Functional Performance

of Buildings
TERM PAPER
MBEM
SPA DELHI

DAYLIGHTING TOOLS AND ASSESSMENT

CONTENTS
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

RELEVANCE

PART I

METRICS AND METHODS

DAYLIGHT FACTOR
Limitations:
CLIMATE BASED DAYLIGHT METRICS (CBDM)

8
9
9

DYNAMIC AUTONOMY (DA)

10

USEFUL DAYLIGHT ILLUMINANCE (UDI)

10

GOAL ORIENTED METRIC USED IN LIGHTSOLVE

10

METHODS

12

SIMPLIFIED MODELS

12

SCALE MODELS

12

COMPUTER MODELS

13

PART II

14

DIGITAL SIMULATIONS

14

Methods for analyzing the daylight factor

15

DFmean

15

DFmedian

15

Uniformity

15

Daylight zone

16

Measurement grid

16

Example

17

CALCULATION METHODS

18

Accuracy of daylight calculation

18

SPLIT FLUX FORMULA

19
1

RADIOSITY

20

RAY TRACING

21

PHOTON MAPPING

22

SKY TYPES

23

The model

24

Geometry

24

External obstruction

25

Surface properties

25

Example

25

User expertise

26

Description of simulation programs

27

Radiance

27

Daysim

27

Desktop Radiance

28

IESve

28

DIALux

29

Relux

29

Ecotect

29

VELUX Daylight Visualizer

30

LightCalc

30

Graphical presentation of the results

31

Bibliography

32

TABLE OF FIGURES
2

Figure 1 DAYLIGHT FACTOR

8
Figure 2 dynamic autonomy
10
Figure 3 lightsolve result of an office with and without external
shading
11
Figure 4 mirror box and scale model, belgium building research
institute
13
Figure 5 one patch artificial sky
13
Figure 6 mirror box
13
Figure 7 artificial sky, building research institute
13
Figure 8 DF results in a room with two different window
configurations, facade
window and roof window
17
Figure 9 DF results in the example room with a window in the
facade
17
Figure 10 ecotect analyses
19
Figure 11 Illustration of a window model with 2 layers of polygon
to model the glass (left) and one layer (right)
24
Figure 12 Daylight factor results for the rooms with realistic
surface properties (left) and unrealistic surface properties (right)
25

ABSTRACT
This report presents an overview of the
different
daylighting
tools
and
the
assessment methods and metrics involved
behind those tools. Today, daylighting is one
of the prevailing issues which govern the
design decisions of built environment not
only because it ensures the overall well-being
of inhabitants but also for energy-saving.
Several
simulation
tools
are
gaining
popularity. This report investigates various
tools and methods which are usually used
around the world to evaluate daylight quality
of spaces.
This report is divided into two sections. Part I
describes the metrics and methods of
daylight assessments. Part II appraises
different simulation tools and the working
principles of those tools.

INTRODUCTION:
Great daylighting design in buildings gives an
agreeable brilliant environment, as well as
ensures energy savings and healthy and
comfortable
environment
for
building
inhabitants. Yet, there is still no accord on the
most proficient method to survey what
constitutes great daylighting design.
Right now amongst building performance
guidelines like BRE Guidelines, Handbook on
Functional Requirements of Buildings (Other
Than Industrial Buildings) published by
BUREAU
OF
INDIAN
STANDARDS,
etc
Daylighting components (DF) or least
illuminance qualities are the standard. But
past
and
recent
exploration
has
demonstrated the deficiencies of these
measurements (Panitz, et al., 2013). New
digital tools for daylighting investigation
contains new more advanced metrics for
daylighting (Climate Base Daylight MetricsCBDM).
For daylighting design of a project, evidence
based outline ought to be sought after either
by empirical studies (observed studies of
existing
built
environment
or
the
investigation of physical scaled models) or by
digital reproduction. Investigation of the tools
usually employed by modelers has shown
that, either digitally or physically, yields
results which can be varied to some extent
(Attiaa, et al., 2012). The two fundamental
issues, as highlighted by Attia et al. (2009),
5

are firstly the ease of use and data

management of interface, and also the
coordination of information knowledge base
(Attiaa, et al., 2012).

RELEVANCE
For climates such as those present in India
(tropical) overheating and glare are the main
issues. Thus buildings here are designed with
over-shaded openings and/or tinted glassed
which reduce daylight levels availability.
Whereas, sufficient daylighting is also
necessary
for
overall
well-being
of
inhabitants and energy conservation. In
todays world where energy is the most
valuable commodity, where a countrys
economy
and
foreign
relations
are
determined by its energy need or availability,
arriving at optimum daylighting design
solution for built environments (largest
consumer of energy) is need of the hour. So
evidence based information are sought after
by architects and building professionals. Thus
the need for easy to use daylight simulation
tools for architects.
Survey of current
daylight design practices of design teams (in
the USA, and Canada), revealed that during
the preliminary design stage designers tend
to rely on experience from early work or/and
rules of thumb and that computer tools are
increasingly being used during the design
development stage (Galasiu & Reinhart,

2008) .Such practices are yet to pick up its

pace in India.
This report evaluates the metrics and working
principles
associated
with
daylight
assessment
tools
and
explores
their
capabilities and usability in terms of
architects point of view.

PART I
METRICS
METHODS

AND

To quantify daylight
QUALITY in a space, different
tools
work with either static or dynamic metrics.

DAYLIGHT FACTOR
Daylight factor is the most familiar static
metric. Daylight factor (DF) is defined as the ratio
between interior natural illuminance on the work
plane and simultaneous outdoor illuminance on a
horizontal plane in a perfectly unobstructed view,
under an overcast sky. These two values are result
of the light received from the same sky, whose
distribution of luminance is estimated, with direct
sunlight not taken into account.It is expreesed as
%.

DF=100* Einterior / Eexterior (%)

Under overcast sky conditions factors like orientation of glass
windows, the season or the time of the day has no effect on the
measurement of illumination quality inside a building. Thus they
provide a tangible and easily comparable measurement of
daylight availability. A rooms daylight factor can be compared
with minimum daylight factor values of the room typology to
arrive at design decisions. (Cauwerts, 2010)
8

Figure 1 DAYLIGHT FACTOR

Daylight factor
is
easy
to
calculate
through tables
or charts, split
flux method,
scale
model
under artificial
sky, computer
tools, etc. But
it takes into
account
the
worst sky conditions: the overcast luminance
distribution. So evidence from these studies are to
be complemented with the information of
penetration of sun in the room and glare-risks
which change over the years. Also the Daylight
Factor value doesnt clearly show us whether the
recommended illuminance value for a specific
visual task has been achieved.
Limitations:
It does not take into account the climate in which the room is
(eg, there is no consideration on which percentage of the
year really represent the overcast sky.)
It does not verify the latitude of the room so does not take
into account the course of the sun and sunlight penetration
in the room.
It does not consider the orientation of the glass window.
It provides no information on risk of glare.
It gives no information about quality of light.
If the architect does not consider the sun penetration, illuminance
under favorable sky condition and glare-risks, etc. design
decisions solely derived from DF can suggest buildings with too
much glazing leading to overheating and glare.

CLIMATE
BASED
METRICS (CBDM)

DAYLIGHT

Climate-based daylight metrics (CBDM) are

dynamic metrics developed on the basis of
weather data files. Contrary to static metric, this
one considers dynamic illuminance, luminance and
glare metrics evolved over the year. The data
simulated over the year is quite huge and should
be reduced for evaluation of these metrics.
CBDM can be evaluated through dynamic
computer simulations or measurements in scale
models. CBDM gives information on illuminance,
luminance and glare for each point in the space
and for each time range (generally an hour).
Some CBDM give temporal analysis whereas
others spatial analysis.
DYNAMIC AUTONOMY (DA)

10

DA is created by C. Reinhart. Dynamic autonomy (DA) at a point

of interest is the percentage of yearly occupied time in which a
certain light level is reached through the use of daylight only.
Weather data files are used to consider all sky conditions.
Dynamic autonomy can be easily calculated for an area of interest
with DAYSIM software. DA gives a spatial information.
USEFUL DAYLIGHT ILLUMINANCE (UDI)
UDI
is Figure 2 dynamic autonomy
developed by J. Mardaljevic. It is a goaloriented metric. It shows how fixed satisfying
illuminance are spatially annual occurrence of
illuminances, which are within the useful
fixed range. DAYSIM can measure UDI. UDI
values less than 100 lux are considered as
too low, between 100 and 2000 lux are
considered as useful and more than 2000 lux,
are too high and can cause overheating and
glare. (Cauwerts, 2010)
GOAL ORIENTED METRIC USED IN LIGHTSOLVE

11

LIGHTSOLVE is created by J. Mardaljevic. Illuminance metric

employed in LIGHTSOLVE is also a goal-oriented metric like UDI. In
it we can fix a range of target values and estimates the

Figure 3 lightsolve result of an office with and without external shading

percentage of space whose performance fall within that range.

Thus unlike the UDI which measures the percentage of time for
which fixed illuminances fall on the work plane, in LIGHTSOLVE, it
is the percentage of space satisfying the range which is evaluated
over the year.
Satisfying illuminance range is fixed in LIGHTSOLVE as well as
maximum and minimum acceptable illuminance. On achieving
illuminance level outside the satisfying range but not exceeding
the tolerable illuminances (maximum and minimum) partial
credits are given.
A temporal map graph is shown in the result. X-axis gives the
date and the y-axis the time of a day. Thus at one glance entire
annual data is perceived.

12

METHODS

There are several methods to predetermine daylight availability in

a built environment such as:
SIMPLIFIED MODELS (Tables, charts, diagrams, etc.)
SCALE MODELS (under real sky or artificial sky)
COMPUTER TOOLS (simulations)

SIMPLIFIED MODELS
Simplified models are discussed in Handbook on Functional
Requirements of Buildings (Other Than Industrial Buildings), 1988
published by BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS, 'Site layout
planning for daylight and sunlight; a guide to good practice', 2011
published by BRE, etc. These outline a set of metrics and
performance
standards
which
architects
and
building
professionals should achieve usually based on Daylight Factor.

13

SCALE MODELS
A scaled down model of the built environment is prepared and
subjected to analysis under actual sunlight or artificial set-up
mimicking original environment. Scale models can be of various
arrangements:
MIRROR BOX: Illuminance under overcast sky
MECHANICAL SUN: Penetration of sun in the scale model
SINGLE PATCH SKY AND SUN: Based on the division of sky in 145
patches

(Cauwerts, 2010)

Figure 4 mirror box

and scale
model,
Figure
5 mirror
box belgium
building research institute
Figure 7 artificial sky, building research
institute

COMPUTER MODELS

Figure 6 one patch artificial sky

14

There are several simulation programs to analyze daylight quality.

These programs are analyzed in the following section.

PART II
DIGITAL
SIMULATIONS
15

Today several computer based analyses

tools are available to measure daylight
quality. But the working principles and
background logics are not identical.

Methods for analyzing the daylight factor

The daylight factor (DF) can be assessed in various ways. It can

be evaluated at a specific point in the room to ensure DF levels
for specific functions, e.g. at work places, and it can be calculated
on floor area or a working plane, depending upon the function of
the room. It is recommended to make use of a measurement grid,
if the area approach is applied.
DFmean
The DFmean is the average daylight factor
for the investigated grid.
DFmedian
The DFmedian is the middle daylight factor
when the measured daylight factors are
sorted in an ordered list. The median is so a
term less dependent on low and high daylight
factors in the room, e.g. very low daylight
factors farthest away from the window and
very high daylight factors close to the
window.
Uniformity
The uniformity of the DFs on a work plane
can be defined in two ways:
16

1) Ratio between DFmin / DFmean and

2) Ratio between DFmin / DFmax
According to the assessment method for sustainable buildings
BREEAM 2.08 the ratio between DFmin/DFmean should at least be
0.4 or the minimum point daylight factor should be at least 0.8%
(Iversen, et al., 2013).
Daylight zone
A daylight zone in a room can be demarcated as the distance
from the facade where the recommended daylight factor is
achieved.
Measurement grid
Grid systems should be made to indicate the points at which the
illuminance values are evaluated and verified for the immediate
surrounding area(s), task area(s) and background area(s). The
following is in accordance with the description given in EN 124641:2011 and it is recommended to follow this instruction. (Iversen,
et al., 2013)
Square or near-square grids are preferred, the ratio of length to
width of a grid cell shall be kept between 0.5 and 2. The
maximum grid size is given by:

=0.2 510()
Where,
p is the maximum grid cell size (m) 10 m
d is the longer dimension of the calculation area (m),.
However, if the ratio of the longer to the shorter side is
2 or more, then d becomes the shorter dimension of the
area.
17

The number of points in the relevant dimension is given by the

nearest whole number of d/p. The resulting spacing between the
grid points is used to calculate the nearest whole number of grid
points in the other dimension. This will give a ratio of length to
width of a grid cell close to 1. A border of 0.5 m from the walls is
excluded from the calculation area except when a task area is in
or extends into this border area. An appropriate grid size shall be
applied to walls and ceiling and a border of 0.5 m may be applied
also.
Example
The examples below show DF measurements over a work plane in
two rooms with identical dimensions (3m x 6m x 2.5m) and
material properties (floor 0.2, wall 0.5, ceiling 0.8), but different
window placement and glazing area. Room 1 is solely illuminated
by one large faade window with 5.9 m2 glazing area, and Room
2 is illuminated by a combination of faade and roof window with
2.4m2 glazing area. Its possible to observe that the DFmedian is
a more Sensitive metric than the DFmean in the room evaluation.

Figure 8 DF results in the example room with a

window in the facade

Figure 9 DF results in a room with two different

window configurations, facade window and roof
window

From the figures it can be seen that the DFmean is of similar

magnitude; 4.0 % and 4.2% within the two rooms. Looking at the
18

room area with a daylight factor above 2%, a difference between

54% and 98% is observed in spite of the average daylight factor
being almost equal. Comparing DFmean and DFmedian shows
higher difference for the room with large contrasts (Room 1)
compared with Room 2. This example demonstrates that the
DFmedian and the area of the room with a daylight factor above
2% are more sensitive ways of assessing than the DFmean for
assessing the daylight performance of the rooms. (Iversen, et al.,
2013)

CALCULATION METHODS
Accuracy of daylight calculation
Lighting simulation software has experienced rapid growth in
recent years. This is both due to requirements stipulated Building
Regulations of European countries and guidelines given by LEED,
BREEM, etc. and to a wish from developers and architects to
ensure sound lighting qualities of the building. However, it is
important not to forget that the quality and accuracy of
simulations can be influenced by a number of different factors
including:

calculation method
sky model
building model
surface properties
user expertise

19

SPLIT FLUX FORMULA

The split flux formula is a simple algorithm derived from a manual
calculation method established by BRE. This method is based on
the principle that the global illumination at a certain point in a
room is the result of three distinctive components of daylight:
the direct sky component (SC)
the reflections from exterior surfaces (ERC) and
the reflections from internal surfaces (IRC).
Each component is calculated separately and then added up to
obtain the global illumination in each sensor point. The internally
reflected component is determined by an equation using the
average reflectance of interior surfaces, the total glazing area and
a correction factor for the external obstruction. Given these
approximations, this method is likely to overestimate or
underestimate the amount of daylight. It is only recommended to
use this method for spaces in which the window openings are
parallel to the walls.
The simulation program Ecotect applies this method as default in
its calculations.

20

Figure 10 ecotect analyses

RADIOSITY
Radiosity is an algorithm capable of rendering realistic scenes
with shadows and diffuse light. It is an application of the finite
element method to solve the rendering equation for scenes with
purely diffuse surfaces, a method initially developed to study
thermal transfer. This method requires the surfaces of the scene
to be subdivided into a mesh of smaller patches. View factors
between each pair of patches are computed, and the illumination
of a patch is determined by adding the contribution of all visible
surrounding patches and light sources. This method has
constraints that limit its use for daylighting simulations (diffuse
surface, complex description of the sky) and it should only be
used to evaluate a relatively simple space. (Iversen, et al., 2013)
The simulation programs Relux, DIALux and LightCalc apply
radiosity as their simulation engine.

21

RAY TRACING
Ray tracing is a rendering technique based on the calculation of
the distribution of a large number of rays emitted in a scene
either from light sources (forward ray tracing), or a view point
(backward ray tracing) (Iversen, et al., 2013). Backward ray
tracing is a faster method than forward ray tracing because it only
calculates rays reaching the view point. On the other hand it is
less or not suitable for use in cases where light sources are hard
to find in the scenes, i.e. narrow light well, light pipe. Ray tracing
algorithms support reflection, transmission and refraction
properties of surfaces, which permits the use of complex
materials in simulations.

22

The simulation program Radiance applies ray tracing in its

calculation engine.

PHOTON MAPPING
Photon mapping is a rendering technique that uses bi-directional
ray tracing. A first pass combines forward ray tracing and photon
mapping to distribute the light in the room and cache the
luminous flux on surfaces. A second pass consisting of backward
ray tracing from the view point is then used to compute the final
image. This optimized technique permits the simulation of more
complex lighting scenes with accuracy, i.e. light pipe, and is faster
than the traditional backward ray tracing. (Iversen, et al., 2013)

23

VELUX Daylight Visualizer

calculation engine.

applies

photon

mapping

as

its

SKY TYPES
The nature of daylight is extremely varied and yields a wide range
of occurring sky conditions. To this effect, CIE (Commission
international de lclairage) has defined 15 normalized skies for
use in lighting simulation. In addition to these 15 skies, some
older sky models remain such as the Traditional Overcast Sky
which is now referred to as sky type 16.
The figure below shows the relative difference in luminance levels
at different angular distance between a sky element and the
24

zenith for sky types 1 and 16. The comparison shows a relative
difference above 25% for the sky luminance of the sky element
located close to the horizon (80 degrees), which means that sky
type 16 will be brighter, or more luminous, closer to the horizon.

This is important to consider when comparing the calculations of

different simulation programs, as it can explain some of the
differences obtained between programs. For example, when we
compare the results obtained between VELUX Daylight Visualizer
and Radiance, we can see slightly higher results in Radiance for
rooms 1, 2, 3 and 4, whereas the results are slightly higher in
VELUX Daylight Visualizer for room 5. This can be explained by
the fact that Radiance uses sky type 16 and VELUX Daylight
Visualizer uses sky type 1, and the fact that only room 5 had a
roof opening (all other rooms were lit solely by facade openings)
and thus it was the room that would encounter the largest effect
of different sky luminances at zenith.
25

The model
The quality of the building model used in simulation can
significantly influence the quality and accuracy of daylighting
simulations.
Geometry
It is important to ensure that the geometry of rooms and daylight
openings is correctly modelled and that the correct simulation
parameters are used. For example, in most programs when you
model window glass you should make sure that you only have one
layer of polygon to represent the glass, since that polygons
material is assigned with the correct transmittance properties of
the window pane.

Figure 11 Illustration of a window model with 2 layers of polygon to model the glass (left) and one
layer (right)

External obstruction
It is important to properly represent elements influencing
daylight on the site, such as external obstruction from
surrounding buildings, landscape and vegetation. The effect of
external obstruction can be shown by comparing results for the
simple room (without obstruction), and the room with obstruction.

26

Surface properties
Surface properties such as the material type, reflectance and
transmittance values will influence the way daylight is distributed
in the rooms. It is important to ensure that realistic values are
used for the floor, wall and ceiling surfaces, as well as any other
surfaces included in the model. It is also important to ensure that
the glass transmittance is properly defined, and differentiated
between openings using different type of glazing.
Example
In the example below, a scene with realistic surface properties
(floor 0.2, wall 0.5, and ceiling 0.7) is compared with a scene with
unrealistic surface properties (floor 0.9, wall 0.9, ceiling 0.9). The
results show a difference of 22% between the average DF values
obtained.

Figure 12 Daylight factor results for the rooms with realistic surface properties (left) and unrealistic
surface properties (right)

User expertise
Daylight factor results for the rooms with realistic surface
properties (left) and unrealistic surface properties (right).
27

In order to ensure valid simulations, it is important for users to

have a good control of the interface and data entry of the
simulation software. It is also important to know the capabilities
and limitations of the tools, and to select an appropriate method
based on the complexity of the scene to be evaluated.
A study from 2009 made by researchers at Harvard University
investigated how correctly daylight simulations were performed
by student/new users (Galasiu & Reinhart, 2008). The study
showed that typical sources of errors were geometrical errors,
such as omitting the thickness of the wall from the model or that
the material properties were wrong.

Description of simulation programs

This section gives a short description of the nine daylight
simulation programs applied for this report. The description is
based on information available on the respective homepages and
28

information given by the software developers. For each simulation

program, links are provided indicating where to find further
reading.
Radiance
Radiance is a suite of programs for the analysis and visualisation
of lighting in design. Input files specify the scene geometry,
materials, luminaires, time, date and sky conditions. Calculated
values include spectral radiance (ie. luminance + colour),
irradiance (illuminance + colour) and glare indices. Simulation
results may be displayed as colour images, numerical values and
contour plots. The primary advantage of Radiance over simpler
lighting calculation and rendering tools is that there are no
limitations on the geometry or the materials that may be
simulated. Radiance is used by architects and engineers to
predict illumination, visual quality and appearance of innovative
design spaces, and by researchers to evaluate new lighting and
daylighting technologies. The program is continuously being
updated.
Useful links: http://www.radiance-online.org/
Daysim
DAYSIM is a validated, RADIANCE-based daylighting analysis
software that models the annual amount of daylight in and around
buildings. DAYSIM allows users to model dynamic facades systems
ranging from standard venetian blinds to state-of-the-art light
redirecting elements, switchable glazings and combinations
thereof. Users may further specify complex electric lighting
systems and controls including manual light switches, occupancy
sensors and photocell controlled dimming.
Simulation outputs range from climate-based daylighting metrics
such as daylight autonomy and useful daylight illuminance to
annual glare and electric lighting energy use. DAYSIM also
generates hourly schedules for occupancy, electric lighting loads
29

and shading device status which can be directly coupled with

thermal simulation engines such as EnergyPlus, eQuest and
TRNSYS. Daysim is free.
Useful link: http://www.daysim.com/
Desktop Radiance
Desktop Radiance is a Windows 95/98/NT software package that
integrates the Radiance Synthetic Imaging System with AutoCAD
Release 14. Desktop Radiance includes libraries of materials,
glazings, luminaires and furnishings so you can quickly create
realistic lighting models. The goal is to provide a design tool
integrated with popular CAD packages to facilitate the
consideration of energy efficient lighting and daylighting
strategies in building design. The development of Desktop
Radiance stopped in 2002. Desktop Radiance is included in this
report since reference is made to Desktop Radiance for the users
of Autodesk Ecotect. It is recommended to download the newest
version of Radiance to Windows, as the calculation engine is
updated and will be updated continuously. (Iversen, et al., 2013)
Useful link: http://radsite.lbl.gov/deskrad
IESve
In IESve, it is possible to build a geometric model and simulate
daylight conditions within this model.
IES have been using Radiance over a wide range of commercial
projects for many years and to facilitate this work IES have
integrated Radiance into the <Virtual Environment>. The latest
version of this integration RadianceIES provides users with even
greater ease of use through its customised Graphical User
Interface (known as the <Virtual Environment> Framework),
30

which integrates with all the IES software packages (SunCast,

Apache, etc.).
Useful link: http://www.iesve.com/

DIALux
DIALux can calculate electric light, daylight and the energy
performance of electric light. The program is oriented towards the
European market, and is widely used for calculation of indoor and
outdoor electric lighting systems. It follows different national
standard lighting calculations, and can import photometric
databases directly from manufacturers. The daylight calculation
capabilities within DIALux make use of German standard DIN 5043
and CIE Publication 110. Geometric input is limited to certain
shapes. Sky choices are somewhat limited but acceptable for
diverse ranges of weather conditions. There is an external
radiosity and ray-tracing model, POV-Ray (Persistence of Vision
2010). It is used to produce images from calculation results and
for presentation renderings.
Useful link: http://dial.de/
Relux
Relux is oriented towards the European market and the program
can calculate electric light, daylight, and the energy performance
of electric light. The program can import photometrical databases
from manufacturers. Relux applies both radiosity and ray tracing
in its simulation engine. It is up to the user to decide what
calculation engine to apply for simulation. Useful link:
http://www.relux.biz/

31

Ecotect
Autodesk Ecotect Analysis sustainable design analysis
software is a comprehensive concept-to-detail sustainable
building design tool. Ecotect Analysis offers a wide range of
simulation and building energy analysis functionality that can
improve performance of existing buildings and new building
designs.
These simulations and analysis include energy
performance of buildings, thermal simulations, solar radiation,
daylight levels and shadow diagrams.
Useful link: http://usa.autodesk.com/ecotect-analysis/
VELUX Daylight Visualizer
VELUX Daylight Visualizer is a simple, validated daylight
simulation and visualisation tool for daylighting design and
analysis in buildings. It is intended to promote the use of daylight
in buildings and to aid professionals by predicting and
documenting daylight levels and appearance of a space prior to
realization of the building design.
The Daylight Visualizer intuitive modelling tool permits quick
generation of 3D models in which roof and facade windows are
freely inserted. The program also permits users to import 3D
models generated by CAD programs in order to facilitate a good
workflow and provide flexibility to the model geometry.
Daylight Visualizer can be used to calculate luminance,
illuminance and daylight factors for all 15 sky types defined in CIE
Standard General Sky. Outputs from Daylight Visualizer are image
based and post-processed in a GUI, where pseudo colours are
applied and pixel values can be exported for further analysis in
other software. VELUX Daylight Visualizer has an efficient
workflow and intuitive design, which makes it accessible and easy
to use.
The program is freely available and can be accessed from the link
below.
32

Useful link: http://viz.velux.com

LightCalc
LightCalc is a freely available open-source tool for electric and
artificial light simulations. LightCalc has its own calculation
engine, based on forward ray tracing and radiosity. The light from
the sky and other light sources are included in the simulations
through forward ray tracing. Radiosity is applied to calculate the
internal inter-reflected contribution.
The program relies on input from the user and has a short
calculation time. Through iDBuild, it is possible to couple light
simulations from LightCalc directly to hourly thermal calculations.
LightCalc is limited to calculation of one single room.
Useful link: http://idbuild.dk/
Graphical presentation of the results
The graphical output from the various simulation programs varies
in their expression. Figure 13 shows examples of the graphical
presentation of daylight factor levels in the simple room. In the
following sections, the results are post-processed in Excel in order
to be able to present them in a comparable graphical way.
(Iversen, et al., 2013)

33

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