A Novel Approach to Shape Memory Alloys Applied to Passive Adaptive Shading Systems

Authors

  • Lorenzo Vercesi Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano. Buro Happold, London
  • Alberto Speroni Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
  • Andrea Giovanni Mainini Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
  • Tiziana Poli Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7480/jfde.2020.1.4700

Keywords:

Passive adaptive, shading system, shading device, dynamic, innovative, double-skin, shape memory alloy springs, solar radiation, daylight

Abstract

A shading device for façade application was developed by combining twisting cylindrical shading elements with the smart use of shape-memory alloy (SMA) components. These allow a dynamic behaviour of a shading device, which does not require electrical motors or manual activation, nor sophisticated electronic controls. The technical development of the system involved research of cylindrical shading geometries, which can transition from straight to hourglass configuration, given a 180° rotation, with limited mechanical movement. This is induced by the stroke of a SMA spring, which functions as both actuator and sensor. Its design is tailored to achieve a passive adaptive component that can be activated under set temperature stimuli, caused by incident solar radiation on a façade. A combination of computer simulations and physical tests were carried out to assess the optimal conditions of the SMA spring activation in a temperate climate condition (Cfa to the Koppen-Geiger classification), correlating transition temperature (50°C), incident solar radiation (>300W/m2 ) and the forces required to operate the cylinders. In parallel, an experimental apparatus was developed to validate the concept on a geometrical point of view, and to ensure its constraints were compatible with a SMA spring control system.

How to Cite

Vercesi, L., Speroni, A., Mainini, A. G., & Poli, T. (2020). A Novel Approach to Shape Memory Alloys Applied to Passive Adaptive Shading Systems. Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, 8(1), 43–64. https://doi.org/10.7480/jfde.2020.1.4700

Published

2020-11-06

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2020): Special Issue European Perspectives

Section

Articles

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Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors or their institutions retain copyright to their publications without restrictions.

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