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EnergyPlus method to model horizontal insulating curtains

I would like to model, preferably in EnergyPlus, horizontal black out insulating curtains in a greenhouse application.

To me this is an interesting modelling challenge as it creates a space with a vaulted ceiling going from essentially from 1 zone to 2 zones when the horizontal curtains at the roof hip level are closed with the interface having a U-value step change. Since these curtains are horizontal and the roof is sloping, they are not parallel to the glazing. The curtains would be controlled by a time of day schedule as a function of sunrise, sunset.

In the same application, I will model horizontal reflective curtains, which are also not parallel to the roof glazing using the EnergyPlus daylight algorithm.

Your suggestions are most welcome.

RCulham's avatar
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RCulham
asked 2018-05-09 07:29:43 -0500, updated 2018-05-10 11:38:34 -0500
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2 Answers

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Review the WindowProperty:ShadingControl object inputs, which should have the capability you are looking for.

ericringold's avatar
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ericringold
answered 2018-05-09 09:35:56 -0500
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The primary parameter in this Greenhouse is the lighting level as opposed to the potential energy savings of the horizontal back out insulating curtains. Horizontally splitting the space in two zones under black out insulating curtains would affect the control function of the day light sensor in the primary growing space below the hip in the roof. An interim solution is to simplify model and use the WindowProperty:ShadingControl object as suggested by Eric Ringold

RCulham's avatar
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RCulham
answered 2018-05-15 21:05:59 -0500
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did you ever find a more appropriate solution than the interim technique obtained with a single zone and the WindowProperty:ShadingControl object? i'm looking to simulate the same situation, 3 years later. thanks!

umop-3pisdn's avatar umop-3pisdn (2021-06-15 15:36:09 -0500) edit

Hello umop-3pisdn. I only had one project where in I required horizontal black out insulating curtains. This could be a feature request for the development team to consider. Regards, RCulham

RCulham's avatar RCulham (2021-06-16 17:43:47 -0500) edit
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