Abstract
The performance of a Double Glazing Unit (DGU) with a Phase Change Material (PCM) layer embedded in the cavity was analyzed in terms of the visual comfort perceived by the occupants. The analysis was carried out through a set of simulations, performed by the Radiance engine managed through Honeybee. As an input for the simulations, the visible transmittance Tv of PCM in solid (diffusing) state was used, based on previous laboratory measurements. The simulations were run for several specific times of the year: The two solstices and the autumn equinox, for different hours during the day. Other variables investigated were the site (Östersund, 63.2° N; Turin, 45.2° N; Abu Dhabi, 24.4° N), the room orientation (south; west), and the sky conditions (clear sky with sun; overcast). For comparative purpose, the simulations were repeated for the same boundary conditions in a room equipped with a selective glazing, with a Tv of 0.5. For each case, the visual comfort perceived by the occupants has been analyzed in terms of Daylight Glare Probability (DGP) in two different points in the room and of “Spatial Useful Illuminance” (percent of work plane points where the illuminance lies in the range 100–3000 lx). The results showed that the glazed package with PCM in most cases admits more daylight into the room, resulting into an increased glare (DGP values), but also in lower Spatial Useful Illuminance values.
Highlights
The visual comfort perceived by the occupants has been analyzed in terms of Daylight Glare Probability (DGP) in two different points in the room and of “Spatial Useful Illuminance”
The results showed that the glazed package with phase change material (PCM) in most cases admits more daylight into the room, resulting into an increased glare (DGP values), and in lower Spatial Useful Illuminance values
The effects produced by a Double Glazing Unit (DGU) with a PCM layer on the visual environment and the perceived visual comfort for the occupants of a space are presented
Summary
Heat and mass flows are optimized dynamically in order to improve the comfort conditions perceived by the occupants (in the perspective of an Indoor Environmental Quality approach) as well as to reduce the energy the building requires to guarantee comfort [2]. In this context, different technologies and materials can be used to obtain an adaptive performance of the active envelope. Within the holistic approach to energy and indoor environmental performance of the façade components, requirements concerning energy, lighting, and acoustical behavior have to be contemporarily satisfied, even in such a multi-criteria setting
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
