Investigation of European modular façade system utilizing renewable energy

The purpose of this investigation is to summarize modular façade construction using renewable energy features in different aspects. Researches done so far primarily focusing on building envelop have shown various constructions of building enclosure without energy usage. This paper mainly focuses on modular façade renovation system programmes of European Horizon 2020 [34] and IEA ECBCS Annex 50 Prefabricated Systems for Low Energy Renovation of Residential Buildings in terms of construction, material, installation and thermal performance. Four aspects of construction, material, installation and thermal performance are adopted to evaluate these practices. Related website, paper and report from European commission constitute the database providing for review. Final results illustrate that all modular façade systems mentioned above could be classified into three layers: interior; module and exterior layer, taking charge of disparate functions. Both insulation and energy usage achieve the innovative envelop constructions manufacture. Integrating the renewable energy resources utilization technique into insulated building façade system is the core of this innovative projects achievement.