Pilkington Sun Chart
- Plots the sun’s altitude (angle from the horizon), azimuth (angle from True South), and incidence (angel between the sun and surface)
- Determines the sun’s position in the sky throughout the year
- Available in the Baker Lighting Lab (various latitudes available)
- Use in conjunction with a Solar Transit (available for check-out in the Baker Lighting Lab) to create a shading mask
- Used to design shading devices
- Pilkington Sun Chart Instructions Here.
Sun Peg Chart
- Tracks the sun’s path throughout the year
- Available in MEEB 12 (Appendix D, Page 1639, 44°N) and the Baker Lighting Lab
- Use in the Baker Lighting Lab with the Heliodon, outside with the sun on a tripod and/or the Bowling Ball Heliodon to analyze a shading device or daylighting model
Solmetric Sun Eye
- Calculates solar access
- Detects shading obstructions
- Plots sun paths based on location
- Stimulates removal or addition of shading objects or structures
- Self-orients and accommodates all panel orientations (tilt and azimuth)
- Available for check out in the Baker Lighting Lab
- Video Tutorial Available Here
- Solmetric Sun Eye Quick Start Guide
- Solmetric Sun Eye User’s Guide
Solar Pathfinder
- Sun path chart tool
- Fish-eye lens allows for easy detection of obstructions
- Quick and easy way to plot solar access
- Available for check out in the Baker Lighting Lab
- Video Tutorials Available Here, Here, and Here.
- Solar Pathfinder Manual
- Solar Pathfinder Assistant
Solar Transit
- Plots the existing natural lighting conditions at a particular site
- Accounts for the actual lighting conditions, including any obstructions (i.e. skyline with buildings, trees, etc.)
- Available in the Baker Lighting Lab for check-out
- Use in conjunction with a tripod and a Pilkington Sun Chart to create a shading mask
- Video Tutorial Available Here
- Solar Transit Manual
Heliodon
- Simulates the sun’s path throughout the year using an artificial sun
- Available in the Baker Lighting Lab for pre-approved/monitored use only
- Use to evaluate a shading device or daylighting model
Bowling Ball Heliodon
- Simulates the rotation of the earth
- Available for check out in the Baker Lighting Lab
- Use in conjunction with the sun and sun peg chart to analyze a shading device or daylighting model
- Video Tutorial Available Here
Manfrotto Tripod
- Used in conjunction with a Solar Transit and Sun Eye
- Available for check out in the Baker Lighting Lab
- Manfrotto Tripod Manual
Kestrel Weather Meter
- Measures wind-speed, relative humidity, heat index, and dew point
- Outdoor site and climate analysis
- Available for check out in the Baker Lighting Lab
- Video Tutorial Available Here
- Kestrel Weather Meter Manual
Suunto Global Compass and Altimeter
- Measures declination and object height
- Cardinal directions
- Site analysis
- Available for check out in the Baker Lighting Lab
- Video Tutorial Available Here
References
- Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings (12th Edition) by W. T. Grondzik and A. G. Kwok (2014)
- Sun, Wind, & Light: Architectural Design Strategies (2nd Edition) by G. Z. Brown and M. DeKay (2001)
- The Green Studio Handbook: Environment Strategies for Schematic Design (2nd Edition) by A. G. Kwok and W. T. Grondzik (2011)