Reference Guides


Activity Types

A breakdown of the various Activity Types. The activity that a person is expected to be doing in a given space has an important impact on how comfortable they will feel under different conditions.  The more vigorous the activity, the more heat their bodies will generate which in turn will impact their perception of thermal…

Add New Project

This page will walk you through how to Submit a New Project to the Orbital Stack Portal.

Add New Scenario

This page explains how to create and submit scenarios for both AI and CFD simulations.

Automatic Generation of Surrounds

A surrounds model is one of the four geometry files needed in order to run a simulation. This context model includes all the buildings that surround the building that you are studying. We understand that as a designer you may not have access to the surrounding buildings and as such we have provided you the…

Choosing Your Simulation Approach – AI vs CFD

AI Engine This option provides a quick evaluation of wind conditions based on an AI-based wind estimator.  The results are high level, based on user selected parameters, local area weather data and subject to the quality of modeling. Results are rapid and return almost immediately after submission. This product is offered by purchases of bundles,…

Company Administration Page Explained

This guide explains how to view and/or manage your subscriptions, user permissions, and share groups through the Company Administration page. Getting Started On your Projects home page, navigate to the top right corner of the screen and click “Company Administration”. Subscriptions and Usage Management Orbital Stack manages usage via a credit (or token) system.  There…

How To Choose Your Thermal Comfort Simulation Parameters

Thermal Comfort When thinking about thermal comfort, you want to consider the intended use of the space(s). How are occupants going to use the space? Will they be walking? Will they be dining? Will they be playing a sport? Select the Activity that best describes your intended usage. Click here for Activity Types Available How…

Modeling Landscaping Features

Landscaping is often added to a location to provide a more comfortable environment for users of outdoor spaces. In a CFD simulation, the landscaping is modelled as a porous region. Special cells (regions) are placed into the model where the landscaping is meant to be which alter the behaviour of the simulation. For wind, this…

Modeling Terrain

The terrain model, also known as the ground plane, is one of the geometry files required to complete your simulation.  It’s most appropriate to include minimal detail in your terrain model.  A representative flat plane is ideal if the gradient is insignificant. Otherwise, the topography should be simplified to only include the important grading around…

Preparing Geometry Guide

Full step-by-step video guiding you on how to Prepare Your Geometry 1. Requirements on Input Geometry Orbital Stack accepts the input geometry in the form of .stl files. Please ensure that the geometry aligns with the following parameters; 2. Tools that Support STL Orbital Stack can accept Binary or ASCII formatted .stls. There are many programs that…

Weather Station Selection

When it comes to conducting simulations within the Orbital Stack Application, choosing the right weather station is crucial. The accuracy and reliability of the data collected can greatly impact the results of your project. In this post, we will explore the different options available and provide recommendations for optimal outcomes. Measured Data: The Preferred Option…

Wind Directions and Terrain Considerations

When submitting a new scenario, you will be required to choose the Wind Directions for your analysis as well as the Terrain types found in the areas adjacent to your project site. Choosing Wind Directions In general, choose a minimum of 6 wind directions up, however 8 are preferred. Choosing 8 directions help ensure that…

Wind Rose Explained

Wind Roses are helpful tools which display wind speed and direction at a specified season and location. What is it measuring? The Wind Rose displays three types of information:  Wind direction (where wind is blowing from, not towards) is displayed in a compass configuration. The shade of each ‘spoke’ of the wind rose indicates a…