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Suncast

Suncast logo.

Performs solar shading and insolation analysis and can generate images and animations. Suncast uses sun tracking and hidden surface algorithms to generate and view shadow data for all internal and external surfaces of the model. Suncast generates shadows from any sun position defined by date, time, orientation, site latitude and longitude and can investigate: external obstruction and self-shading of a building; solar mapping through windows; solar radiation on external and internal surfaces; and the effects of changing orientation of the building.
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Suncast can be used in passive solar design studies and is essential at the planning stage to visualise the effect of the building on surrounding buildings. Suncast has also been used to study problems such as grass growth on sports stadia. In addition, because it is possible to remove surfaces to investigate solar penetration, Suncast has been used to investigate internal design issues from office layouts to positioning of art in museums.

Keywords

solar shading, insolation

Validation/Testing

N/A

Expertise Required

Familiarity with Model Builder

Users

Many throughout UK and Europe.

Audience

Architects.

Input

3D geometry and site location.

Output

Solar shading images, data, and AVIs

Computer Platform

Unix, Windows NT

Programming Language

C, C++

Strengths

Easy-to-use interface.

Weaknesses

N/A

Contact

Company:

IES Limited

Address:

141 St James Road
Glasgow, Scotland G4 0LT
United Kingdom

Telephone:

+44 (141) 226 3662

Facsimile:

+44 (141) 226 3747

E-mail:

drdon@ies4d.com

Website:

http://www.ies4d.com

Availability

Contact IES at the above address or visit the IES4D web site.