Dynamic Assessment of the Impact of Cavity Depth in a Double‑skin façade Integrated with Hybrid Panels on Seasonal Energy Performance

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Iman Shemshadi 1
Iman Pishkar Dehkordi 2
1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hamedan University of Technology, Hamedan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/stme.2026.556235.1184
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the influence of cavity depth in a double‑skin façade (DSF) integrated with hybrid solar panels (PV/T) on seasonal energy performance in office buildings in Tehran. The primary objective was to determine the optimal cavity depth to achieve minimized energy consumption and maximized utilization of solar energy throughout the year. For this purpose, a dynamic system model was developed using TRNSYS and MATLAB software suites, with real climatic data from Tehran city employed as boundary input conditions. Within a parametric analysis framework, 22 distinct configurations with cavity depths ranging from 5 to 100 cm were evaluated. Heating and cooling loads, net electricity balance, and CO₂ emission reductions were computed for each case.
Results indicate that cavity depth markedly affects airflow patterns, heat transfer rates, and overall solar system efficiency. For Tehran’s climate, optimal depths were 20 cm for warm seasons and 30 cm for cold seasons. Increasing depth to about 80 cm improved power generation and cut primary energy consumption by up to 95% relative to the reference case. The novelty of this work lies in coupling dynamic numerical assessment of double‑skin façades with hybrid solar systems and offering a season‑specific design guide for Tehran’s conditions. These outcomes provide a scientific foundation for designing energy‑efficient, sustainable office buildings and offer practical insights for architects, energy consultants, and policymakers seeking to integrate passive‑active solar solutions in semi‑arid continental climates.
Keywords
Numerical Simulation
Double-Skin Facade
Hybrid Solar panels
Air Cavity Depth
Energy Optimization
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 30 October 2025
  • Revise Date 28 December 2025
  • Accept Date 07 January 2026
  • First Publish Date 07 January 2026
  • Publish Date 23 July 2026

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