For more advanced simulations Ecotect can export to other energy modeling programs with varying degrees of successful interoperability.
The strength of Ecotect is with comparative design analysis where you can modify building geometry or attributes and see the relative impact on performance. Surface solar analysis is very helpful for early massing and orientation studies, as well as facade design.Įcotect is one of many energy modeling programs, most of which have different calculation methods and intended uses. To understand the difference between this and the analysis grid just think that when a surface closer to being perpendicular to the sun it will read higher solar gain values, by contrast points have no area and will all show the same readings for any period of time exposed. All of the solar related functions can be done within the program itself but for advanced daylighting and CFD airflow Ecotect links up to other programs, many of which are free to use.Īnalysis surfaces are used to calculate and visualize solar issues that are relative to the sun angle.
Common analysis here includes internal daylight levels, external sunlight hours, airflow and others. The analysis grid is used for analysis where the collected values are not interested in surface area or the sun angle. The Analysis Grid is a single 3-Dimensional grid able to collect data over points in space. As a visualization tool Ecotect interactively displays sun and shadows, solar rays, sun path diagrams and much more.Īs an analysis program there are 3 common methods for calculating and visualizing data: Be sure the NDde.dll is referenced in your application so you can access it within VB.Ecotect is a studio companion that enables designers to better understand the relationship between buildings and their environment.Ecotect needs to be running in the background for this code to work.To create a "client" connection to Ecotect's "server" you can use the following code. A DDE class library (VB.NET needs the binary dll referenced): The Code:
A VB.NET or C# application (in Grasshopper, you can use the scripting components)ģ. While DDE is older technology (in dotNet, it was replaced by "remoting"), it works quite well in this context.Ī fine example of using DDE and Ecotect are uto's custom GH to Ecotect componentsĪ special thanks to Thomas from uto for cluing me in on Ecotect's use of DDE! WHAT you will need…Ģ. Ecotect must always be running in the background for this to work. By accessing the DDE server, you can send commands to Ecotect as well as request information. When Ecotect is launched, it automatically creates a Dynamic Data Exchange server which allows the program to be accessed by remote applications.
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