SD-95-18-4 -- General Shading Model for Solar Building Design PDF

Describes a general principle for accurate calculation of the effect of shading objects on surfaces exposed to direct solar radiation. The principle used is known as polygon clipping. States the technique has been implemented in a personal computer software application which can function as a stand alone design tool or may be integrated with programs for thermal simulation of buildings or solar systems. Gives examples of its use, shows its functionality when integrated with a thermal simulation tool and presents comparative validations against the standard ASHRAE algorithms for calculations of overhangs and side fins.

KEYWORDS: year 1995, Calculating, buildings, solar radiation, shade, computer programs, algorithms, comparing