Determining a Practically Optimal Overhang Depth for South-Facing Windows in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Zone
Abstract
This study investigated the building energy, glare and daylight performance of overhang using building simulation software Energyplus in order to identify an optimal depth in hot summer and cold winter zone. A typical building with different window-to-wall ratios (WWR) was modeled and different overhang depths were considered. Results showed that the optimal overhang depths are 0.9m (WWR=0.15), 1.16m (WWR=0.3) and 1.62m (WWR=0.57), respectively. The total energy savings from overhang design can be ranging from about 3% to 24% depending on WWR and overhang depth. Moreover, the regression relationship between optimal overhang depth and WWR is given to help identify the best overhang dimension at the design stage. The potential energy saving performance for different WWRs then can be roughly inferred according to a total energy saving chart without building energy simulation. In conclusion, to be applicable in buildings, an overhang depth of 0.6-0.8m is suitable in this region since it has a balance in energy performance and aesthetic appearance.
Keywords
Citation
Yao, J. and Zheng, R.-Y. (2017), "Determining a Practically Optimal Overhang Depth for South-Facing Windows in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Zone", Open House International, Vol. 42 No. 2, pp. 82-88. https://doi.org/10.1108/OHI-02-2017-B0012
Publisher
:Open House International
Copyright © 2017 Open House International