Mediating Heat and Light: A Visualization-based Tool for the Analysis and Development of Dynamic Shading Control Protocols

Operating Dynamic Shading Systems (DSS) is often an ill-defined task since it requires pondering design criteria that are often at odds with each other, e.g., visual comfort and building energy-efficiency. This work proposes a co-simulation approach to efficiently analyze the impact of controlling DSS in the daylight and the energy performance of indoor spaces to address this difficulty. The proposed workflow uses advanced daylight and building energy simulation tools to enable comprehensive comparative analyses by post-processing simulation output through queryable visualizations. Additionally, the approach allows designers to create or refine DSS control strategies by manipulating visualizations of hourly DSS operation schedules. The authors tested the workflow in designing and controlling a DSS in three different climates: a temperate, a hot, and a very cold climate. The proposed approach delivered valuable insights about the complex tradeoffs that emerge from controlling DSS.