Analyzing Shading Characteristics of Venetian Blinds Using the RADIANCE Program

Abstract

Venetian blinds are used with windows to improve the uniformity ratio of illuminance and interior daylighting distribution under direct sunlit conditions. The main objective of Venetian blinds shading system is to obstruct direct sunlight and at the same time allow daylight to penetrate into the room. Venetian blinds would have greater effect on the interior daylighting condition under clear sky which has both skylight and sunlight than overcast sky which has only skylight. However, due to the lack of data, design and evaluation tools, it is difficult for architects to choose or install venetian blinds during the building design stages. The purpose of this study was to develop an analysis method for shading and daylighting effects of Venetian blinds using the RADIANCE program. The major variables related to the venetian blinds included blinds`s slat angle and the ratio of slat width to window height, the radius slat of curvature and the building azimuth. In this study, a series of parametric physical mock-up model measurements and genblinds command in the RADIANCE simulations. The results of this study will provide building designers with the design data at early design stages