The Sunny Spot | Green Energy News

April 28, 2002 – Vol.7 No.5

THE SUNNY SPOT.

House pets are no fools. Often pampered and living a life of warmth and comfort, they spend much of their time basking in solar energy - that sunny spot on the floor or your furniture.

With software under development, architects would be able design more sunny spots - more, free, warm, solar energy - for homes, public and commercial buildings.

Similar to computer aided drafting (CAD) programs, (and presumably eventually used in conjunction with) the software would allow architects to determine where light streaming through windows will fall throughout the day and throughout the year as the seasons change. Architects will be able to use the software to determine window size and placement, floor plans and even the arrangement of furniture within a room. Natural lighting would provide more comfort zones for people (and pets).

The software, too, could be used for the reverse effect - eliminate direct sunlight in areas to help in natural cooling.

The software is being developed at the University of California at Berkeley by Doctoral candidate Daniel Glaser.