The design and testing of a daylighting device : optimising the energy and optical performance of Australian commercial buildings

摘要: The effective daylighting of multistorey commercial building interiors poses an interesting problem for designers in Australia’s tropical and subtropical context. Given that a exterior receives adequate sun skylight as dictated by location-specific factors such weather, siting external obstructions; then the availability daylight throughout its interior is dependant on certain characteristics: distance from window facade (room depth), ceiling or head height, size visible transmittance apertures. general stock, buildings made difficult their design limitations with respect to some these characteristics. admission usually exclusively vertical windows. Using conventional glazing, windows can only admit depth approximately 2 times height. This penetration typically much less than office interiors, so core areas receive little no daylight. issue particularly relevant where deep, open plan layouts prevail. resulting pattern relatively narrow perimeter zone bathed (sometimes too intense) light, contrasted poorly daylit zone. broad luminance range this may present occupant’s visual field be source discomfort glare. Furthermore, need most regions restrict solar heat gains year has resulted widespread use heavily tinted reflective glazing facades. strategy reduces amount radiation admitted interior, thereby decreasing levels proportionately throughout. However technique does improve way light distributed space. Where clear skies dominate weather conditions, at different day direct sunlight pass unobstructed through causing disability glare occupants such, must appropriately controlled. Any system applied consider obstacles, attempt distribution sidelit spaces without conditions. research described thesis delineates first optimisation actual prototyping manufacture process device environments.