DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER APPLICATION FOR THE ESTIMATION OF SOLAR RADIATION IN PLANS SITUATED ON COMPLEX TERRAINS AND IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

There are currently no precise methods to estimate the radiation to which building envelopes will be exposed during the design stage; using current tools, we can ascertain the level of radiation on the terrain but not directly on any section of the envelope.

The project aims to design a computer tool to calculate solar radiation on any point in a 3D plan, taking into account weather conditions, topography, surrounding obstacles and the material of the building envelope itself. By knowing the level of radiation on the front or roof of the building, the solar-powered heating system can be designed more efficiently, calculating thermal gains inside the building. This allows a hot water system to be developed that is more in line with actual consumption needs and make use of elements that permit the control of radiation so as to avoid overheating and subcooling.

This tool is extremely useful in the design stage of buildings since it allows energy requirements to be ascertained from the outset, both in terms of heating and the consumption of hot water and lighting.

DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER APPLICATION FOR THE ESTIMATION OF SOLAR RADIATION IN PLANS SITUATED ON COMPLEX TERRAINS AND IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

SITUATION: Completed

Financing: Gobierno de Navarra, Programa EUROINNOVA – INNOVATIC

Collaboration: ACSolar XXI, CyC, Tracasa, Universidad Pública de Navarra

Date of presentation: September, 2007

Date of beginning: October, 2007

Date of ending: September, 2009