Construction of a Generalized Algorithm for Calculating Diffuse Radiation Configuration Factors

In this paper, we consider the construction of a generalized algorithm for calculating diffuse radiation configuration factors (CFs). The generalized algorithm is based on dividing the existing computational algorithms into two groups (paired and one-to-many), as well as the results of studying the possible combinations of grid and computational methods (exact, special, numerical integration, and combined) for average, local, and elementary CFs. Grid methods are presented as the set of the object on which the grid is applied (surface, contour, solid angle), the grid type (the 1st and 2nd grid types are distinguished), and the method of its construction (deterministic, statistical, hybrid or hierarchical method). The general scheme of applying grid methods in the algorithms for calculating the CF is obtained. The generalized algorithm for calculating the CF is presented in the form of a directed graph that is actually a generalized block diagram containing practically all existing and possible algorithms for calculating the CF. The results may be used as the base for the software package for calculating the CFs for a wide class of problems.