Solar heated and daylit offices: Design study

Abstract

A design study has been undertaken to determine the perfomance of solar heated and daylit office buildings under the climate of the United Kingdom. The simulation study used data from three years which consisted of hourly horizontal global and diffuse irradiation, ambient temperature and wind speed for four sites. The sites considered were Easthampstead (England), Aberporth (Wales), Eskdalemuir (Scotland) and Aldergrove (Northern Ireland). The simulation procedure utilises the latest available models for vertical surface solar irradiation, daylight, wind-conductance, comfort, energy-exchange and energy-saving measures. The study shows that 50-60 per cent savings may be achieved in the primary electrical consumption by exploiting daylight potential. The solar gains in conjunction with the occupancy and equipment gains were found to be adequate for most of the space heating requirements. The study also quantifies the significant reductions in electric lighting consumption by proper design and the use of dimming controls over simple time-based controls.