Roller Shades and Automatic Lighting Control with Solar Radiation Control Strategies

Abstract

This paper presents the methodology and energy saving results from a study on the use of roller shades in commercial buildings using different solar radiation control strategies
and automatic lighting control. This study applies standard energy code-compliant doublepane windows across a variety of test parameters. A test private-office space was simulated
using the EnergyPlus energy simulation program in two different U.S. cities, one heatingand one cooling-dominated climate, with the windows facing each of the four standard
compass directions. The roller shades were operated with different solar radiation setpoint control strategies in an attempt to minimize total energy consumption. Impacts on lighting,
heating and cooling energy are separately reported. A guideline for effective use of roller shades and automatic lighting control using solar radiation control strategies in architectural
applications is also provided.