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Genetic research

Researchers Develop Novel Folding Light Shelf System for Improved Daylighting and Energy Savings

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at the University of Tehran in Iran have developed a novel folding light shelf system that integrates reflectors, photovoltaic (PV) modules, and adaptive louvers to improve daylight distribution, minimize glare, and reduce energy consumption in office buildings. The system uses an advanced optimization approach, Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III (NSGA-III), to efficiently identify high-performance configurations with increased precision. The system's design variables include angle, width, distance, and the number of folds in the light shelf, along with the number of louvers. The optimization results demonstrate that the system achieved up to a 15% improvement in useful daylight illuminance (UDI) and a 16% reduction in cooling energy consumption. The PV modules generated 509.5 kWh/year, ensuring improved efficiency and sustainability in building performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed a novel folding light shelf system that integrates reflectors, PV modules, and adaptive louvers to improve daylight distribution and reduce energy consumption in office buildings.
  • The system uses NSGA-III optimization approach to identify high-performance configurations with increased precision.
  • The design variables for the system include angle, width, distance, and the number of folds in the light shelf, along with the number of louvers.
  • The system achieved up to a 15% improvement in useful daylight illuminance (UDI) and a 16% reduction in cooling energy consumption.
  • The PV modules generated 509.5 kWh/year, ensuring improved efficiency and sustainability in building performance.
  • The researchers employed Multi-Objective Optimization of a Folding Photovoltaic-Integrated Light Shelf Using Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III for Enhanced Daylighting and Energy Savings in Office Buildings.
  • The study was conducted by a team of researchers led by Tanin Cheraghzad, Faculty of Architecture, University of Tehran.
  • Collaborators on the study include Zahra Zamani, Mohammad Hakimazari, Masoud Norouzi, and Alireza Karimi.
  • The study provides new insights into building construction and energy efficiency.
  • The research was published in the journal Buildings, vol. 15, issue 16, 2025.

Statistics:

  • 15% improvement in useful daylight illuminance (UDI)
  • 16% reduction in cooling energy consumption
  • 509.5 kWh/year energy generated by the PV modules
  • The system is 15% more efficient in daylight distribution

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Study Results from University of Tehran Provide New Insights into Building Construction (Multi-Objective Optimization of a Folding Photovoltaic-Integrated Light Shelf Using Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III for Enhanced Daylighting and Energy Savings in Office Buildings). Life Science Weekly. September 9, 2025; p 5879.
  • Multi-Objective Optimization of a Folding Photovoltaic-Integrated Light Shelf Using Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III for Enhanced Daylighting and Energy Savings in Office Buildings. Buildings, 2025,15(16):2958. (Buildings - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/buildings).

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