An automated louver with innovative parametrically-angled reflective slats: Prototyping and validation via using parametric control in Grasshopper along with Arduino board

Abstract

Energy-saving potential in lighting is significant in office buildings due to their primary occupancy during the daytime. This potential can be realised with an advanced daylighting system being particularly able to deliver more uniform and steadier illumination. This paper presents prototyping and experimental validation of an automated louver with parametrically-angled reflective slats, in order to reflect sunlight to evenly distributed target positions on a ceiling. The illuminated ceiling acts as a source of diffuse light to the room. The physical rotation of the automated louver is controlled parametrically using Grasshopper software together with Arduino board, motors for the motion and illuminance sensors. Validation is an essential stage to ensure the performance of such systems. Two prototypes of the proposed system with different scales are presented, 1:20 and 1:1 scaled mock-ups. The monitoring results verify the principle and aim of the proposed design, i.e., more uniform and distributed daylight illumination, automation control method besides its practicality.