Façade Design Tool User's Guide

FAADE DESIGN TOOL USERS GUIDE
www.commercialwindows.org/fdt.php
January 2012
Design Parameters
ORIENTATION
W
WINDOW AREA
Performance Outcomes
ENERGY
PEAK DEMAND
2.00
2.50
3.00
1.50
3.50
1.00
4.00
0.50
4.50
0.00
LIGHT CONTROLS
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR SHADING
GLASS & FRAME TYPE
5.00
CARBON
DAYLIGHT
GLARE
COMFORT
VIEW
COSTS
The Faade Design Tool and the Windows for High-performance Commercial Buildings web site was developed
with financial support from the U.S. Department of Energys Windows and Glazing Research Program within
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Building Technologies Program. In partnership with the building
industry, the U.S. Department of Energy supports a range of research, development, and demonstration
programs, as well as education and market transformation projects, designed to accelerate the introduction
and use of new energy-saving building technologies.
The Faade Design tool and Windows for High-performance Commercial Buildings web site was jointly
developed between the Center for Sustainable Building Research (CSBR) at the University of Minnesota and
the Windows and Daylighting Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), with support from the
Alliance to Save Energy (ASE).
For information regarding the Faade Design Tool and The Faade Design Tool Users Guide contact:
Kerry Haglund, Senior Research Fellow, LEED AP BD+C
khaglund@umn.edu
Center for Sustainable Building Research
1425 University Avenue SE, Suite 115Minneapolis, MN 55414
voice: 612.626.2737
fax: 612.626.7424
csbr@umn.edu
www.csbr.umn.edu
Contents
Using the Faade Design Tool.................................................................................................. 1

Select a Location, Building Type, and Zone Orientation.......................................................................................... 1
REFINE & EXPLORE.................................................................................................................................................. 3
REFINE & EXPLORE: Step-by-Step............................................................................................................................... 4
Navigating through REFINE & EXPLORE Results...................................................................................................... 6

Tabs of Performance Outcomes.................................................................................................................................. 7
Definitions and Modeling Assumptions...................................................................................................................... 7
Sorting Capabilities..................................................................................................................................................... 8
The Dashboard........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Switch From REFINE & EXPLORE to COMPARE RESULTS........................................................................................ 10

Switch to COMPARE RESULTS: Step-by-Step............................................................................................................. 10
COMPARE 5 SCENARIOS........................................................................................................................................ 13
COMPARE 5 SCENARIOS: Step-by-Step..................................................................................................................... 13
Design Parameters (Inputs)................................................................................................... 16

Location................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Facade Orientation................................................................................................................................................ 17
The Building/Zone................................................................................................................................................. 17
Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR).............................................................................................................................. 18
Building Projections............................................................................................................................................... 19
Lighting Controls.................................................................................................................................................... 19
Shades................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Glazing System...................................................................................................................................................... 21
Performance Outcomes (Outputs)........................................................................................ 22

Annual Energy....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Peak Electric Demand............................................................................................................................................ 22
Carbon................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Daylight Illuminance.............................................................................................................................................. 23
Glare...................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Thermal Comfort................................................................................................................................................... 25
Using the Faade Design Tool
This tool is intended for use in the early part of the design process to understand the impacts of
various design decisions. You choose the design conditions of a facade and rank and/or compare the
performance data in terms of annual energy, peak demand, carbon, daylight illuminance, glare, and
thermal comfort. After a location, building type, and orientation have been selected, you choose to
REFINE & EXPLORE or COMPARE the performance data of window design scenarios that you define in
terms of orientation, window area, light controls, interior shades, exterior shades, and window type.
If inputs (climate, building type, orientation, window/facade design attributes) are needed and not
represented in the Facade Design Tool, it is recommended that you download COMFEN and run
simulations specific to your climate and design. COMFEN is a tool, with a graphic user interface, that
focuses on designing alternative fenestration systems to help designers and decision-makers move
toward optimal faade design.
Select a Location, Building Type, and Zone Orientation

1.
2.
3.
4.
First, select a Location from the drop down list. There are 21 cities within 8 climate zones. If a city
isnt listed, choose a city within the same climate zone.
Second, select a Building Type from the drop down list. Currently the building types represented
are Office (small office) and School (classroom).
Third, select Facade Orientation from the drop down list. Each of the 4 cardinal directions is
available.
Choose button 1: REFINE & EXPLORE or button 2: COMPARE 5 SCENARIOS to continue.
CHOOSE LOCATION & BUILDING TYPE
Select a location, building type, and
zone orientation from the drop-down
lists below. My city isn't listed
"Refine & Explore" first lets you
choose the available design
parameters then you can refine and
explore the ranked results. Use this
exploratory method if parametrics are
unknown or to determine the optimal
design from various scenarios.
"Compare 5 Scenarios" lists the
design parameters for 5 scenarios for a
quick comparison. Use this comparison
method if many of the design
parametrics are previously determined.
Location
6A: MN Minneapolis
Building Type
Zone Orientation
Office
South
REFINE & EXPLORE
-OR-
COMPARE 5 SCENARIOS
Faade Design Tool Users Guide

2012 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Center for Sustainable Building Research
1:
REFINE & EXPLORE:

First you choose the available design
parameters, then you refine and explore the
ranked results. Use this exploratory method
if parametrics are unknown or to determine
the optimal performance of various
scenarios for a particular orientation.
REFINE & EXPLORE: DEFINE ZONE DESIGN PARAMETERS
Facade Design Tool Home | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Office | South
Set the design parameters from the choices below to compare design options and performance. At least one item from each parameter must be selected. Multiple items from
each parameter can be selected.
2: COMPARE 5 SCENARIOS:
Lists the design parameters for 5 scenarios
for a quick comparison. Use this comparison
method if many of the design parametrics
(window area, shading, glass type, lighting
controls) are previously determined.
COMPARE ZONE RESULTS

COMPARE
RESULTS
THE BUILDING
Window Area
Select up to 5 scenarios for

detailed comparison.
Compare
10%
30%
20%
40%
50%
60%
SAVE RESULTS
Export all data in tab delimited
format.
Building Projections
Export to CSV
None
2' Overhang
4' Overhang

The Building
Zone
Scenario Orientation
WWR
Glazing System
Building
Projections
Glass
Light & Shade

Lighting Controls
Shades
South
South
South
South
South
How to Perform a Comparison

1. Choose the design conditions for each of the 5 scenarios in which to compare.
2. If you need more information regarding the design conditions, click on the headers for each attribute.
3. Click the "Compare" button found in the dashboard to the left to see the comparative results for annual energy, peak demand, carbon, daylight
illuminance, glare, and thermal comfort.
4. Once the results are displayed, you can modify the design condition attributes and click the "Modify Scenarios" button in the dashboard to view the
modifications.
LIGHT & SHADE

Lighting Controls
None
Continuous Dimming
Shading
None
Interior Blinds
Exterior Blinds
GLAZING SYSTEM
Window
Panes/Layers
Glass
Solar Heat Gain
Visible Transmittance
Single
Clear
Low
Low
Double
Low-E
Moderate
Moderate
Triple
Tint
High
High
Select All
Select All
Select All
Reflective
Film
Select All
Previous
From the first input screen COMPARE 5

SCENARIOS should be used if the design
parameters are already known, or if you want to
compare results between orientations. See the
COMPARE 5 SCENARIOS section on page 13 for
the example on how to use this method.
Get Results
As will be shown in the following sections on using

the Faade Design Tool, if you begin in the REFINE
& EXPLORE mode to get results, you will then be
able to compare 5 scenarios after you refine any
result set. See Switch from REFINE & EXPLORE
to COMPARE RESULTS section on page 10 for the
example on how to use this method.

REFINE & EXPLORE
First you choose the available design parameters, get the ranked results, then you can refine and
explore these results. Use the REFINE & EXPLORE method if parametrics are unknown or to determine
the optimal performance of various scenarios for a particular orientation.
THE BUILDING
Window Area
10%
20%
30%
None
2' Overhang
4' Overhang
40%
50%
60%
LIGHT & SHADE

Lighting Controls
None
Continuous Dimming
Shading
None
Interior Blinds
Exterior Blinds
GLAZING SYSTEM
Window
Panes/Layers
Glass
Solar Heat Gain
Single
Clear
Low
Low
Double
Low-E
Moderate
Moderate
Triple
Tint
High
High
Select All
Select All
Select All
Reflective
Film
Select All
Previous
Get Results

REFINE & EXPLORE: Step-by-Step

1. Choose REFINE & EXPLORE from the first input screen. Set the design parameters from Window
Area, Building Projections, Lighting Controls, Shading, and Window to compare design options
and performance for the location, building type and orientation previously selected. At least
one item from each parameter must be selected. If any of the design parametrics are missing a
selection, there will be no results. Multiple items from each parameter can be selected.
THE BUILDING
Window Area
10%
20%
30%
None
2' Overhang
4' Overhang
40%
50%
60%
LIGHT & SHADE

Lighting Controls
None
Continuous Dimming
Shading
None
Interior Blinds
Exterior Blinds
GLAZING SYSTEM
Window
Panes/Layers
Glass
Solar Heat Gain
Single
Clear
Low
Low
Double
Low-E
Moderate
Moderate
Triple
Tint
High
High
Select All
Select All
Select All
Reflective
Film
Select All
Previous
Get Results

Click the text Window Area, Building Projections, Lighting Controls, Shading, and Window to
bring up a pop-up window explaining that particular attribute and, if applicable, the modeling
and simulation assumptions associated with that attribute. Click the X in the upper right corner to
remove the pop-up window.
THE BUILDING
Window Area
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR)

Flush-mounted, non-operable windows were modeled in the exterior wall of each perimeter zone. Window sizes
were modeled with a fenestration window-to-wall area ratio (which includes the area of the whole window with
frame) where the wall area was defined as the floor-to-floor exterior wall area and the COMFEN simulations
were conducted using the floor-to-ceiling exterior wall area.
Office | School
Building
Type
Zone
width
(ft)
Zone
depth
(ft)
Zone height (floorto-ceiling) (ft)
Floor-to-floor
height (ft)
Lighting
(W/ft2)
Equipment
People
(W/ft2)
(ft2/people)
People INPUT
(people/zone)
Office
10
15
12
200
0.75
School
36
15
13
1.4
0.9
43.1
12.53
Office Zone
2. Choose Get Results to continue.

GLAZING SYSTEM
Window
Panes/Layers
Glass
Solar Heat Gain
Single
Clear
Low
Low
Double
Low-E
Moderate
Moderate
Triple
Tint
High
High
Select All
Select All
Select All
Reflective
Film
Select All
Previous
Get Results

3. View results from the previously chosen parametrics. The Summary tab is the default and when
highlighted a summary of results is displayed. The Dashboard (on the left side of the screen)
shows the previously selected parametrics. The features, information, and operation of this page
of results are described in the next section, Navigating through Refine & Explore Results.
REFINE & EXPLORE ZONE RESULTS
REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
Modify design
Select up to 5
parameters &
scenarios for
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
Update Results
Expand Collapse
Window Area
10%
20%
30%
Summary

Energy
The Building
Peak
Carbon
Daylight
Glazing System
Building
WWR Projections Glass Panes
Features
Glare
Comfort
Light & Shade

U-factor SHGC VT Lighting Controls Shades
30
None
Lowe-E, high VT, low SHGC, argon
0.24
0.27 0.64
Continuous
None
30
None
Low-E, high VT, moderate SHGC, argon
0.13
0.32
0.6
Continuous
None
30
None
Low-E, low VT, low SHGC, argon
0.12
0.21 0.34
Continuous
None
30
None
Low-E tint, moderate VT, moderate SHGC, argon
0.24
0.29 0.52
Continuous
None
30
None
0.25
0.24 0.37
Continuous
None
30
None
0.24
0.38
0.7
Continuous
None
30
None
Tint, moderate VT, moderate SHGC
0.47
0.5
0.48
Continuous
None
30
None
Reflective, low VT, low SHGC
0.44
0.18
0.1
Continuous
None
30
None
Clear, applied film
0.47
0.55 0.54
Continuous
None
50%
30
None
Clear, applied film
0.99
0.48
0.6
Continuous
None
60%
30
None
Clear, high VT, high SHGC
0.47
0.7
0.79
Continuous
None
30
None
1.03
0.82 0.88
Continuous
None
40%
Projections
Performance
None
2' Overhang
4' Overhang
Lighting Controls
Pages (25 results per page): 1

Total Matching Records: 12
Navigating through REFINE & EXPLORE Results

This section describes the many features and information provided on the REFINE & EXPLORE results
page including:
Tabs of Performance Outcomes
Definitions and Modeling Assumptions
Sorting Capabilities
The Dashboard to Modify and Update Results
Switch to COMPARE RESULTS

Tabs of Performance Outcomes

Click the tabs Summary, Energy, Peak, Carbon, Daylight, Glare and Comfort to switch to the
performance results and information of each tab. When clicking a tab, the default ranking of the
scenarios is from best performer to worst. The Summary tab is the default.

Energy
Summary
Peak
Carbon
Daylight
Glare
REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
Modify design
Select up to 5
WWR
Building
Projections
Panes
U-factor
SHGC
VT
Lighting Controls
parameters &
scenarios for
30
None
0.24
0.27
0.64
Continuous
None
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
30
None
0.13
0.32
0.6
Continuous
None
70.63
30
None
0.12
0.21
0.34
Continuous
None
70.95
The Building
Glazing System
Glass
Light & Shade
Comfort
Annual Energy Use (kBtu/sf-yr)

Shades kBtu/sf-yr
69.38
Definitions and Modeling Assumptions

Click on the headings The Building, Glazing System, Light & Shade, and the specific performance
for the current tab (ie: Annual Energy Use (kBtu/sf-yr) to display a pop-up window that provides the
definitions, modeling assumptions, and other relevant information for that particular item. This pop-up
window displays in front of the current screen. Click the X in the upper right corner to remove the popup window.

Energy
Summary
Peak
Carbon
Daylight
Glare
REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
Modify design
Select up to 5
WWR
Building
Projections
Panes
U-factor
SHGC
VT
Lighting Controls
parameters &
scenarios for
30
None
0.24
0.27
0.64
Continuous
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
30
None
0.13
0.32
0.6
Continuous
None
70.63
30
None
0.12
0.21
0.34
Continuous
None
70.95
The Building
Glazing System
Glass
Light & Shade

REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
Modify design
Select up to 5
parameters &
scenarios for
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
Update Results
Expand Collapse
Window Area
Summary
Energy
Peak
Glazing System
The Building
30
30
40%
30
50%
2
2
4' Overhang
Glare
Comfort
Aluminum
frames
simulations.
systems useNone
a non-thermal
30
None were used in all
2 of the
0.25
0.24 Single-layered
0.37
Continuous
72.41 frame,
double-layered systems use a thermally broken frame, and triple-layered systems use a high performance
2
0.24
0.38
0.7
Continuous
None
75.12
30
None
frame. See the table below for the U-factors of these frames.
30%
2' Overhang
Daylight
Light & Shade
Building
20%
None
69.38
WWR
Projectionsof glazing
Glass Panes
U-factor
SHGC
Lighting
Controls
Shades
kBtu/sf-yr of glass
There
are hundreds
systems
available
in theVT
market
today,
with varying
combinations
2 The Facade
0.24
0.27
0.64
Continuous
None
30 specialNone
panes,
coatings, and tints.
Design
Tool models
the performance
of 10 69.38
glazing systems and
2 retrofit films, representative of the breadth of options available. The attributes of these glazing systems are
30
None
3
0.13
0.32
0.6
Continuous
None
70.63
described in the table and chart below. For ease of comparing the performance of glass features, all high0.12 Design
0.21 Tool
0.34
Continuous
None
30
None
performance
glazing systems in 3the Facade
are modeled
with an argon
fill. In 70.95
general, energy
performance
from similar windows
an air fill
will be
about 25%
poorer.
2 with0.24
0.29
0.52
Continuous
None
70.96
30
None
2
NoneProducts Simulated
Projections
None
Carbon
Glazing System
None
60%
Shades kBtu/sf-yr
30
10%
Comfort
Panes
30
30
None
Description
0.47
0.5
0.48
Continuous
0.99
0.48
0.55
0.54
Continuous
0.82
0.47
0.70
0.47
0.50
0.44
0.18
Low-E tint, moderate VT, moderate SHGC,

argon
0.24
None
None
1
2
1
84.73
0.47
0.44
1.03
None
None
of Glass
Frame 86.82 Whole Window*
0.18 Center
0.1
Continuous 2.5" Alum
None
USHGC Tvis
Type
U-factor U-factor SHGC Tvis
factor
0.47
1.03
0.7
0.82
0.6
0.79
0.88
0.88 Non-thermal
None
89.17
0.99
0.72
0.74
0.55
0.61
0.64
0.55
0.45
0.39
0.10 Thermally-broken 0.85
0.53
0.18
0.08
0.29(250.52
Thermally-broken
Pages
results
per page): 1 0.85
0.39
0.27
0.43
Continuous
None
1.00
Continuous
None
Continuous
None
96.21
97.11
113.48

Sorting Capabilities
Click the headings WWR, Building Projections, Glass, Panes, U-factor, SHGC, VT, Lighting Controls,
Shades, and the specific performance for the current tab (kBtur/sf-yr) will sort that particular selected
item in descending order. Click on the heading again and it will sort in ascending order.

Energy
Summary
Peak
Carbon
Daylight
Glare
REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
Modify design
Select up to 5
WWR
Building
Projections
Panes
U-factor
SHGC
VT
Lighting Controls
parameters &
scenarios for
30
None
0.24
0.27
0.64
Continuous
None
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
30
None
0.13
0.32
0.6
Continuous
None
70.63
30
None
0.12
0.21
0.34
Continuous
None
70.95
The Building
Glazing System
Glass
Light & Shade

REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
Modify design
Select up to 5
parameters &
scenarios for
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
The Building
WWR
Building
Projections
Shades kBtu/sf-yr
69.38

Energy
Summary
Peak
Carbon
Glazing System
Glass
Daylight
Glare
Light & Shade
Panes
U-factor
SHGC
VT
Lighting Controls
30
None
1.03
0.82
0.88
Continuous
None
113.48
None
0.99
0.48
0.6
Continuous
None
96.21
30
None
0.47
0.7
0.79
Continuous
None
97.11
30
None
0.47
0.5
0.48
Continuous
None
84.73
30
None
0.47
0.55
0.54
Continuous
None
89.17
30
None
0.44
0.18
0.1
Continuous
None
86.82
30
None
0.25
0.24
0.37
Continuous
None
72.41
20%
30
None
0.24
0.38
0.7
Continuous
None
75.12
30%
30
None
0.24
0.29
0.52
Continuous
None
70.96
40%
30
None
0.24
0.27
0.64
Continuous
None
69.38
30
None
0.13
0.32
0.6
Continuous
None
70.63
30
None
0.12
0.21
0.34
Continuous
None
70.95
Expand Collapse
Window Area
10%
50%
60%
Projections
Comfort
Shades kBtu/sf-yr
30
Update Results
Comfort
None

Summary

Energy
Peak
Carbon
Daylight
Glare
REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
Modify design
Select up to 5
WWR
Building
Projections
Panes
U-factor
SHGC
VT
Lighting Controls
parameters &
scenarios for
30
None
0.12
0.21
0.34
Continuous
None
70.95
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
30
None
0.13
0.32
0.6
Continuous
None
70.63
30
None
0.24
0.27
0.64
Continuous
None
69.38
30
None
0.24
0.29
0.52
Continuous
None
70.96
30
None
0.24
0.38
0.7
Continuous
None
75.12
30
None
0.25
0.24
0.37
Continuous
None
72.41
30
None
0.44
0.18
0.1
Continuous
None
86.82
20%
30
None
0.47
0.55
0.54
Continuous
None
89.17
30%
30
None
0.47
0.5
0.48
Continuous
None
84.73
40%
30
None
0.47
0.7
0.79
Continuous
None
97.11
30
None
0.99
0.48
0.6
Continuous
None
96.21
30
None
1.03
0.82
0.88
Continuous
None
113.48
Update Results
Expand Collapse
Window Area
10%
50%
60%
Projections
The Building
Glazing System
Glass
Light & Shade
Comfort

Shades kBtu/sf-yr
None

The Dashboard to Modify and Update Results

REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
Modify design
Select up to 5
parameters &
scenarios for
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
Update Results
Expand Collapse
Window Area
The Dashboard is a powerful tool for sorting and refining various design choices. You
can use the Dashboard to explore the impact of:
Window Area
Exterior Projections
Lighting Controls
Shading
Glass Attributes
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Projections
None
2' Overhang
4' Overhang
Lighting Controls
None
REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
Modify design
Select up to 5
parameters &
scenarios for
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
You can check and uncheck the desired parameters. You

must choose Update Results to see the changes made in the
Dashboard. The results will be displayed according to the
selections made in the Dashboard.
Update Results
Expand Collapse
REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
None
Modify design
Select up to 5
Interior Blinds
parameters &
scenarios for
Continuous Dimming
Shading
Exterior Blinds
Glass Panes
1
2
3
Glass
The sections of the Dashboard with the design parameters can

be expanded and collapsed. Click Expand to expand the entire
Dashboard. Click Collapse to collapse the entire Dashboard.
Click the + or signs next to each design parameter to expand or
collapse that particular item.
Clear
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
Update Results
Expand Collapse
Window Area
Projections
Low-E
Lighting Controls
Tint
Shading
Reflective
Glass Panes
Film
SHGC
Glass
Low
Clear
Moderate
SAVE RESULTS
High
format.
VT
Low
Moderate
Export to CSV
You can click Export to CSV to export the

displayed results in comma separated value
(CSV) format.
High
Low-E
Tint
Reflective
Film
SHGC
Low
SAVE RESULTS
format.
Moderate
High
VT
Low
Export to CSV
Moderate
High

Switch From REFINE & EXPLORE to COMPARE RESULTS
After refining and exploring results, you can then select 5 scenarios to compare performance.
Switch to COMPARE RESULTS: Step-by-Step
1. While in Refine & Explore, click the dimmed COMPARE RESULTS at the top of the Dashboard. The
Dashboard will switch to display COMPARE RESULTS and SAVE RESULTS.
REFINE &
EXPLORE
COMPARE
RESULTS
Modify design
Select up to 5
parameters &
scenarios for
explore the
detailed
results.
comparison.
COMPARE
RESULTS
Compare
Update Results
SAVE RESULTS
Expand Collapse
Window Area
format.
10%
20%
Export to CSV
30%
2. The screen refreshes and checkboxes appear on the left side of the results. You can check up to 5
design scenarios in which to see comparisons. After selecting the scenarios to compare, choose
Compare to see the comparative results.
COMPARE
RESULTS

Compare
SAVE RESULTS
format.
Export to CSV
Summary
Energy
Peak
The Building
Carbon
Daylight
Glare
Glazing System
Select 5
to
Building
Compare WWR Projections Glass Panes
Features
Comfort
Light & Shade

U-value SHGC VT
Lighting
Controls
Performance
Shades
30
None
Lowe-E, high VT, low SHGC, argon
0.24
0.27 0.64 Continuous
None
30
None
0.13
0.32
0.6 Continuous
None
30
None
0.12
None
30
None
Low-E tint, moderate VT, moderate SHGC, argon
0.24
None
30
None
0.25
None
30
None
0.24
0.38
0.7 Continuous
None
30
None
0.47
0.5
0.48 Continuous
None
30
None
0.44
0.18
0.1 Continuous
None
30
None
Clear, applied film
0.47
None
30
None
Clear, applied film
0.99
0.48
0.6 Continuous
None
30
None
0.47
0.7
0.79 Continuous
None
30
None
1.03
None
Pages (25 results per page): 1


10
3. The 5 selected scenarios are displayed. Note that the format of the results change to show
comparative performance for Annual Energy, Peak Demand, Carbon, Daylight Illuminance,
Thermal Comfort, and Glare Index.
COMPARE
RESULTS

The Building
Zone
Glazing System
Building
Projections
WWR
Light & Shade
Glass
Lighting Controls
Shades
South
30%
None
H: Double low-E, high VT, low SHGC
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
South
30%
None
J: Triple lowe-E, low VT, low SHGC
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
South
30%
None
F: Double lowe-E, low VT, low SHGC
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
South
30%
None
G: Double low-E, high VT, mod SHGC
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
South
30%
None
D: Double reflective, low VT, low SHGC
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
Modify
SAVE RESULTS
Scenario
kBty/sf-yr
Scenario
69.38
4.27
format.
70.95
4.40
72.41
4.42
75.12
4.47
86.82
4.59
Export to CSV
Annual Energy (lower is better)
Scenario
Carbon (lower is better)
Peak Demand (lower is better)
W/sf
lbs/sf-yr
Scenario
9.67
66.17
9.92
34.43
10.07
37.92
10.52
72.89
11.93
9.98
Scenario
Thermal Comfort (higher is better)
Daylight Illuminance (higher is better)
FC
PPS
Scenario
86.73
Glare Index (lower index is better)
Index
0.00
87.84
0.00
85.88
0.00
87.76
0.00
80.56
0.00
4. You can modify the results by selecting the options in the dropdown menus and changing the
attributes for the scenarios. Choose Modify to see the updated results.
COMPARE
RESULTS

The Building
Zone
WWR
Glazing System
Building
Projections
Glass
Light & Shade

Lighting Controls
Shades
West
30%
None
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
West
30%
None
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
West
30%
None
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
West
30%
None
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
West
30%
None
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
Modify
SAVE RESULTS
Scenario
kBty/sf-yr
Scenario
69.38

W/sf
4.27
11
5. The modified results are displayed. You can continue to do additional modifications, export the
data in CSV format, or print the page. Similar to the Rank & Explore method, clicking the titles of
The Building, Glazing System, Light & Shade, Annual Energy, Peak Demand, Carbon, Daylight
Illuminance, Thermal Comfort, and Glare Index will display a pop-up window that provides the
definitions, modeling assumptions, and other relevant information for that particular item.

COMPARE
RESULTS

The Building
Zone
WWR
Glazing System
Building
Projections
Glass
Light & Shade

Lighting Controls
Shades
West
30%
None
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
West
30%
None
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
West
30%
None
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
West
30%
None
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
West
30%
None
Cont. Dimming
No Shades
Modify
SAVE RESULTS
Scenario
kBty/sf-yr
Scenario
83.17
4.79
format.
79.40
4.37
84.50
4.59
92.76
5.40
93.43
4.76
Export to CSV
Scenario
lbs/sf-yr
Scenario
11.54
53.25
11.07
27.83
11.71
30.59
12.94
58.65
12.81
8.04
W/sf
Scenario
FC
PPS
Scenario
84.80
0.00
86.32
0.00
84.25
0.00
85.39
0.00
79.64
0.00

Index
12
COMPARE 5 SCENARIOS
From the first input screen where location, building type and orientation is defined, use the COMPARE
5 SCENARIOS method if the design parameters are already known, or if you want to compare results
between orientations. Use this comparison method if many of the design parametrics (window area,
shading, glass type, lighting controls) are previously determined.
COMPARE
RESULTS

The Building
Zone
Glazing System
Building
Projections
WWR
Glass
Light & Shade

Lighting Controls
Shades
South
South
South
South
South
Compare
SAVE RESULTS
format.
Export to CSV

modifications.
COMPARE 5 SCENARIOS: Step-by-Step

1. Choose COMPARE 5 SCENARIOS from the first input screen. Choose all the attributes for the 5
scenarios in which to compare.
COMPARE
RESULTS

The Building
Zone
WWR
Glazing System
Building
Projections
Glass
Light & Shade

Lighting Controls
Shades
South
South
South
South
South
Compare
SAVE RESULTS
format.
Export to CSV

modifications.

13
2. After all the attributes for Zone Orientation, WWR, Building Projections, Glass, Lighting Controls,
and Shades are selected, choose Compare to get the comparative results.
COMPARE
RESULTS

The Building
Zone
WWR
Glazing System
Building
Projections
Glass
Light & Shade

Lighting Controls
Shades
South
20%
None
No Controls
No Shades
South
30%
None
No Controls
No Shades
South
40%
None
No Controls
No Shades
South
50%
None
No Controls
No Shades
South
60%
None
No Controls
No Shades
Compare
SAVE RESULTS
format.
Export to CSV

modifications.
3. The comparative results are displayed.

COMPARE
RESULTS

The Building
Zone
WWR
Glazing System
Building
Projections
Glass
Light & Shade

Lighting Controls
Shades
South
20%
None
No Controls
No Shades
South
30%
None
No Controls
No Shades
South
40%
None
No Controls
No Shades
South
50%
None
No Controls
No Shades
South
60%
None
No Controls
No Shades
Modify
SAVE RESULTS
Scenario
kBty/sf-yr
Scenario
90.64
4.77
format.
102.04
5.25
110.57
5.57
117.20
5.84
128.69
6.22
Export to CSV
Scenario
lbs/sf-yr
Scenario
12.74
37.44
14.37
72.89
15.57
81.53
16.48
74.14
18.11
97.17
W/sf
Scenario
FC
PPS
Scenario
88.42
0.00
88.49
0.00
88.05
0.00
87.32
0.00
87.08
5.65

Index
14
4. To continue to perform comparisons, change the attributes in the dropdown menus and choose
Modify.
COMPARE
RESULTS

The Building
Zone
WWR
Glazing System
Building
Projections
Glass
Light & Shade

Lighting Controls
Shades
West
20%
None
No Controls
No Shades
West
30%
None
No Controls
No Shades
West
40%
None
No Controls
No Shades
West
50%
None
No Controls
No Shades
West
60%
None
No Controls
No Shades
Modify
SAVE RESULTS
Scenario
kBty/sf-yr
Scenario
90.64
W/sf
4.77
5. The comparative results are displayed as per the modified attributes. You can continue to do
additional modifications, export the data in CSV format, or print the page.
COMPARE
RESULTS

The Building
Zone
WWR
Glazing System
Building
Projections
Glass
Light & Shade

Lighting Controls
Shades
West
20%
None
No Controls
No Shades
West
30%
None
No Controls
No Shades
West
40%
None
No Controls
No Shades
West
50%
None
No Controls
No Shades
West
60%
None
No Controls
No Shades
Modify
SAVE RESULTS
Scenario
kBty/sf-yr
Scenario
101.82
5.67
format.
117.67
6.53
130.97
7.24
142.67
7.84
159.06
8.71
Export to CSV
Scenario
lbs/sf-yr
Scenario
14.26
32.32
16.51
58.65
18.37
64.01
20.00
62.11
22.32
74.17
W/sf
Scenario
FC
PPS
Scenario
86.62
0.00
86.20
0.00
85.36
0.00
84.45
0.00
83.97
5.54

Index
15
Design Parameters (Inputs)
If inputs (climate, building type, orientation, window/facade design attributes) are needed and not
represented in the Facade Design Tool, it is recommended that you download COMFEN and run
simulations specific to your design and climate.
Location
Cities are from COMFENs default Locations Library and represent each of the 8 IECC climate zones. The
Walls Library provides the R-values for the wall systems. ASHRAE 90.1-2007 R-values for each climate
were used in the simulations.
Climate Zones
1A very hothumid
2A hothumid
2B hotdry
3A
3B
3C
4A
4B
4C
5A
5B
warmhumid
warmdry
warmmarine
mixedhumid
mixeddry
mixedmarine
coolhumid
cooldry
6A coldhumid
6B colddry
7
very cold
subarctic
Zone
Description
City
R-value of Wall
Insulation
Electricity Carbon
Conversion Factor**
Gas Carbon
Conversion Factor **
1A
2A
2A
2A
2B
3A
3B
3B
3C
4A
4A
4A
4B
4C
5A
5A
5B
6A
6B
7
8
(very hot-humid)
(hot-humid)
(hot-humid)
(hot-humid)
(hot-dry)
(warm-humid)
(warm-dry)
(warm-dry)
(warm-marine)
(mixed-humid)
(mixed-humid)
(mixed-humid)
(mixed-dry)
(mixed-marine)
(cool-humid)
(cool-humid)
(cool-dry)
(cold-humid
(cold-dry)
(very cold)
(subartic)
Miami FL
Tampa FL
New Orleans LA
Houston TX
Phoenix AZ
Atlanta GA
Los Angeles CA
Las Vegas, NV
San Francisco CA
Washington DC
St Louis MO
New York City, NY
Albuquerque NM
Seattle WA
Chicago IL
Boston MA
Denver CO
Minneapolis MN
Billings MT
Fargo ND
Fairbanks AK
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
13.00 ft2-F-hr/Btu
16.8 ft2-F-hr/Btu
16.8 ft2-F-hr/Btu
16.8 ft2-F-hr/Btu
20.50 ft2-F-hr/Btu
20.50 ft2-F-hr/Btu
20.50 ft2-F-hr/Btu
28.60 ft2-F-hr/Btu
1.39 lb/kWh
1.39 lb/kWh
1.18 lb/kWh
1.46 (lb/kWh
1.05 lb/kWh
1.37 lb/kWh
0.61 lb/kWh
1.51 lb/kWh
0.61 lb/kWh
1.16 lb/kWh
1.84 lb/kWh
0.86 lb/kWh
2.02 lb/kWh
0.25 lb/kWh
1.16 lb/kWh
1.28 lb/kWh
1.93 lb/kWh
1.52 lb/kWh
1.43 lb/kWh
2.24 lb/kWh
1.38 lb/kWh
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
0.12 lb/Btu
*Based on default values in COMFEN (as of June 2011) for exterior wood-framed and other walls provided by ASHRAE 90.1-2007.
** Based on default values in COMFEN (as of June 2011). Electric conversion provided by EPAs eGRID. Gas conversion based on a national
average provided by the EIA. These defaults are subject to updating in future releases of COMFEN.

16
Facade Orientation
Orientation of the faades perimeter zone is available in each of the four cardinal directions: north,
east, south and west.
The Building/Zone
The zone sizes and the loads for lighting, equipment, and people are based on DOEs Commercial
Reference Buildings (www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/commercial_initiative/new_construction.html).
Zone depths are limited to 15 for all building types.
Building
Type
Zone width Zone depth
Floor-toceiling
height
Floorto-floor
height
Lighting
(W/ft2)
Equipment
(W/ft2)
People
(ft2/
people)
People
INPUT
(people/
zone)
Office
10
15
12
200
0.75
School
36
15
13
1.4
0.9
43.1
12.53
Office Zone
School Zone
12 floor-to-floor
15
10
15
36
9 floor-to-ceiling

13 floor-to-floor
9 floor-to-ceiling
17
Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR)
Flush-mounted, non-operable windows were modeled in the exterior wall of each perimeter zone.
Window sizes were modeled with a fenestration window-to-wall area ratio (which includes the area of
the whole window with frame) where the wall area was defined as the floor-to-floor exterior wall area
and the COMFEN simulations were based on the floor-to-ceiling exterior wall area.
School
Office
36'-0"
3'-11"
3'-11"
2'-0"
4'-0"
9'-0"
4'-0"
3'-6"
3'-0"
3'-0"
3'-0"
9'-0"
10%
3'-11"
2'-0"
3'-0"
4'-0"
10'-0"
11'-9"
12'-2"
3'-6"
3'-11"
3'-11"
3'-11"
3'-11"
2'-0"
6'-0"
3'-0"
3'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
20%
2'-0"
2'-0"
3'-11"
12'-1"
8'-3"
2'-0"
3'-11"
3'-11"
3'-11"
3'-11"
3'-11"
3'-11"
3'-11"
2'-0"
3'-11"
8'-2"
19'-7"
6'-0"
2'-0"
2'-6"
3'-0"
4'-6"
6'-0"
30%
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
2'-4"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
2'-0"
4'-0"
31'-4"
2'-4"
2'-0"
8'-0"
1'-0"
1'-0"
2'-0"
32'-0"
2'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
7'-4"
1'-8"
4'-4"
1'-6"
4'-6"
7'-6"
3'-0"
3'-0"
4'-0"
50%
1'-2"
3'-0"
5'-10"
6'-0"
40%
8'-0"
1'-0"
5'-0"
5'-0"
5'-0"
2'-0"
5'-0"
5'-0"
5'-0"
8'-0"
8'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
1'-0"
1'-0"
4'-0"
4'-0"
60%
5'-0"
4'-6"
4'-6"
32'-0"
2'-0"
1'-0"
6"
9'-0"
6"
6"
35'-0"
6"

18
Overhangs were mounted directly above the window frame with either a 2 or a 4 projection. The
overhang extends the entire width of the zone.
Lighting Controls
Electric Lighting System

Recessed fluorescent lighting systems were modeled with a lighting power density in Watts per square
foot throughout the zone. Heat from the lighting system was apportioned to the office zone (60%) and
to the unconditioned plenum (40%). If no daylighting controls were specified, the lighting was assumed
to be at 100% power, and governed, as in the daylighting case, by the occupancy schedule.
Building Type
Lighting (W/ft2)
Equipment (W/ft2)
People (ft2/people)
People INPUT
(people/zone)
Office
200
0.75
School
1.4
0.9
43.1
12.53

19
Continuous Dimming Electric Lighting Controls ?

For continuous dimming, the overhead lights dim continuously and linearly from (maximum electric
power, maximum light output) to (minimum electric power, minimum light output) as the daylight
illuminance increases. The lights stay on at the minimum point with further increase in the daylight
illuminance. The lowest power the lighting system can dim down to is expressed as a fraction of
maximum input power (figure from the EnergyPlus Input-Output Reference Guide).
Shades
Interior and exterior Venetian blinds were simulated so that the slats would be at 45-degrees and fixed
in the always on state. Because the shades were always fully deployed, the results using shades in
the Faade Design Tool may not represent results as expected because these types of shades are often
occupant-operated or mechanically programmed to respond to heating and cooling conditions. The
optical properties of the blinds were set to the default in COMFEN.

20
Glazing System
The Facade Design Tool simulates the performance of 10 generic glazing systems and 2 retrofit films,
representative of the breadth of options available in todays market. For ease of comparing the
performance of glass features, all high-performance glazing systems in the Facade Design Tool are
modeled with an argon gas fill. In general, energy performance from similar windows with an air fill will
be about 25% poorer.
Generic aluminum frames were used in all of the simulations. Single-pane systems use a non-thermallybroken frame, double-pane systems use a thermally-broken frame, and triple-pane systems use a high
performance frame.
Products Simulated*
ID Panes
Center of Glass
2.5 Alum Frame
Whole Window**
Description
U-factor
SHGC
VT
Type
U-factor
U-factor SHGC
VT
Non-thermal
1.10
0.99
0.72
0.74
1.03
0.82
0.88
0.47
0.70
0.79 Thermally-broken
0.85
0.55
0.61
0.64
Tint, moderate VT,

moderate SHGC
0.47
0.50
0.85
0.55
0.45
0.39
Reflective, low VT, low

SHGC
0.44
0.18
0.85
0.53
0.18
0.08
Low-E tint, moderate VT,

moderate SHGC, argon
0.24
0.29
0.85
0.39
0.27
0.43
Lowe-E, low VT, low SHGC,

argon
0.25
0.24
0.85
0.39
0.23
0.30
Low-E, high VT, moderate

SHGC, argon
0.24
0.38
0.85
0.39
0.35
0.57
Lowe-E, high VT, low SHGC,

argon
0.24
0.27
0.85
0.38
0.26
0.52
Low-E, high VT, moderate

SHGC, argon
0.13
0.32
0.60
Highperformance
0.35
0.22
0.28
0.49
Lowe-E, low VT, low SHGC,

argon
0.12
0.21
0.34
Highperformance
0.35
0.21
0.19
0.28
Clear, applied film
0.99
0.48
0.60
Non-thermal
1.10
0.97
0.44
0.50
Clear, applied film
0.47
0.55
0.85
0.55
0.48
0.44
*Glazing system performance information was generated using WINDOW6.

**Whole window properties are based on an NFRC standard test size (1200mm x 1500mm) and simulated in WINDOW6
with frame specified per each glazing system.

21
Performance Outcomes (Outputs)
The Faade Design Tool provides performance results for annual energy, peak demand, and carbon
emissions. The tool also provides the human-centered results for daylight, glare, and thermal comfort.
Annual Energy
In the Faade Design Tool all annual energy performance data are given as energy
use per perimeter zone floor area and is reported as source energy in Btu/sf-year.
Annual energy is determined from heating, cooling, fans, and lighting. Equipment
loads are not included.
The site-source factor that was used is 3.14 as defined in the 2010 Buildings
Energy Data Book. The site-to-source multiplier determines whether energy
use results are displayed in terms of site or source energy. Site energy is energy
used by the building on site (as measured at the meter), while source energy
is a measure that accounts for energy consumed on site as well as the energy
consumed during the storage, transport and delivery of the fuel to the building.
Source energy is a better indicator of building environmental impact.
Peak Electric Demand
Peak electricity demand is the greatest amount of electricity required at one

point in time during the year. A higher peak demand reflects both the likelihood
of higher utility demand charges as well as the need for larger mechanical
equipment. In the Faade Design Tool peak electric demand data are given for
the peak condition that occurs in each perimeter zone and are non-coincident
with the whole buildings peak condition. Peak demand data includes electricity
end uses from cooling, fans, and lighting.
Equipment loads are included.
Carbon
The total CO2impact was determined by adding electricity and gas emissions.
The CO2 electricity and gas factors are set in COMFENs Locations Library.
The CO2Electricity Factor is multiplied by the electric energy consumption to
calculate the pounds of CO2 emitted due to electricity use (lbs/kWh). The values
for the electricity factor were found at: www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/documents/
egridzips/eGRID2010V1_1_year07_SummaryTables.pdf. The CO2 gas factor
is multiplied by the gas energy consumption to calculate the pounds of CO2
emitted due to gas use (lbs/kBtu). The value for the gas factor is 0.12 lb/Btu for
all locations and was determined from a national average found at: www.eia.doe.
gov/oiaf/1605/coefficients.html.

22
Daylight Illuminance
The daylight illuminance set point is 50 footcandles. The design of a window

and choice of glazing can dramatically affect the quantity and quality of daylight
in a space and how it is experienced. Most visual tasks require from 3070
footcandles. Larger windows with low-transmission glass can have the same
average daylight illuminance as small windows with high-transmission glass.
South-facing windows generally have higher daylight levels than north-, east-,
and west-facing windows because of direct sun. Note that higher daylight levels
due to direct sun may also result in unwanted glare.
Zone Depth:
A primary daylight zone depth is calculated as the minimum of a) the room

depth, b) 1.5 times the facade wall height, and c) 15 feet.
Sensor # 1:
Daylight sensor #1 is positioned 2/3 of the primary daylight zone depth from
facade wall, centered in the width of the facade zone. Sensor #1 controls a
fraction of the facade zone lights equal to the primary daylight zone depth
divided by the facade zone depth.
Any remaining depth in the facade zone is considered a secondary daylight
Sensor # 2:
zone. Reference Point #2 is positioned halfway between the primary daylight
zone depth and the back wall. Sensor #2, if used, controls the remaining
fraction of lights.
Sensor height: The daylight sensors are located 2.5 feet above the floor of each daylight zone
Sensor # 2
Centered in
the zone
Daylighting Zone # 2
depth total depth minus
the Zone # 1 depth.
Sensor # 1
Centered between
the left and right
walls
+
Positioned 2/3 of zone depth
from front of facade
Daylighting Zone # 1 depth

the minimum of a) the
room depth, b) 1.5 times
the facade wall height, and
c) 15 feet.
Front of facade
Similar to the Weighted Glare Index, the average annual Daylight Illuminance level does not reveal
severe conditions that may occur at a specific time or day throughout the year. The Daylight Illuminance
value varies considerably depending on orientation, the presence of shading devices, and other
properties and design conditions

23
Glare
The Weighted Glare Index is calculated for a person facing the side wall. This
glare index is based on a subjective response to brightness within ones field of
view. A lower index is better. Anything under 22 is acceptable for glare. A glare
index under 7 denotes imperceptible glare. A glare index between 7 and 22 is
perceptible, yet acceptable glare. A glare index above 22 is uncomfortable.
0-7
Imperceptible Glare
7-10
Just Perceptible Glare
10-16
Just Acceptable Glare
22+
Uncomfortable Glare
Zone Depth:
A primary daylight zone depth is calculated as the minimum of a) the room

depth, b) 1.5 times the facade wall height, and c) 15 feet.
Sensor # 1:
Daylight sensor #1 is positioned 2/3 of the primary daylight zone depth from
facade wall, centered in the width of the facade zone. Sensor #1 controls a
fraction of the facade zone lights equal to the primary daylight zone depth
divided by the facade zone depth.
Sensor # 2:
Any remaining depth in the facade zone is considered a secondary daylight
zone. Reference Point #2 is positioned halfway between the primary daylight
zone depth and the back wall. Sensor #2, if used, controls the remaining
fraction of lights.
Sensor height: The daylight sensors are located 2.5 feet above the floor of each daylight zone
Sensor # 2
Centered in
the zone
Daylighting Zone # 2
depth total depth minus
the Zone # 1 depth.
Sensor # 1
Centered between
the left and right
walls
+
Positioned 2/3 of zone depth
from front of facade
Daylighting Zone # 1 depth

the minimum of a) the
room depth, b) 1.5 times
the facade wall height, and
c) 15 feet.
Front of facade
Similar to Daylight Illuminance, the average annual Weighted Glare Index does not reveal severe glare
problems that may occur at a specific time or day throughout the year. Because an annual average
may be misleading, a weighted glare index was developed to emphasize the fairly infrequent periods
of perceptible or uncomfortable glare that may occur. The Weighted Glare Index varies considerably
depending on orientation, the presence of shading devices, and other properties and design conditions.
24
Thermal Comfort
COMFEN uses the Fanger method as implemented in EnergyPlus for thermal

comfort calculations that takes into account all major modes of energy losses
from the human body at a steady state condition. PPD is a quantitative measure
of the thermal comfort of a group of people at a particular thermal environment.
Fanger related the PPD to the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote), using the following
formula:
PPD = 100.0 - 95.0e(-0.03353*PMV

4 - 0.2179*PMV2)
where:
PMV = (0.303e-0.036*M +0.028) * L
M = metabolic rate
L = thermal load defined as the difference between the internal heat production and the heat
loss to the actual environment for a person hypothetically kept at comfort values of skin
temperature and evaporative heat loss by sweating at the actual activity level.
The Zone Averaged method was used to calculate MRT (Mean Radiant Temperature) in the thermal
comfort calculation. MRT is a measure of the combined effects of temperatures of surfaces within
the space. Specifically it is the surface area * emissivity weighted average of the zone inside surface
temperatures, where emissivity is the Thermal Absorptance of the inside material layer of each surface.
EnergyPlus reports predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD). COMFEN and the Faade Design Tool
reports predicted percentage satisfied (PPS), which is 100-PPD.

25

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FAADE DESIGN TOOL USERS GUIDE

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR SHADING

GLASS & FRAME TYPE

Using the Faade Design Tool.................................................................................................. 1

Navigating through REFINE & EXPLORE Results...................................................................................................... 6

Switch From REFINE & EXPLORE to COMPARE RESULTS........................................................................................ 10

Design Parameters (Inputs)................................................................................................... 16

Performance Outcomes (Outputs)........................................................................................ 22

Using the Faade Design Tool

Select a Location, Building Type, and Zone Orientation

REFINE & EXPLORE

Faade Design Tool Users Guide

REFINE & EXPLORE:

REFINE & EXPLORE: DEFINE ZONE DESIGN PARAMETERS

Facade Design Tool Home | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Office | South

COMPARE ZONE RESULTS

Select up to 5 scenarios for

Facade Design Tool Home | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Office | South

Light & Shade

How to Perform a Comparison

LIGHT & SHADE

Solar Heat Gain

From the first input screen COMPARE 5

As will be shown in the following sections on using

Faade Design Tool Users Guide

REFINE & EXPLORE

Facade Design Tool Home | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Office | South

LIGHT & SHADE

Solar Heat Gain

Faade Design Tool Users Guide

REFINE & EXPLORE: Step-by-Step

Facade Design Tool Home | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Office | South

LIGHT & SHADE

Solar Heat Gain

Faade Design Tool Users Guide

Facade Design Tool Home | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Office | South

Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR)

Zone height (floorto-ceiling) (ft)

2. Choose Get Results to continue.

Solar Heat Gain

Faade Design Tool Users Guide

Facade Design Tool Home | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Office | South

Light & Shade

Lowe-E, high VT, low SHGC, argon

Low-E, high VT, moderate SHGC, argon

Low-E, low VT, low SHGC, argon

Low-E tint, moderate VT, moderate SHGC, argon

Low-E, low VT, low SHGC, argon

Low-E, high VT, moderate SHGC, argon

Tint, moderate VT, moderate SHGC

Reflective, low VT, low SHGC

Clear, applied film

Clear, applied film

Clear, high VT, high SHGC

Clear, high VT, high SHGC

Pages (25 results per page): 1

Navigating through REFINE & EXPLORE Results

Faade Design Tool Users Guide

Tabs of Performance Outcomes

Facade Design Tool Home | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Office | South

Light & Shade

Annual Energy Use (kBtu/sf-yr)

Definitions and Modeling Assumptions