jaue2019-006: Daylight Performance of L-shaped Mini Louvers in Office Buildings

Abstract

Optimizing the use of daylight can save energy in office buildings since their main operating hours is during the 
day. There is an opportunity to expand the use of common building materials such as L-shaped aluminum 
extrusions. L-shaped aluminum extrusions have wide variety of use, from structural framing, decorative moldings 
to countertop edging in furniture. Rather than using L-shaped aluminum extrusions in common ways, this paper 
examines the use of L-shaped aluminum profile as mini louvers for shading device. Different L-shaped mini 
louvers’ designs are simulated to compare the effectiveness of louvers proposed designs. Larger shading device is 
also simulated to compare the performance. Computer simulations are executed in Rhinoceros and its plugins 
Grasshopper. Grasshopper use Daysim, which is widely used in daylight research. Six different designs are tested 
using this computer software in four orientations. Three locations are selected: Tokyo in the north hemisphere, 
Singapore around equator, and Sydney in the south side of the world to observe louvers performance in different 
area. Simulation show indoor daylight distributions and levels using daylight factor, climate-based daylight 
autonomy and useful daylight illuminance. The results show that L-shaped mini louvers can provide satisfactory 
indoor daylight levels and visual comfort.