Towards the factory of the future: A new concept based on optimized daylighting for comfort and energy saving

A multidisciplinary concept for a factory of the future is presented, based on the integration of different needs: logistics of internal spaces (interaction between directional and production areas, modularity of spaces to allow future expansions/contractions), use of a prefabricated steel structure, environmental quality for occupants and energy sustainability. Great importance was attributed to daylighting and view out to enhance the comfort and reduce the energy use. A toplighting system was developed: this relies on a variable transparency roof with alveolar polycarbonate panels with five different light transmission properties. A luminous atrium was positioned at the core of the factory. The roof panels, the building layout and the daylighting analyses were optimized through a reiteration process carried out with a purpose-tool in Grasshopper. DIVA-for-Rhino and Daysim were used to calculate the daylight factor DF and climate based daylight metrics in building spaces, as well as the corresponding energy demand for lighting EDl. Results of the optimized solution were: DFm=4.75%; sDA300/50%=100%; UDI100-3000>80%; EDl=8.1 kWh/m2yr for an illuminance E=300 lx (16.3 kWh/m2yr for E= 500 lx).