CH-24-C099 - Performance Evaluation of Interior Glare and Solar Heat Gain Shading Systems in Extremely Hot Climates Zone

In extremely hot and humid climates, ASHRAE climate zone 0, mitigating unwanted solar heat gain and glare using interior shading systems are proven and highly recommended strategy for optimizing not only buildings energy performance, but also improving occupants’ comfort and productivity. A 13-floor, 775,000 ft 2 (72,000 m2) office building located in the city of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, uses extensive façade glazing to achieve visual comfort and daylight harvesting. However, during certain times of the year, excessive glare and solar heat gain build-up caused occupants discomfort in a few locations adjacent to the windows. As a mitigation measure, a new triple layered glare and solar heat gain protection roller blind was installed, and pilot tested at the east wing of the 7th floor. This paper provides details on the pilot testing design and measurements as well as explaining the effectiveness of the new system in eliminating the glare and decreasing the indoor temperature by 3 F - 10 F (1.8 C - 5.8 C). A computer building energy simulation software was used to model the entire building envelope showed 88% reduction in solar heat gain with a corresponding 30% AC power consumption reduction. A techno economic analysis yielded a simple payback of nearly 6 years. The information provided in the paper is indispensable for those who are engaged in the design and selection of energy efficient, cost-effective building fenestration solutions.