Measuring solar heat reduction for draperies and fabric shades

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · ASHRAE Journal (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers); (United States)

OSTI ID:5555095

Grasso, M M; Hunn, B D ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX (US)

We are all familiar with the utility of draperies, curtains and shades to exclude unwanted solar gain, control glare, insulate windows and provide privacy. The manageability of these devices gives us a degree of control over our indoor environment. While fabric window coverings are widely used as interior shading devices, the analytical methods used to determine their effectiveness in reducing solar gains are relatively unsophisticated. Furthermore, with the recent emphasis on daylighting and visual and thermal comfort, the response to these shading devices to the varying direction of incident solar radiation has taken on a new importance. In this article, the authors review the historical development of analytical and experimental methods used to determine solar heat gain for draperies. The current state of these methods will be evaluated and issues related to their applicability to draperies and fabric shades are identified. Finally, recommendations to improve the accuracy and applicability of current solar heat gain methods are presented.

• OSTI ID: 5555095
• Journal Information: ASHRAE Journal (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: ASHRAE Journal (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers); (United States) Vol. 33:8; ISSN ASHRA; ISSN 0001-2491
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140901 -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Space Heating & Cooling
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290100 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Analysis & Modeling
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320107* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Building Systems-- (1987-)
BUILDINGS
DAYLIGHTING
DESIGN
ENERGY ANALYSIS
HEAT GAIN
HEATING
OPENINGS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
SHADING
SOLAR HEATING
SOLAR RADIATION
STELLAR RADIATION
SUN SHADES
WINDOWS