Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Awning/Canopy for Thermal Comfortability

Abstract

This paper presents the design, fabrication and performance evaluation of retractable awning/canopy system for thermal comfortability. It consists of frame (mild steel bars), linear actuator, fabric (acrylic), adapter, roller pathways and photo sensor (for easiness of control). After fabrication and coupling of the whole components of the retractable awning and connecting to the adapter and power source for performance test evaluation, it was observed that, the actuator arm which was coupled to the fabric began projecting outward and once the photo sensor was shaded from sunlight using a dark material, the fabric retracted into the roller. Also it was noted that, shading the window provided a reduced solar heat gain factor of 28.16W as compared to the solar gain factor of 498.54 W before shading the window with a cooling load of 415.37 W achieved. This can be incorporated into a building plans especially those at the sun heating direction and temperature region to reduce inner temperature aid air-conditioner loading for longer life and efficient operation.