The effects of shading devices on office building energy performance in Mediterranean climate regions

Abstract

Fixed shading devices (SDs) are still used as an essential and useful element in architectural design. Even with minor changes to be made when designing these devices, the energy performance of a building, especially in hot climate regions, can be significantly increased. In contrast to studies using one or a few parameters, this study aimed to make a comprehensive evaluation by considering more parameters simultaneously to determine energy-efficient fixed external SD scenarios that can be used in office buildings. This approach increases the accuracy of the results in terms of providing trade-offs. This study also aims to fill the gap of the research on SD strategies in Turkey. A total of 1485 scenarios were created with fixed external SDs (overhangs, horizontal and vertical louvers, and egg-crate variations) using the parameters of direction, glazing type, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), SD depth, and slope. Primary energy consumption values of all scenarios were calculated with the DesignBuilder software. Results were discussed according to the impact of each parameter on energy consumption and evaluated through descriptive statistical analysis. As a result, energy-efficient scenarios were determined. The best scenarios obtained for each SD type reduced the cooling energy consumption by between 37% and 49% compared to the no shading scenario using high-performance glazing type and by between 73% and 78% compared to the no shading scenario using low-performance glazing type. The total annual energy consumption was reduced by approximately 33% and 70%, respectively.