Solar Tables

In this mode, solar position information is displayed as a table of hourly values for the current day, starting at sunrise and stopping at sunset. Both local and solar times are shown along with global azimuth and altitude values, relative horizontal and vertical shadow angles and, if you have calculated the shading table, shading percentages.

Othographic Projection

An orthographic projection is simply a 2D graph of the Sun position in cartesian coordinates. The azimuth is plotted along the horizontal axis whilst the altitude is plotted vertically. Reading the Sun position is simply a matter of reading off the two axis.

Stereographic Projection

In form, stereographic diagrams can be likened to a photograph of the sky, taken looking straight up towards the zenith and through a 180° fish eye lens. The path of the sun at different times of the year is then projected onto this flattened hemisphere to give the blue date and hour lines shown here.

Sun-Path Display

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.

1. Stereographic Projection

2. Othographic Projection

3. Solar Tables

Interactive 3D Shading Model

To calculate overshadowing and shading percentages, SunTool uses a simple 3D model of a window set into a wall. You can change the dimensions and orientation of this model interactively with the mouse or manually entering the parameters in the panel provided.

1. Window and Shading Model
   

2. External Shades
   

3. Interactive Nodes
   

4. Draggable Sun Path
   

5. Linked Windows

Window and Shading Model

SunTool uses a simple single-window shading model. If you need to analyse shading on more complex surfaces, see the ECOTECT software. You can place any number of horizontal and vertical shading devices on the window, at any angle and spaced off at any distance. You can even quickly design a solar pergola to fully exclude summer sun whhilst allowing in warming winter sun.

External Shades

In addition to window shades, you can also add external detached shades to simulate surrounding buildings, trees and other obstructions. For simplicity of manipulation, these are defined as rectilinear blocks of any height, width and offset from the window.