SHADING Tools Plugin v1.0 ®

• What:
  

  The plugin enables analyzing any given design with regards to solar rights or shading requirements. It allows the examination of the mutual shading between buildings and any other objects. It can perform an accurate evaluation of the design of any external or internal windows' shading devices as well. The analysis can be carried out visually and quantitatively.

  The plugin allows the designer to plan efficiently the various functions of spaces among buildings in an urban environment, as well as determining the location of the passive and active solar collectors. 

  The plugin allows to calculate the (Geometrical) Shading Coefficient of any surface selected from the 3D model (References).

  
  
  
• Why:
  

  While the term Shading Coefficient (SC) is defined as the ratio of solar radiation that enters through a fenestration system relative to that of a standard reference glazing composed of a single-pane. The term "Geometrical Shading Coefficient" (GSC) expresses the ratio between shaded and total examined surface  areas.

  GSC does not include the glazing materials and therefore, is not limited for use only in the context of fenestration systems. It depends on the geometry of the obstacles that block the sun from the examined surface. The GSC is not constant but depends on the angle of incidence of solar radiation. Therefore, it should be given as a function of the date and time. The term Geometrical Insolated Coefficient (GIC) to express the ratio insolated/total examined surface areas is also applicable in this context.

  
  

  So far the plugin presents the following features:

• Move Camera to Sun:
  Get current date's view from the sun.
• Set Model's Location: Edit model's location on the globe.
• Calculate Selection Shading Coefficient:
  Calculate how much of the selection is lit now (with current date & time).
• Calculate Visible Percentage from Point:
  Calculate how much of the selected surfaces are visible from the current camera position
  (regardless of the camera's Field of View).
• Calculate Shading Coefficient Over a Period:
  Writes a file with the shading coefficient data over the selected period.
• Select Faces:
  Helps selecting all faces of a certain type.
• Settings:
  Set various plugin definitions.