Optimization of Window Design for Daylight and Thermal Comfort in Cold Climate Conditions

Tony-Andreas Arntsen and Bozena Dorota Hrynyszyn
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Tony-Andreas Arntsen: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, NTNU-Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Postboks 8900, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Bozena Dorota Hrynyszyn: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, NTNU-Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Postboks 8900, 7491 Trondheim, Norway

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 23, 1-17

Abstract: Window design affects the overall performance of a building. It is important to include window design during the initial stages of a project since it influences the performance of daylight and thermal comfort as well as the energy demand for heating and cooling. The Norwegian building code facilitates two alternative methods for achieving a sufficient daylight, and only guidelines for adequate indoor thermal comfort. In this study, a typical Norwegian residential building was modeled to investigate whether the criteria and methods facilitate consistent and good performance through different scenario changes and furthermore, how the national regulations compare to European standards. A better insulated and more air-tight building has usually a lower annual heating demand, with only a marginal decrease in the daylight performance when the window design is unchanged. A more air-tight construction increases the risk of overheating, even in cold climates. This study confirms that a revision of the window design improves the overall performance of a building, which highlights the importance of proper window design. The pursuit of lower energy demand should not be at the expense of indoor thermal comfort considering the anticipated future weather conditions. This study indicates that criteria for thermal comfort and daylight, if clearly defined, can affect the energy demand for heating and cooling, as well as the indoor climate positively, and should be taken into account at the national level. A comparison between the national regulations and the European standards was made, and this study found that the results are not consistent.

Keywords: energy optimization; daylight; thermal comfort; IDA ICE (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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