Simulating the Daylight Performance of Complex Fenestration Systems Using Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Functions within Radiance
Publication Type
Journal Article
Date Published
04/2011
Authors
DOI
Abstract
We describe two methods which rely on bidirectional scattering distribution functions (BSDFs) to model the daylighting performance of complex fenestration systems (CFS), enabling greater flexibility and accuracy in evaluating arbitrary assemblies of glazing, shading, and other optically-complex coplanar window systems. Two tools within Radiance enable a) efficient annual performance evaluations of CFS, and b) accurate renderings of CFS despite the loss of spatial resolution associated with low-resolution BSDF datasets for inhomogeneous systems. Validation, accuracy, and limitations of the methods are discussed.
Journal
Leukos, The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society
Volume
7
Year of Publication
2011
Issue
4
ISSN
1550-2724
Organization
Building Technologies Department, Building Technology and Urban Systems Division, Windows and Envelope Materials
Research Areas
Building Façade Solutions, Daylighting Systems, Daylighting Systems:Modeling Daylight, Windows and Daylighting, W and D: Low Energy Facades and Daylighting, BTUS Windows and Daylighting