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A Review of Light Shelf Designs for Daylit Environments

Author

Listed:
  • Antonis Kontadakis

    (Department of Architecture, University of Thessaly, Pedion Areos, 38334 Volos, Greece)

  • Aris Tsangrassoulis

    (Department of Architecture, University of Thessaly, Pedion Areos, 38334 Volos, Greece)

  • Lambros Doulos

    (Department of Architecture, University of Thessaly, Pedion Areos, 38334 Volos, Greece
    Lighting Lab, National Technical University of Athens, Heroon Politechniou, 9, 15780 Athens, Greece
    School of Applied Arts, Hellenic Open University, Parodos Aristotelous, 18, 26335 Patras, Greece)

  • Stelios Zerefos

    (School of Applied Arts, Hellenic Open University, Parodos Aristotelous, 18, 26335 Patras, Greece)

Abstract

Light shelves have been discussed in numerous studies as suitable solutions for controlling daylight in side-lit spaces. It is a system that can be easily modified, offering a range of design solutions. It can be easily mounted on the exterior and/or the interior of a vertical opening, it can come in various shapes from static flat forms to curved reflective surfaces, or it can even be actively controlled. A light shelf can offer shading and at the same time can redirect a significant part of the incoming light flux towards the ceiling improving daylight uniformity. Due to the aforesaid functions, light shelves are among the most popular system design solutions when it comes to daylight exploitation. The purpose of this paper is twofold. Firstly, to present the main research findings in relation to light shelves as daylighting systems and secondly to analyze the results, trying to establish a common basis for some efficient and practical design rules. The present paper is a review of the research realized in the last three decades concerning these systems together with their associated implications in a building’s daylight performance as well as in its energy balance in a few cases. In addition, the critical review of their design principles is included, which makes the presented information useful for design teams trying to select the optimal available system for any specific project.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonis Kontadakis & Aris Tsangrassoulis & Lambros Doulos & Stelios Zerefos, 2017. "A Review of Light Shelf Designs for Daylit Environments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-24, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2017:i:1:p:71-:d:124739
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Littlefair, P.J. & Aizlewood, M.E. & Birtles, A.B., 1994. "The performance of innovative daylighting systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 5(5), pages 920-934.
    2. Gago, E.J. & Muneer, T. & Knez, M. & Köster, H., 2015. "Natural light controls and guides in buildings. Energy saving for electrical lighting, reduction of cooling load," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1-13.
    3. Al-Sallal, Khaled A., 2007. "Testing glare in universal space design studios in Al-Ain, UAE desert climate and proposed improvements," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 32(6), pages 1033-1044.
    4. Konstantoglou, Maria & Tsangrassoulis, Aris, 2016. "Dynamic operation of daylighting and shading systems: A literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 268-283.
    5. Wong, Ing Liang, 2017. "A review of daylighting design and implementation in buildings," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 959-968.
    6. Atkinson, Carol & Sansom, Chris L. & Almond, Heather J. & Shaw, Chris P., 2015. "Coatings for concentrating solar systems – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 113-122.
    7. Soler, Alfonso & Oteiza, Pilar, 1996. "Dependence on solar elevation of the performance of a light shelf as a potential daylighting device," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 8(1), pages 198-201.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mostafa Sabbagh & Siraj Mandourah & Raghda Hareri, 2022. "Light Shelves Optimization for Daylight Improvement in Typical Public Classrooms in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-16, October.

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