Radiation Impact on Surfaces

Fall 2007, 2008 graduate/undergraduate elective ‘Topics Studio’

Radiation Impact on Surfaces

Incident solar radiation can have a significant impact in buildings by affecting the surface temperature of opaque materials and increasing heat transfer by conduction or by radiation through windows.

Building surfaces receive varying amounts of solar radiation depending on the climate and latitude of the site and the orientation and tilt of the surface. This incident radiation affects the shading requirements and potential uses of the surface. Surfaces which receive more solar radiation might require additional shading during the summer, or would be suitable for placement of a solar hot water collector, or photovoltaic systems, or to place a window to provide solar gains to the interior of the building.

The objective of this exercise is to quantify and compare incident solar radiation on exterior building surfaces. Students will use this information to make more informed design decisions.

1.1. Using Ecotect select the option for solar access analysis under calculate and analyze the irradiation over the exterior surfaces of the building.

1.2. Calculate radiation on building and site surfaces to determine solar impact and shading requirements. The 3d models describe the incident radiation on external surfaces. Fig 1 is the analysis of of a shading system for an exterior space for underground dwellings, which must block direct solar radiation in the summer and allow it in the winter. Fig 2 describes the effects of solar radiation on building massing in a city block. The colors define different amounts of solar radiation. This analysis can be used to refine the design of the massing, exterior colors, fenestration and shading systems.

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