De Luca, F., Kiil, M., Simson, R., Kurnitski, J. and Murula, R., Building Simulation 2019 - 16th IBPSA International Conference and Exhibition, Rome, Italy, 2-4 September, pp. 3968-3975, 2019
Building interiors daylighting is a crucial aspect for occupant comfort and energy efficiency. St... more Building interiors daylighting is a crucial aspect for occupant comfort and energy efficiency. Standards and requirements exist to guarantee minimum levels of natural illumination in new buildings on the basis of different metrics. Some rely only on interiors static characteristics, others additionally take into account location climate. The main aim of the present study is to investigate the validity of the static Daylight Factor (DF) requirement of the Estonian daylight standard against more reliable climate-based daylight simulations using the approved method Spatial Daylight Autonomy. Results show the weakness of DF in predicting appropriate daylight availability of building interiors for the city of Tallinn. Evaluations of DF in relation to overheating regulation is also presented.
De Luca, F., Dogan, T. and Kurnitski, J., Symposium on Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design - SimAUD 2018, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands, 5-7 June, pp. 63-70, 2018
Daylight is of interest in architecture for two reasons: On one
hand it is appreciated and reques... more Daylight is of interest in architecture for two reasons: On one hand it is appreciated and requested to make the interiors of buildings pleasant and comfortable and to save energy for electric lighting and heating. On the other hand excessive direct solar exposure can cause occupant discomfort and harm the energy efficiency of buildings causing overheating during the warm season. In Estonia, a daylight ordinance establishes the minimum average Daylight Factor for residential buildings and an energy efficiency ordinance sets the maximum acceptable degree hours of overheating. The two requirements are potentially conflicting. The recent architectural trend in Estonia is to use very large windows in residential building design. Even in the Estonian heating dominated climate this causes overheating issues that lead to the previously mentioned regulations. This paper explores the relationship of opening ratios, daylighting and overheating potential analyzing 7812 design variants taking into account room, windows and external wall sizes, presence of shading or balconies and different types of ventilation. It is shown that the overheating potential can be contained and both requirements can be satisfied only using measures such as shading and ventilation.
Kiil, M., Simson, R., De Luca, F., Thalfeldt, M., Kurnitski, J., 1st Nordic conference on Zero Emission and Plus Energy Buildings, IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 352, pp. 1-7, 2019
Learning performance is strongly related to thermal comfort and lighting conditions
of classrooms... more Learning performance is strongly related to thermal comfort and lighting conditions of classrooms. Poor facade design can result in high indoor temperatures or insufficient access to natural light. To maintain the required temperatures and illuminance levels in such rooms may require intensive use of artificial lighting and active cooling systems, which are energy-intensive, costly to install, operate and maintain. The purpose of this study was to determine essential parameters and facade design options that ensure overheating prevention and fulfil daylight requirements in classrooms without mechanical cooling. The present study is based on simulations of a parametric room model with variable dimensions and orientations. Facade glazing solutions with optimal combination of solar factor and visible light transmittance were used to minimize overheating risk and maximize natural lighting impact. For east, south and west oriented facades, the effect of horizontal shading was also analysed. Overheating assessment through indoor temperature simulations was conducted with dynamic simulation software IDA ICE, daylighting was simulated with DIVA4 coupled with Grasshopper software. Results show that classrooms without mechanical cooling require in depth analysis to determine satisfying solutions for both overheating and daylighting criteria. The results of this paper can be used for early stage facade design guide for school buildings or similar use free-running buildings.
De Luca, F., Simson, R. and Kurnitski, J., CLIMA 2016 the 12th REHVA World Congress, Aalborg University, Denmark, 22-25 May, 2016
Artificial lighting is one of the major electricity consumers in many non-residential buildings. ... more Artificial lighting is one of the major electricity consumers in many non-residential buildings. Proper use of daylighting in retail buildings can reduce energy consumption effectively and additionally improve the quality of light and increase sales and worker's productivity. The present study analyses daylight potentials and energy performance using different configurations of skylights, deflectors, clerestories and lighting zones for a large space hall-type retail building located in the northern latitude and cold climate of Finland. The scope of the study was to determine the artificial lighting energy reductions for different combinations and the general impact of daylighting features on the energy performance of the building type. The results show electric lighting energy savings potential from a mere 4% in the case of single zone control with only clerestories, up to almost 60% in the case of multi-zone control with skylights, clerestories and without deflectors. The total delivered energy shows increase between 1% and 20% for the different configurations using single zone lighting control and from 6% increase to 4% decrease in cases with multi-zone control. The primary energy results showed up to 1% lower values for single zone and up to 17% lower values for multi-zone control variants. The outcomes of the research emphasize the potential of daylighting underlining the importance of reducing glare and of a correct lighting zones design which can increase the daylight performances of about 50%.
De Luca, F., Simson, R., Voll, H. and Kurnitski, J., Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 29(4), pp. 722-739, 2018
Purpose – Electric lighting accounts for a large share of energy consumption in commercial buildi... more Purpose – Electric lighting accounts for a large share of energy consumption in commercial buildings. Utilization of daylight can significantly help to reduce the need for artificial lighting, increase workers productivity, customers’ satisfaction and consequently improve sales. However, excessive use of glazing and absence of lighting controls can contribute greatly to higher energy need for heating and cooling and cause undesired glare effects. Thus, optimizing the size, position and materials of external glazing, with the addition of deflectors and dynamic artificial lighting, can become key aspects in the design of sustainable low energy buildings. The purpose of this paper is to analyze daylight potential and energy performance of a hall-type commercial building, situated in the cold climate of Finland, by utilizing different combinations of skylights, windows and lighting controls. Design/methodology/approach – The authors have used computer simulations to estimate daylight and energy performance of a single floor commercial building in relation to various combinations of skylights and windows with variable glazing materials, light deflectors and zonal lighting controls. Findings – The results show that electric light energy saving potential ranges from a negligible 1.9 percent to a significant 58.6 percent in the case of glass skylights and wall windows using multi-zone lighting control. Total delivered energy ranges between increase of 1.5 and 21.2 percent in the cases with single zone lighting control and between decrease of 4.5 percent and increase of 4.5 percent in the cases with multi-zone control. The highest decrease in primary energy consumption was 2.2 percent for single zone and 17.6 percent for multi-zone lighting control. The research underlines the significant potential of electric light energy savings using daylighting strategies that, including the control of direct solar access for glare and internal gains, can be more than 50 percent. Originality/value – This research combines accurate daylight and energy assessment for commercial hall buildings based in cold climate region with multiple design variations. The novelty of this work is the consideration of interior elements, shelves and deflectors, in the calculations. This is made possible through the combined use of validated simulation platforms for detailed annual daylighting and electric lighting calculation (Radiance and Daysim) and energy analysis (IDA-ICE, Equa Simulation AB). This method allows to obtain a reliable assessment of the potential of using natural light sources in buildings.
De Luca, F., Simson, R., Voll, H. and Kurnitski, J., Improving Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings and Smart Communities, ed. Bertoldi, P., Springer Proceedings in Energy, pp. 123-141, 2020
Electric lighting is one of the major factors for energy consumption of
buildings. The European D... more Electric lighting is one of the major factors for energy consumption of buildings. The European Directive 2010/31/EU states that from 31 December 2020 all new buildings will have to be nearly-Zero Energy Buildings, thus improving electric lighting energy performance is a key issue. The article presents a study and energy figures of power density and electric lighting annual consumptions for different types of buildings, office, commercial and educational, in the northern European country Estonia with the scope to quantify energy savings when using different types of high-efficiency luminaires, occupancy and dimming controls, lighting groups, and daylight contribution. The study has been conducted in relation to the energy performance regulation for new buildings in Estonia. The scope is to develop methods for electric lighting and daylight calculations to be used in compliance assessment with energy requirements. Using different validated software for electric light and daylight simulations the study analyzes three cases for office buildings, single office, open office and meeting room, and one case for both commercial and educational buildings. Results show that average installed power density can be as low as 3.17 W/m2 for office rooms, 3.22 W/m2 for commercial buildings and 2.09 W/m2 for classrooms. The reduction of energy consumption comparing tabulated values can be up 93.3% for office rooms. Also for commercial and educational buildings energy saving are consistent, up to 72.2% and 87.2% respectively. The article presents as well electric light and daylight model specifications and parameters and the different control settings and relative performance.
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hand it is appreciated and requested to make the interiors of
buildings pleasant and comfortable and to save energy for
electric lighting and heating. On the other hand excessive
direct solar exposure can cause occupant discomfort and
harm the energy efficiency of buildings causing overheating
during the warm season. In Estonia, a daylight ordinance
establishes the minimum average Daylight Factor for
residential buildings and an energy efficiency ordinance sets
the maximum acceptable degree hours of overheating. The
two requirements are potentially conflicting. The recent
architectural trend in Estonia is to use very large windows in
residential building design. Even in the Estonian heating
dominated climate this causes overheating issues that lead to
the previously mentioned regulations. This paper explores
the relationship of opening ratios, daylighting and
overheating potential analyzing 7812 design variants taking
into account room, windows and external wall sizes,
presence of shading or balconies and different types of
ventilation. It is shown that the overheating potential can be
contained and both requirements can be satisfied only using
measures such as shading and ventilation.
of classrooms. Poor facade design can result in high indoor temperatures or insufficient access
to natural light. To maintain the required temperatures and illuminance levels in such rooms may
require intensive use of artificial lighting and active cooling systems, which are energy-intensive,
costly to install, operate and maintain. The purpose of this study was to determine essential
parameters and facade design options that ensure overheating prevention and fulfil daylight
requirements in classrooms without mechanical cooling. The present study is based on
simulations of a parametric room model with variable dimensions and orientations. Facade
glazing solutions with optimal combination of solar factor and visible light transmittance were
used to minimize overheating risk and maximize natural lighting impact. For east, south and west
oriented facades, the effect of horizontal shading was also analysed. Overheating assessment
through indoor temperature simulations was conducted with dynamic simulation software IDA
ICE, daylighting was simulated with DIVA4 coupled with Grasshopper software. Results show
that classrooms without mechanical cooling require in depth analysis to determine satisfying
solutions for both overheating and daylighting criteria. The results of this paper can be used for
early stage facade design guide for school buildings or similar use free-running buildings.
Utilization of daylight can significantly help to reduce the need for artificial lighting, increase workers
productivity, customers’ satisfaction and consequently improve sales. However, excessive use of glazing and
absence of lighting controls can contribute greatly to higher energy need for heating and cooling and cause
undesired glare effects. Thus, optimizing the size, position and materials of external glazing, with the addition
of deflectors and dynamic artificial lighting, can become key aspects in the design of sustainable low energy
buildings. The purpose of this paper is to analyze daylight potential and energy performance of a hall-type
commercial building, situated in the cold climate of Finland, by utilizing different combinations of skylights,
windows and lighting controls.
Design/methodology/approach – The authors have used computer simulations to estimate daylight and
energy performance of a single floor commercial building in relation to various combinations of skylights and
windows with variable glazing materials, light deflectors and zonal lighting controls.
Findings – The results show that electric light energy saving potential ranges from a negligible 1.9 percent
to a significant 58.6 percent in the case of glass skylights and wall windows using multi-zone lighting control.
Total delivered energy ranges between increase of 1.5 and 21.2 percent in the cases with single zone lighting
control and between decrease of 4.5 percent and increase of 4.5 percent in the cases with multi-zone control.
The highest decrease in primary energy consumption was 2.2 percent for single zone and 17.6 percent for
multi-zone lighting control. The research underlines the significant potential of electric light energy savings
using daylighting strategies that, including the control of direct solar access for glare and internal gains, can
be more than 50 percent.
Originality/value – This research combines accurate daylight and energy assessment for commercial hall
buildings based in cold climate region with multiple design variations. The novelty of this work is the
consideration of interior elements, shelves and deflectors, in the calculations. This is made possible through
the combined use of validated simulation platforms for detailed annual daylighting and electric lighting
calculation (Radiance and Daysim) and energy analysis (IDA-ICE, Equa Simulation AB). This method allows
to obtain a reliable assessment of the potential of using natural light sources in buildings.
buildings. The European Directive 2010/31/EU states that from 31 December 2020
all new buildings will have to be nearly-Zero Energy Buildings, thus improving
electric lighting energy performance is a key issue. The article presents a study and
energy figures of power density and electric lighting annual consumptions for different
types of buildings, office, commercial and educational, in the northern
European country Estonia with the scope to quantify energy savings when using
different types of high-efficiency luminaires, occupancy and dimming controls,
lighting groups, and daylight contribution. The study has been conducted in relation
to the energy performance regulation for new buildings in Estonia. The scope is to
develop methods for electric lighting and daylight calculations to be used in compliance
assessment with energy requirements. Using different validated software for
electric light and daylight simulations the study analyzes three cases for office
buildings, single office, open office and meeting room, and one case for both commercial
and educational buildings. Results show that average installed power density
can be as low as 3.17 W/m2 for office rooms, 3.22 W/m2 for commercial
buildings and 2.09 W/m2 for classrooms. The reduction of energy consumption
comparing tabulated values can be up 93.3% for office rooms. Also for commercial
and educational buildings energy saving are consistent, up to 72.2% and 87.2%
respectively. The article presents as well electric light and daylight model specifications
and parameters and the different control settings and relative performance.