Parametric modelling and simulation of an indoor temperature responsive rotational shading system design

Abstract

We present a digital design strategy for developing an intelligent rotational shading system responsive to changes in indoor temperatures. The strategy was first modelled with an Arduino-based physical prototype, identifying the concept of “mapping” between building indoor air temperature and rotational movement (angle) of external solar shading. A virtual parametric modelling approach was then followed to test three methods of mapping: linear, quadratic and logarithmic. The aim was to examine the performative differences exhibited by the three mapping methods in terms of the total comfort hours and estimated cooling energy demand during summer months. A typical cellular office in the Arts Tower of University of Sheffield was chosen for the parametric modelling (Rhino-Grasshopper) and environmental simulation (Honeybee-Ladybug) of horizontal and vertical rotational shading system design. The simulation shows that the horizontal shading system rotating according to the linear mapping methods achieve greater total comfort hours with lower cooling energy demand in the case of Arts Tower in Sheffield, UK.