VSOLE: Vehicle Solar Load Estimator

The Vehicle Solar Load Estimator (VSOLE) software calculates the heat absorbed by a vehicle's passenger compartment due to solar radiation and corresponding energy load. 

NREL research shows that comfortable vehicle temperatures can be achieved while simultaneously reducing the energy required to cool a vehicle. These findings are bolstered by calculations from VSOLE.

VSOLE1.0 is written in MATLAB and features an easy-to-use graphical user interface. The program takes into account the angle of incidence and calculates the transmitted, reflected, and absorbed power based on the radiation source, vehicle geometry, vehicle orientation, and window glazing properties. All glazing surfaces are assumed to be flat, and to have constant thickness, uniform properties, and regular shape.

The calculation of the optical properties as a function of wavelength and angle uses a single-pane approximation for glass. The transmitted, reflected, and absorbed power can be calculated at a specific time, a range of times, or a range of orientations.

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Contact us for additional information and VSOLE download instructions.