Simulation-based optimization for an origami-shaped canopy

Abstract

This study perceives the developing process of Simulation-based Optimization (SBO), using Octopus® for Grasshopper®. This investigation aimed to optimize an Origami-inspired canopy designed to admit solar radiation and daylight in transitional spaces. As optimization objectives, we employed the maximization of Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI). The method consists of shape optimization, considering the exclusion of non-robust parameters according to factorial analysis. The second step regards computational simulations for the admission of solar radiation and daylight performance within transitional spaces, followed by a comparative evaluation of the best solutions generated through the simulation process. We ran the simulations using Ladybug® and Honeybee® plugins. We simulated the canopy in three different transitional zones, which resulted in distinct shapes and performances. We adopted transitional spaces because they are neither indoor nor outdoor, and comfort standards are rarely evaluated. As the main results, the optimization generated maximum comfort of 93.75% for PET Percentage Time Comfortable and 93.8% for UDI for naturally conditioned spaces. These results denote that users are in thermal comfort for 93.75% of the time. For 93.8% of the evaluated time, illuminance levels are between 100 and 2000lx, and therefore in agreement with the recommended levels.

Keywords

• multicriteria design optimization
• transitional spaces
• octopus
• physiological equivalent temperature
• useful daylight illuminance