Experimental energy performance assessment of a smart controlled water-flow glazing adaptive facade in heating demand conditions

Water-flow glazing (WFG) adaptive facades can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of glazed buildings. Although the energy potential of WFG has already been studied, there remains a research gap between this potential and the control strategies needed. This study evaluates the performance of a smart controller designed to manage active WFG adaptive facades by executing programmed algorithms. These algorithms consider both internal and external ambient conditions in two reduced-scale test cells. The influence of the intelligent controller on the internal cell ambient, the stored water temperature, and the heating energy consumption is examined. The results indicate that the smart control enables the active WFG adaptive facade to reduce the indoor temperature of the test cells during solar radiation hours by absorbing a portion of the internal ambient energy. The stored energy can be used later within a specific time delay, thereby reducing heating energy consumption. •The convenience of using a smart controller in WFG adaptive facades is highlighted.•Different operating modes for the WFG smart controller are proposed.•Energy performance of the WFG smart controller in heating conditions is evaluated.•The use of the smart controller allows to optimize WFG energy performance.•(Pump power/ WFG area) ratio is identified as a key parameter in WFG performance.