Skylight design performance evaluation method development with thermal and daylight simulation

This paper presents a methodology for optimizing skylight design with the considerations of thermal comfort, daylight availability and energy performance by integrated daylight and thermal simulation. Dynamic thermal modelling programmed IES<VE> and daylight simulation engine Radiance are used as simulation tools to study energy performance of a shopping mall atrium with a skylight on the roof top located in Hangzhou, China. The sensitivity of design options, such as skylight types, shading devices and glass configuration selection etc., on lighting and cooling energies are compared based on the simulation results. Separated roof light design with double low-e glazing is with the best energy performance. Energy performance comparison chart (S-chart) for skylight design option evaluation is then developed based on the simulation results for this study. This chart can be used as a fast check tool to guide energy efficient skylight design and to support a quick design assessment for designers in various design stages.