An open-source hybrid shading thermal grid simulation software for architects and engineers, optimizing energy efficiency with fast solar radiation simulations on complex building geometry.
HSHTG (Hybrid Shading Thermal Grid) is an open-source, Python-based simulation software designed for architects, engineers, and researchers to perform fast and accurate solar radiation simulations on complex building geometry. It implements a hybrid radiosity and ray tracing algorithm to model inter-reflections between buildings and shading elements to provide detailed irradiation data on building facades and within outdoor spaces.
Key features of HSHTG include:
The hybrid radiosity and ray tracing approach in HSHTG balances accuracy and speed to enable iterative parametric analyses during early building design stages. This allows architects and engineers to optimize building orientation, massing, facade design, and shading elements to minimize heat gain and improve visual comfort. The detailed irradiation results can then be used to size HVAC systems, estimate energy savings from shading, and simulate indoor thermal and daylighting performance.
HSHTG is offered free and open-source to promote sustainable building design practices. It runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms. The active development community welcomes user feedback and collaboration.
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