Solar Radiation and Solar Geometry

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• describe the properties of sunlight before and after its passage through the atmosphere,
• review different ways to measure solar radiation and identify the limitations of different measurement methods,
• use geometry and concepts to describe the sun’s movement across the sky and calculate the effect the orientation of a surface has on radiated energy,
• apply calculation models to analyse and indicate how shading from nearby buildings and other objects affects solar irradiation at a given place,
• illustrate and reflect on how the human need for daylight in buildings is addressed based on the demand that can be put on daylight design in buildings.
  

The course treats the physics of solar radiation, solar geometry, the way solar radiation is distributed over time and space, the different ways to measure solar radiation, and the way solar radiation data is dealt with using different models to calculate solar radiation on surfaces. Different methods for calculating how shading affects available solar radiation are reviewed. As a special application of solar radiation, daylight is studied as well as the way building design and window placement affect daylight conditions in buildings.

• Written examination
• Individual reflection report
• Written reports from laboratory work and project work

The grading scale used for the final course grade is U, 3, 4, 5.

Grades are reported as follows:

• Written examination - 2.5 Credits | U, 3, 4, 5
• Reflection report - 0.5 Credits | U–G
• Written reports from laboratory work and project assignment - 2 Credits | U–G