Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 12(1), pp. 326 - 349
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2024.120125
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An Approach to Using Shape Memory Alloys in Kinetic Facades to Improve the Thermal Performance of Office Building Spaces


Nada Naeem 1, Ahmed Abdin 2, Ahmed Saleh 3,*
1 Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology, El-Arish, Egypt
2 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Egypt
3 Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Suez Canal University (SCU), Egypt

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a study focused on reducing cooling loads and enhancing shading efficiency in office spaces using kinetic façades with shape-memory materials. The research addresses the limitations of mechanical methods commonly employed in kinetic façades by exploring the application of Nitinol, a shape-memory alloy that serves as both an actuator and sensor without requiring external power or complex mechanical components. The study consists of four stages: preparation, material test, design, and model test. In the preparation stage, suitable materials are carefully selected based on factors such as durability, strength, maintenance, corrosion resistance, and flexibility. Nitinol is chosen for its silent operation and reduced susceptibility to malfunctions, while polycarbonate is selected as the sunscreen material due to its lightweight nature and transparency. The specific characteristics of the office space, including orientation and building specifications, are taken into consideration. The material testing stage involves evaluating the effectiveness of Nitinol in moving loads under different temperatures and loads. The weights of the polycarbonate sunscreen are determined to assess their compatibility with the movement capabilities of the smart material. In the design stage, a 1:1 scale kinetic sunscreen unit is implemented, revolving around a horizontal axis at variable angles through thermal stimulation of Nitinol using a parabolic trough solar collector. In the model test stage, the behavior of the kinetic façade is monitored, and opening angles are measured under various climatic conditions. Simulation programs are utilized in the monitoring stage to predict the thermal performance of the kinetic façade. Cooling load measurements are conducted, and the results are compared to those of traditional unshaded glass façades, determining the percentage reduction achieved during summer months. The principal findings demonstrate that implementing kinetic façades with Nitinol can significantly reduce cooling loads in office buildings, with up to a 55% decrease in cooling consumption. While the study acknowledges its limitations regarding scale and specific environmental conditions, it contributes valuable insights to the field. Moreover, the research promotes energy conservation, and improved thermal comfort in office spaces, with potential social implications for creating greener built environments.

KEYWORDS
Smart Materials, Responsive Facades, Adaptive Buildings, Shape-Memory Alloy, Kinetic Facades, Thermal Performance, Office Buildings

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Nada Naeem , Ahmed Abdin , Ahmed Saleh , "An Approach to Using Shape Memory Alloys in Kinetic Facades to Improve the Thermal Performance of Office Building Spaces," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 326 - 349, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2024.120125.

(b). APA Format:
Nada Naeem , Ahmed Abdin , Ahmed Saleh (2024). An Approach to Using Shape Memory Alloys in Kinetic Facades to Improve the Thermal Performance of Office Building Spaces. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 12(1), 326 - 349. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2024.120125.