by Germán Molina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile

Studies show that shading devices have a positive impact on the energy performance of buildings and in the visual and thermal comfort of their interior spaces. However, such systems are classified as Complex Fenestration Systems (CFS), which usually present very complex optical properties, making them very hart to model within energy performance and lighting simulations. In the last few years, using the concept of Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function (BSDF), different software have been provided with modules that allow modeling them more accurately, taking into account their complex optical behavior.

Since CFS are installed for providing simultaneous enhanced lighting and thermal environments, performing integrated simulations between those two domains is a necessity. Also, since shades and luminaires of the building will be handled by occupants and/or automatic systems, simulation not only has to be integrated, but also has to involve control. The purpose of this thesis is to advance in the development of a tool that allows performing integrated lighting/thermal analysis of spaces with controlled CFS and artificial lighting. According to this, it was concluded from the literature review that the assessment of the solar BSDFs of CFS, and the implementation of a methodology for performing integrated analysis are crucial steps in the process, and required simplification.

This thesis shows, comparing results with analytical solutions, that genBSDF tool is capable of assessing solar BSDFs of CFS. Also, the development of a new program, mkSchedule, is explained. This program intends to simplify and improve the integration of lighting and thermal software. Finally, a design methodology is proposed. This methodology allows performing integrated lighting and thermal analysis of spaces with controlled artificial lighting and CFS. Even more, it allows designing not only the building itself, but also the CFS, the artificial lighting and the control algorithms. The thesis is closed with an analysis of a simple case study.

The full thesis is available here.