Revamping Fixed Metal Sunshade Facades Without Mechanical Airflow: Case Study and Solutions

A mid-size office building’s north-west wing had fixed metal sunshade panels installed a decade ago, but lacked mechanical airflow panels. Employees often reported uncomfortable hot spots near the windows, especially during sunny afternoons, even though occupancy was low. Investigation revealed that while the sunshade fins blocked direct sunlight, the air behind the panels was stagnant. Without any mechanical or passive airflow system, the façade effectively trapped heat, making the zone a thermal liability rather than a comfort-enhancing feature.

1. Problem identification: Fixed sunshade with zero airflow

Key observations included:

• Glazing surface temperatures reached 34 °C during peak sunlight hours.

• HVAC systems were triggered unnecessarily despite low occupancy.

• Maintenance records showed no venting operations, and the original design lacked sensors or dampers.

Peer-reviewed research supports the need for airflow integration:

• “Ventilated Facades for Low-Carbon Buildings: A Review” (Processes, MDPI)

• “Controlling Naturally Ventilated Double-Skin Façade to Reduce Energy” (Energy & Buildings)

• “Opaque Ventilated Façades: Energy Performance for Different Main Walls” (ScienceDirect)

2. Retrofit approach: Installing a ventilated cavity

To resolve the heat retention issue, the facility collaborated with Jintong Perforated Metal to implement:

• Replacement of fixed sunshade panels with updated aluminum panels aligned for current solar angles.

• Installation of a ventilated cavity behind the panels with intake vents at sill level and exhaust vents at head height.

• Damper actuators and sensors integrated with BMS to allow passive airflow when outside air was cooler and solar gain was moderate.

• Cleaning and refurbishing old vent panels to ensure operational airflow even during low-use periods.

3. Implementation & results

The retrofit process spanned six weeks:

• Week 1–2: Removal of old panels.

• Week 3–4: Installation of new sunshade panels and ventilated cavity.

• Week 5: Sensor integration and BMS setup.

• Week 6: Commissioning, thermal imaging, and feedback analysis.

Results:

• Glazing surface temperature decreased by ~3.2 °C during peak sunlight hours.

• HVAC cycle frequency dropped by 11% for the retrofitted zone.

• Employee reports of discomfort near windows decreased by 55%.

Internal mutual articles (6 links):

• Article 3830 – Advanced Sunshade Panel Systems

• Article 3829 – Ventilated Metal Façade Case Studies

• Article 3828 – Perforated Panel Patterns & Airflow

• Article 3826 – Ventilated Façade Solutions

• Article 3827 – Panel Design Patterns

• Article 3825 – Sunshade Panel Energy Savings

4. Why retrofitting matters

Even low-traffic wings can become thermal traps if airflow is restricted. By adding a ventilated cavity, buildings benefit from:

1. Lower thermal load on glazing and interior surfaces.

2. Reduced HVAC energy consumption.

3. Improved occupant comfort for occasional use.

5. Checklist for retrofitting fixed sunshade panels

Steps:

1. Audit facade for venting potential.

2. Measure solar exposure and interior heat accumulation.

3. Design vent cavity depth and damper logic for passive airflow.

4. Select corrosion-resistant aluminum panels.

5. Plan maintenance for sensors and venting components.

6. Call to Action

If your building has fixed metal sunshade panels with no mechanical airflow, contact us today for a free assessment, vented cavity simulation, and retrofit plan to enhance comfort and efficiency.

📞 Phone: 86 180 2733 7739
📧 Email: [email protected]
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🔗 LinkedIn: Andy Liu
▶️ YouTube: Jintong Channel
🌐 Website: perforatedmetalpanel.com

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