Multi-Objective Optimization of Daylight Performance and Thermal Comfort of Enclosed-Courtyard Rural Residence in a Cold Climate Zone, China

Abstract

This study explored the daylight performance, thermal comfort, and energy-saving level of enclosed-courtyard rural residences with covered roofs in a cold IIA region of China. Using daylight autonomy (DA), annual mean value of PMV (AUMPMV), and total energy consumption of heating, cooling and lighting (Ehcl) in a performance evaluation index, a courtyard roof was optimized in a multi-objective fashion and analyzed for its effect on residential performance. This was achieved through field investigation and mapping, setting the prototype building model in the Rhino platform, and carrying out the iterative optimization design of the roof with a Ladybug tool component. The results show that appropriate roof form can significantly improve daylight performance, thermal comfort, and energy savings. Compared to the open-courtyard rural residence prototype model, the spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) of a flat-skylight-enclosed-courtyard residence decreased by only 0.94%, and AUMPMV improved significantly from −0.774 to 0.87. The Ehcl decreased by 19.7%, and compared with setting a large area of flat skylights on the roof, a reasonable clerestory window roof can achieve better residence performance.