Optimum Overhang Geometry for Building Energy Saving in Tropical Climates

Abstract

In hot and humid climates, one draw back of using shading devices is the risk of reducing daylight level which in turn increases the use of artificial lighting. It is important to understand the magnitude of energy consumption for cooling and lighting when shading devices are adapted in order to propose optimum external horizontal shading strategies as design solutions. This study investigates the effect of six different alternatives of external horizontal shading devices on incident solar radiation, transmitted solar heat gains, natural-light penetration and energy consumption. The study was carried out using a standard, single fenestration perimeter office room in a typical high-rise office building. The investigation is conducted using eQUEST-3, which is a dynamic energy simulation program supported by DOE2.2 calculation engine. The results showed several optimum geometry of the external horizontal shading device depending on incident direct solar radiation, transmitted solar heat gains, natural-light penetration and energy consumption. This study concludes, considering the trade off between total heat gain and natural-light penetration to optimize the total energy consumption as the best option in designing external solar shading in hot and humid climates.