Study of Solar Incidence on Roof Surface Geometry of Churches in San José de Cúcuta, Colombia: Analysis of Architectural Enclosure in Hot Weather
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Diaz Umaña, Yannette | 2024-12-09
The geometry of architectural enclosures not only has direct impacts on the structural, spatial,
and aesthetic aspects of the building but also influences thermal and, therefore, energy performance. Given
the importance of energy efficiency in the construction sector, the main objective is to deepen the analysis
of solar incidence on roof surfaces of three churches located in San José de Cúcuta, Colombia: Cathedral
of San José de Cúcuta, the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria, and the Church of Our Lady of Carmen. The
methodology is based on a structuralist approach in order to understand the relationship between the
geometry of the surfaces and the solar incidence captured according to the shape. Thus, the research is
divided into three stages: church selection, simulations of solar incidence, and analysis of the relationship
between the geometry of the surfaces and the solar incidence obtained. The results indicate that the
geometry of roof surfaces affects solar incidence. Furthermore, horizontal planes are prone to more solar
exposure, while vertical planes register 9.70 up to 77.60 percent less solar incidence. In addition, folding
and curved surfaces such as domes and inverted catenary curves reduce solar incidence by leaning toward
vertical planes between 10 and 80 percent in contrast to flat roofs. Finally, the analysis of the relationship
between surface geometry and solar incidence underscores the importance of carefully designing and
orienting roof surfaces to optimize solar exposure and reduce the negative energy impact on buildings.
LEER
