Abstract
This study tackles the analysis of fixed external solar shading systems. The geometry of a building and of the shading system has been parametrically defined and a genetic optimization analysis has been carried out to identify an architectural solution that would allow the increase of energy savings, through a suitable window-to-wall ratio and an accurate design of the shading device. A multi-objective analysis has been performed with the aim of minimizing the energy consumption for space heating, cooling and artificial lighting, while ensuring the visual comfort of the occupants. The main goal of the study is to explore the influence of climatic context on the optimal design of shading devices. The analysis has been performed for three different latitudes across Europe. In all analyzed cases, a reduction of the annual energy consumption could be achieved, up to 42% if the optimal shading configuration is used. Moreover, the possibility of integrating the shading system with photovoltaic (PV) panels has been considered and the electricity production has been estimated.
Highlights
IntroductionThe energy demand grew exponentially. The energy consumption in the building sector accounts for 40% of the whole energy demand in Europe, and this value is expected to increase due to the higher comfort levels required, if mitigation strategies are not implemented.In this context, the concept of ’nearly zero energy buildings’ (nZEBs) has been introduced and clearly defined [1].NZEBs should combine the use of renewable energy systems with the best available energy efficiency strategies to minimize the building energy consumption [2]
During recent decades, the energy demand grew exponentially
In order to find a good compromise between the heating and cooling seasons, shading systems play a fundamental role in the management of solar radiation and the selection of suitable screens should take place at an early stage of the design process, since it significantly affects the energy balance of the building
Summary
The energy demand grew exponentially. The energy consumption in the building sector accounts for 40% of the whole energy demand in Europe, and this value is expected to increase due to the higher comfort levels required, if mitigation strategies are not implemented.In this context, the concept of ’nearly zero energy buildings’ (nZEBs) has been introduced and clearly defined [1].NZEBs should combine the use of renewable energy systems with the best available energy efficiency strategies to minimize the building energy consumption [2]. The energy consumption in the building sector accounts for 40% of the whole energy demand in Europe, and this value is expected to increase due to the higher comfort levels required, if mitigation strategies are not implemented. In this context, the concept of ’nearly zero energy buildings’ (nZEBs) has been introduced and clearly defined [1]. In order to find a good compromise between the heating and cooling seasons, shading systems play a fundamental role in the management of solar radiation and the selection of suitable screens should take place at an early stage of the design process, since it significantly affects the energy balance of the building. An analysis carried out by Friess et al [7] in hot climatic conditions confirms the importance of an ’energy-optimized structure’, showing the possibility of 20% energy savings through a proper building orientation and thermal
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