Study of tubular daylight guide systems in buildings: Experimentation, modelling and validation

In a concerning global energy context, the construction industry must be able to respond both in terms of energy management and the comfort of its buildingsâ¿¿ occupants. In this context, innovative devices using daylighting can provide an obvious answer. The Tubular Devices Guide Systems (TDGS) are innovative daylighting processes based on light transport. They offer a real response to the diurnal energy consumption (frequently in tertiary). However, today's design will make tomorrow's building. This is why it is necessary to better adjust our prediction tools to optimize the use of these technologies and their coupling to active processes (artificial lighting). The literature reveals a disparity in performance prediction tools for light pipes. Two causes are targeted: the adjustment of semi-empirical models and their accuracy. This article offers some solutions to both problems. We propose a new form of model (improved accuracy) associated with a generalized modelling protocol (response to the adjustment) through a model generator named HEMERA. Our approach is organized around a Galilean sequence, i.e., we rely on observation and results of an experimental study in real weather conditions to better understand the phenomena and validate the developed model. Energy autonomy and user comfort in the building are at the heart of our concern, and we will provide evidence to validate the use of TDGS in buildings. In this context, we propose an energy equivalence between the light pipe and artificial lighting.