This applies to version 6.2
Add a shading canopy to a Facade or Surface and adjust the depth using an input value. This applies to Conceptual Mass models only.
A shading device will be automatically drawn on the conceptual mass, over notional glazing on that Surface.
Partial Canopy refers to a situation where multiple surfaces are selected. A canopy may be present on one or more surfaces but not on all selected (some may have a canopy and other surfaces may not). The third icon in the row allows a shading canopy to be applied to Surfaces. You may select multiple Surfaces and input a depth to apply to all selected Surfaces.
Side Extension refers to how far the canopy extends each side of the window. This setting currently will not affect the results however and is in development for improved functionality.
When one Surface in selected, an additional Shading Optimization Tool (beta) is available. This will attempt to suggest a suitable shade depth to achieve a target Heat Gain for that Surface. Note: this will only display when a single Surface is selected. Select a single Surface and enter the Facades area. Click on the Check Surface Shading button. Input a target Heat Gain value for the selected Surface and click on Update Guidance button. A suggested depth will be displayed for a shade device and Shading Depth Charts will display in orange. You may also filter the range of months (eg. March – September) instead of using all months of the year.
The small double arrow button to the right of the suggested depth will calculate a depth based on average or peak results. You may then apply this depth to the Surface to reduce the Heat Gain results (click on the Apply to Surface button). A mass shade device will be added to over the glazed area with the depth provided. The tool will attempt to achieve Heat Gains close to the target value (this may not always be precise due to variations in cill heights/head heights etc).
If the Heat Gain value is not achieved or the shade depth needs to be modified, the depth may be adjusted in the left hand panel (this will modify the shade device on the model) and the Recalculate button can be used to update the results.
If the months are modified or the target Heat Gain value changed, the Update Guidance button should be used to get an updated shade depth suggestion. Note: Precise values may not always be possible due to multiple factors that affect Heat Gain such as head and cill heights of the glazing etc. Users are advised that it may be necessary to adjust the depth value in this section to get closer to the Heat Gain target.
You may also switch between peak and average shading charts using the button shown below and a different depth will be suggested.
The following applies to version 6.1
Add shading to a Façade or Surface and adjust its length and width using the slider or numerical input. A shading device will be automatically drawn on the conceptual mass, at the head of the notional glazing.
Partial Canopy refers to a situation where multiple surfaces are selected and a canopy may not be present over all surfaces selected (some may have a canopy and other surfaces may not).
