Energy savings

Why dynamic solar shading: ways to save energy

Creating sustainable, energy efficient buildings

The average outside temperature is increasing and there is a real risk of our buildings overheating. Managing energy consumption and creating more sustainable buildings is now a priority.

Effectively managing daylight has an important role and dynamic solar shading can help reduce energy costs for cooling and heating in buildings by up to 70%.

The benefits of a dynamic solution

Satisfying the first step of the Trias Energetica, dynamic solar shading can drastically reduce the need for active cooling and, through the optimization of daylight, also impacts on the use of artificial lighting.

The impact of this for energy savings is that the use of dynamic solar shading can reduce energy costs for cooling and heating in buildings by up to 70%.

The EPBD (European Performance Building Directive) recommends the use of dynamic solar shading as an energy-efficient solution.

The current situation
  • Buildings use about 30% of the world’s energy and in Europe, 40% of the total primary energy used is in buildings.
  • Buildings produce 20% of global CO₂ emissions
  • Two thirds of the energy consumption in buildings can be used by heating and cooling
  • Between 25 - 35% of electricity costs result from the use of artificial light.

The solar heat gain coefficient

The above graph shows a selection of glass specifications - featuring Single Clear, Double Clear and further adding various levels of selective coatings, showing the g and LT values for each glass type.

By using clear glass combined with dynamic solar shading you will be able to «open or close» the energy flow through the window according to what is required at any given time during the day, week, month or season. Manage heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter. You will also have a solution that can manage glare. This is the idea behind the "dynamic g value".

The value of flexibility...

The solar heat gain coefficient (g-value or SHGC) measures the solar energy transmittance through windows. The gtot value is the combined g value for a glass combined with solar shading.

The gtot (or gsystem) required in most buildings today needs to be as low as 0.10-0.15, which is far below what glass alone can provide.

By using non-coated clear, or even Low-Iron, glass combined with dynamic solar shading you will have the flexibility to change the gtot according to current needs and always be able to maintain the highest possible LT value (Light Transmission).

Ideally, the g value should be at a low in the summer to reduce heat gain and high in the winter to take advantage of a free source of heat.

This can be achieved by combining shading devices and choice of glass in a smart way in order to reduce the heating and cooling needs to the absolute minimum possible. You will soon realize the added value of flexibility compared with the static situation using glass alone. This is the basis of Dynamic Insulation™.

Contact us to learn more about the benefits of dynamic solar shading!

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Dynamic solar shading for commercial buildings

The building 'envelope', (the components that make up the shell or skin of the building) has both a structural and separation function. In short, it ensures the sturdiness of the building and forms a separation between the inside and the outside. It should also allow the entry and exit of air, light and moisture.

Therefore, in order to create the optimal indoor environment, the transmission of light and energy must be considered early in the process of the building’s design, when looking at factors like the overall environmental conditions, geographical location and the orientation of the building and its facades. By doing this, daylight levels can be maximized and controlled, whatever the location, season or time of day.

By positioning solar shading devices in accordance with the specific need at any given time, day or season, you can then manage the thermal exchange between the outside and inside of the building. It is important to note that this result can only be obtained by using a correctly programmed automated system.

Whatever the time, day or season

How it works:

In summer

Using data based on the sun’s position, in the summer months the shading is used to keep heat out as much as possible, preventing unwanted heat gains and helping reduce the amount of energy required for artificial cooling.

In winter

In winter, the shading is designed to let as much sunlight as possible in, capturing the solar heat gain and storing it in thermal mass, retaining it through insulation and transmitting it to the building as needed. This reduces the energy required for heating. And after sundown, you can close the shading to prevent heat loss.

Summary

Dynamic solar shading brings several benefits when planning your building project;

  • The ability to “right size” installed HVAC equipment
  • Increased occupant thermal and visual comfort
  • Allows for using less coated glass
  • Significant reductions of heat gain
  • Maximizes the use of natural daylight
  • Reduces the requirement/use of artificial lighting