Building Envelope Test CELL: development of an indoor test cell for advanced façade systems thermal performance assessment
Abstract
This paper describes the development of a new facility for testing building envelope systems called Building Envelope Test cell (BETcell), implemented at Politecnico di Torino. The test facility is aimed at characterizing the thermal performance of building envelope components and systems in realistic boundary conditions (real world climatic conditions), but yet controllable. This becomes particularly important when the thermal performance of the building envelope system depends on the boundary conditions (i.e. responsive building envelope elements and multifunctional facades) and when the characterization of the whole façade system is required, in order to reduce the resources needed for outdoor testing. The integration with an outdoor test facility and a guarded hot plate enable a complete thermal characterization of building envelope systems, components and/or materials. The aim of the BETcell is to provide the building industry with an instrument that will enhance the development of innovative and low-energy building envelopes