The complex fenestration construction: A practical approach for modelling windows with shading devices in ESP-r

The use of operable shading devices impacts building loads significantly. The need exists for an explicit treatment of window shading devices in the design of energy-efficient buildings through simulation. A general framework for modelling complex fenestration systems, the Complex Fenestration Construction (CFC), has recently been implemented in ESP-r. The underlying models have been developed with emphasis on computational efficiency and straightforward input requirements. The capabilities are summarized, and an overview of the solar-optical and thermal models is given. Simulations were carried out comparing the CFC in ESP-r to slat-type blind models in EnergyPlus. The results show good agreement between the two simulation programs. Work is ongoing to expand the types of shade layers available with the CFC.