Investigating the Effect of Window Configuration on Visual Health Benefits and Energy Consumption in Educational Space

Introduction: In hot-arid climates, optimizing window design is crucial for balancing energy and visual comfort, which can affect environmental health and efficiency in educational buildings. Methods: A single south-facing classroom (۸ m × ۶ m × ۳ m) in Kerman was simulated using DesignBuilder software. Variables included Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR: ۱۰%–۶۰%), number of windows (۱–۵), and orientation (horizontal vs. vertical). Energy consumption (site, source, heating, cooling loads) and Daylight Factor (DF) were evaluated for ۶۰ models. Results: No model with ۱۰% WWR achieved the minimum required DF ( ≥ ۲%). With ۲۰% WWR, only ۱–۲ vertical windows met DF ≥ ۲%, with ۱ vertical window being optimal (the lowest source energy: ۳۷۶.۸۲ kW.h). With ۳۰% WWR, ۵ vertical windows were optimal (source energy: ۳۸۳.۸۶ kW.h, DF: ۲.۶۰۹%). With ۴۰% WWR, ۵ vertical windows performed best (source energy: ۴۰۲.۳۳ kW.h, DF: ۳.۹۶۵%). With ۵۰% WWR, ۴ horizontal windows were optimal (source energy: ۴۱۴.۴۱ kW.h, DF: ۲.۱۴۶%). With ۶۰% WWR, ۵ horizontal windows were optimal (source energy: ۴۲۹.۴۸ kW.h, DF: ۲.۵۶۶%). Cooling load had a greater influence on total energy consumption than heating load. Conclusion: In hot-arid climates like Kerman, vertical windows are more efficient at lower WWRs (۲۰%–۴۰%), while horizontal windows perform better at higher WWRs (۵۰%–۶۰%). The overall optimal configuration was ۲۰% WWR with one vertical window, providing minimal energy consumption, which creates environmental health in terms of daylight comfort.

کلیدواژه ها:

Daylighting ، Energy efficiency ، Window design ، Classroom ، Design builder