Optimisation methodology for the design of solar shading for thermal and visual comfort in tropical climates

The aim of this paper is to propose a methodology using simulation to help optimising the design of passive buildings through a comfort approach. The study will concentrate on the design of solar shading that plays an extensive role in tropical climates and that has a direct impact on the thermal and the visual comfort of the building users. Indicators to describe thermal and visual comfort are presented and parametric studies on the type and dimensions of the solar shades are developed with regard to their impact on the percentage of thermal comfort and the availability of daylight in the room. The methodology, based on a multi-physics approach, is innovative as it concerns the optimisation of the passive behaviour of the building (as opposed to the conventional approach incorporating the energy use) and because it involves the coupling of the thermal and the visual comfort of the building users.