Development of a new control strategy for improving the operation of multiple shades in a solarium

The simulation model has then been used to perform annual simulations of an attached solarium for the location of Montreal, Canada. The year was divided in a heating mode and a mixed mode. During the heating mode (i.e. October through April), heating is provided to keep a minimum temperature of 10 °C and surplus heat is considered when the temperature reaches 28 °C. By using the proposed algorithm for the control of one interior and/or exterior shade(s) in the heating mode, heating requirements of the simulated solarium have been reduced by 3-9% and an additional 9-14% of surplus heat have been collected when compared to a control based on near optimum global horizontal solar radiation levels. During the mixed mode, thermal comfort can be improved significantly (+1822 h) when the interior shade is controlled with the proposed algorithm.