SOLAR RADIATION CONTROL TECHNIQUES.

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The main purpose of this article is to introduce us to ways of controlling solar radiation. In this article, we will be able to learn about effective ways of controlling solar radiation from totally penetrating into the building space.




WHAT IS SOLAR RADIATION? 

Solar radiation can be defined as the transfer of solar energy through electromagnetic waves which are known as infrared waves across space with or 

without the medium. The effect of it can be measured photographically and thermoelectricallywith a sunshine recorder.

Solar radiation is diminished by the earth surface and disallowed from having a uniform penetration to the earth and this is due to factors like turbidity, reflection, scattering and absorption of radiant energy by dust which is the cause of diffuse day and night.

Solar radiation is divided into 3 main components which are ultraviolet with 3%; visible radiation 44%, infrared rays 53%.

In building planning, solar radiation is to be considered in most phases of design because it affects almost all phases of design, allowing too much of solar radiation to penetrate into a building decreases the level of comfort in building and total blocking of solar radiation also could leads to problem like poor lighting therefore effective control of solar radiation is very important.

Solar radiation control techniques

This is normally used to prevent direct or total penetration of sunlight into buildings so as to reduce radioactive heat and solar glare and to ensure that the building fabrics receive reduced solar radiation.

These techniques involves the followings

(1)    Building orientation and screening

(2)    Use of purposely designed elements

(3)    Use of plants

(4)    Use of double glazed glass

(1)    In building orientation and screening, a precise study of the solar angle of incident is required for effective planning. The fundamental rules governing building orientation, screening and solar protection are;

Open facades of building should be made to face the north or south in order to avoid the direct radiation from the low sun and the consequent intensive concentration of heat by the high sun.
In Humid climatic zone, it is necessary to screen all openings against direct and indirect radiation when the entire sky becomes a source of radiation, the use of fixed sun control or shading devices such as crate methods, vertical louvers, horizontal louvers (fixed on top of the window) window hood, use of flexible devices such as curtain which consist of vertical blinds used internally are advisable.

(2)    Use of purposely designed elements- The use of deep verandahs, cover passages E.t.c to serve as protective measures against penetration of heat is also effective in solar radiation control

(3)    Use of plants – Plants are landscape element that are capable of being used as protective elements that can protect the building against direct penetration of solar radiation, the use of shade trees and fruit trees like mango tree, guava E.t.c provide a sunshade for the building thus reducing the amount of solar penetration in and out of the building envelop.  For example, in using plants to control solar radiation, it is advisable to plant deciduous trees along the window’s area to block excessive sun during hot season with their leaves and to allow light to pass through during winter when their leaves fall off.  Coniferous trees can be planted to the north of the building to shield it against harmful wind.

(4)    The use of double glass glazing. Double glass glazing or triple glass glazing is used to minimize solar heat gain by rejecting solar radiation and disallowing it from penetrating into the building, they are used to control solar glare. Ordinary glazing is often not effective enough in properly controlling solar glare but when glasses are combined together to make it double or triple, they become more effective.

There are more techniques of controlling solar radiation, but for the purpose of keeping this post short, I have only mentioned 4 but I believe with the little I have written, I have been able to introduce you to solar radiation control techniques. Thanks for reading through.

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Categories: ARCHITECTURE, Green Architecture, solar radiation