Energy savings and daylighting evaluation of dynamic venetian blinds and lighting through full-scale experimental testing

Abstract

Commercial buildings consume around 20% of the total energy utilized in the U.S. The use of shading devices in buildings has the potential to reduce building energy consumption while also providing a more desirable indoor environment for building occupants. Similarly, lighting device controls help reduce lighting energy consumption as well as internal loads. However, there is lack of full-scale experimental testing of integrated dynamic shading and lighting controls. This study presents full-scale experimental testing data to quantify these energy and daylighting impacts. Testing was performed utilizing two different control strategies, in three different orientations under three different types of sky conditions. The shading device was also used in conjunction with two different types of glazing. An average of 25.4% cooling energy savings and 48.5% lighting energy savings was achieved. Visual discomfort evaluated using Simplified Daylight Glare Probability was prevented more than 85% of time during occupied hours. Improvement in daylight levels evaluated using Useful Daylight Illuminance was also achieved. Finally, analysis of the relationship between the illuminance level measured at the work plane and a ceiling illuminance sensor is performed to translate the real-world applicability of shading device controls.