Integration of mass dampers and external shading fins: Exploring synergy in structural and environmental control systems

Synergy of integrating structural and environmental control systems is explored with a proposed Shading Fin Mass Damper (SFMD) system. External shading fins control sunlight entering the building, adjusting the internal temperature and lighting conditions. In the SFMD system, the fins also serve as tuned mass dampers (TMDs) that move and dissipate energy during strong structural motion. The additional mobility allows the fins to change positions for greater control to minimize energy consumption. Using eQuest, a building energy simulation program, the movable shading fins substantially decrease energy consumption. Since the shading fins are placed along the height of the building, the dampers are distributed rather than concentrated in a few locations as in typical TMD systems. The distributed mass damper (DMD) system is formulated, simulated and optimized to reduce structural vibration significantly. Sub-optimal DMD systems are also studied for simpler design and constructability without compromising structural benefits.