Steve

Abstract

This study used probabilistic climate change scenarios from the UK Climate Change Projections to determine the future overheating risk in an existing Passivhaus dwelling under a high emission 50 percentile scenario in London. Dynamic thermal simulation modelling software (DesignBuilder) was used to examine the impact of various inclinations of the south façade of the Passivhaus dwelling to make use of the self-shading that this form created. A sensitivity analysis of internal temperatures and thermal comfort conditions in the dwelling as a function of building facade inclination and prevailing climatic conditions was undertaken. The research found that implementing an optimum angle tilted façade would moderate indoor temperature variation between day and night in summer and could potentially act as an effective shading device while still be practical for collecting solar gain in winter. The proposed inclined façade could completely eliminate the risk of overheating for current climates; however, it was found that the tilted facade solely would not be fully capable of eradicating the risk of thermal discomfort overheating, particularly for UK climate scenarios of the 2080s.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Passive and Low Energy Architecture
• Start Date: Jul 11, 2016
• End Date: Jul 13, 2016
• Acceptance Date: Jul 14, 2016
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jan 11, 2018
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: inclined façade, shading, summer overheating, climate change
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/920715
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : Passive and Low Energy Architecture
• Contract Date: Jan 11, 2018