SKYMODE — Annual energy performance simulation model for skylights

Abstract

Computer program SKYMOD calculates energy credits and debits associated with the presence of skylights in a building. The calculations are performed for each hour in a year using typical weather data for each site of interest. The program includes the effects of skylight shutters, reflecting films, insulating panels, and automatic dimmers of the electric lighting system. The conversion efficiencies of the building's air cooling and heating systems are calculated and used in estimating energy savings. In addition to annual energy savings, the program calculates several indicators of the economic performance of the specified skylight system. The program was run for identical buildings in Caribou, Maine and Miami, Florida, both with and without a transparent insulating film and a reflective plastic film, respectively, present in the skylights. Results indicate that substantially greater energy and dollar savings are available in locations with moderate climates than in areas with harsh winters. It is also shown that seasonally removable window films and insulating panels can be quite effective in saving energy.