Passive shading strategies to reduce outdoor insolation and indoor cooling loads by using overhang devices on a building

Abstract

Solar radiation and insufficient shading on buildings during peak hours might increase outdoor insolation and indoor energy needs for cooling loads. Overhang device systems were designed to block subtropical solar radiation. Passive shading strategies help to decrease outdoor insolation, delaying the transfer of heat to the inside of the building and reducing the energy needs for meeting cooling loads. Eight computational 3D models of a building in Taipei City, one set in a base case scenario and the others in the application of seven overhang device systems, were examined by performing outdoor and indoor simulations. Results show that combined overhang device-single edge and layer (OD-SEL) system had the highest capacity for blocking total solar radiation during peak hours. Effectiveness was most significant on the 18th floor and gradually reduced as it approached the ground level. It was demonstrated that shading projected by OD systems on the outdoor areas of the building can lead to mitigation of the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon by decreasing the outdoor insolation ratings. Shade gained by use of OD systems on the outdoor areas and the envelope of the building can reduce the insolation ratings on the envelope, delaying the transfer of heat into the building. Gaining shade by using OD-SEL systems on the rooftop, walls and windows was the most effective passive strategy for removing indoor overheating, reducing the need for cooling loads. The savings achieved on cooling loads are representing energy savings for the air conditioning system.