Title: Measures to weaken the influence of solar radiation on peak cooling load in office buildings

Authors: Zhun Li, Changzhi Yang

Addresses: College of Civil Engineering, Hunan University, Hunan, China. ' College of Civil Engineering, Hunan University, Hunan, China

Abstract: Using the building energy simulation program EnergyPlus, the authors studied and analysed measures to weaken the influence of solar radiation on peak cooling load in office buildings. The peak cooling reduction effect on exterior wall outside surface solar radiant absorptance and different kinds of exterior window constructions were analysed by simulation. The results show that using a low solar radiant absorptance dope on the exterior wall of old buildings will have a good effect on peak load reduction. Its utilisation in new buildings also has a considerable effect. The results can offer important information to building designers.

Keywords: peak cooling load; exterior walls; solar radiant absorption; exterior window construction; EnergyPlus; solar radiation; office buildings; China; simulation; exterior windows; building design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2008.020737

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2008 Vol.6 No.5/6, pp.495 - 501

Published online: 13 Oct 2008 *

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