Design optimization of daylight roofing systems: roof monitors with glazing facing in two opposite directions

This research focuses on design optimization of roof daylighting systems in office buildings.  The optimization is based on computer simulation of daylighting and overall energy performance. This research builds on previous work published by the authors that discussed design issues for skylights to increase the potential electric light saving through the use of daylight. This study extends the previous work to investigate roof monitors with vertical apertures facing in two opposite directions (north-south). The purpose is to evaluate daylighting performance of roof monitors and account for the associated thermal impacts, specifically the effect of solar radiation gains on heating and cooling loads of the building. This paper attempts to provide design suggestions for roof monitors, provide optimization information for aperture sizing and spacing, and report savings in energy consumption and operation costs in two distinct climates.