Enhancing Daylight and Energy Efficiency in the Architecture Studio by Designing Light Shelves and Windows with Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization

Sharifian, Zahra; Dehghan, Narges; Hamzenejad, Mahdi; Zomorodian, Zahra S.

doi:10.22034/ijumes.2024.2030311.1217

Enhancing Daylight and Energy Efficiency in the Architecture Studio by Designing Light Shelves and Windows with Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization

Document Type : Case Study

Authors

Zahra Sharifian ¹

Narges Dehghan ²

Mahdi Hamzenejad ³

Zahra S. Zomorodian ⁴

¹ Ph.D. candidate, Department of Architecture, Advancement in Architecture and Urban Planning Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Advancement in Architecture and Urban Planning Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Dean of School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran.

⁴ Assistant Professor, Department of Building Science, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Design, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/ijumes.2024.2030311.1217

Abstract

Designing and implementing effective daylight systems and windows is crucial. To improve occupants' visual comfort and energy efficiency in various orientations and climates, it is crucial to solve the optimization process and combine optimal design parameters for window and light shelf systems. This study proposes a methodology that combines parametric design, sensitivity analysis, and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II) NSGA-II (to optimize light shelf and window design across various parameters and ranges to provide optimal design solutions. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the influence of the parameters of light shelves and windows on energy performance and visual comfort. Based on the results of sensitivity analysis, WWR (among the window variables) and exterior angle and exterior depth (among the light shelf variables) are the most critical parameters for the objectives, and other parameters have different effects. Afterward, a multi-objective optimization was applied for the optimal design of windows and light shelves. According to the results, considering the light shelf on the base model, a 25% increase in energy efficiency, a 37% increase in useful daylight illuminance, and a 90% reduction in annoying glare in the space were achieved. It should be noted that these results are based on comparing the best non-dominant solutions' metrics with the base model's metrics. Further work is suggested to explore additional optimization objectives, including natural ventilation, cost, and thermal comfort in the presence of a light shelf, as well as attention to the aesthetic aspects of the presence of the light shelf on the window.

Keywords

Daylight availability

Energy performance

Light Shelf

Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II

Optimization

Sensitivity analysis

Window variables

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