Work

Horizontal light pipe system for daylight optimization in deep-plan library spaces in a tropical climate

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Deep-plan library spaces typically suffer from poor daylight penetration to the core, which reduces visual comfort and increases dependence on artificial lighting. Horizontal Light Pipes (HLPs) are a passive daylighting system that captures daylight through an inlet and transports it through a reflective pipe before distributing it into the interior. This research examines the performance of HLPs in the second-floor reading room of the BUET Central Library, a typical institutional building in a tropical climate. Field measurements of illuminance were carried out to record existing conditions and were later used to validate ClimateStudio simulation results. A Rhino/Grasshopper parametric workflow defined six HLP geometry variables and generated different HLP configurations for ClimateStudio analysis. Multi-objective optimization was performed using the Octopus plug-in to identify the most effective solutions, evaluating 1,100 genomes. Data export and organization were managed through the TT toolbox, and results were analyzed using statistical methods and cross-checked with Design Explorer. Performance was evaluated using daylighting and energy metrics such as spatial daylight autonomy (sDA), annual sunlight exposure (ASE), mean illuminance, and energy use intensity (EUI). Compared with the base case (sDA 38.4%, ASE 3.4%, mean illuminance 393 lux, EUI 83.17 kWh/(m2y), HLP integrated optimized models achieved sDA 77.33~80.12% and ASE 0.62~0.93%, with mean illuminance 760~880 lux and EUI 71.02~71.13 kWh/(m2y), showing significant improvement over the base case. These results suggest that HLPs can provide better daylight distribution and reduce energy usage in deep-plan libraries. According to the study, HLPs have the potential to be a practical strategy for improving daylight performance in tropical academic buildings.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17347449

Authors: Noor, Ridwan, JOARDER, MD ASHIKUR RAHMAN

Institution: Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Building Energy and Comfort Optimization

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7090936339

FWCI:

Cites:

Cited by:

Related to: