Technical Characteristics and Energy Performance of Double Skin Faces: A Review

Double Skin Facades (DSFs) have the advantages of heat preservation, heat insulation, noise reduction and energy saving. Therefore, DSFs are gradually developing into a new direction of environmental protection and energy saving of the curtain wall. This article mainly introduces the technical characteristics of DSFs from two aspects: the geometric structures of the hot aisles and the ventilation modes. And this article systematically reviews more than twenty articles which have dealt with the energy performances: thermal performances and ventilation performances. The paper finishes with some conclusions: The unique structure of DSFs makes DSFs outstanding in terms of energy saving, ventilation. However, DSFs also have some shortcomings: the initial investment and maintenance costs are relatively high, the fire protection design is relatively difficult, and the industry lacks industry standards. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the overall energy-saving effect in advance, continue to in-depth optimization research on the engineering application value of DSFs, and ultimately bring good social and economic benefits.