Investigating potential comfort benefits of biologically inspired building skins

Biomimicry offers opportunities to advance the development of flexible building facades. Here, the combination of external fur, bioheat transfer (blood perfusion) and internal surface evaporation are combined into a model of a commercial office building façade. Temperatures and heat transfer are calculated in a dynamic simulation for summer conditions in a temperate climate (Melbourne, Australia). Thermal comfort, in terms of PMV and PPD, is assessed and compared to a reference case.