A novel experimental approach to achieve optical properties of algae panels improving visual-thermal comfort in office buildings
This research paper explores how microalgae photobioreactor panels (PBR) impact daylight performance and visual comfort in office buildings. It merges experimental testing and computational simulation to investigate the effects of spirulina platensis microalgae in PBR panels on daylight measurements...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Solar Compass |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772940025000116 |
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| author | Fatemeh Delkhosh Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad Ali Goharian Christian Hepf Thomas Auer |
| author_facet | Fatemeh Delkhosh Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad Ali Goharian Christian Hepf Thomas Auer |
| author_sort | Fatemeh Delkhosh |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This research paper explores how microalgae photobioreactor panels (PBR) impact daylight performance and visual comfort in office buildings. It merges experimental testing and computational simulation to investigate the effects of spirulina platensis microalgae in PBR panels on daylight measurements and glare potential. Most building-related simulations do not utilize the actual radiance properties of microalgae. The novelty of this research lies in highlighting a specific framework to obtain the most accurate optical properties in simulation techniques, including specular transmittance, specular reflectance, diffuse transmittance, and diffuse reflectance. Additionally, it addresses simulation troubleshooting and the lack of information in previous research while simplifying changes in algae concentration. This approach aims to achieve a numerical ratio of the daily increase in microalgae concentration and the decrease in transmitted light, thereby addressing an important gap. A state-of-the-art approach is developed to create a comprehensive framework for transferring all optical properties from experimental data to simulation, maximizing the accuracy of results and the performance of spirulina microalgae. Using a ratio of 1:60 microalgae to water, 85 % of the space is glare-free throughout the year. After one day of growth, maintaining a constant microalgae-to-water density on the second day results in 95.5 % of the space being glare-free throughout the year. Both occupants on the second day of algae cultivation achieve visual comfort, characterized by imperceptible glare, consistently throughout the year. Considering that the density of the highest daylight efficiency was obtained on the first and second days of spirulina microalgae cultivation and the amount of glare was compatible with the occupant's eyes on the first day, so visual comfort can be provided to the residents without reducing the daylight efficiency. The study finds that PBR panels can effectively control glare, but their influence on daylight availability should be maximized. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8000282419e34cd3a2afa60e0ba72222 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2772-9400 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Solar Compass |
| spelling | doaj-art-8000282419e34cd3a2afa60e0ba722222025-08-20T03:48:14ZengElsevierSolar Compass2772-94002025-06-011410011610.1016/j.solcom.2025.100116A novel experimental approach to achieve optical properties of algae panels improving visual-thermal comfort in office buildingsFatemeh Delkhosh0Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad1Ali Goharian2Christian Hepf3Thomas Auer4Compu-lyzer Architecture Association, Highperformance Architecture Laboratory, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranChair of Building Technology and Climate Responsive Design, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, Arcisstraße 21, 80333 Munich, Germany; Corresponding author.Compu-lyzer Architecture Association, Highperformance Architecture Laboratory, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranChair of Building Technology and Climate Responsive Design, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, Arcisstraße 21, 80333 Munich, GermanyChair of Building Technology and Climate Responsive Design, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, Arcisstraße 21, 80333 Munich, GermanyThis research paper explores how microalgae photobioreactor panels (PBR) impact daylight performance and visual comfort in office buildings. It merges experimental testing and computational simulation to investigate the effects of spirulina platensis microalgae in PBR panels on daylight measurements and glare potential. Most building-related simulations do not utilize the actual radiance properties of microalgae. The novelty of this research lies in highlighting a specific framework to obtain the most accurate optical properties in simulation techniques, including specular transmittance, specular reflectance, diffuse transmittance, and diffuse reflectance. Additionally, it addresses simulation troubleshooting and the lack of information in previous research while simplifying changes in algae concentration. This approach aims to achieve a numerical ratio of the daily increase in microalgae concentration and the decrease in transmitted light, thereby addressing an important gap. A state-of-the-art approach is developed to create a comprehensive framework for transferring all optical properties from experimental data to simulation, maximizing the accuracy of results and the performance of spirulina microalgae. Using a ratio of 1:60 microalgae to water, 85 % of the space is glare-free throughout the year. After one day of growth, maintaining a constant microalgae-to-water density on the second day results in 95.5 % of the space being glare-free throughout the year. Both occupants on the second day of algae cultivation achieve visual comfort, characterized by imperceptible glare, consistently throughout the year. Considering that the density of the highest daylight efficiency was obtained on the first and second days of spirulina microalgae cultivation and the amount of glare was compatible with the occupant's eyes on the first day, so visual comfort can be provided to the residents without reducing the daylight efficiency. The study finds that PBR panels can effectively control glare, but their influence on daylight availability should be maximized.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772940025000116Microalgae spirulina panelHighperformance architectureOffice buildingDesignerly approachDaylighting experimentVisual-thermal comfort |
| spellingShingle | Fatemeh Delkhosh Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad Ali Goharian Christian Hepf Thomas Auer A novel experimental approach to achieve optical properties of algae panels improving visual-thermal comfort in office buildings Solar Compass Microalgae spirulina panel Highperformance architecture Office building Designerly approach Daylighting experiment Visual-thermal comfort |
| title | A novel experimental approach to achieve optical properties of algae panels improving visual-thermal comfort in office buildings |
| title_full | A novel experimental approach to achieve optical properties of algae panels improving visual-thermal comfort in office buildings |
| title_fullStr | A novel experimental approach to achieve optical properties of algae panels improving visual-thermal comfort in office buildings |
| title_full_unstemmed | A novel experimental approach to achieve optical properties of algae panels improving visual-thermal comfort in office buildings |
| title_short | A novel experimental approach to achieve optical properties of algae panels improving visual-thermal comfort in office buildings |
| title_sort | novel experimental approach to achieve optical properties of algae panels improving visual thermal comfort in office buildings |
| topic | Microalgae spirulina panel Highperformance architecture Office building Designerly approach Daylighting experiment Visual-thermal comfort |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772940025000116 |
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