A Study on Sun Path of Coimbatore and Its Irradiation Effects on Buildings using Ecotect Software and Design Recommendations for Minimizing the Heat Gain

Abstract

Understanding the sun path graphically in a three-dimensional figure by means of software can help us to predict the effects of irradiation on the buildings at a specific location. The Ecotect software is a tool that gives a clear image of the movement of the sun all around the year with exact Azimuth and Altitude angles in both graphical and tabular format. This paper is a research based on the software data of Coimbatore (10°N,76.9°E), by which we are able to analyze the movement of the sun graphically, its irradiation effects on the surface of the building (roof and Wall). As a Designer/ Architect we are able to propose design solutions by understanding the sun movement graphically, to achieve thermal comfort indoors and minimize the energy consumption.