Parameterization and solar radiation simulation for optimization of a modular canopy

Abstract

This study perceives the developing process of a parameterization modeling in Grasshopper® for complex surfaces using building simulation, considering diffuse and beam radiation as the key-variables. The primary goal of this article is to create, simulate and optimize a modular, semi-opened canopy based in retro-studies of tree leaves as engineering structures. The method applied consisted of the definition of parameters and criteria for the optimization of the simulation process and was divided into three stages: a study of form, form parameterization, and simulation and optimization. Ladybug® for Grasshopper® plugin was used to carry out the simulations, and Octopus® was used as a motor for optimizing the final script. The object of study chosen was the process of creation of a canopy because, in hot and humid climates, such as in Brazil, the roofing areas are a critical part of the building envelopes that are highly susceptible to solar radiation and other environmental changes, thereby, influencing the indoor comfort conditions for the occupants. Although the final product was created for a specific climate zone, it can be applied to any other zones with a few changes in the parameters due to parameterization. As main results, the solar control devices contributed to a reduction of 86% of the annual average of hourly beam solar radiation while maintaining high levels of diffuse radiation.

Keywords

• Ladybug
• Pareto front
• Optimization based simulation.