Solar Loading and Energy Budget
Solar loading to vehicles, buildings, ships, and aircraft is a key factor in analysis performed by ThermoAnalytics. Since 1996, our research engineers have provided advanced engineering solutions to manage solar thermal loads, including window design, surface treatments, and passive solar energy management.
Using first principles physics and actual or predicted weather data, the thermal performance of an HVAC system, solar shading system, or building site design can be modeled by our team. For example, we have demonstrated that use of green space around buildings can significantly reduce total thermal load to structures, reducing both reflected solar loads and direct infrared emissions.
Engineered systems, such as ship decks, aircraft skins and vehicle interiors can be optimized for maximum or minimum solar loading with support from our research engineers, using our proprietary thermal analysis software.
Solar Energy Simulation Technology
All thermal analysis codes from ThermoAnalytics include our transient environmental modules: direct solar, diffuse solar, reflected solar, solar transmission through glass, sky radiation, and wind convection.
Because our software supports a complete model of a natural environment, all relevant thermal loads are considered, from solar loading to wind effects and radiant losses to the cold sky. Reflections from local terrain and objects are computed for both solar-band and thermal band radiation.
Complete System Analysis
An example of the power of our combined services and software is reflected in the case study below: a full-vehicle model with engine and exhaust system and multiple thermal manikins can be analyzed in any global location with realistic transient thermal and engine loads. Even the vehicle speed and heading can be varied over time with the apparent solar position changing and “shining” through different windows onto the respective passengers.
Learn more about Solar and Environmental
Using our proprietary solar simulation technology, the solar energy incident on a building's walls and through its windows can be accurately computed. Our model adjusts global position, date, time of day, and weather conditions over time.
The purpose of many climate control systems is human thermal comfort. The ThermoAnalytics Thermal Comfort Virtual Dummy will allow your team to test the efficacy of passive thermal designs and energy-saving devices, without sacrificing human comfort.
We model thermal performance using first principles physics and actual or predicted weather data. Because our software supports a complete model of a natural environment, all relevant thermal loads are considered, from solar loading to wind effects and radiant losses to the cold sky.
Quantifying Thermal Performance
When innovators develop new materials or thermal designs, quantifying the increased performance under actual conditions can be a challenge. Through simulation we can provide a net benefit in energy management to buildings, aircraft or vehicles.
