This non-expert analysis tool supports daylighting-related design decisions in commercial buildings for both the initial design and development stages.
The tool predicts the daylighting and energy performance of side-lit and/or top-lit private offices, open plan offices, and classrooms. It replaces an earlier on-line design tool called Lightswitch Wizard that was limited to daylighting simulations.
This software has been developed by National Research Council Canada and Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with NSERC Postdoctoral Fellows (PDF) and students from Canadian Universities.
Application objectives:
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To help design professionals with interest in - but no expert knowledge of daylighting - to develop climate-responsive daylighting design concepts.
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To optimize façade/ roof layout and orientation with respect to daylight and energy use.
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To quantify energy savings from occupancy sensors and/or photocell controlled dimming.
Key features:
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An intuitive 3-D graphical user interface and extensive help files
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Annual daylight simulations using a validated, RADIANCE-based daylight coefficient approach
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Integrated thermal/lighting simulations based on a customized version of ESP-r; space use is modeled based on the latest generation of occupant behaviour models
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Skylights and windows with shading devices are modeled using SKYVISION
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Pre-calculated daylight coefficient sets keep simulation times under a minute (depending on server traffic)
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Advanced daylight performance metrics including daylight autonomy and useful daylight index
Simulation Output:
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Intuitive 3D presentations of key daylight performance metrics
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Monthly charts of energy use and peak load for heating, lighting and cooling