Optimised daylighting for comfort and energy saving for the factory of the future

A novel concept for a factory of the future is presented, based on the integration of different needs through a multidisciplinary approach: 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 the occupants, and energy sustainability. Daylighting was conceived as the driving force to optimise the project by enhancing the comfort and reducing the electricity use and is therefore presented in detail in the paper. A toplighting system was developed, consisting of a translucent roof with alveolar polycarbonate panel types with five different light transmission properties. Moreover, a luminous atrium was positioned at the core of the factory. Parametric daylighting analyses were run to optimize the transparency of roof panels and the layout of the building through a reiteration process carried out with a purpose-tool in Grasshopper. DIVAfor- Rhino and Daysim were used to calculate the daylight factor and some climate based daylight metrics in the building spaces, as well as the corresponding energy demand for lighting EDl. Main results of the optimized solution were: average daylight factor DFm=4.75%; useful daylight illuminance UDI100-3000>80%; EDl=8.1 kWh/m2yr for a workplane illuminance Ewp=300 lx.