A Hydro-Thermal Study of the Bionic Leaf - A Basic Structural Element of the Bionic Façade Inspired by Vertical Greenery

Vertical greenery systems (VGS) are proven to decrease energy consumption for cooling of the building due to the evapotranspiration and shading of the building envelope. Despite innovative architectural solutions, there are some drawbacks of VGS that are most commonly related to the maintenance. Alternatively, bionic facade inspired by VGS can be developed with the use of innovative materials to mimic positives and eliminate disadvantages. In the present experimental research a water mass-flow-rate into the bionic facade is evaluated in respect to the simulated meteorological parameters. Based on the results from the parametrical analysis, an empirical model of water mass-flow-rate of the bionic facade is developed and compared with evapotranspiration of the VGS in real conditions. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.