2003-03-16 08:15
Solar radiation from the Sun can have a significant impact on a building. Whilst often a source of overheating due to inadequate controls, with some thoughtful design it can provide a cheap and abundant source of energy in your building. This energy can be used to heat spaces in winter, provide hot water, power appliances using photovoltaics, and even generate cooling ventilation in summer. The following solar analysis functions in ECOTECT allow you to visualise and quantify the access you will have to solar radiation and the effects your building will have on the solar access of those around you. See the following topics for more information on each function. Shadow Display Allows you to display the shadows cast by buildings within your model.
Shading Device Design Provides a range of design tools for the creation of effective shading devices.
Reflection Display Allows you to assess the extent of sun patches cast by reflective surfaces within your model.
Solar Exposure Displays and quantifies incident solar radiation and shading for any surface at any time of the year.
Overshadowing Uses sun-path diagrams and shading tables to encapsulate an entire year's overshadowing in the one image.