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Toplighting Systems for Improving Indoor Environment: A Review

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Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies for Building and Environmental Applications

Abstract

Toplighting systems represent an optimum source of natural light for building interiors. These systems provide abundant illuminance levels from small openings, thus reducing artificial lighting and minimising glazing areas. However, based on a geographic location, these systems transfer high sunlight levels, which directly affect the performance of indoor environment. Therefore, studying their potentials requires proper understanding. The aim of this research is to emphasise the critical design concepts in different places and provide an indication of the characteristics of these global system designs. The method of this study is theoretically based on descriptive analysis to assess design requirements. This study includes a discussion on different methods and standards, which deeply and systematically deliberated several trends such as comparative benefits and limitations. This chapter presents a holistic view of selecting toplighting systems during the design stage, which makes the review a useful source for architects, building designers, and practitioners.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Karam M. Al-Obaidi

  2. School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Penang, Malaysia

    Abdul Malek Abdul Rahman

Authors
  1. Karam M. Al-Obaidi
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  2. Abdul Malek Abdul Rahman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Karam M. Al-Obaidi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

    Mardiana Idayu Ahmad

  2. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

    Mazran Ismail

  3. Institute of Building Technology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom

    Saffa Riffat

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Al-Obaidi, K.M., Rahman, A.M.A. (2016). Toplighting Systems for Improving Indoor Environment: A Review. In: Ahmad, M., Ismail, M., Riffat, S. (eds) Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies for Building and Environmental Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31840-0_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31840-0_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-31838-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-31840-0

  • eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)

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