PAOSS : Pneumatically Actuated Origami Sun Shading

Pneumatically Actuated Origami Sun Shading

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an innovative, material- and energy-efficient façade concept: a pneumatically actuated Origami sun shading system - abbreviated “PAOSS” - which combines the aesthetic and material-immanent qualities of textile materials with the functional aspects of a controlled and targeted light transmission regulation by means of integrated active pneumatic components (Fig. 1).

Due to the possibility of reducing a given surface to a minimal form, textile-based folding structures are highly suitable for selective sun and glare protection systems, in order to optimise energy consumption and increase user comfort. For astrophysical purposes, the American space agency (NASA) developed an Origami folding geometry called “Starshade,” which is characterised by a particularly high difference between its closed and open state. Inspired by NASA’s “Starshade,” an adaptive, pneumatically actuated sun and glare protection system was designed and developed to be embedded in the cavity of pneumatically supported multi-layer ETFE cushion façades. By implementing active components, one can obtain a targeted, partial, or full-surface regulation of light and radiation transmission as well as the back-reflection properties of the façade. Within the scope of the research project “Adaptive Membrane Façades” funded by the research initiative Zukunft Bau, the PAOSS will be prototypically built at a scale of 1:1 and implemented on one storey of the demonstration high-rise building of the Collaborative Research Centre 1244 entitled “Adaptive Skins and Structures for the Built Environment of Tomorrow.” The goal is the system validation and the monitoring of its reliability and efficiency, especially in terms of building physics and daylight performance under real weather conditions.