Control algorithm for dynamic solar shadings: A simulation study for office buildings based on ISO 52016-3

In 2019, the building sector was accountable for emitting 12GtCO2, equivalent to 21 % of global GHG emissions. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the building sector must change its pace. One of the ways to achieve this goal is through the installation of dynamic solar shadings in buildings. This study focuses on a single office in two locations characterised by a temperate climate: Liège (Belgium) and Milan (Italy). Two control strategies are designed for Venetian and Roller blinds, one with and one without glare evaluation. They both integrate horizontal illuminance, room occupancy, indoor operative temperature and vertical irradiance according to a multi-criteria approach based on ISO 52016-3. The control strategy aims to balance visual comfort, heating, artificial lighting and cooling energy needs and considers user satisfaction by evaluating the shading activation time. The control algorithms are applied and validated on a DesignBuilder shoebox model. Regardless of location, the control strategy that includes glare control improves the user's visual comfort in terms of light quantity and discomfort glare. However, a total annual energy needs increase is registered independently of the shading. Conversely, if glare is not included in the control strategy, control of thermal loads is observed. This work contributed to developing ISO 52016-3 shading control scenarios for offices and is intended for shading producers, solar shading associations, façade engineers, facility managers and the scientific community working on solar shading simulation and analysis.