Multi-Objective Optimization for Cooling and Interior Natural Lighting in Buildings for Sustainable Renovation

Silvia Ruggiero, Marco Iannantuono, Anastasia Fotopoulou, Dimitra Papadaki, Margarita Niki Assimakopoulos, Rosa Francesca De Masi, Giuseppe Peter Vanoli and Annarita Ferrante
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Silvia Ruggiero: Department of Engineering (DING), University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
Marco Iannantuono: Department of Architecture (DA), University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
Anastasia Fotopoulou: Department of Architecture (DA), University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
Dimitra Papadaki: Group of Building Environmental Studies, Physics Department, University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
Margarita Niki Assimakopoulos: Group of Building Environmental Studies, Physics Department, University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
Rosa Francesca De Masi: Department of Engineering (DING), University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
Giuseppe Peter Vanoli: Department of Medicine and Health Sciences-Vincenzo Tiberio, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
Annarita Ferrante: Department of Architecture (DA), University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-22

Abstract: In order to achieve the ‘nearly zero-energy’ target and a comfortable indoor environment, an important aspect is related to the correct design of the transparent elements of the building envelope. For improving indoor daylight penetration, architectural solutions such as light shelves are nowadays commercially available. These are defined as horizontal or inclined surfaces, fixed or mobile, placed on the inner and/or the outer side of windows, with surface features such to reflect the sunlight to the interior. Given the fact that these elements can influence different domains (i.e., energy need, daylighting, thermal comfort, etc.), the aim of this paper is to apply a multi-objective optimization method within the design of this kind of technology. The case study is a student house in the University of Athens Campus, subject to a deep energy renovation towards nZEB, under the frame of H2020 European project Pro-GET-onE (G.A No 723747). Starting from the numerical model of the building, developed in EnergyPlus, the multi-objective optimization based on a genetic algorithm is implemented. The variables used are various light shelves configurations by differing materials and geometry, as well as different window types and interior context scenarios. Finally, illuminance studies of the pre- and post-retrofit building are also provided through Revit illuminance rendering.

Keywords: light shelves; energy saving; daylighting; dynamic simulations; EnergyPlus; parametric modelling; BIM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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