Finite-element view-factor computations for radiant energy exchanges

Radiation heat transfer has very many applications within the building services sector. CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) Guide A provides the physics background and the relevant mathematical functions for radiant energy exchanges between surfaces of different configurations in chapters 2 and 5. The aim of this article is to present procedures for inter-surface radiant energy exchange that range from the most simple (macro-) to most general formulations that are based on a micromesh, finite-element approach. The justification for such detailed procedures and their applicability within the modern building energy simulation software is also covered.