Heating, Cooling, and Lighting Energy Demand Simulation Analysis of Kinetic Shading Devices with Automatic Dimming Control for Asian Countries

Kinetic shading devices have recently been introduced for energy-saving and for their innovative appearance. Quantifiable research on kinetic operation systems is necessary to evaluate their applicability in a specific region. This study developed a theoretical methodology for producing an optimal positioning algorithm targeting minimizing total energy demands of kinetic shading devices; the control algorithms for hourly operation were tested through a combined analysis framework of energy performance simulations and spreadsheet analysis. Two common types of external shading devices, vertical-folding and horizontal-rotating types, were simulated in three Asian cities with different climate conditions. Automatic kinetic operation with a consequential dimming control was simulated on the east, south and west facade of an office building, selecting the optimal position every hour based on total energy demand for heating, cooling, and lighting. Comparative simulation analyses for kinetic operation and fixed shading demonstrated that the energy saving potential of fixed shading was greater than that of kinetic operation shading. Kinetic operation was the most applicable in Seoul, where seasonal optimal operation was required for both types of kinetic shadings. In Abu Dhabi and Hanoi, cooling and lighting energy demands were balanced every hour through kinetic operation. Rotating-type kinetic operation in these two regions resulted in better energy-saving performance. The operation frequency pattern of rotating-type kinetic shading provided more active operation and consequent outperformance over the folding-type.