Search Results (51)

Dynamic and Adaptive solar systems demonstrate a greater potential to enhance the satisfaction of occupants, in terms of indoor environment quality and the energy efficiency of the buildings, than conventional shading solutions. This study has evaluated Dynamic and Adaptive Photovoltaic Shading Systems (DAPVSSs) through a comprehensive analysis of six shading designs in which their energy production and the comfort of occupants were considered. Energy generation, thermal comfort, daylight, and glare control have been assessed in this study, considering multiple orientations throughout the seasons, and a variety of tools, such as Rhino 6.0, Grasshopper, ClimateStudio 2.1, and Ladybug, have been exploited for these purposes. The results showed that the prototypes that were geometrically more complex, designs 5 and 6 in particular, had approximately 485 kWh higher energy production and energy savings for cooling and 48% better glare control than the other simplified configurations while maintaining the minimum daylight as the threshold (min DF: 2%) due to adaptive and control methodologies. Design 6 demonstrated optimal balanced performance for all the aforementioned criteria, achieving 587 kWh/year energy production while maintaining the daylight factor within the 2.1–2.9% optimal range and ensuring visual comfort compliance during 94% of occupied hours. This research has established a framework that can be used to make well-informed design decisions that could balance energy production, occupants’ wellbeing, and architectural integration, while advancing sustainable building envelope technologies. Full article

This research proposes an integrated lighting and solar shading strategy to improve energy efficiency and user comfort in a retrofit project in a temperate-humid climate. The study examines a future library addition to an existing faculty building in Bursa, featuring highly glazed façades (77% southwest, 81% northeast window-to-wall ratio), an open-plan layout, and situated within an unobstructed low-rise campus environment. Trade-offs between daylight availability, heating, cooling, lighting energy use, and visual and thermal comfort are evaluated through integrated lighting (DIALux Evo), climate-based daylight (CBDM), and energy simulations (DesignBuilder, EnergyPlus, Radiance). Fifteen solar shading configurations—including brise soleil, overhangs, side fins, egg crates, and louvres—are evaluated alongside a daylight-responsive LED lighting system that meets BS EN 12464-1:2021. Compared to the reference case’s unshaded glazing, optimal design significantly improves building performance: a brise soleil with 0.4 m slats at 30° reduces annual primary energy use by 28.3% and operational carbon emissions by 29.1% and maintains thermal comfort per ASHRAE 55:2023 Category II (±0.7 PMV; PPD < 15%). Daylight performance achieves 91.5% UDI and 2.1% aSE, with integrated photovoltaics offsetting 129.7 kWh/m² of grid energy. This integrated strategy elevates the building’s energy class under national benchmarks while addressing glare and overheating in the original design. Full article

Centralized daylight control has been extensively studied for its ability to optimize useful daylight while mitigating glare in targeted areas. However, this approach lacks a comprehensive visual comfort framework, as it does not simultaneously address spatial glare distribution, uniform high useful daylight levels across all sensor points, and overheating prevention through regulated annual solar exposure. Nevertheless, decentralized control facilitates autonomous operation of the individual façade components, addressing all the objectives. This study integrates a biomimetic functional approach with building performance simulations by computational design to evaluate different kinetic façade configurations. Through the implementation of parametric modeling and daylight analysis, we have identified an optimal angular configuration (60° for the focal region, 50° for the non-focal region) that significantly increases building performance. The optimized design demonstrates substantial improvements, reducing excessive sunlight exposure by 45–55% and glare incidence by 65–72% compared to other dynamic solutions. The recommended steeper angles achieve superior performance, maintaining high useful daylight illuminance (UDI > 91.5%) while dramatically improving visual comfort. Sensitivity analysis indicates that even minor angular adjustments (5–10°) can induce a 10–15% variation in glare performance, emphasizing the necessity of precise control mechanisms in both focal and non-focal regions of the façade. These findings establish a framework for creating responsive building façades that balance daylight provision with occupant comfort in real-time operation. Full article

To promote sustainable development in urban environments, minimising the reflected light pollution from glass curtain walls is critical. This study investigates numerical evaluation methods for assessing the impact of curtain wall-reflected light on road traffic light pollution. While existing research focuses on indoor glare and static target pollution, limited attention has been given to the dynamic impacts on moving traffic participants. This research evaluates light pollution (discomfort glare) induced by triple-layer hollow glass curtain walls in green buildings. A mathematical model predicting the solar reflection characteristics (reflectivity and brightness) was established using optical equations, with the accuracy verified through field experiments and numerical simulations. Subsequently, a driver discomfort glare (DDG) evaluation model was developed, incorporating the dynamic relationships between reflected light sources and drivers, including relative position variations, vertical eye illumination, and correlations between sightlines, driving speed, and road terrain. A numerical simulation system was implemented using Rhino’s Ladybug + Honeybee tools, demonstrated through a case analysis of high-rise buildings in Dalian. The system simulated glare effects under sunny/snowy conditions while examining thickness-related variations. The results revealed significant correlations between the glass thickness, weather conditions, and discomfort glare intensity. The proposed DDG model and simulation approach offer practical tools for assessing dynamic light pollution impacts, supporting the theoretical evaluation of outdoor light environments in green buildings. This methodology provides an effective framework for analysing the moving-target light pollution from architectural reflections, advancing sustainable urban design strategies. Full article

Wood cellulose is an abundant bio-based resource with diverse applications in construction, cosmetics, packaging, and the pulp and paper industries. Transparent wood (TW) is a novel, high-quality wood material with several advantages over traditional transparent materials (e.g., glass and plastic). These benefits include renewability, UV shielding, lightweight properties, low thermal expansion, reduced glare, and improved mechanical strength. TW has significant potential for various applications, including transparent roofs, windows, home lighting structures, electronic devices, home decoration, solar cells, packaging, smart packaging materials, and other high-value-added products. The mechanical properties of TW, such as tensile strength and optical transmittance, are typically up to 500 MPa (Young’s modulus of 50 GPa) and 10–90%, respectively. Fabrication methods, wood types, and processing conditions significantly influence the mechanical and optical properties of TW. In addition, recent research has highlighted the feasibility of TW and large-scale production, making it an emerging research topic for future exploration. This review attempted to provide recent and updated manufacturing methods of TW as well as current and future applications. In particular, the effects of structural modification through various chemical pretreatment methods and impregnation methods using various polymers on the properties of TW biocomposites were also reviewed. Full article

Direct sunlight causes glare and reduces indoor daylight quality, making shading systems essential. This study proposes and validates a perforated shading screen (PSS) to enhance daylighting and energy efficiency. A hybrid approach integrating parametric modeling, machine learning, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), and genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the design incorporating architects’ preferences. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) is used to assign weights to performance metrics while accounting for interdependencies. The study evaluates PSS performance in three hot climate regions—Cairo, Riyadh, and Kuching—on both south and west elevations, comparing it to traditional fins. Results show that PSS consistently outperforms fins, significantly improving daylight and energy performance. The Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI) increased by up to 105.32%, Continuous Daylight Autonomy (CDA) by up to 11.87%, while Annual Solar Exposure (ASE), Solar Gain (SG), and Energy Use Intensity (EUI) were reduced by up to 100%, 88.07%, and 45.2%, respectively. To validate the findings, the optimal PSS design from a selected case study was 3D-printed and experimentally tested. Results confirmed enhanced daylight distribution and reduced glare, improving occupant comfort. The proposed PSS offers an effective shading solution adaptable to various climates, balancing daylighting needs and energy efficiency. Full article

This study examined the optical–thermal performance and energy efficiency of electrochromic (EC) glazing in residential buildings situated in regions characterized by hot summers and warm winters. Traditional glazing systems, such as double-layer (DL) and low-emissivity (LE) glazing, often face challenges in achieving an optimal balance between indoor lighting, glare control, and heat regulation. Using EnergyPlus simulations for a typical residential building, this research evaluated the performance of EC glazing under four control strategies, considering seasonal variations (summer and winter), building orientations, and energy demands for cooling, heating, and lighting. The results indicate that EC glazing dynamically adjusts the solar transmittance from 0.320 under low solar radiation to 0.012 at high levels, significantly reducing the glare and convection heat gains. The transmitted radiation heat gain for EC glazing is remarkably only 23.7 J·m⁻², compared to 736.8 J·m⁻² for DL glazing. Furthermore, EC glazing achieves a total energy consumption of 189.52 MJ·m², representing a significant 33.0% reduction compared to DL glazing. These findings underscore the potential of EC glazing to improve both the energy efficiency and visual comfort in residential settings. This study highlights the importance of optimizing control strategies, particularly in response to seasonal and directional variations, offering valuable insights for sustainable building design in climates with diverse thermal requirements. Full article

Dynamic facades allow for effective climate adaptability, representing a new trend in future building envelope design. Present research on dynamic facades often focuses solely on certain aspects of the built environment or relies entirely on simulation outcomes. Meanwhile, the real-time changing nature of dynamic facades poses challenges in accurately simulating these schemes. Therefore, it remains essential to quantify the energy consumption performances of different types of dynamic facades and their influence on the indoor environment comfort in response to ventilation, light, and thermal environment to improve energy savings. This study uses an energy management system to simulate the ability of five dynamic facades—an intelligent ventilated facade, a dynamic exterior shading, a dynamic interior shading, a buffer layer, and phase-change material (PCM) facades—to provide adequate comfort and reduce energy consumption in four climate zones in China. The simulation model of a nearly net-zero energy Solar Decathlon house “Nature Between” was validated with experimental data. Among the five dynamic facades, the energy-saving efficiency of intelligent ventilation was highest, followed by exterior shading. Compared with houses without dynamic facades, the use of the dynamic facades reduced energy consumption (and annual glare time) by 19.87% (90.65%), 22.37% (74.84%), 15.19% (72.09%), and 9.23% (75.53%) in Xiamen, Shanghai, Beijing, and Harbin, respectively. Findings regarding the dynamic facade-driven energy savings and favorable indoor environment comfort provide new and actionable insights into the design and application of dynamic facades in four climate regions in China. Full article

This study employs both simulation and experimental methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness of bi-sectional horizontal kinetic shading systems (KSS) with horizontal fins in enhancing daylight comfort across various climates. It emphasizes the importance of optimizing daylight levels while minimizing solar heat gain, particularly in the context of increasing energy demands and shifting climatic patterns. The study introduces a custom-designed bi-sectional KSS, simulated in three distinct climates—Wroclaw, Tehran, and Bangkok—using climate-based daylight modeling methods with the Ladybug and Honeybee tools in Rhino v.7 software. Standard daylight metrics, such as Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI) and Daylight Glare Probability (DGP), were employed alongside custom metrics tailored to capture the unique dynamics of the bi-sectional KSS. The results were statistically analyzed using box plots and histograms, revealing UDI_300–3000 medians of 78.51%, 88.96%, and 86.22% for Wroclaw, Tehran, and Bangkok, respectively. These findings demonstrate the KSS’s effectiveness in providing optimal daylight conditions across diverse climatic regions. Annual simulations based on standardized weather data showed that the KSS improved visual comfort by 61.04%, 148.60%, and 88.55%, respectively, compared to a scenario without any shading, and by 31.96%, 54.69%, and 37.05%, respectively, compared to a scenario with open static horizontal fins. The inclusion of KSS switching schedules, often overlooked in similar research, enhances the reproducibility and clarity of the findings. A physical reduced-scale mock-up of the bi-sectional KSS was then tested under real-weather conditions in Wroclaw (latitude 51° N) during June–July 2024. The mock-up consisted of two Chambers ‘1’ and ‘2’ equipped with the bi-sectional KSS prototype, and the other one without shading. Stepper motors managed the fins’ operation via a Python script on a Raspberry Pi 3 minicomputer. The control Chamber ‘1’ provided a baseline for comparing the KSS’s efficiency. Experimental results supported the simulations, demonstrating the KSS’s robustness in reducing high illuminance levels, with illuminance below 3000 lx maintained for 68% of the time during the experiment (conducted from 1 to 4 PM on three analysis days). While UDI and DA calculations were not feasible due to the limited number of sensors, the E_h1 values enabled the evaluation of the time illuminance to remain below the threshold. However, during the June–July 2024 heat waves, illuminance levels briefly exceeded the comfort threshold, reaching 4674 lx. Quantitative and qualitative analyses advocate for the broader application and further development of KSS as a climate-responsive shading system in various architectural contexts. Full article

This simulation study explores the potential of a novel façade design with integrated control system comprising a dynamic photovoltaic (PV) facade integrated with dimming lighting control to enhance the work environment in office buildings and achieve energy-efficient solutions. Parametric modeling using the Grasshopper plug-in for Rhino software 7, coupled with energy simulation through the Honeybee environmental plug-in for the EnergyPlus program, are used in the methodology. The integrated control strategy was simulated to study in a single office space, utilizing the Daysim engine to assess indoor daylight quality and focusing on Daylight Factor (DF) and Daylight Glare Probability (DGP). Additionally, two artificial lighting control systems were examined for potential integration with the dynamic PV facade to minimize lighting load. The study employs the Galapagos evolutionary solver function embedded within Grasshopper to identify optimum solutions. The dynamic PV façade achieves substantial reductions in overall energy consumption, cutting it by 73% in June, 54% in July, 54.5% in August, and 52.55% in September. The results demonstrate substantial reductions in total energy consumption, with notable savings in heating and cooling due to the dynamic facade’s ability to balance and control solar radiation during working hours. Moreover, the dynamic PV facade contributes to electricity generation, demonstrating its potential to improve visual comfort, decrease energy consumption, and generate electric energy through rotational adjustments and varying transparency levels. Full article

Recently, there have been several advancements in the field of sustainable energy solutions, particularly in the selection of solar window film sheets. In this research, a multi-criteria decision-making approach was applied to compare three different types of window film sheets, Silver 35, TrueVue 15, and Sterling 40, to aid in selecting the most suitable window film based on the United Arab Emirates market. The primary aim of this work is to provide decision-makers with a structured approach to enhance their choices for selecting window film sheets. The methodology employed involves evaluating various criteria, including visible light transmittance, solar energy rejected, energy transmittance, energy absorptance, cost, glare reduction, visible light reflectance interior, and fade reduction. These criteria are assessed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The results demonstrate that Sterling 40 is the best choice followed by Silver 35. Based on the final TOPSIS results, the difference between the scores of these two window film sheets was not significant, while they were far from the score of TrueVue 15. Full article

In areas with a deep floor plan, the distribution of natural light is not uniform. Consequently, relying solely on daylight may not suffice to meet the space’s lighting requirements, necessitating the use of artificial lighting in darker areas. Therefore, a lighting system is needed that not only controls the glare near the windows but also increases the light at the end of the room and provides uniform daylight. One of the widely used systems is the “light shelf”, which has three main functions: shading, increasing the depth of light penetration, and reducing glare. Review articles about light shelves were published in 2015 and 2017, while more than 80% of the studies have been carried out since 2016, and light shelves with more diverse forms and dynamic elements and many consolidations have been proposed. Therefore, there is a need for a more comprehensive review. The main question of this research is how different parameters (including climate, material, ceiling, and integrated systems) can help to increase the efficiency of light shelves. By using a systematic review, studies in the past three decades were classified in order to determine the effect of these parameters on improving lighting performance and controlling solar heat gain. Full article

Electrochromic glazing alters its optical properties in the absence/presence of an electrical charge, varying from clear to dark to control daylighting and solar heat gains. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an electrochromic glazing, with indoor glare or temperature control, on the energy performance and thermal and visual comfort of an office room under three European climates, using a calibrated simulation model. The novelty of the paper lies in its combined performance assessment, using different standards and metrics. The results showed reduced climatization energy requirements with temperature control, but significantly increased artificial lighting energy use. Glare control achieved useful illuminance levels during 74–80% of working hours. Concerning temperature control, working hours within thermal comfort increased (21–43%) under a free-float regime. Moreover, the performance of this glazing was compared to that of a clear glazing with/without a reflective film and a thermochromic glazing for different solar orientations. The electrochromic glazing with glare control showed the highest energy savings (14–36%) for a western orientation, and the lowest negative impact on daylighting for a northern orientation. The best glare reduction was achieved with the reflective film. Considering the free-float regime, the electrochromic glazing, with temperature control, showed the highest increase in working hours within thermal comfort (6–9%) for a western orientation. Full article

Natural lighting in office buildings is often affected by excessive solar heat gain and discomfort glare, and the transitional seasons are no exception. Therefore, addressing the issue of natural lighting in buildings has always been a challenge in developing shading control strategies. This study designed a model-based calculation method for shading blind control indicators. The method combines existing physical models for sky conditions, solar radiation, heat transfer, thermal comfort, glare, and illuminance calculations and incorporates modifications and additions. Additionally, an equivalent energy-saving model for shading was established. A shading blind control strategy balancing indoor light and the thermal environment with energy savings during transitional seasons was proposed. In transitional seasons, this method can eliminate 100% of glare, reduce discomfort illuminance duration by 81.3% and heat discomfort duration by 87.5% and save 81.3% of lighting energy consumption when air conditioning is used. By comparing the simulation results of an office building in Xi’an with the results obtained from this calculation method, the absolute error percentage was found to be 6.83%, verifying the reliability of the calculation method. Finally, the proposed control strategy was compared with common methods such as no blinds, end-angle control, and fixed-angle control to evaluate its performance in terms of daylighting, thermal comfort, and energy savings. The results showed that the control strategy proposed in this study has significant advantages with respect to various performance indicators. Full article

The photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB), a solar noise barrier, is an innovative integration of transportation and renewable energy. It is primarily installed alongside roads near acoustic environmental protection targets in proximity to traffic lanes. PVNBs serve the dual purpose of reducing noise pollution and harnessing solar energy. The electricity generated is used for traffic lights, surveillance, and even feeding into the power grid. This helps to reduce pollution and carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current research and practical applications of PVNBs, focusing on their unique features. It systematically addresses challenges and proposes solutions concerning optimal site selection, safety standards, noise attenuation effectiveness, power generation efficiency, durability, operational maintenance, and collaborative efforts across various departments. Additionally, this paper highlights the importance of conducting advanced research into glare mechanisms, improving site selection processes, optimizing design strategies, enhancing management and maintenance systems, and conducting comprehensive life-cycle cost–benefit analyses. This research aims to offer scientific insights for designing and deploying PVNBs, thereby fostering the progressive adoption and application of distributed photovoltaics in transportation infrastructures. Full article