Abstract
In Europe, the building sector accounts for 40% on the final energy consumption. In order to achieve the EU energy saving and CO2 reduction target for the 2020 and 2030, a significant improvement of the building’s energy efficiency has to be fulfilled. The solar radiation management plays an important role in the reduction of building energy demand and improvement of occupants comfort. Complex Fenestration Systems (CFS) can be key devices for controlling solar radiation because of their influence on the thermal and optical aspects of light transmission. Such a system, combined with an adequate control strategy, have the potential to improve the influence of solar radiation on the building energy consumption and comfort. As a result, detailed thermal and visual models are required for a correct assessment of the performances of those systems within Building Simulation Performance (BSP) tools. The optical models of CFS have reached a high level of accuracy thanks to continuous development and validation work. Regarding thermal modelling, different detailed models already exist, but these have been tested and validated for standard systems. The validity of such models for more complex systems, such as high reflective lamellas, light redirecting system or ventilated cavities, needs to be investigated. Additionally, shading technologies are in continuous evolution, and standard procedures for generating input data for detailed thermal and daylighting models could not be adequate anymore.