Evaluation of Expanded Metal Mesh Applied on Building Facades with Regard to Daylight and Energy Consumption: A Case Study of an Office Building in Taiwan

Recently, expanded metal mesh has been used on the facades of many buildings in Taiwan. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the impact of expanded metal mesh on natural lighting and energy consumption in office buildings. First, the compatibility of EnergyPlus and DIVA simulation software with expanded metal mesh was verified using field measurements. The results show a high correlation between simulation and measurement, except for some periods of direct sunlight. Then, we evaluated the effects of window-to-wall ratio (WWR), glass, and expanded metal mesh on energy consumption and lighting. The results show that WWR has a significant influence on both lighting and energy consumption. The greater the WWR, the greater the energy saving potential of the expanded metal mesh and glass. If the SHGC of the glass is lower, the potential of the expanded metal mesh to save air conditioning energy consumption is smaller, and, as a result, the expanded metal mesh may increase the total energy consumption. Of the 36 simulation cases performed, three cases met the LEED lighting standard. The case with minimum energy consumption is achieved when SHGC = 50%, using laminated clear glass and expanded metal mesh with a 21% perforated ratio.