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Model Environment
Both models used RadTherm's "Natural Environment" setting, which imports weather data (real or artificial) and applies it to a range of environmental sources and sinks, including a terrain floor (ground temperature) and hemispherical sky dome (sky temperature). For more information on RadTherm's use of natural environments, click here. The image below is a screen shot of the environmental parameters for the steady state model.

Both models were run using the same weather file from a typical July day in the Midwestern US, but at different times of day. The steady state was run at 11:10 AM with the vehicle facing east into the sunlight. The transient was also run with the vehicle facing east but during the cold morning at sunrise (6:10-6:15 AM) and an initial temperature of 20C for all calculated parts. The actual weather file is a simple text file. To view it, click here. RadTherm offers a choice of modeled or measured input for solar loading and sky temperature, since these parameters are extremely difficult to measure accurately. Additionally, RadTherm can use the extended weather format file type (XWA), which includes additional information. Details are included in the Online RadTherm Manual Appendix. The manual is automatically installed with RadTherm.

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