Shading

Solar panels are gaining importance as a major alternate source of energy in the prevailing condition of depleting non renewable energy sources. Photovoltaic (PV) modules are being increasingly used in large as well as small scale installations. The performance of PV panels is affected by the shading effect due to trees, passing of clouds, neighboring buildings and any other means. This paper is an attempt to carry out systematic study of the effect of shading on the Power output, Fill factor and Efficiency of solar panel. A direct correlation was found between short circuit current and solar irradiation under uniform shading conditions. On the other hand, non uniform shading conditions yielded a variety of performance behavior. Such shading conditions should be avoided for better performance of solar panels.

The measured and forecasted changes in climate have an immediate influence on the planning of buildings and building services. The requirements toward the energy efficiency of buildings is increasing. Due to rising temperatures, the reduction of summer heat loads will become a dominant factor in the tempering of buildings.
Static and angle selective shading devices are an appropriate measure in the process of reducing summer gains and allowing the winter passive use of solar energy. They are independant of control mechanisms or user behaviour and are therefore more robust energetically and more predictable when dimensioning building services as opposed to moveable shading.
Static shading is an architectural medium. It dominates facades as an invariant graphic element and offers high design potential.
This thesis shows a basic formal typology of static shading devices and simple methods of valuating their influence on daylight, warmth and view. It concludes with a presentation and evaluation of tools for their exact dimensioning and their generation.

As concomitants to developments and globalization, Indian modernism witnessed unprecedented socioeconomic and lifestyle benefits on the one hand, and adaptation to high-energy habitats and lifestyle, and subsequent degradation of the native habitats milieu, on the other. Unlike compact traditional buildings or occupants' lifestyle, modern buildings and its inhabitants generate much heat. House-2 in Delhi by Morphogenesis, conceptualized as a 'porous' object with adequate thermal mass, is a radical re-interpretation of haveli 1 typology to optimum plan forms to account for modern lifestyles and environmental imperatives. Thermal comfort is affected by the body's heat exchange with the climatic parameters, and engineering of conduction, convection, radiation of heat or cold through various effects of ventilation modes and air change rates, solar shading, and thermal mass envelopes are hypothesize to afford better indoor environment conditions, and thereby thermal comfort with low-energy. Solar Designer Ver.6 and Ecotect (2011) were used for analysis and simulations of the following cases: 1). House 2, As-built and light thermal mass with no shading, 2) 3 prototype rooms to check ventilation effects on glazing area, thermal mass, and insulation. The results are shown in 1) hourly indoor temperature fluctuation without airconditioning and Discomfort Index, 2) annual heating and cooling load in a year. The analysis shows that Flex Vent mode was more energy efficient than Normal conditions without ventilation. While thermal comfort was not fully afforded for during summer, passive design in House 2, as-built, perform better than light thermal mass, and hence improved energy efficiency. Hypothetical case analysis shows insulation was most effective in both summer and winter for the hypothesis cases.

1.Excessive nutrient discharge, linked to human activities, is one of the main causes of the decline of seagrass meadows since it modifies two essential parameters controlling their primary production: the nutrient concentrations (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) and the irradiance.2.To investigate the behaviour of seagrass under varied conditions of light and/or nutrient concentrations, it is necessary to experimentally manipulate nutrient enrichment and light, either in situ or in artificial ecosystems. The available experimental information concerning the influences of light reduction and nutrient enrichments (N and P) on seagrass meadows are summarized.3.The protocols for experimentally reducing light vary considerably but all light reduction experiments show a decrease in seagrass vitality and physiological changes (e.g. promotes an increase in chlorophyll and tissue nitrogen), depending on the species-specific tolerance (light optima).4.A wide range of protocols for experimentally increasing nutrient levels have been applied, including varying the nutrient species quantities and ratios, as well as the sources and frequency of additions. Responses to N and/or P enrichment range from stimulation to direct or indirect inhibition, varying depending upon the species, the protocol implemented, the nutrient source (water column versus sediments), and other environmental conditions (e.g. interactions with factors such as temperature, grazing and light).5.Both light reduction and nutrient enrichment, can cause seagrass decline, through similar internal mechanisms, promoting an imbalance of internal nutrient supply ratios. Similar physiological responses can thus be observed (e.g. increase of N, P and chlorophyll contents of leaves).6.This study shows the close link between the physiology and morphology of seagrasses, with regard to environmental modifications. It also highlights their ability to provide information on environmental conditions by means of their responses. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Excessive nutrient discharge, linked to human activities, is one of the main causes of the decline of seagrass meadows since it modifies two essential parameters controlling their primary production: the nutrient concentrations (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) and the irradiance.To investigate the behaviour of seagrass under varied conditions of light and/or nutrient concentrations, it is necessary to experimentally manipulate nutrient enrichment and light, either in situ or in artificial ecosystems. The available experimental information concerning the influences of light reduction and nutrient enrichments (N and P) on seagrass meadows are summarized.The protocols for experimentally reducing light vary considerably but all light reduction experiments show a decrease in seagrass vitality and physiological changes (e.g. promotes an increase in chlorophyll and tissue nitrogen), depending on the species-specific tolerance (light optima).A wide range of protocols for experimentally increasing nutrient levels have been applied, including varying the nutrient species quantities and ratios, as well as the sources and frequency of additions. Responses to N and/or P enrichment range from stimulation to direct or indirect inhibition, varying depending upon the species, the protocol implemented, the nutrient source (water column versus sediments), and other environmental conditions (e.g. interactions with factors such as temperature, grazing and light).Both light reduction and nutrient enrichment, can cause seagrass decline, through similar internal mechanisms, promoting an imbalance of internal nutrient supply ratios. Similar physiological responses can thus be observed (e.g. increase of N, P and chlorophyll contents of leaves).This study shows the close link between the physiology and morphology of seagrasses, with regard to environmental modifications. It also highlights their ability to provide information on environmental conditions by means of their responses.

The recent increasing attention in energy production from renewable energy sources has led to photovoltaic (PV) elements, being located on greenhouse roofs. However, their assessment is almost underdeveloped in Italy. The present paper investigated the lack of a spatial database of PV greenhouses in Italy. The first aim is to detect the evolution of PV panels on the roof of greenhouses during several Energy counts (E.C.). The succeeding goal instead aims to examine the shading of PV panels of a prototype greenhouse that enables an environmentally adapting to the intrinsic characteristics. The shading on crops is one of the major limits for the PV installation on the roofs of greenhouses because it causes problems regarding the usual sequence of agricultural activity. Until now many studies applied PV panels as covering material of greenhouses concentrated on flat structures. The present study investigates tunnel greenhouses which, due to their curved shape, do not lend themselves to accommodate easily PV panels on their coverage. The shading variation was analysed inside our prototype greenhouse, by installing PV panels in a checker-board arrangement. The transparent flexible PV panels, with dimensions of 1.116 m × 0.165 m, are manufactured using mono-crystalline silicon cells, with an efficiency of 18%, incorporated into polymers with high resistance. The difference and distribution of the shading percentage were examined regarding the surface area affected by the PV roof, the total area and the section of the greenhouse. Particularly, variations in the percentage of shading and the size of the shaded area have been observed on the twenty-first day of each month of the year. Results exposed some consistency in the shading percentage, primarily because of the curvilinear shape of the section of the greenhouse. From mid-March to mid-September, the shading was practically and constantly inside the greenhouse during the daytime; while it was partly inside and partly outside the tunnel greenhouse during the remaining months. The percentage of shading with the PV arrangement adopted never exceeds 40% during the year.

Fruits and young shoot of Solanum nigrum Linn are harvested and consumed as indigenous vegetables by different Indonesian ethnics. Preharvest factors and harvesting methods to maximize the quality of S. nigrum produce is still unknown. In this study S. nigrum was grown in full irradiance and under shading and assessed for their growth, and fruit and shoot yields. The experiment was conducted at the Leuwikopo Experimental Farm in Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia from April-July 2017. The results demonstrated that plants produced more fruits and shoots in full irradiance, i.e., 687.9 g and 211.1 g per plant, whereas only 331.1 g and 116.9 g per plant were produced in 50% shading. Although fruit and shoot production were superior under full irradiance, shoot-harvested plants had healthier leaves and life span of about 2 months longer thus facilitating longer availability. Canopy of shoot-harvested plants formed a columnar shape with 23 to 45 cm in height,  in contrast to spherical shape with 48 to 203 cm in height of the fruit-harvested plants. It is likely that shading level might contribute to farmers’ decision to harvest the shoots or fruits of S. nigrum. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of shading levels on nutritional quality of the shoots and fruits of S. nigrum.

Energy conservation issues and environmental problems in recent years have increased interest in traditional architecture which is well known for its energy saving designs. This paper thoroughly investigates vernacular housing designs and evaluates on the aspect of building physics. A new research methodology which is adapted to the natural and social context of Vietnam was proposed and applied. The process was carried out step by step, including: climate zoning, systematic analysis, in-situ survey and building simulations. The results of this study indicate that vernacular housing in Vietnam is creatively adapted to the local natural conditions and uses various climate responsive strategies. Through this study, the most frequently used strategies and their effectiveness were derived. The authors also found that under extreme weather conditions, traditional designs might not be sufficient to maintain indoor thermal comfort.

Accumulation of dust on the surface of the solar panels is a natural phenomenon. These accumulated dust particles act as an obstrucle and obstruct the rays from reaching the panel. These particles act as external resistance. The amount of accumulated dust on the surface of the PV module effects the overall energy. Environment is one of the main contributing factor which affects the functioning of the panel. Shading of the panel can decrease the output reducing the overall solar photovoltaic performance of the cell. Hence by cleaning the module periodically can improve the efficiency by increasing the output by almost 50%.

The research involves studying the qualities of window films. Biomimicry is applied in the conceptualization of a solution for the design of the window film. Standard window films are installed to mitigate penetration of the sun’s radiation within the interior space of a building. The area of research is Quezon City, Manila. Initial gathering of data has supported the researchers’ statement of need. The researchers mimicked the conditions in the area of research to go through with the simulations and experimentations. Application of films in a tropical country is advantageous in several ways. However, despite the several problems it solves with regards sun shading, with it entails disadvantages regarding the entry of daylight. The window film significantly reduced the level of interior light or visible transmittance. The strategy used was a quantitative research using the experimental method. The method chosen was preferred to arrive at a display of values that will provide the researchers a concrete basis as to how to proposed concept for the window film is different from the regular window film. Through the data gathered by the researchers, it was proved that the entry of light within a space is dismal. The values failed to reach the minimum level required for illuminance. Adaptation then of a biological solution that is known in nature for its sun shading capability was tested whether it will be of effect to the overall performance of the film without compromising its original purpose. The leaf venation was adapted as the pattern for the modified film. Simulations and experimentations were executed to arrive at a conclusion that the application of a biological solution to the window film has increased the level of illuminance. There was a significant increase in the lux levels brought about by the perforations on the film.

... and cultural changes in the arid zones of Islamic countries resulted in a breach between vernacular concepts and the modern urban forms. Traditional Islamic architecture usually displayed buildings with heavy facades and limited well shaded openings on external elevations. ...

Purpose – Exterior shading devices and dynamic shading systems constitute an efficient way to improve
energy efficiency and occupants’ comfort in buildings through the reduction of direct solar heat gains and
disturbing glare. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the performance of different types of shading
systems, fixed and dynamic, and their influence on the energy consumption and cooling loads for an office
building located in Tallinn, Estonia. The scope is to determine the most performative configuration for energy
consumption and cooling load reduction for office buildings and to provide designers and developers with the
necessary knowledge to increase the performance of their buildings.
Design/methodology/approach – There are many types of fixed shading devices, most of which use
rectangular planar elements, the orientation and layout of which depends on the building location and façade
orientation. The dynamic shading systems vary on the base of the building occupancy schedules and occupants’
preferences. The paper presents a method to determine the most efficient type and size of fixed shading devices
in relation to different windows’ size and orientation, and the quantity of windows panes. At the same time the
dynamic shading system using a control algorithm developed by the authors is compared.
Findings – The results show that solar shading is an efficient way to control the energy consumption of
office buildings, though with different efficacy by the static systems depending on orientation, window and
shading type. Evidence shows that dynamic blind systems have more uniform performance and usually
outperform static shading.
Originality/value – The paper compares the performances of different static and dynamic shading devices
and systems for the location in Tallinn. The dynamic shading system tested uses a control algorithm
developed by the authors. The indications for the energy reduction and cooling loads are a valuable resource
for designers and developers to increase the energy efficiency of their buildings.

Seagrasses of the Great Barrier Reef predominantly occur in coastal regions where terrestrial inputs modify water quality and photosynthetic light is highly variable. Responses to shading were tested for Cymodocea serrulata, Halodule uninervis, Thalassia hemprichii and Zostera muelleri. In aquaria, four light treatments – high (66% surface light), moderate (31%), low (14%) and very low light (1%) treatments – were

A computer model was developed for the economic analysis of the damage caused to cocoa plants (Theobroma cacao) due to the harvest of timber shade trees (Cordia alliodora), based on field estimations from cocoa farms in the indigenous region of Talamanca, in the south east of Costa Rica. An economic cost-benefit analysis was carried out considering cocoa planting densities, yields, timber volumes and both cocoa and timber prices. Damage to cocoa plants was quantified in terms of severity levels and then translated into yield losses and their corresponding economic values. From the 49 harvested timber trees observed, 196 cocoa plants were affected, of which 4% required replanting and 38% coppicing. Tree trunks were involved in 55% of the damage cases (109) and tree crowns in 45% (89). Nevertheless, the revenue obtained from timber sales easily offset the costs of damage to the cocoa crop. The economic analysis showed that on average, the net gain derived from timber harvesting was around US$316 per tree. For all considered scenarios, the timber market price that would balance discounted costs and benefits to zero ranged between US$22 and US$66 m−3 (current market price for C. alliodora is US$128 m−3). There would be lower margins due to higher costs of cocoa damage in high yielding, high price cocoa scenarios. However, the study shows that damage due to tree felling should not be a major objection of farmers to the use of timber shade trees in cocoa farms even in these scenarios.

Shading affects outdoor thermal environments and, therefore, influences the thermal perceptions of people in outdoor spaces. Since most field studies examining outdoor thermal comfort merely elucidated characteristics measured on a particular day, these studies may not represent ...

Solar protection of buildings by fixed shading devices has the potential to increase user comfort and energy efficiency simultaneously. This is especially true for existing buildings not equipped with cooling facilities. Due to the inflexibility of these shading elements, their correct design is essential. This paper discusses different methodologies for the ideal dimensioning of such elements and proposes the new method “OPTIShade”. The method uses mathematical optimization strategies in building simulation. Basis for these simulations is EnergyPlus and Radiance, in addition to the generic optimization tool GenOpt. Using ray tracing software will allow for angle selective materials and objects in the simulation. The research for a suitable optimization algorithm has been conducted successfully. First tests of the general method have shown its potential for the improvement of fixed shading in building design.

This paper discusses thermal surface performance on front facades of high-rise apartments in Malaysia built with early modern style. Early modern style apartments were popular from the 1950s to 1970s using mass produced and fast construction techniques with standardized design by the government to elicit housing shortage problem due to population increase in the city. The apartments built with open corridor system image the frontages and become the main access to entrance doors of the apartment units. The results from the study will provide information on awareness of passive facade design to minimize solar radiation of the apartment facades. The government recently introduces Green Building Index (GBI) as an awareness strategy in architectural building design. By having this awareness, the building design in the future will able to help reducing electricity consumption. There are three early modern apartments selected in the case studies located in Kuala Lumpur. The survey will measure the percentage of the apartments' front façades shaded from direct sunlight. The survey will apply SunTool software. The thermal surface data indicates that all the facades had slightly above 75% under the excellent category of the shading performances. The wide corridor plays the most important role as a sun-shading device to all three apartments' recessed wall facade. The open corridor system has more emphasis on horizontal sun shading device. Less emphasis is on vertical sun shading devices limited to the brick railing fence and parapet walls of the corridor roof on each floor. These horizontal sun-shading devices were only able to give shades to the apartment façades slightly above 50% from evening sunlight.