PEOPLEGiuseppe De Michele

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Giuseppe De Michele

Senior Researcher
Institute for Renewable Energy

T +39 0471 055 685

giuseppe.demichele@eurac.edu

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2511-1551

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About

Giuseppe De Michele is a senior researcher at the Institute for Renewable Energy at Eurac Research. He carries out his research within the Energy Efficient Building group focusing on Adaptive and Complex Fenestration Systems. In particular, research interest concerns the development of methodologies to evaluate the thermo-optical performance of Complex Fenestration Systems by means of simulations and measurements and the development and testing of advanced control strategies for Facades aiming at improving user comfort and building energy performance.

He is also the reference person for the measurement of g-value/Solar Heat Gain Coefficient within the G-value lab of Eurac Research.

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuseppedemichele/

Research Gate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Giuseppe-De-Michele-2

Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=sdJtOMMAAAAJ&hl=it&oi=ao

Scientific Publications

Conference proceedings article2025

Assessing solar performance in advanced facades: Comparative analysis of control strategies using a dynamic key performance indicator

Gazzin R, De Michele G, Isaia F, Pernigotto G, Gasparella A

Giuseppe De Michele, Francesco Isaia

Recent advancements in transparent façades that adapt to environmental conditions have improved energy efficiency and occupant comfort, addressing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. However, traditional metrics like SHGC may not accurately measure dynamic façade performance in real-world conditions due to their steady-state approach. In this work, a novel Key Performance Indicator KPI, i.e., the Daily Integrated SHGC, is utilized with EnergyPlus dynamic simulations to evaluate the solar performance of windows with various shading system configurations under different control logics. Findings indicate that the new KPI offers insights into the thermal impact of different control logics, allowing to account in the assessment also for dynamic environmental factors.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.26868/25222708.2025.1687

Conference proceedings article2025

Evaluation of window frame modelling methods in Energy plus

Chajed RV, De Michele G, Zani A, Lamberts K

Giuseppe De Michele

This study investigates the accuracy of the frame and divider object in Energy Plus for predicting energy losses and gains. Additionally, it explores the use of a standard surface object to model the window frame. The two simulation approaches are compared against experimental data collected at the Façade System Interaction Lab of Eurac Research. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as internal surface temperature, external surface temperature, and heat flux of the frame in a closed cavity façade (CCF) system were measured. The frame’s conductance, calculated from the experimental data, was used as input for both modelling approaches. Subsequently, models’ calibration was performed to replicate the real behaviour of the frame accurately. The analysis was done for both nighttime and daytime trends for the KPIs. The results of the Energy Plus simulations using the frame and divider object did not align well with the measured data, showing significant divergence in trendlines and notable underestimation. In contrast, simulations that modelled the frame as a surface displayed more aligned trendlines, with peak values closely matching the measured data, thus validating this approach for the given window system. The error rate for the frame and divider object simulation was 64% (underestimation), while the frame as equivalent surface approach had a lower error rate of 23%. Additionally, modelling the frame as a surface enables more refined calibration due to the greater number of adjustable parameters available. These findings underscore the importance of selecting an appropriate window frame modelling approach in Energy Plus to achieve more accurate predictions.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/3140/4/042028

Journal article2025

Predictive control of polymer dispersed liquid crystal glazing for smart façade applications

Roberts JA, Isaia F, De Michele G, Pernigotto G, Gasparella A

Francesco Isaia, Giuseppe De Michele

This study investigates the development of a model-based predictive control strategy for polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) glazing in office buildings, addressing the lack of advanced control applications in existing literature, which are predominantly rule-based and reactive. The aim is to enhance building performance by dynamically managing solar and visible light transmission through PDLC glazing, thereby improving energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and visual quality. A simulation-based methodology was implemented using TRNSYS 18 for a case study office in Bolzano, Italy. The control framework employs a “controller and worker” configuration, where the controller represents the building and the workers simulate potential control actions. These actions are evaluated using a cost function that integrates key performance indicators (KPIs): total energy consumption, thermal comfort under direct solar exposure, and visual contact with the exterior. Three control modes were defined by adjusting cost function weights to prioritize energy savings, view quality, or thermal comfort. Glare was mitigated by excluding PDLC states exceeding a predefined daylight glare probability (DGP) threshold. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on prediction horizon, DGP threshold, and cost weights. Compared to baseline and rule-based controls, the predictive control demonstrated superior performance in balancing competing objectives. In energy mode, cooling season energy use was reduced by approximately 10%, while view mode maintained high visual contact with a 5% energy saving. This research contributes a novel, multi-objective predictive control approach for PDLC glazing, offering enhanced adaptability and performance in dynamic building environments, and advancing the integration of smart façade technologies in sustainable building design.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114201

Journal article2025

Sensitivity Analysis of the Uncertainty of the Heat-Flux Method for In-Situ Thermal Conductance Assessment in Glazed Façades

Gazzin R, De Michele G, Pernigotto G, Gasparella A, Garay-Martinez R

Giuseppe De Michele

Projekt: EU FESR FAIR - Development of tools and methods for the verification, monitoring and control of the VENTILATED Facades performance.

The discrepancy between design-stage predictions and actual building energy performance, known as the “performance gap,” poses a barrier to achieving energy efficiency goals, especially in modern buildings with high-performance envelopes and complex façades. Characterization of façade elements, both on site and in laboratory facilities, can help ensure envelope quality and mitigate this gap. Although glazed envelopes are increasingly used in contemporary architecture, current regulations lack standardized procedures for experimental heat transfer assessment in buildings. This paper explores how existing standards for heat flux measurements in opaque envelopes could be adapted to transparent façades. A detailed uncertainty analysis is provided to define measurement conditions that ensure accurate conductance results. A sensitivity analysis—based on both analytical error propagation and Monte Carlo simulations—identifies minimum sensor precision, temperature gradients, and test durations needed for reliable in situ assessments. Results show that uncertainty is mainly driven by small temperature gradients and systematic sensor errors. Measurements taken over six hours with a minimum 5 K gradient yield acceptable uncertainty. The proposed framework supports the development of rigorous experimental protocols for assessing the conductance of transparent façade elements, accounting for real-world conditions and measurement limitations.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15193504

Journal article2024

Optimizing Energy Renovation in Building Portfolios: Approach and Decision-Making Platform

Castagna M, Somova O, Pozza C, De Michele G, Garzia F, Antonucci D, Pernetti R

Daniele Antonucci, Marco Castagna, Federico Garzia, Cristian Pozza, Olga Somova, Giuseppe De Michele

Projekt: IT BZ WAVE - Entwicklung innovativer integrierter Konzepte zur Gewährleistung eines hohen Niveaus an Energieeinsparung, Gesundheit und Sicherheit in Innenräumen bei der Sanierung des öffentlichen Gebäudebestands

The building sector contributes significantly to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, with many buildings being energy inefficient. In response, the European Green Deal promotes improving energy efficiency to support decarbonization goals. However, managing energy consumption and integrating data from multiple sources presents challenges, especially for large building portfolios. This study introduces a novel methodology designed to optimize energy renovation strategies, balancing technical, financial, and maintenance considerations. The methodology is implemented in CERPlan 1.0, a web-based decision-support platform that combines data on building energy performance, renovation costs, and maintenance needs. Through simulations, CERPlan 1.0 helps decision-makers prioritize retrofit interventions based on economic criteria while leveraging synergies between energy improvements and regular maintenance. Application of this methodology to real estate portfolios reveals opportunities to enhance cost-effectiveness and energy savings. The results show that integrating maintenance into renovation planning reduces payback times and allows for more comprehensive renovation strategies. The conclusions highlight CERPlan 1.0’s potential to improve decision-making, making building renovations more efficient and sustainable.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.3390/en17225537

Conference proceedings article2023

Assessing daylight illuminance and glare risk of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) glazing with Radiance

Roberts J, De Michele G, Isaia F, Pernigotto G, Gasparella A, Ghosh A, Avesani S

Giuseppe De Michele, Francesco Isaia

Projekt: EU FESR E2I@NOI - Definition eines Laborsystems zur Entwicklung, Charakterisierung und Übertragung von Technologien zur Schaffung von "Energie-Intelligenten Gebäuden"

The well-documented potential of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) glazing in building façade applications and the lack of detailed optical modelling represents a significant research gap. This work presents a detailed optical model of PDLC glazing, capable of accurately reproducing its characteristics, such as scattering in the translucent state, with Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Functions (BSDFs). This model allows advanced daylighting and glare simulations with Radiance to be carried out. The “aBSDF” material type is deemed necessary to accurately represent the beam component of solar radiation, allowing a more accurate glare calculation. Thanks to the detailed optical model, the PDLC’s unusual glare characteristics are revealed, whereby less transmissive states can lead to increased glare risk in some circumstances.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.26868/25222708.2023.1231

Journal article2023

Development and experimental validation of a CFD model for the thermal behaviour assessment of complex fenestration systems

Demanega I, De Michele G, Pernigotto G, Gasparella A, Avesani S

Ingrid Demanega, Giuseppe De Michele

Complex Fenestration Systems with integrated shading systems are becoming widely used to enhance the building's envelope performance and increase the occupants' thermal and visual comfort. Their peculiarity of integrating a complex shading system makes it difficult to assess their thermal and optical performance. The complexity of the shading system itself, in addition to the interaction with the fluid flow in the window cavity, calls for the use of adequate modelling and simulation techniques. In this framework, a novel modelling approach for the thermal characterization of Complex Fenestration Systems with integrated venetian blinds at different tilt angles has been investigated and validated against onsite measurements under dynamic conditions. The numerical assessment includes a preliminary optical calculation to determine the fraction of solar radiation absorbed by the glazing system and a subsequent Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation to which the absorbed solar radiation is assigned. On the other side, the experimental characterization is based on heat flux, solar irradiance, and temperature measurements. After the model calibration - through the selection of the most appropriate models for the internal and external convective heat transfer coefficients, the numerical simulation showed a good correspondence with experimental data for all analyzed blind tilt angles with a Coefficient of Variation of the Root Mean Square Error in the open blind configuration (18° from horizontal) of 22.75%, 7.27% and 4.74% and in the intermediate blind configuration (37° from horizontal) of 21.14%, 6.02% and 2.86%, respectively for heat flux, external and internal surfaces temperatures.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106150

Inbook2022

Advanced fenestration—technologies, performance and building integration

Favoino F, Loonen RCGM, Michael M, De Michele G, Avesani S

Giuseppe De Michele

Advanced fenestration systems (AFS) can respond to baseline functionalities and requirements in the remit of the transparent part of the building envelope (eg, reducing heat transfer, solar control and providing view out) and can combine these to a higher level of functionality aimed at providing an occupant with excellent indoor conditions while improving building performance toward building sustainability objectives. This full set of possible wished functionalities include providing view out/privacy; managing solar radiation; managing glare/daylight; managing and/or controlling heat transfer; increasing thermal storage; managing airflow; and facilitating energy generation. The present chapter provides an overview of different market available advanced fenestration components and systems highlighting (1) the main features while providing some examples of commercial products and solutions still in the R&D stage; (2) the increased building performance and functionalities achieved; and (3) the challenges for broader market adoption. Finally, an overview is provided regarding the challenges and requirements for performance evaluation of AFS, with the aim to support decision-making for design and operation of AFS.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-822477-9.00038-3

Journal article2022

Analysis of condensation and ventilation phenomena for double skin façade units

Squadroni F, De Michele G, Mazzucchelli ES, Demanega I, Mangialardo S, Avesani S

Giuseppe De Michele, Ingrid Demanega

This paper presents a study of the thermo-hygrometric behaviour of a Double Skin Façade (DSF) unit. The study aims (i) at comparing currently used calculation procedures according to European and American standards (UNI EN ISO 10077, UNI EN ISO 12631:2018, ISO 15099:2003, ANSI/NFRC 100 for the thermal performance and ISO 13788:2012 (2012) for the condensation risk), and (ii) at assessing the 2D hygrothermal performance of a double skin module through a Finite Element Method (FEM)-based model. According to the current standards, a detailed characterization of thermal and fluid dynamic phenomena in closed and ventilated cavities is neglected and a simplified approach is proposed, which tends to overestimate the overall U-value of the curtain wall (U_CW) due to an incremental thermal resistance that depends on the thickness of the air gap layer and the level of ventilation. The potential risk of this simplification is that the DSF estimated design performance, whilst complying with regulatory requirements, present inconsistencies respect to the real behaviour, impacting energy, comfort, material degradation, etc. Accurate assessments could be done already during design through detailed FEM multi-physic analyses. Nevertheless, those require a specific knowledge, are cost and time-consuming. As a first step, this study focuses on comparing the normed calculation approach for the design, against a detailed FEM-based multi-physics methodology. Specifically, this couples CFD, hygrothermal and Ray Tracing physics in a tool for the calculation of thermal transmittance, g-value and relative humidity of a DSF with a customizable geometry. As a second step, given a real DSF unit that showed unforeseen phenomena of surface condensation inside the cavity during several hours in spring and autumn, the multi-physic tool has been used to evaluate the condensation risk with the current and modified DSF design, under static and time-dependent boundary conditions.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1177/17442591221084351

Journal article2022

Benchmarking clear sky and transposition models for solar irradiance estimation on vertical planes to facilitate glazed facade design

Debayan P, De Michele G, Najafi B, Avesani S

Giuseppe De Michele

The present study aims to benchmark the models utilized for estimating the solar irradiance on vertical planes that can facilitate the determination of critical conditions, which are utilized in the glazed facade design. Accordingly, in the first part of the study, the performance of PVGIS databases for Europe for estimating the solar irradiance components on the horizontal surfaces is compared with the on-site measurements at Bolzano airport (Italy). It is demonstrated that PVGIS-SARAH estimates both the global and diffuse solar irradiance components, compared to on-site measurements, with an acceptable error range (± 2–5%). The accuracy of isotropic and anisotropic transposition models is then compared for the same location, which demonstrates that the isotropic model tends to underestimate the global vertical incident irradiance by 6–12% of the daily peak value, while an agreement between the estimations of the anisotropic Perez model and the measurements is observed.

Next, the performance of Ineichen, Solis and SPECMAGIC clear sky models, transposed with anisotropic Perez model, have been assessed utilizing field measurements on vertical facades at four different locations in Europe. The broadband version of Solis clear sky model, transposed with anisotropic Perez model, demonstrates R2 scores between 0.85 to 0.95 for the considered locations, indicating that this approach can be utilized as an alternative to open-source/commercially available data sources to estimate the solar irradiance on vertical facades. Finally, for the case study of a triple glazing system, comparing the surface temperatures obtained employing the latter approach with those determined using other commonly utilized irradiance data sources shows a discrepancy of up to 7 °C.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.111622

Journal article2022

Impact of active façade control parameters and sensor network complexity on comfort and efficiency: A residential Italian case-study

Roberts JA, De Michele G, Pernigotto A, Gasparella A, Avesani S

Giuseppe De Michele

Projekt: EU ITA-AUT SensorBIM - Verbesserung der Energieeffizienz von Gebäuden durch BIM und RFID Technologien

Extensive literature exists on the use of dynamic shading devices for the control of visual and thermal comfort in non-residential buildings, however research in the residential sector is far less widespread. Several control strategies and thresholds are utilised in literature, yet it is unclear how these should be chosen. The aim of this work is to evaluate the impact of several control strategies and parameters on three Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (adaptive overheating, useful daylight illuminance and heating demand) in a case-study apartment near Bologna, Italy, modelled in TRNSYS 18 and Radiance. Multiple levels of complexity were tested to evaluate the extent of the benefits of each sensor (temperature, irradiance and occupancy). Three commercially available solar control devices were simulated: external and integrated Venetian blinds and electrochromic (EC) glazing. The study has shown that occupancy-based controls can greatly reduce overheating, while irradiance sensors are only beneficial for certain orientations. The cut-off angle’s limited effectiveness was revealed, as fully closing blinds led to significant additional overheating reductions. Complex controls did not always outperform simpler controls. Heating demand was found to be easy to minimise, while the trade-off tends to be between overheating risk and daylighting availability. Each control parameter’s impact on the KPIs has been evaluated. Optimal solutions are identified which yield near-best performance for all three KPIs, however such ‘optimal’ solutions may not represent the wishes of all users, therefore more studies are required to calibrate the control to the user experience.

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.111650

Conference proceedings article2021

Comfort and efficiency-based improvements to the control of residential Venetian blinds

Roberts J, De Michele G, Pernigotto G, Gasparella A, Avesani S

Giuseppe De Michele

This study focuses on the control of movable Venetian blinds. Multiple improvements to an existing on/off open-loop control strategy in a case-study apartment have been simulated in TRNSYS 18, thanks to the detailed optical and thermal modelling allowed by the Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function (BSDF) used as input to the Type56_CFS. The control strategy improvements include the combination of rule-based, closed-loop and discrete state control, in addition to four control strategy activation methods (three use a schedule, and one measures the external temperature). Simulated control inputs include internal temperature, external temperature and vertical irradiance. The results show reductions in overheating, achieved without completely blocking natural illumination or compromising heating demand. While on/off control in winter often leads to increased heating energy consumption, the space sees regular overheating when on/off control is inactive over winter. Conversely, discrete state control is able to more precisely control solar gains in winter to maintain an adequate temperature without utilising the heating system, all the while allowing some level of natural illumination. Ultimately, it is concluded that the choice of the control strategy depends on which objective (minimisation of heating energy consumption, maximisation of daylight harvesting, reduction of overheating risk, etc.) is prioritised.

DOI

DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/2069/1/012130

Technische
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Journal article2022

Analysis of condensation and ventilation phenomena for double skin façade units

Squadroni F, De Michele G, Mazzucchelli ES, Demanega I, Mangialardo S, Avesani S

Giuseppe De Michele, Ingrid Demanega

DOI Quelle

DOI: 10.1177/17442591221084351

Giuseppe De Michele

About

Scientific Publications

Assessing solar performance in advanced facades: Comparative analysis of control strategies using a dynamic key performance indicator

Evaluation of window frame modelling methods in Energy plus

Predictive control of polymer dispersed liquid crystal glazing for smart façade applications

Sensitivity Analysis of the Uncertainty of the Heat-Flux Method for In-Situ Thermal Conductance Assessment in Glazed Façades

Optimizing Energy Renovation in Building Portfolios: Approach and Decision-Making Platform

Assessing daylight illuminance and glare risk of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) glazing with Radiance

Development and experimental validation of a CFD model for the thermal behaviour assessment of complex fenestration systems

Advanced fenestration—technologies, performance and building integration

Analysis of condensation and ventilation phenomena for double skin façade units

Benchmarking clear sky and transposition models for solar irradiance estimation on vertical planes to facilitate glazed facade design

Impact of active façade control parameters and sensor network complexity on comfort and efficiency: A residential Italian case-study

Comfort and efficiency-based improvements to the control of residential Venetian blinds

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Externe Inhalte

Scientific Publications

Assessing solar performance in advanced facades: Comparative analysis of control strategies using a dynamic key performance indicator

Evaluation of window frame modelling methods in Energy plus

Predictive control of polymer dispersed liquid crystal glazing for smart façade applications

Sensitivity Analysis of the Uncertainty of the Heat-Flux Method for In-Situ Thermal Conductance Assessment in Glazed Façades

Optimizing Energy Renovation in Building Portfolios: Approach and Decision-Making Platform

Assessing daylight illuminance and glare risk of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) glazing with Radiance

Development and experimental validation of a CFD model for the thermal behaviour assessment of complex fenestration systems

Advanced fenestration—technologies, performance and building integration

Analysis of condensation and ventilation phenomena for double skin façade units

Benchmarking clear sky and transposition models for solar irradiance estimation on vertical planes to facilitate glazed facade design

Impact of active façade control parameters and sensor network complexity on comfort and efficiency: A residential Italian case-study

Comfort and efficiency-based improvements to the control of residential Venetian blinds