A major part of any climate is the Sun. Its radiation is a major source of passive heating energy available on any site. Making best use of this is therefore very important when heating is required, but adequate protection is just as important when it is not.
Sun-Path Diagrams
Sun-path diagrams are a 2D representation of the annual movement of the Sun through the sky. Both stereographic and orthographic diagrams are available. In the one diagram, the designer can quickly determine both the direction and time of any solar event throughout the year.
Stereographic sun-path diagram.
Orthographic sun-path diagram.
Solar Radiation Analysis
Based on a 1m² vertical surface, the total daily incident solar radiation can be calculated at any orientation. The underheated and overheated periods within the year are shown as coloured blocks, so you can compare total solar collection values. This graph can also be animated, clearly showing the full effects of different orientations.
2 vertical surface."> Solar radiation analysis based on a 1m2 vertical surface.
Full 360
Optimum Orientation
If the above calculation is done for the full 360 degrees, a table of underheated/overheated values can be generated. This is used to determine the most favourable range of orientations for passive solar heating, whilst still considering the effects of unwanted solar gains in summer.
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