Ayda Montaser, K and Heidari, S (2021) Optimizing window size by integrating energy and lighting analyses considering occupants' visual satisfaction. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 11(4), pp. 673-686. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to determine the approximate window-to-wall ratio (WWR), window width-to-height ratio (WHR) and sill level for a room in Rasht-Gilan province and to present an optimal window in each of the WWR ranges providing the minimum energy consumption by integrating artificial lighting and thermal analyses, whilst maintaining internal comfort conditions using dynamic evaluation. The process of modelling has four main steps: 1 - defining the building's features and requirements, 2 - validating input weather file data by on-site measurement, 3 - determining input parameters for the lighting and thermal analysis and 4 - clarifying variable parameters and fitness function for the optimization algorithm. Also, the survey study is performed in a daylit office room, in which 30 employees are employed to answer the questions in three different times of a day. In this process, the impact of daylight on their visual comfort is surveyed in 1,350 different illuminance levels which are manually recorded. The range of useful daylight illuminance (UDI) values is determined as 200-1,000 lux. The optimum range of WWRs in the case study is 15%-25%. Also, due to the appropriate window height, electric lighting could be decreased by 40%. Thermal and lighting performance in buildings is the relation of facade characteristics to environmental sustainability. Recent studies focussed on optimizing WWR and window characteristics considering thermal comfort and energy analyses. However, architects need freedom for designing façade and making decisions in their first sketches. Thus a guideline for optimum window conditions in each WWR is required. Also, considering occupants' behaviour in practical buildings, the visual comfort investigation is a gap in WWR optimization.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | useful daylight illuminance; window-to-wall ratio; energy consumption; architecture; sustainability; lighting; green buildings; ventilation; thermal comfort; climate; daylight; Iran |
| Index terms: | ventilation, survey, satisfaction, case study, illuminance, weather, environmental sustainability, thermal analysis, modelling, visual comfort, useful daylight illuminance, window-to-wall ratio, comfort, investigation, green building, energy analysis, architect, thermal comfort, optimization algorithm, window, energy consumption |
| Subjects: | air quality, data collection methods, profession, project delivery, analytical methods, energy systems, electrical systems, algorithms, energy efficiency, design practice, architectural elements, health safety and environment, building performance, occupational health and safety management, environmental engineering, engineering analysis |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Roles and Professions, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here