The impact of different solar passive systems on energy saving in public buildings and occupants’ thermal and visual comfort

Abstract

The annual solar gains in public buildings with large percentage of glazing can be shaped by different kinds of shading constructions and by glazing with proper spectral radiative properties. These properties can be obtained by covering panes with special spectral selective coatings or by use of tinted glass. Spectral selective panes enable control of solar gains in summer, reduce heat loss in winter, and reduce electric energy for cooling. These elements, except obvious influence on the annual heat balance of the building, have an impact on thermal and visual comfort parameters. The article presents selected results of the influence of horizontal overhangs and glazing with special spectral radiative properties on the annual thermal balance of analyzed buildings (computer simulations) and on thermal and visual comfort of the users (measurements). The measurements of the microclimate parameters show that it is impossible to maintain thermal comfort conditions during hot summer in natural ventilated buildings with high percentage of glazing without any additional appliances.