SOLAR GEOMETRY

Solar Geometry is the consideration of the angular relationship

between the sun, the building and any shading devices and
obstructing bodies. Different approaches exist to analyze the direct
solar beam:
• Graphical plots;
• Manual trigonometric methods;
• Computer based trigonometric methods;
• Scale models examined using a sundial device, and natural
sunlight or an artificial light source; and
• scale models using a heliodor, a device that mechanically
reproduces the geometric movement of the sun.

Effect of the tilt of the earth’s axis on the duration of the day
and night.
 Since the tilt of the earth’s axis is fixed, the northern
hemisphere faces the sun in June, and the southern hemisphere faces
the sun in December.

Solstices
On June 21 the sun’s rays will be perpendicular to the earth’s surface
along the tropic of Cancer. This is the longest day in the northern
hemisphere and the shortest in the southern hemisphere. On Dec 21
the situation is reversed.
Effects of the sun on the climate.
The temperature of the air as well as that of the land is mainly
a result of the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the land or the
water, which then heats or cools the air above it.

Winter occurs because:

1. There is a reduced amount of daylight during this time of the year.
The amount of daylight is a function of the latitude.
2. The sun is lower in the sky and its intensity is spread over a larger
surface.

Altitude and Radiation: effect on climate.

The altitude of the sun affects climate in two ways:
1. As the sun is lower in the sky, solar radiation must traverse
through a larger portion of the atmosphere and is weaker when it
reaches the earth.
2. - A given beam of light will illuminate a larger area as the
sunbeam is spread over larger areas.
Topography and Solar Radiation
Area of ground receiving the ray on flat ground (B) is larger than
area on Sun facing slope (A). Thus more energy is received per unit
area on the slope. Shadow cast by tree on flat ground (B) is longer
than the one cast by same tree on slope (A).

Solar Position Angles

The position of the sun in the sky at any given moment can be
determined by two values: the solar altitude and the solar azimuth.
These are plotted in an imaginary celestial sphere or sky dome in
which we are in the centre (loco centric view). We regard the radius
of this sphere to be infinite and we can see only 1/2 of the celestial
sphere at any time. The boundary between the visible and invisible
portions of the celestial sphere is called the horizon. The poles of the
horizon, those points directly overhead and underneath are called the
zenith and the nadir.”
Solar Position Angles: Altitude and Azimuth
From Architectural Graphic Standards

The position of the Sun in the sky varies during the day and
during the year and is based on latitude. Complete understanding of
solar positioning is NECCESARY for reasonable solar design and
climatic response. Solar position can be determined using the
previous equations, but nevertheless it is often much simpler and
quicker to read sun positions from a table or off a sun-path diagram.

SUNDIALS
Scale models can be studied outdoors under direct sun or
indoors using a lamp as a simulated sun. To position the model
accurately relative to the sun, place a sundial beside the model and
adjust the model position until the desired time is shown on the
sundial.
a) Build a simple model with accurate geometry. You can study the
whole building or just a portion of the facade.
b) Select the sundial with latitude closest to your site (use 32°).
Mount a copy of the sundial on your model and enlarge for more
accurate positioning. It should be horizontal, oriented properly with
true south on the model, and in a position where it will not be shaded
by the model (flat roof or southern portion of model base are good
places.
 Graphical illustration of sun shade:

Controlling shading in various parts of the

building:
Shading the Window
It is possible to shade the windows in three forms:
•External shading devices,
•Internal shading devices or
•With the glass pane itself.
Each of these systems has advantages and disadvantages.
 EXTERNAL SHADING DEVICES
An external shading system has the advantage of blocking the
solar radiation before the sun penetrates the building, but has the
disadvantage of exposure to the climatic elements for maintenance.
The size and position of these external shading elements can be
calculated so as to cover the windows on the most problematic hours.

Fixed external shading systems are usually classified as:

 Horizontal,
 Vertical,
 Combined (egg crate).
Operable External Shading Devices
External shading devices can also be operable so that they
can be adjusted with more precision and effectiveness to different
solar positions, during different times of the year.
These respond better to the dynamic nature of weather which
does not always correlate with solar geometry. The position of these
movable devices could be an adjusted as a function of temperature
also instead of only the solar position as the fixed shading devices.
Internal Shading Devices
Even though internal shading devices are not as effective as
external shading devices in blocking energy into the building, they
are interesting for a number of practical reasons.
•They are protected from the outdoor environment and thus do not
have to resist the elements.
•They are often less expensive than external shade systems.
•They are usually very adjustable and movable responding easily to
changing requirements.
•Also, they provide added benefits in the regulation of privacy,
natural light, glare, insulation level of the windows and interior
aesthetics.
•At night they also reduce heat losses through the window.
Internal shading devices can be curtains, roller shades, horizontal
venetian blinds, vertical drapes and shutters.
Glazing as the Shading Element
Glass can regulate the solar gains, usually by tinting, but this
has the disadvantage of also decreasing the amount of light in the
space. Recently special self regulating tinted glass has appeared in
the market. This glass has the advantage of getting darker whenever
conditions require it so it is not continuously dark.

Examples;
 Glazing types from the ASI used in some shading:

ASI THRU ASI OPAK White ASI OPAK Creative Line Elegance
Line
ASI OPAK®

ASI THRU: is a semi-transparent module with a see-through effect.

It is available in laminated form or as double glazed units.
ASI OPAK: is the technology for homogeneous facade surfaces,
where no vision is required.
ASI OPAK White; offers a completely uniform appearance.
ASI OPAK Creative Line and Elegance Line offer unique surface
patterns, allowing new architectural design possibilities. Customer-
specific patterns can also be produced. The following designs and
module constructions are available as customer specific solutions:
ASI FADE provides a gradual fade to clear glass
ASI SHADE integrates shading louvers with double glazed units to
provide the ultimate in glare protection.
 Anti-reflective coating
All of the above options laminated or double glazed are also
available with AMIRAN anti-reflective glass from SCHOTT.
This significantly reduces the average light reflectivity, enhances the
performance of the solar power and eliminates obtrusive reflections.

Typical Applications
 SHGC (G-VALUE)

GLAZING

Single glass pane ~80%

Double glazed with uncoated glass ~80%
Double glazed with solar control coating 30 - 70%
ASI THRU® double glazed unit 10%

SHADING SYSTEMS
External Venetian blind (white)* 12%
External fabric canopy* 9%
Internal roller blind (white)* 40%

Movable louver
 REFERENCES

 http://btech.lbl.gov/pub/designguide/

 btech.lbl.gov/pub/design guide/section5.pdf
 More examples of solar control in facades:
http://gaia.lbl.gov/hpbf/casest_r1.htm