Evaluation of thermal comfort conditions in community center in Pelotas, RS: simulation of changes in windows characteristics

This paper evaluates the influence of windows in thermal energy performance of a social interest bulding in Dunas District - Pelotas/RS,  analizing the performance for heating and cooling over the year. The original design was modeled and analized through the energy efficiency software “Design Builder” (v:2.3.5.036), considering different sizes of window openings - 12.5%, 20% and 45% of the floor area - and three types of sun protection - blinds, shutters and brises-soleil. The changes made in the sizes of the windows and in the type of sunscreens didn’t affect significantly the thermal-energy performance of the building. The results indicate that, in this case study, variations of other features of the building could possibly bring better results.