This work investigates microalgae biofaçade performance in a holistic manner (biotechnological productivity, building energy use, indoor environmental indicators). These investigations are led using a thermal-biological model and weather data obtained from NREL over the years 2019 to 2023. To challenge the different findings, four locations, in four different US climate zones, are considered: Burlington, Vermont (6 A, cold-humid), Orlando, Florida (2 A, hot-humid), Missoula, Montana (6B, cold-dry) and Phoenix, Arizona (2B, hot-dry). Both office building and household implementations are covered, with South and North orientations. Hot regions allow for almost doubling microalgae production (from about 2.5 to 5 kg/year/module, South orientation). From a thermal standpoint, biofaçade modules offer a slight advantage compared to conventional double-glazing in the case of an office building implementation. This difference (0.42 0.07 GJ/year/module) ranges is consistent across climate zones and is mainly driven by the summer shading effect offer by the microalgae. Regarding indoor illumination, microalgae development is perceivable by occupants’ as a culture spans from 6 to 30 days (consistent for all the climate zones). Finally, biofaçade modules can improve indoor relative humidity comfort climate-wise. While irrelevant in 6 A and 2 A zones, it is worth considering in 6B zones, and very pertinent in 2B zones, as it drives adequate humidity moments from 19.7 % to 62.5 % of the time. • Biofaçades are considered a potential synergy between buildings and microalgae. • The system is studied in the case of an office building and a household in the US. • Contrasted climate zones are investigated (hot vs. cold, dry vs. humid). • Results shows consistent production and HVAC load patterns over the territory. • Biofaçades can substantially improve relative humidity comfort in dry-hot zones.
Pozzobon et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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