Optimization of windows for daylighting and energy consumption for south facade in office building in hot and dry climate of India

Abstract

The windows have a great influence on daylighting in the interior of the building and are considered as an important element for energy-efficient buildings. The size of the opening area, its orientation, and shading device affect the inside illumination. This study assesses the relation between heating, cooling, and daylighting and provides solutions for opening in an office building. The study focuses on the effect of changing Window Wall Ratio (WWR), sill level, window height, number of windows, glazing materials, and shading device on daylight in the built environment. The consequences of the two objectives, i.e., daylight and energy consumption are contradictory in terms of openings. Therefore, optimizing the window area is essential in low-energy buildings. Optimization has been done for the south facade by computer-generated models and simulations. This study covers the essential factors of daylight and energy, i.e., daylight autonomy, useful daylight illuminance, daylight uniformity, total load, and optimization of fenestration design.