Time: Wednesday, 24/Sept/2025: 11:00am - 12:30pm |
Location: Tchaikovsky |
Utilization of Passive Solar Energy in the Arctic: Glazed Balcony Coupled with Room Ventilation Unit
The Arctic University Of Norway
Previous studies have proved that glazed spaces can serve as climate buffer zones for buildings by absorbing solar energy, potentially enhancing thermal and energy performance. However, in the high north and Arctic regions, where sunlight distribution is uneven throughout the year, the performance of the glazed spaces remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the performance of the glazed balcony integrated with a room-based ventilation unit installed for buildings in the Arctic. It examines energy-saving potential, overheating risk, and hygrothermal behavior through field measurements and simulations. The findings indicate that the glazed balconies maintain higher temperatures than outdoor conditions all year round, with an average temperature difference of 2.4 °C. The thermal performance is particularly advantageous during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), when there is considerable heating demand, while sunlight is sufficiently available for utilization. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of ensuring adequate airtightness in the design to mitigate the risks of humidity and pollutant accumulation within the glazed space.
Development of GUI Image-Based Daylight Simulation Module for Human-Centered Daylighting
1School of Architecture and Building Science, Chung-Ang University, Korea; 2Department of Building Engineering, Concordia University, QC, Canada
Daylight and solar irradiance simulations are crucial for evaluating natural lighting, visual comfort, and solar exposure on building envelopes. Traditional sky models, such as the CIE and Perez models, have limitations in accurately representing real-world conditions, especially in urban environments. As an alternative, Image-Based Lighting (IBL) has been proposed to enhance realism and prediction accuracy by using measured luminance distribution images. However, conventional IBL simulations often rely on the RADIANCE command-line interface (CLI), which poses usability challenges. This study introduces a user-friendly IBL simulation workflow within the Rhino–Grasshopper environment, ensuring accuracy while simplifying the process. The workflow facilitates large-scale simulations and enables the use of HDR images for realistic lighting analysis. Preliminary tests show that the proposed method is robust, aligning well with baseline simulations. Future work includes creating a 3D luminance distribution model using stereo vision and integrating it with visual comfort metrics and real-time lighting control systems.