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Context
In thermal simulation and building thermal engineering, understanding heat transfer is essential for optimizing energy performance and maximizing efficiency. In this context, Cemosis is developing the Urban Building Model Use Case (UBM) as part of the hidalgo2 project. This system aims to optimize energy use, whether through renewable sources such as solar energy or energy consumed within buildings. The project addresses the limitations of current systems, which are unable to process large amounts of energy efficiently, leading to significant waste and contributing to phenomena like global warming. Therefore, the Center of Excellence hidalgo2, in collaboration with Cemosis, is working on developing an experimental urban building model that can predict, present, and provide a reliable approach to achieving optimal energy consumption and minimizing waste (for more information see here and also ).
As is well known, one of the key aspects of this project is the integration of heat transfer with radiation, a form of heat transfer. Addressing this type of heat transfer will enhance the ability to harness and utilize the maximum amount of energy. Additionally, an essential factor in accurately modeling radiative heat transfer is the use of view factors, also known as configuration factors. These factors measure the extent to which one surface in a space can "see" or exchange thermal radiation with another surface. Accurate determination of view factors is crucial for precise thermal simulations, as these factors directly influence the accuracy of heat transfer calculations.
The complexity of calculating view factors increases significantly when dealing with complex geometries or when many surfaces interact, particularly in the presence of obstacles or shadows that can hinder heat transfer. To address this, we will explore the concept using modern methods and new techniques for calculation and modeling through a series of algorithms. By integrating these advanced techniques, engineers and researchers can achieve more accurate simulations of radiative heat transfer, leading to better decisions regarding energy performance and more effective optimization of building systems.