Energy analysis studying the effect of solar shading on daylight factors and cooling hours in an extreme weather

Abstract

Solar heat gains contribute widely to the overheating in buildings, specifically in extreme climates. Climates which require large amounts of cooling energy during summer as well as heating energy during winter need to be carefully designed. Reducing solar transmittance through windows and improving building details/types can help minimize surface heat transfer. The use of shading to minimize solar transmission and heat gains through glazed and opaque surfaces is a strong method to reduce solar gains and can be an appropriate method to also improve thermal comfort in such extreme weathers. In the following paper, a method was followed in order to ensure thermal comfort without compromising the daylight factors inside. IESVE was used for the energy and daylighting analysis. Initially, a selected case study of a school building in Minneapolis was analyzed. Afterwards, a study was conducted using climate consultant to select the appropriate shading systems to be adopted. Next, selected classrooms were analyzed for the average daylight factor and solar heat gains pre and post applying the shading systems. The cooling hours were compared after the strategies were applied, a reduction up to 4% of cooling hours was seen post applying the shading devices. The correct study and application of shading devices can help reduce energy needs in summer, without increasing the heating loads in winter.