THERMAL AND DAYLIGHTING PERFORMANCE OF AN AUTOMATED VENETIAN BLIND AND LIGHTING SYSTEM IN A FULL-SCALE PRIVATE OFFICE

Dynamic envelope/lighting systems have the potential to optimize the p erimeter zone energy balance between daylight admission and solar heat gain rejection on a real-time basis, and to increase occupant comfort . Two side-by-side full-scale offices in Oakland, California were buil t to further develop and test this concept. An automated venetian blin d was operated in synchronization with a dimmable electric lighting sy stem to block direct sun, provide the design workplane illuminance, an d maximize view. The research program encompassed system design refine ments, energy measurements, and human factors tests. In this study, we present lighting energy and cooling load data that were monitored in this facility over the course of a year. Significant energy savings an d peak demand reductions were attained with the automated venetian bli nd/lighting system compared to a static venetian blind with the same d immable electric lighting system. Correlations between key weather par ameters and cooling and lighting were used to illustrate how the dynam ic system was able to simultaneously achieve optimization between ligh ting and cooling end uses under the full range of weather conditions o f this sunny, moderate climate. Energy efficiency estimates were conse rvative since experience shows that conventional daylighting control s ystems and manually operated shading devices are rarely used effective ly in real world applications. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All righ ts reserved.