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This paper reports the results of research conducted in order to propose a system of lightweight sun protection devices that can be produced in Cuba and added to the facades of the buildings in order to reduce the heat load through the architectural envelope and the energy consumption. For this, a modular indoor air- conditioned space with three possible functions, of which the requirements were derived to satisfy the elements of sun protection design, was defined. Its performance in terms of reduced heat transfer and natural lighting inside was assessed using automated simulation with Ecotect V5. The application in a case study helped to show that the required investment for the solar protection of the building facade can be amortized in less than two years from reducing air conditioning load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main cooling strategy in warm climates, as that of Cuba, is the solar control. However, the sun brake was in disuse, so glass windows without solar protection was increased and the costs of its affectations were ignored. The objectives of this paper are: to characterize the historical evolution of the use of brise-soleil as a shady resource and to obtain the designing angles for solar protection elements so that they can be more efficient and economic. Through virtual simulation (validated through a scale model experiment) the parameters proposed by the current rules and other national documents regarding the design of solar protection in architecture were checked. The criterion for a single type of solar protection element in the north and south facades in the city of Camaguey was changed. Besides, it was demonstrated that multiple elements are more efficient. On the other hand, optimized angles for the design of these elements were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]