Comparison of control parameters for roller blinds. (15th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alkhatib, H.; Lemarchand, P.; Norton, B.; O'Sullivan, D.T.J.
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 256(2023)
• Page Start: 110
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2023-05-15
• Subjects: Roller blinds -- Adaptive facade -- Building energy efficiency -- Visual comfort -- Control optimisation; CO2 Carbon dioxide -- HVAC Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning -- Met Metabolic equivalent task -- DG Double-glazed; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2023.03.042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: Detailed simulation methodology benchmarks previous and future studies on adaptive building facades. The most effective control parameter(s) to control roller blinds were identified in terms of energy needs and comfort. Controlling roller blinds using indoor temperature resulted in the least energy needs. Roller blinds provided 15.8% to 45.2% energy savings and 51.4% daylight discomfort reduction. Control with more than one control parameter only slightly enhanced energy savings and reduced daylight discomfort. Abstract: Roller blinds can reduce the heating and cooling building energy consumption required to maintain thermal comfort. The effectiveness of roller blinds is influenced by the strategies and input parameters for their control. This study is the first to identify the most effective of seven alternative control parameters to control roller blinds. It further defines the benefits from using paired control parameters to maximise energy savings and optimise occupants' comfort. For the particular case studies and conditions examined, it is concluded that operating roller blinds using indoor air temperature as a single control parameter with rule-based controller provided, 16 %, 19 % and 45 % in heating, cooling and lighting energy savings in Dublin, Berlin and Madrid respectively compared to a window without roller blinds, with an average 51 % daylight discomfort reduction. Using both internal temperature and outdoor ambient temperature to control the roller blinds had little effect on energy need, with only a further 0.6 %, 0.5 % and 0.3 % energy savings and an average of 2 % reduction in daylight discomfort achieved compared to using solely indoor temperature as the control parameter.