Influence of self-shading building form on indoor solar gains and energy performance in different climates of China

Abstract

Self-shading building form has a significant influence on indoor solar gains and energy performance. This paper presented a methodology for quantifying self-shading building forms, which categorized them into three types: inclined, cantilevered, and hybrid (inclined and cantilevered). The prediction model for the quantitative indexes and solar heat gains through windows was established through regression analysis, while the influence of proposed self-shading building forms on energy performance in different climatic regions of China was evaluated and compared. Results suggest that energy-saving potential of the cantilevered type is the highest, followed by the hybrid type. Compared to the south orientation, energy-saving potentials for east and west orientations are more pronounced. As building location changes from south to north, energy-saving potential is increasingly influenced by orientation. The proposed self-shading building forms have a maximum energy-saving potential of 14%, 23%, and 22% for Jinan, Shanghai, and Guangzhou respectively. Finally, corresponding design strategies were suggested to provide guidance and assistance for designers.