Daylighting availability, glare and insolation occupant’s exposure in side-lit room and internal shading devices use

Abstract

This study aimed to compare building performance indicators regarding daylight glare probability, insolation and daylighting availability Further analysed the potential for glare mitigation through internal shading devices’ uses: roller shades and blinds. Through modelling and dynamic buildings’ simulation (climate-based), an occupant was considered in three positions along with the room’s depth (1.5 m, 3.5 m and 6.0 m). The weather data from Florianópolis, Brazil, was used as environmental conditions. Hourly data of daylight glare indexes, horizontal and vertical illuminances and direct incident solar radiation were transformed into annual frequencies. Regarding the insolation, it was identified occupation commitment at 1.5 m from the window, until 19% of the time occupied. Daylighting availability metrics reached antagonistic levels of suitability. The variations in view directions and positions from the window showed drastic reductions in the intolerable and uncomfortable glare levels, but the second change did not solve the problem. Through internal shading devices’ uses, the glare mitigation was evidenced, according to the solar orientation, the optical properties considered (reflectance and transmittance) and 04 operations proposed. Recommendations were made to protect occupants from glare and insolation but taking advantage of daylighting availability.