Enhancing Airflow in Light-Duty Sunshade Facades with Limited Draft Panels

A small retail building had light-duty metal sunshade panels with limited draft panels installed on the east and south facades. While shading was partially effective, internal surfaces retained heat during sunny afternoons. Employees and visitors occasionally felt discomfort, and the HVAC system had to operate more than expected, despite low occupancy. Inspection revealed that the draft panels were undersized, and airflow behind the sunshade panels was negligible, causing heat accumulation.

1. Problem overview

The main challenges included:

• Limited passive airflow due to small vent areas and no mechanical assistance.

• Glazing surface temperatures reaching 32–33 °C during midday summer hours.

• HVAC activation for minor usage events, increasing energy consumption.

Research supports the importance of 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 strategy

Working with Jintong Perforated Metal, the building management implemented:

• Replacement of old limited draft panels with larger, adjustable aluminum vents integrated into a ventilated cavity.

• Installation of sensors and BMS-controlled dampers to enable passive airflow when outdoor conditions are favorable.

• Maintenance access provided to ensure draft panels remain unblocked and operational over time.

3. Implementation & Case Story

Retrofit process (5 weeks):

• Week 1–2: Removal of old draft panels.

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

• Week 5: Sensor integration, BMS setup, commissioning, and thermal verification.

Results:

• Internal surface temperatures reduced by ~2.7 °C during peak sun hours.

• HVAC cycling reduced by ~10% for the affected zones.

• Occupant comfort significantly improved; complaints of heat near windows dropped by 60%.

Internal mutual links (6 articles):

• 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. Importance for facility managers

Even light-duty building zones require proper airflow behind sunshade panels. Benefits of retrofit:

1. Reduced interior heat load and surface temperature.

2. Lower HVAC energy usage.

3. Enhanced occupant comfort during sporadic use.

5. Design checklist

Steps for retrofit:

1. Audit sunshade and draft panel conditions.

2. Measure solar exposure and interior temperatures.

3. Design vented cavity depth and damper control logic.

4. Use lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum panels.

5. Plan maintenance access for sensors and vent panels.

6. Call to Action

Is your light-duty facade underperforming due to limited draft panels? Contact us for a free audit, ventilated cavity simulation, and retrofit plan to improve thermal comfort and energy 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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