International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 02 | Feb 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Comparative Analysis of Louver and External Shading Systems for Energy Efficiency in Low-Income Housing Jay Prakash Mathiya1*, Ankit Goyal1, Sashi Kumar Jain1, Priyavrat Kumar1 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technocrats Institute of Technology and Science
Anand Nagar, BHEL Opposite Hathaikheda Dam, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462021 ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------enhance daylight penetration, and reduce dependence on Abstract - This study presents a comparative analysis of artificial cooling and lighting systems [1].
louver shading systems and external shading systems as passive design strategies for enhancing energy performance in low-income group buildings under varying climatic conditions. With growing emphasis on sustainable architecture and energy conservation, especially in economically constrained communities, shading systems offer a cost-effective solution for improving thermal comfort, reducing solar heat gain, and minimizing dependence on mechanical cooling. Louver shading systems—comprising horizontal, vertical, or diagonal slats—are orientation-specific and can reduce solar heat gain by approximately 55%, offering flexibility through adjustable configurations and low maintenance requirements. External shading systems, such as overhangs, vertical fins, and perforated screens, provide broader façade coverage and greater thermal performance, with heat gain reductions reaching up to 65%. These systems also enhance visual comfort and ventilation while contributing aesthetically to building design. Through a qualitative and data-driven comparison across key performance indicators—including shading effectiveness, cost, retrofitting adaptability, and ventilation potential—this research highlights the strengths and limitations of each system. The findings underscore the importance of contextual and climatic considerations in the selection and implementation of shading solutions, particularly in low-income housing, where affordability and energy resilience are critical. By leveraging appropriate shading strategies, architects and urban planners can significantly improve building performance and occupant well-being, contributing to more sustainable and inclusive urban environments. Key word: Methane micro-combustor, combustion, portable power generation.
Louvers are architectural elements consisting of inclined or horizontal slats, traditionally fixed or operable, that allow air and light to pass through while blocking direct sunlight and rain [2]. Widely used across cultures and climates for centuries, modern louver systems have evolved in design and function—from simple wooden slats in tropical vernacular homes to sophisticated, sensor-controlled devices in contemporary facades. The appeal of louver systems lies in their dual ability to reduce thermal gains during peak solar hours and to enhance visual comfort by diffusing daylight [3]. Studies show that external shading systems, such as louvers, can reduce solar heat gain by up to 80%, depending on orientation, material, and design configuration [4]. Unlike internal blinds, external louvers intercept solar radiation before it enters the building envelope, thus significantly reducing cooling loads. In warm and tropical climates— where air conditioning is either unavailable or unaffordable—this reduction has profound implications for occupant comfort and health [5]. Furthermore, in naturally ventilated buildings, shading devices assist in maintaining acceptable indoor air temperatures by mitigating the heat island effect and solar-induced indoor heating [6]. Beyond thermal control, daylighting optimization is another crucial benefit of louver systems. By controlling the angle and spacing of slats, designers can allow diffused light to penetrate deeper into interior spaces without causing glare or overheating. This passive lighting strategy contributes to substantial energy savings—typically between 20% and 60% of lighting electricity consumption—while improving occupant well-being and productivity [7]. Hybrid systems that combine vertical and horizontal louvers or dynamic louvers that adjust based on solar angle have been shown to improve daylight autonomy and reduce reliance on electric lighting in diverse climates [8].
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Introduction The global focus on sustainable and energy-efficient building design has intensified due to rapid urbanization, climate change, and increasing energy poverty. In developing countries, low-income populations often inhabit poorly insulated buildings with limited access to mechanical cooling or efficient lighting. This exacerbates energy vulnerability, particularly in regions experiencing extreme heat or fluctuating climates. One of the most accessible and effective passive solutions to address this challenge is the use of louver shading systems, which regulate solar radiation,
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In a comparative simulation study across five cities (Miami, San Diego, Melbourne, Guangzhou, and Milan), a hybrid triangular-horizontal louver system reduced Energy Use Intensity (EUI) by up to 50% while achieving UDI (Useful Daylight Illuminance) and DA (Daylight Autonomy) values over 80%, outperforming traditional fixed systems [9]. Similarly, in classroom environments in Egypt, vertical
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