Software collection
The third report of subtask B presents the capabilities of 19 CAAD and BPS digital tools for solar design, in order to increase overall awareness, and provide inspiration and incentive for the future choice of tool(s).
The review was carried out by using the same building model as input for all tools, as far as possible.
In addition, the second part of the report presents three exemplary case stories that intend to convey valuable experience as they describe different design approaches, which tools were used and how the use of solar design tools affected the design process and final architectural design.

 

BIPV design tool in a BIM-based process

Link to Construct PV webtool

Tool 620x310

 

T.41.B.3 Solar design of buildings for architects: Review of solar design tools
Subtask B - Methods and Tools for Solar Design
PDF

Additional information: www.task41.iea-shc.org/publications

CAD object
In 2010 with the financial support of BFE, ISAAC developed 3D parametric ArchiCAD objects that simplify the elaboration and presentation of photovoltaic material in architectural renderings. These graphic tools aim to support architects and designers who need an uncomplicated system to represent their projects and ideas of integrated photovoltaic at a visual level.
This object is compatible with both Graphisoft ArchiCAD and Autodesk AutoCAD, which are commonly used all around the World.
The main goals of the new tool are:
to speed up the rendering procedure when integrating a PV system in the building design;
to facilitate and to stimulate the use of BiPV (Building integrated Photovoltaic) systems by architects and designers;
to improve the architectural quality of BiPV systems.
Every version of ArchiCAD contains its own default libraries where there are objects like pieces of furniture, windows, doors, trees, people, cars, construction elements, etc.
The ability to select building components before and during the design phase will benefit both the designer, who can de-sign by using real objects, and the component manufacturers, who can successfully market their product at an earlier stage in the design process.
The characteristics of a standard PV product such as the type of technology, the color, the shape, the typology of the electrical contacts, the transparency and the reflection can be modified depending on the product specification. Each of these factors corresponds to a GDL (Geometric Description Language) information which carries 2D and 3D geometry, product logic and behavior, parameters, material definitions and a specific user interface. These features allow an effortless customization of the CAD object to the requirements of every user, reproducing most of the products currently on the market using an ArchiCAD or Auto-CAD software, two widely used modeling tools compatible with most of the visualization tools.
The 3D CAD object was developed in four languages: English, Italian, French, German.

 CAD object tutorial
1. Select the object in the desired language

2. Double click on the selected object

Operating system

Program

Language

  Microsoft Windows

  archiCAD

english

italiano

deutsch

français

     

  autoCAD

english

italiano

deutsch

français

       

 

  Mac OS

  archiCAD

english

italiano

deutsch

français


3. Follow the instalation procedure

Unless the destination folder is changed during the procedure, the object will be placed in the folder dedicated to the specific software (graphisoft ArchiCAD or Autodesk AutoCAD).

4. Open your CAD software and install the 3D object
archiCAD: upload the CAD object using Library Manager
autoCAD: before uploading the CAD object, it is necessary to download a specific adapter: www.graphisoft.com/products/archicad/parametric_objects/downloads/new_installadapter.html
Choose and install the adapter compatible with your version of AutoCAD.
Upload the CAD object using Library Manager.

5. Application
The solar device component is not integrated into the roof covering or facade cladding.
    Select tool "object"
Click in the chosen position in the work plane, the object will appear as an independent element in front of the facade cladding components or above the roof cladding (the elevation and orientation parameters have to be modified manually).

The solar active component is integrated in the roof covering or facade cladding
    Select tool "skylight"
Click on the part of the brim or facade on which you want to insert the object, its elevation and orientation will automatically follow those of the brim or facade.

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We decline all responsibility for any malfunctions caused by incompability between the application downloaded from the website and programs already on your PC.