Performance of shading device in classrooms of Zero Energy Building in Singapore

Abstract

Zero Energy Building (ZEB) of Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Academy in Singapore is a retrofitted building with different green building design features and technologies, used as a test-bed for innovative building designs and energy efficient building solutions, especially for existing buildings. The building has air-conditioned office space and naturally ventilated classrooms, with existing building orientation of east and west and main functioning rooms face the west. Several passive design strategies were installed to minimize the impact of the solar radiation from the west and to be more energy efficient. The paper focused on the performance of different configurations of shading device in reducing heat again under afternoon sun for the west facing naturally ventilated classrooms. Field physical measurements were conducted to compare the space with and without the shading device. The study found out that the performance of 4-panel configuration was more efficient than complete setting configuration in reducing heat gain into the building.