A simulation-aided approach in examining the viability of passive daylighting techniques on inclined windows

• Published in: Energy and buildings 2023-03, Vol.282, p.112739, Article 112739
• Main Authors: Teo, Ya Hui, Yap, Jun Hong, An, Hui, Xie, Nenggang, Chang, Jie, Yu, Simon Ching Man, Poon, Wai Ching, Zhang, Limao, Cheong, Kang Hao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Daylight simulations; Light shelves; Passive design; Sustainable infrastructure; Visual comfort
• ISSN: 0378-7788
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2022.112739

As the construction industry moves towards sustainability, buildings are frequently constructed using eco-friendly building materials and techniques. It is important to evaluate various passive daylighting techniques in order to obtain natural light into the building in the most eco-friendly manner feasible. As part of our investigation, the office in study has inclined windows, limiting the amount of solar radiation entering and shielding the building occupants from direct sunlight. Thus, it is critical to identify an appropriate passive daylight design that reduces renovation work without disrupting mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services. By using photorealistic simulation and Radiance daylight simulation to compare various types of light shelves across different levels, it offers a practical solution with low installation costs to address inadequate daylighting with inclined windows. This will assess the effectiveness of daylight penetrations and enhance visual comfort in a high-rise structure with inclined windows. Our research findings demonstrate that, even when installed on inclined windows with daylight infiltrations, the combination of tilted light shelves performs better in reflecting daylight into the internal space, with an estimated 34% better performance and a more than 25% reduction in energy usage. Aside from daylight simulation, the chiller load simulation results show that the combination of tilted light shelves has no effect on the chiller loads, indicating that no heating is involved. Our work here has the potential to enhance sustainability without requiring extensive retrofitting or changes to the original interior design, resulting in lower installation and renovation costs while improving occupant health and welfare at the same time.