Co-Simulation and Validation of Automated Shading Devices using EnergyPlus and Radiance to Optimize Building Energy Use

Soham Vanage, Niraj Kunwar, Diba Malekpour, Kristen Cetin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Buildings in the U.S. are responsible for approximately 40% of energy and 70% of the electricity consumption. To address rising greenhouse gas emissions and climate changes, various studies have explored strategies to reduce energy consumption in buildings. One opportunity to improve the building envelope performance is through improvements to fenestrations, particularly complex multi-layer fenestration systems for exterior windows. Windows are the least thermally efficient of all components in a typical building envelope. Windows also permit solar radiation into a building, which significantly increases the building energy consumption during the summer season. Meanwhile, windows are necessary to provide occupants with natural light, a view to the outside, and to support productivity. Thus, there is a need to strike a balance between energy savings, and the thermal and visual comfort impacted by windows. Traditionally, shading devices are one method used to adjust the amount of heat and light entering an interior space. However, such shading devices are typically operated manually by occupants, and are seldom used effectively over time. Currently the building energy simulation program EnergyPlus, has limited capabilities to model shading devices, and more limited abilities to model dynamic fenestrations. In this study, thus, we propose to model and validate several types of automated multi-layer fenestration elements, using co-simulation of EnergyPlus and Radiance using laboratory-collected data. EnergyPlus was used to model energy consumption and thermal comfort while Radiance was used to model lighting levels. BCVTB was used to interface between EnergyPlus and Radiance to facilitate co-simulation. To validate the models, experimental data was collected from 5 illuminance sensors in an exterior office space located in a test facility in Ankeny, IA. This model methodology can be used to improve the flexibility and modeling capabilities of dynamic fenestration elements for building energy performance evaluation methods.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2022 ASHRAE Winter Conference
PublisherASHRAE
Pages305-313
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781955516068
StatePublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes
Event2022 ASHRAE Virtual Winter Conference - Virtual, Online
Duration: Jan 29 2022Feb 2 2022

Publication series

NameASHRAE Transactions
Volume128
ISSN (Print)0001-2505

Conference

Conference2022 ASHRAE Virtual Winter Conference
CityVirtual, Online
Period1/29/222/2/22

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 ASHRAE.

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