Direct Sun Analysis – Louver & Glazing Iterations

ARE 346N Project – Fall 2023

As an ongoing study of energy demand from HVAC systems in Austin, Texas, I analyzed the effect of sun-shading elements. These are meant to mitigate heat absorption on walls and direct radiation from penetrating into interior spaces.

To optimize running time of the analysis, I focused on a six-month period (January to July), every 30 minutes during daylight hours. The analysis provides the number of direct sun hours in this period, with a definition of 1 sqft.

The following shows a clear decrease in interior sun radiation with the implementation of sun-shading elements. This is critical in reducing the cooling load in Austin, TX as building glazing contributes to heat gain through both temperature differences and direct sun.

Further, the building wall performance increases as shading reduces the surface temperature, particularly in the south-facing walls.

Below is the brief submitted to the Department of Energy’s JUMP into STEM competition, prepared by team-members Thomas Almendra, Ben Claflin, and myself.