Comparison of Real-world Data with Simulated Results to Enhance Building Thermal Retention when using Shading Devices

Managing thermal loss is a key topic that needs further investigation as it has a direct link to reducing the energy load in buildings. One of these thermal loss management methods can be the use of shading devices. Dynamic thermal models normally used at the early stages of the building design can play an important role in the decisionmaking process regarding the use of shading devices. This paper presents the results of a real-world study assessing the potential of using a sealed cellular blind as a passive energy conservation method, where the real-world results are compared with the simulated results generated with EDSL Tas. During the real-world study, a positive impact of having blinds was seen whereby the window surface temperature increased and office heating energy consumption was lowered. EDSL Tas was able to predict a similar trend of results for the window surface temperature but not for the energy consumption. This was mainly due to the inability of the software in demonstrating the effect of infiltration of the blind.