Optimization of the Integrated Daylighting and Natural Ventilation in a Commercial Building

Integrating a building with a more efficient natural ventilation and daylighting system reduces the dependency on artificial lighting and HVAC systems that account for more than 50% of the total building energy. As commercial buildings are one of the main typologies of buildings that are largely dependent on active systems, maximizing the natural ventilation and daylighting potential can make the building more resilient. For this study, the atrium space, which forms a central connectivity point in a commercial space, is selected and optimized for maximum natural ventilation and daylighting while maintaining occupant comfort. A field study of an existing commercial building, similar to the proposed case, is conducted and data is collected for validation. A quantitative analysis is done to study the impact of various natural ventilation and daylighting strategies on indoor thermal and visual comfort through simulations. It is found that among the 11 design variables selected, the window-to-wall ratio and the type of glazing have the most impact on the daylighting and thermal comfort of the space. The opening schedule, vent area, and the size of the opening have the maximum impact on natural ventilation.