@article {30007, title = {Daylight performance of a microstructured prismatic window film in deep open plan offices}, journal = {Building and Environment}, volume = {113}, year = {2017}, month = {02/2017}, pages = {280{\textendash}297}, abstract = {

Daylight redirecting systems with vertical windows have the potential to offset lighting energy use in deep perimeter zones. A microstructured prismatic film designed for such use was characterized using goniophotometric measurements and ray tracing simulations. The synthetically-generated bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF) data were shown to have good agreement with limited measured data for normal incident angles (0{\textendash}60{\textdegree}). Measured data indicated that the prismatic film was most efficient when vertical angles of incidence were between 18 and 35{\textdegree} and within {\textpm}45{\textdegree} of normal incidence to the plane of the window so maximum energy savings across the full depth of the zone occurred over the equinox to winter solstice period. Annual lighting energy use and visual comfort in a deep open plan office zone were evaluated using the Radiance three-phase method in several climates and for south and east-facing window orientations. Lighting energy savings were 39{\textendash}43\% for a 12\ m (40\ ft) deep south-facing perimeter zone compared to the same zone with no lighting controls. The prismatic film with and without a diffuser controlled glare for views parallel to the window but produced glare for seated viewpoints looking toward the window. At mature market costs, the system was projected to have a simple payback of 2{\textendash}6 years. Technical challenges encountered throughout the evaluation led to improvements in measurement and modeling tools and stressed the importance of having accurate input data for product development.

}, issn = {0360-1323}, doi = {10.1016/j.buildenv.2016.07.019}, author = {Andrew McNeil and Eleanor S. Lee and Jacob C. Jonsson} } @article {60938, title = {Balancing daylight, glare, and energy-efficiency goals: An evaluation of exterior coplanar shading systems using complex fenestration modeling tools}, journal = {Energy and Buildings}, volume = {112}, year = {2016}, month = {01/2016}, pages = {279-298}, abstract = {

Exterior shades are the most effective way to control solar load in buildings. Twelve different coplanar shades with different geometry, material properties and cut-off angles were investigated for two California climates: the moderate San Francisco Bay Area climate and a hot and dry Southern California climate. The presented results distinguish themselves from other simulation studies by a newly developed method that combines three research-grade software programs (Radiance, EnergyPlus and Window 7) to calculate heat transfer, daylight, and glare resulting from optically-complex fenestration systems more accurately. Simulations were run for a case with constant electric lighting and a case with daylighting controls for a prototypical, internal load dominated office building.

In the case of daylighting controls, the choice of slat angle and solar cut-off angle of a fixed exterior slat shading system is non trivial. An optimum slat angle was identified for the considered cases. Material properties (e.g., solar and visible reflectance) did not affect energy use if constant electric lighting was assumed, but they did have a significant influence on energy use intensity (EUI) when daylighting controls were assumed. Energy use increased substantially when an additional interior shade was used for glare control.

}, keywords = {Complex fenestration systems, Discomfort Glare, Energy Plus, Energy Use Intensity, Exterior shades, Glare Control, radiance}, doi = {10.1016/j.enbuild.2015.12.009}, author = {Sabine Hoffmann and Eleanor S. Lee and Andrew McNeil and Luis L. Fernandes and Dragan Vidanovic and Anothai Thanachareonkit} } @proceedings {60933, title = {Discomfort glare with complex fenestration systems and the impact on energy use when using daylighting control}, journal = {10th International Conference on Advanced Building Skins}, year = {2015}, month = {11/2015}, address = {Bern, Switzerland}, keywords = {building simulation, Complex fenestration systems, daylighting control, Discomfort Glare, Energy Use Intensity, radiance}, author = {Sabine Hoffmann and Andrew McNeil and Eleanor S. Lee and Raghuram Kalyanam} } @techreport {58592, title = {Angular selective window systems: Assessment of technical potential for energy saving}, year = {2014}, note = {

Submitted to Energy and Buildings, May 27, 2014

}, month = {01/2014}, pages = {36}, type = {DOE / CEC PIER Technical Report}, abstract = {

Static angular selective shading systems block or filter direct sunlight and admit daylight within a specific range of incident solar angles. They can potentially deliver energy efficient performance within the typical 4.6-m (15-ft) deep perimeter zone of buildings when tailored to a specific fa{\c c}ade orientation and latitude. The objective of this study is to quantify the technical potential of these systems to reduce energy use and peak demand in commercial buildings, specifically: a) achieve 30-50\% reductions in perimeter zone energy use vs. ASHRAE 90.1-2004, b) constrain peak window loads to less than 43 W/m2-floor (4 W/ft2-floor), and c) to the extent possible, admit useful daylight in the perimeter zone without exceeding the peak solar load constraint. Three distinctly different commercial shading systems were evaluated: a micro-perforated screen, a tubular shading structure (double- and triple-paned configurations), and an expanded metal mesh. This evaluation was performed mainly through computer simulation for a multitude of scenarios, including multiple climates (Chicago, Illinois and Houston, Texas), window-to-wall ratios (0.15-0.60), building codes (ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and 2010) and lighting control configurations (with and without daylighting controls). Angular selective shading systems are optically complex and cannot be modeled accurately using conventional simulation tools, prompting the development of unique versions of the EnergyPlus, Radiance and Window simulation tools. Results show significant potential reductions in perimeter zone energy use, with the best commercially-available system reaching 28\% and 47\% savings, relative to ASHRAE 90.1- 2004 and respectively without and with daylighting controls, on south facades in Chicago with WWR=0.45, while constraining peak window heat gains to under 43 W/m2-floor, and enabling significant savings from daylighting controls. Results suggest that it is possible that existing systems can be improved to more consistently achieve 30-50\% energy savings. Level of angular selectivity, spectral selectivity of low-e coatings and thermal conductance of the angle-selective layer were identified as critical factors for the performance of angular selective systems. Static, angular selective shading systems offer a potentially low-cost option to significantly reduce window heat gains and control glare from visibility of the sun orb, while permitting the admission of useful daylight and access to views to the outdoors. This type of system shows significant potential to contribute towards net-zero energy goals in both new and retrofit construction.

}, keywords = {angular selective systems, Building energy-efficiency, daylighting, Shading Systems, windows}, author = {Luis L. Fernandes and Eleanor S. Lee and Andrew McNeil and Jacob C. Jonsson and Thierry Stephane Nouidui and Xiufeng Pang and Sabine Hoffmann} } @techreport {60771, title = {High Performance Building Fa{\c c}ade Solutions-Phase II}, year = {2014}, month = {03/2014}, abstract = {

The High Performance Building Fa{\c c}ade Solutions{\textendash}Phase II project was initiated through the California Energy Commission{\textquoteright}s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program in July 2010 to support industry{\textquoteright}s development and deployment of both incremental and breakthrough fa{\c c}ade technologies in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The objective of this three-year project was to develop, or support the development and deployment of, promising near-term and emerging zero net energy building fa{\c c}ade technologies for solar control and daylighting, addressing two of the largest end uses in California commercial buildings: cooling and lighting. In partnership with industry (such as manufacturers), three classes of technologies were investigated: daylighting systems, angular-selective shading systems, and dynamic fa{\c c}ade systems. Commercially available and emerging prototype technologies were developed and evaluated using laboratory tests. Simulations, full-scale outdoor tests in the Advanced Window Testbed, and demonstration projects quantified energy and peak electric demand reductions and occupant satisfaction, acceptance, and comfort associated with the resultant indoor environment. Several new technologies were developed using virtual prototyping tools. Integrated control systems were developed using model predictive controls. Simulation tools were developed to model operable complex fenestration systems such as shades and microprismatic films. A schematic design tool called COMFEN was developed to facilitate evaluation of these advanced technologies in the early design phase. All three classes of technologies resulted in significant reductions in perimeter zone energy use and peak electric demand, providing viable options that can support California{\textquoteright}s long-term goal of achieving zero net energy use in the next decade.

}, keywords = {automated shading, between-pane shading, bidirectional scattering distribution functions, building energy simulation tools, Complex fenestration systems, daylighting, daylighting simulation tools, electrochromics, exterior shading, goniophotometer, light shelves, microprismatic films, model predictive controls, motorized shading, shading, solar-optical properties, switchable windows, thermochromics, virtual prototyping, window heat transfer}, author = {Eleanor S. Lee and Brian E. Coffey and Luis L. Fernandes and Sabine Hoffmann and Andrew McNeil and Anothai Thanachareonkit and Gregory J. Ward} } @techreport {61021, title = {High Performance Building Mockup in FLEXLAB}, year = {2014}, month = {12/2014}, institution = {Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory}, address = {Berkeley, CA}, abstract = {

Genentech has ambitious energy and indoor environmental quality performance goals for Building 35 (B35) being constructed by Webcor at the South San Francisco campus. Genentech and Webcor contracted with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to test building systems including lighting, lighting controls, shade fabric, and automated shading controls in LBNL{\textquoteright}s new FLEXLAB facility. The goal of the testing is to ensure that the systems installed in the new office building will function in a way that reduces energy consumption and provides a comfortable work environment for employees.

LBNL tested three facades of the new office building in the rotating FLEXLAB testbed: west, south and east. External shading, lighting, and internal shading control was configured for each orientation to replicate the conditions of B35. The three facades were each tested for one week three times between July and October 2014. Changes were made between each test to improve the performance of the systems.

Linear pendant LED light fixtures will illuminate the open office areas of the office building. These fixtures were installed in FLEXLAB. The wide spacing between rows of light fixtures results in a low lighting power density of 0.57 W/ft2 in the open office areas, while still meeting the average illuminance criteria of 300 lux (28 footcandles). A combination of the wide spacing and optics of the light fixture creates a nonuniform lighting pattern on the ceiling of the space. Changing to a diffuse lens on the uplight will help reduce abrupt changes in luminance on the ceiling but non-uniformity will persist due to the wide spacing.

The pendant light fixtures allow separate control of the downward and upward light. The lighting control design aims to enhance the quality of space by dimming upward light unison providing uniform patterns of electric light on the ceiling. The downward light of each fixture dims to provide just enough light to meet illuminance criteria below the fixture.

Webcor installed two lighting control systems manufactured by Enlighted and Encelium for testing in FLEXLAB. The Encelium system uses an open loop control architecture with a ceiling-mounted photosensor at each facade (inside of the automated shade). While there is greater variation in workplane illuminance provided by the Encelium system, the system is better able to control upward versus downward lighting and is able to control the lighting according to the lighting design intent. The architecture of the Encelium system offers more functional flexibility by allowing any input (sensors, switches etc.) or multiple inputs to affect any fixture.

The Enlighted control system uses closed loop architecture with two photosensors per fixture (one for upward light and one for downward light). The Enlighted system controlled the lights more precisely than the Encelium system to meet workplane illuminance requirements, however the upward versus downward light control did not behave according to the lighting design intent.

MechoSystems provided motorized window shades and automated control. The shades in each window had a different color fabric, one dark grey and one medium grey. Both shade fabrics were an open weave with 3\% openness. Genentech selected the dark colored shade because it provides a better view of the exterior compared to the lighter colored shade. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some occupants may experience direct glare with 3\% open fabric while other occupants will not experience glare under the same conditions. Visual discomfort during the worst case sunny winter condition was not evaluated. However, the east-facing orientation during the equinox period was exposed to low sun angles in the third test period so findings of just acceptable visual discomfort are expected to be similar to what might be experienced during the winter.

The shades operated as expected on sunny days (which was the predominant condition during the test period). The testing identified substantial potential energy savings for the lighting systems by stopping the shade above the sill, preventing the shade from completely covering the window and allowing the sun to shine deeper into the space through the bottom few inches of the window. On partly cloudy days, which occurred more frequently after our testing concluded, anecdotal evidence suggests that the shades could be raised more often. LBNL suggests that a second threshold be implemented which drops the shade partway to prevent direct glare from bright sun, but doesn{\textquoteright}t close the shade down to the height required to limit sunshine depth.

Thermal comfort analysis suggests that occupants seated near the shaded window will be comfortable around 80\% of the time. The 20\% of time where the observed conditions fall outside the ASHRAE Standard 55 are almost always due to occupants being cold in the morning. This discomfort is mostly driven by cold surrounding surfaces causing a low mean radiant temperature and overcooling from outside air during economizer mode. Only one thermal comfort station, located near the facade, was used for the experiment. Thermal comfort further from the facade is unknown but is likely to be better due to the increased distance from the relatively cold facade.

Visual comfort studies indicated that occupants could sit as close as 3.5 feet to the east and west facade and 2.5 feet to the south facade when facing parallel to the window. Occupants must sit further away from the window to be comfortable when facing the window directly. Occupants should be 3.5 feet away when facing the south facade, 4.5 feet away when facing the west facade and 5.5 feet away when facing the east facade. Thermal comfort studies show that sitting within 30 inches of the facade has a negligible effect on comfort ratings.

Daylighting controls reduced lighting energy use in FLEXLAB by 46\% for east facade, 34\% for south facade and 35\% for west facade over 30 feet deep perimeter zone between 7 AM and 7 PM local time at autumn equinox. Occupancy controls will further reduce lighting energy use, though they were not implemented for the test due to the cell being tested unoccupied.

Genentech, Webcor, and the architectural and engineering team had access to the FLEXLAB during and for a month following the test period to observe, work, and discuss operational issues with employees and staff. The project team made their own qualitative observations about the space in terms of view, adequacy of lighting and daylight levels, color, furniture placement, etc. The project team worked collaboratively with the LBNL team to fine tune details of component design, control settings, troubleshooting, and operations. Because Genentech is introducing a new model for their work environment, a non-assigned workplace, there were detailed discussions on how to educate the occupants about the new technologies and their operational modes. Commissioning and tuning procedures were also discussed.

}, keywords = {commercial buildings, daylighting, energy management control systems, exterior shading, field test, lighting controls, monitored evaluation, shading controls, thermal comfort, visual comfort}, author = {Andrew McNeil and Christian Kohler and Eleanor S. Lee and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @article {55580, title = {Monitored lighting energy savings from dimmable lighting controls in The New York Times Headquarters Building}, journal = {Energy and Buildings}, volume = {68}, year = {2014}, month = {01/2014}, pages = {498-514}, chapter = {498}, abstract = {

Digital addressable, dimmable lighting controls were introduced to the US market in the early 2000s with the promise of facilitating capture of potential energy savings with greater flexibility over their historic, typically unreliable, analog counterpart. The New York Times Company installed this emerging technology, after having tested the system thoroughly prior to procurement, in their new building in New York, New York. Four years after full occupancy in 2007, the owner agreed to participate in a post-occupancy monitored evaluation of the dimmable lighting system to verify actual performance in the field. Annual lighting energy savings from daylighting, setpoint tuning and occupancy controls were determined for the daylit, open-plan office areas on three typical floors (6, 11, and 20th floors) of the 51-story high-rise tower. Energy savings were calculated from ballast control signal and occupancy data recorded by the manufacturer{\textquoteright}s lighting control system. The ballast data were calibrated with independent measurements of lighting energy consumption. Savings from dimming controls (daylighting and setpoint tuning) were 12.6 kWh/m2-yr (1.17 kWh/ft2-yr) for the daylit spaces on the three floors overall, or 20\%, relative to ASHRAE 90.1-2007. Compared to the prescriptive code in effect at the time of the building{\textquoteright}s construction (ASHRAE 90.1-2001), savings were 21.0 kWh/m2-yr (1.95 kWh/ft2-yr) or 28\%. Annual lighting energy use with all lighting control strategies was 33.9 kWh/m2-yr (3.15 kWh/ft2-yr) in the daylit, open plan zones on average for the three floors. A simple payback analysis was conducted.

}, keywords = {Building energy-efficiency, daylighting, lighting control systems}, doi = {10.1016/j.enbuild.2013.10.009}, author = {Luis L. Fernandes and Eleanor S. Lee and Dennis L. DiBartolomeo and Andrew McNeil} } @article {57094, title = {Acceleration of the matrix multiplication of Radiance three phase daylighting simulations with parallel computing on heterogeneous hardware of personal computer}, journal = {Journal of Building Performance Simulation}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

Building designers are increasingly relying on complex fenestration systems to reduce energy consumed for lighting and HVAC in low energy buildings. Radiance, a lighting simulation program, has been used to conduct daylighting simulations for complex fenestration systems. Depending on the configurations, the simulation can take hours or even days using a personal computer. This paper describes how to accelerate the matrix multiplication portion of a Radiance three-phase daylight simulation by conducting parallel computing on heterogeneous hardware of a personal computer. The algorithm was optimized and the computational part was implemented in parallel using OpenCL. The speed of new approach was evaluated using various daylighting simulation cases on a multicore central processing unit and a graphics processing unit. Based on the measurements and analysis of the time usage for the Radiance daylighting simulation, further speedups can be achieved by using fast I/O devices and storing the data in a binary format.

}, keywords = {daylighting simulation, graphics processing unit, multicore central processing unit, OpenCL, parallel computing}, doi = {10.1080/19401493.2013.795193}, author = {Wangda Zuo and Andrew McNeil and Michael Wetter and Eleanor S. Lee} } @techreport {57096, title = {Annual daylighting performance of a passive optical light shelf in sidelit perimeter zones of commercial buildings}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

Sunlight redirecting systems have the potential to significantly offset electric lighting energy use in deep perimeter zones of buildings where the windows are subject to high daylight availability. New Radiance modeling tools have recently been developed and validated, enabling accurate and timely simulation analysis of the annual energy and comfort performance of these optically-complex, anisotropic systems. A parametric study was conducted using these tools to evaluate the performance of a commercially-available passive optical light shelf (OLS) in a 17.4 m deep (57 ft), south-facing open plan office zone in three climates. Daylighting efficiency, discomfort glare, and lighting energy savings with continuous dimming and bi-level switching controls were determined at varying depths within the zone. The OLS decreased lighting energy use significantly throughout the depth of the space and achieved these savings with minimal discomfort glare in the area near the window. Annual lighting energy use intensity was reduced to 1.71-1.82 kWh/ft2-yr (22-27\%) over the full depth of the perimeter zone across the three climates modeled (Phoenix, Washington DC, and Minneapolis) compared to a non-daylit zone at 2.34 kWh/ft2-yr. There was a greater occurrence of discomfort glare (3-7\% during daytime work hours) if the occupant was in a seated view position looking at the window from the back of the room. The system is passive, needing no adjustment during the day and over the seasons and can be used as a retrofit measure in existing buildings. These results are encouraging and demonstrate how the primary daylit sidelit area can be extended well beyond the defined limits provided by the newly adopted ASHRAE 90.1-2010 code (i.e., 1.0 times the head height of the window).

}, keywords = {bidirectional scattering distribution functions, buildings energy efficiency, daylighting, Radiance simulations}, author = {Andrew McNeil and Eleanor S. Lee} } @techreport {58288, title = {Automated Production of Optimization-Based Control Logics for Dynamic Fa{\c c}ade Systems, with Experimental Application to Two-Zone External Venetian Blinds}, year = {2013}, month = {09/2013}, type = {CEC PIER Technical Report}, author = {Brian E. Coffey and Andrew McNeil and Thierry Stephane Nouidui and Eleanor S. Lee} } @booklet {1206, title = {BSDFViewer: A utility for interactive exploration of BSDF datasets}, year = {2013}, month = {09/2013}, abstract = {

BSDFViewer is a utility for interactive exploration of BSDF datasets. With BSDF view you can load a BSDF xml file and view the outgoing distribution for user-selectable incident directions. You can look at transmission or reflection for front or back.

}, url = {http://www.radiance-online.org/download-install/bsdf-viewer}, author = {Andrew McNeil} } @techreport {1207, title = {Daylight performance of a microstructured prismatic window film in deep open plan offices}, year = {2013}, month = {09/2013}, abstract = {

Daylight redirecting systems with vertical windows have the potential to offset lighting energy use in deep perimeter zones. A microstructured prismatic film was designed and fabricated by a manufacturer to redirect sunlight to the ceiling plane when the film was installed in the upper portion of a window. Energy simulations based on the raytracing program, Radiance, were performed to evaluate the annual lighting energy use and discomfort glare in a deep open plan office zone in several climates and for south and east-facing window orientations. These simulations showed that when the prismatic film was combined with a light diffusing film, the system was able to deliver significant energy savings without glare.

}, author = {Andrew McNeil and Eleanor S. Lee and Jacob C. Jonsson} } @article {57097, title = {Empirical Assessment of a Prismatic Daylight-Redirecting Window Film in a Full-Scale Office Testbed}, journal = {LEUKOS: The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America}, volume = {10}, year = {2013}, note = {

Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Annual Conference 2013
Huntington Beach, CA,
26 - 29 October 2013

}, month = {10/2013}, pages = {19-45}, address = {Huntington Beach, California}, abstract = {

Daylight redirecting systems with vertical windows have the potential to offset lighting energy use in deep perimeter zones. Microstructured prismatic window films can be manufactured using low-cost, roll-to-roll fabrication methods and adhered to the inside surface of existing windows as a retrofit measure or installed as a replacement insulating glass unit in the clerestory portion of the window wall. A clear film patterned with linear, 50-250 micrometer high, four-sided asymmetrical prisms was fabricated and installed in the south-facing, clerestory low-e, clear glazed windows of a full-scale testbed facility. Views through the film were distorted. The film was evaluated in a sunny climate over a two-year period to gauge daylighting and visual comfort performance. The daylighting aperture was small (window-to-wall ratio of 0.18) and the lower windows were blocked off to isolate the evaluation to the window film. Workplane illuminance measurements were made in the 4.6 m (15 ft) deep room furnished as a private office. Analysis of discomfort glare was conducted using high dynamic range imaging coupled with the evalglare software tool, which computes the daylight glare= probability and other metrics used to evaluate visual discomfort.

The window film was found to result in perceptible levels of discomfort glare on clear sunny days from the most conservative view point in the rear of the room looking toward the window. Daylight illuminance levels at the rear of the room were significantly increased above the reference window condition, which was defined as the same glazed clerestory window but with an interior Venetian blind (slat angle set to the cut-off angle), for the equinox to winter solstice period on clear sunny days. For partly cloudy and overcast sky conditions, daylight levels were improved slightly. To reduce glare, the daylighting film was coupled with a diffusing film in an insulating glazing unit. The diffusing film retained the directionality of the redirected light= spreading it within a small range of outgoing angles. This solution was found to reduce glare to imperceptible levels while retaining for the most part the illuminance levels achieved solely by the daylighting film.

}, keywords = {buildings energy efficiency, daylighting, microstructure film, prismatic film, windows}, doi = {10.1080/15502724.2014.837345}, author = {Anothai Thanachareonkit and Eleanor S. Lee and Andrew McNeil} } @techreport {58692, title = {The Five-Phase Method for Simulating Complex Fenestration with Radiance}, year = {2013}, month = {09/2013}, abstract = {

The "five-phase method" is an extension of the three-phase method that more closely follows the standard daylight coefficient model for dynamic daylight simulations proposed by Bourgeois et al (2008). More specifically, the five-phase method handles the direct solar component separately from the sky and interreflected solar component to achieve better accuracy of the distribution of direct solar light in a room for complex glazing systems (CFS).

}, author = {Andrew McNeil} } @techreport {3441, title = {A Post-Occupancy Monitored Evaluation of the Dimmable Lighting, Automated Shading, and Underfloor Air Distribution System in The New York Times Building}, year = {2013}, month = {01/2013}, institution = {Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory}, address = {Berkeley, CA}, abstract = {

With aggressive goals to reduce national energy use and carbon emissions, the US Department of Energy will be looking to exemplary buildings that have already invested in new approaches to achieving the energy performance goals now needed at a national level. The New York Times Building, in New York, New York, incorporates a number of innovative technologies, systems and processes and could become a model for widespread replication in new and existing buildings. Post-occupancy data are invaluable in establishing confidence in innovation. A year-long monitored study was conducted to verify energy performance, assess occupant comfort and satisfaction with the indoor environment, and evaluate impacts on maintenance and operations. Lessons learned were derived from the analysis; these lessons could help identify and shape policy, financial, or supporting strategies to accelerate diffusion in the commercial building market.

}, author = {Eleanor S. Lee and Luis L. Fernandes and Brian E. Coffey and Andrew McNeil and Robert D. Clear and Thomas L. Webster and Fred S. Bauman and Darryl J. Dickerhoff and David Heinzerling and Tyler Hoyt} } @techreport {58686, title = {Simulated daylight performance of a new prototype prismatic window film in deep open plan offices}, year = {2013}, month = {09/2013}, type = {DOE/ CEC PIER Technical Report}, author = {Andrew McNeil and Eleanor S. Lee} } @techreport {1210, title = {The three-phase method for simulating complex fenestration with Radiance}, year = {2013}, month = {08/2013}, type = {Tutorial}, abstract = {

The "three-phase method" is a means to perform annual simulation of complex and/or dynamic fenestration systems. Flux transfer is broken into the following three phases for independ ent simulation:

  1. Sky to exterior of fenestration
  2. Transmission through fenestration
  3. Interior of fenestration into the simulated space

Rather than simulate a specific daylight condition, the three-phase method calculates normalized coefficients that relate flux input to output for each phase. A result for a specific daylight condition is computed by multiplying the coefficient matrices by the input values (sky luminance values). Matrix calculation can be performed very quickly enabling the user to simulate many sky conditions and fenestration transmission properties.

This document starts with a brief overview of the three-phase method. Following is a detailed discussion of each phase of flux transfer including an explanation of new tools that were develop ed for the three - phase method, explained in detail. Two examples follow the detailed discussion, the first a simple space with one south facing window, the second a space with south and east facing windows.

}, author = {Andrew McNeil} } @article {57807, title = {U.S. energy savings potential from dynamic daylighting control glazings}, journal = {Energy and Buildings}, volume = {66}, year = {2013}, month = {11/2013}, pages = {415-423}, chapter = {415}, abstract = {

Daylighting controls have the potential to reduce the substantial amount of electricity consumed for lighting in commercial buildings. Material science research is now pursuing the development of a dynamic prismatic optical element (dPOE) window coating that can continuously readjust incoming light to maximize the performance and energy savings available from daylighting controls. This study estimates the technical potential for energy savings available from vertical daylighting strategies and explores additional savings that may be available if current dPOE research culminates in a successful market-ready product. Radiance daylight simulations are conducted with a multi-shape prismatic window coating. Simulated lighting energy savings are then applied to perimeter floorspace estimates generated from U.S. commercial building stock data. Results indicate that fully functional dPOE coatings, when paired with conventional vertical daylight strategies, have the potential to reduce energy use associated with U.S. commercial electric lighting demand by as much as 930 TBtu. This reduction in electric lighting demand represents an approximately 85\% increase in the energy savings estimated from implementing conventional vertical daylight strategies alone. Results presented in this study provide insight into energy and cost performance targets for dPOE coatings, which can help accelerate the development process and establish a successful new daylighting technology.

}, keywords = {Clerestories, daylighting, Dynamic prismatic optical elements (dPOE), energy efficiency, Glare, indoor environmental quality, radiance, windows}, doi = {10.1016/j.enbuild.2013.07.013}, author = {Arman Shehabi and Nicholas DeForest and Andrew McNeil and Eric R. Masanet and Jeffery B. Greenblatt and Eleanor S. Lee and Georgeta Masson and Brett A. Helms and Delia J. Milliron} } @article {57298, title = {A validation of a ray-tracing tool used to generate bi-directional scattering distribution functions for complex fenestration systems}, journal = {Solar Energy}, volume = {98}, year = {2013}, month = {12/2013}, pages = {404-414}, abstract = {

Fenestration attachments are anticipated to produce significant reductions in building energy use because they can be deployed quickly at low-cost. New software tools enable users to assess the building energy impacts of optically complex fenestration systems (CFS) such as shades, Venetian blinds, or daylighting systems. However, such tools require users to provide bi-directional scattering distribution function (BSDF) data that describe the solar-optical performance of the CFS. A free, open-source Radiance tool genBSDF enables users to generate BSDF data for arbitrary CFS. Prior to genBSDF, BSDF data for arbitrary fenestration systems could only be produced using either expensive software or with expensive equipment. genBSDF outputs CFS data in the Window 6 XML file format and so can be used with CFS-enabled software tools to model multi-layered window systems composed of glazing and shading layers.

We explain the basis and use of the genBSDF tool and validate the tool by comparing results for four different cases to BSDF data produced via alternate methods. This validation demonstrates that BSDFs created with genBSDF are comparable to BSDFs generated analytically using TracePro and by measurement with a scanning goniophotometer. This tool is expected to support accelerated adoption of fenestration attachments and daylighting technologies.

}, keywords = {Bi-directional scattering distribution function, Complex fenestration systems, daylighting, Solar heat gain}, doi = {10.1016/j.solener.2013.09.032}, author = {Andrew McNeil and Jacob C. Jonsson and Appelfeld, David and Gregory J. Ward and Eleanor S. Lee} } @techreport {58589, title = {On the benefits of a variable-resolution bidirectional scattering distribution data format}, year = {2012}, month = {09/2012}, pages = {5}, type = {DOE/ CEC PIER Technical Report Deliverable}, abstract = {

This summary report adds context to the recent development of a new format for variable-resolution bi-directional scattering data. Specifically we discuss why a high resolution BSDF format is needed, the advantages of a variable resolution data format, and the new capabilities that stem from this development.

}, author = {Andrew McNeil and Eleanor S. Lee} } @techreport {1212, title = {Development of a simulation-based controls framework for implementation of controls algorithms for complex fenestration systems}, year = {2012}, month = {09/2012}, pages = {15}, type = {DOE/ CEC PIER Technical Report}, abstract = {

Effectively controlled dynamic windows can substantially reduce the energy consumption of buildings. Unfortunately, modular and extensible frameworks for testing and evaluating window system control algorithms that include the effects of thermal mass are missing in the research community.

This paper describes a modular and extensible simulation-based framework that uses different simulation tools such as EnergyPlus, Modelica, Radiance, and the Building Controls Virtual Test Bed (BCVTB) to develop and evaluate the performance of integrated fa{\c c}ade control strategies. We present a simulation framework and a proof-of concept application using the framework to control a venetian blind in a physical test cell in order to reduce its zone thermal load based on solar inputs and internal gains measured at the test cell.

}, author = {Thierry Stephane Nouidui and Andrew McNeil and Eleanor S. Lee} } @booklet {1213, title = {Electro-Responsive Polymer Glazings For Smart Windows With Dynamic Daylighting Control}, year = {2012}, month = {02/2012}, abstract = {

In the context of alarming phenomenon of global warming with harmful consequences such as increased green house gases beyond predictions, the development of advanced energy efficient technologies became of a primary importance. Since the building sector accounts for 39\% of total US primary energy consumption, fenestration can significantly contribute to lowering the energy use for heating, cooling, and lighting. An estimated 9\% reduction in total US building energy use, or 3.47 Q, could be attained by dynamic solar/thermal control and daylighting if these advanced optical technologies were adopted throughout the residential and commercial building sectors. In spite of the great research and engineering efforts in the fast growing area of smart windows, development of glazing devices able to provide efficient, durable, and inexpensive products for dynamic daylight control is in infancy. Like the electrochromic glazings now emerging on the market, microscale, switchable daylight-redirecting glazings have the potential for widespread application if a low-cost, durable coating can be engineered and manufactured with the proper set of attributes.

Here we report on the development of a new technology using smart materials for switchable daylight-redirecting glazings. The proposed system consists in a prismatic optical element (POE) fabricated by micro-imprinting of an elastic redox-active polymer network capable to change its geometry and thereby its optical properties in response to an external stimulus. It is expected that the prismatic optical element reversibly collapses in response to an applied potential, thereby modulating the fraction of light which is redirected. The fabrication of the dynamic prismatic optical element from simulation-driven design to materials synthesis and device integration will be described. Investigation of specto-electrochemical characteristics of the redox-active grating and challenges encountered with respect to electromechanical induced structural changes will be also presented.

}, author = {Georgeta Masson and Rueben Mendlesberg and Irene Fernandez-Cuesta and Stefano Cabrini and Delia J. Milliron and Brett A. Helms and Eleanor S. Lee and Andrew McNeil and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @article {2964, title = {An Hourly-Based Performance Comparison of an Integrated Micro-Structural Perforated Shading Screen with Standard Shading Systems}, journal = {Energy and Buildings}, volume = {50}, year = {2012}, abstract = {

This article evaluates the performance of an integrated micro structural perforated shading screen (MSPSS). Such a system maintains a visual connection with the outdoors while imitating the shading functionality of a venetian blind. Building energy consumption is strongly influenced by the solar gains and heat transfer through the transparent parts of the fenestration systems. MSPSS is angular-dependent shading device that provides an effective strategy in the control of daylight, solar gains and overheating through windows. The study focuses on using direct experimental methods to determine bi-directional transmittance properties of shading systems that are not included as standard shading options in readily available building performance simulation tools. The impact on the indoor environment, particularly temperature and daylight were investigated and compared to three other static complex fenestration systems. The bi-directional description of the systems was used throughout the article. The simulations were validated against outdoor measurements of solar and light transmittance.

}, keywords = {building performance modelling, complex fenestration system, daylight, shading, solar gains}, doi = {10.1016/j.enbuild.2012.03.038}, author = {Appelfeld, David and Andrew McNeil and Svendsen, Svend} } @techreport {1214, title = {Using Radiance and GenOpt to design static daylight redirection systems}, year = {2012}, month = {09/2012}, type = {DOE/ CEC PIER Technical Report}, author = {Andrew McNeil and Eleanor S. Lee} } @article {3184, title = {A validation of the Radiance three-phase simulation method for modeling annual daylight performance of optically-complex fenestration systems}, journal = {Journal of Building Performance Simulation}, volume = {April 2012}, year = {2012}, month = {05/2012}, keywords = {bidirectional scattering distribution functions, buildings energy efficiency, daylighting, radiance, validation}, doi = {10.1080/19401493.2012.671852}, author = {Andrew McNeil and Eleanor S. Lee} } @conference {3385, title = {Acceleration of Radiance for Lighting Simulation by using Parallel Computing with OpenCL}, booktitle = {12th International Conference of the International Building Performance Simulation Association (Building Simulation 2011)}, year = {2011}, month = {11/2011}, pages = {p. 110-117}, address = {Sydney, Australia}, abstract = {

This study attempted to accelerate annual daylighting simulations for fenestration systems in Radiance ray-tracing program. The algorithm was optimized to reduce both the redundant data input/output operations and floating-point operations. To further accelerate the simulation speed, calculation for matrices multiplications was implemented in parallel on a graphics processing unit using OpenCL, a cross-platform parallel programming language. Numerical experiments show that combination of above measures can speed up the annual daylighting simulations 101.7 times or 28.6 times when sky vector has 146 or 2306 elements, respectively.

}, author = {Wangda Zuo and Andrew McNeil and Michael Wetter and Eleanor S. Lee} } @conference {1174, title = {COMFEN 3.0: Evolution of an Early Design Tool for Commercial Fa{\c c}ades and Fenestration Systems}, booktitle = {Building Enclosure Sustainability Symposium (BESS), April 29-30, 2011}, year = {2011}, month = {03/2011}, address = {Pomona, CA}, abstract = {

Achieving a net-zero energy building cannot be done solely by improving the efficiency of the engineering systems. It also requires consideration of the essential nature of the building including factors such as architectural form, massing, orientation and enclosure. Making informed decisions about the fundamental character of a building requires assessment of the effects of the complex interaction of these factors on the resulting performance of the building. The complexity of these interactions necessitates the use of modeling and simulation tools to dynamically analyze the effects of the relationships, yet decisions about the building fundamentals are often made in the earliest stages of design, before a {\textquoteright}building{\textquoteright} exists to model.

To address these issues, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has developed an early-design energy modeling tool (COMFEN) specifically to help make informed decisions about building fa{\c c}ade fundamentals by considering the design of the building envelope, orientation and massing on building performance. COMFEN focuses on the concept of a "space" or "room" and uses the EnergyPlus, and Radiance{\texttrademark} engines and a simple, graphic user interface to allow the user to explore the effects of changing key early-design input variables on energy consumption, peak energy demand, and thermal and visual comfort. Comparative results are rapidly presented in a variety of graphic and tabular formats to help users move toward optimal fa{\c c}ade and fenestration design choices.

While COMFEN 1.0 utilized an Excel{\texttrademark}{\textendash}based user interface, COMFEN 3.0 has been reworked to include a simple, more intuitive, yet powerful Graphic User Interface (GUI), a broader range of libraries for associated system and component choices and deliver a wider range of graphic outputs and options.

This paper (and presentation) outlines the objectives in developing and further refining COMFEN, the mechanics of the program, and plans for future development.\ 

}, author = {Stephen E. Selkowitz and Robin Mitchell and Maurya McClintock and Daniel McQuillen and Andrew McNeil and Mehry Yazdanian} } @techreport {58281, title = {Modeling solar heat gains of complex fenestration systems using bidirectional scattering distribution functions}, year = {2011}, month = {09/2011}, type = {DOE/ CEC PIER Technical Report}, author = {Thierry Stephane Nouidui and Andrew McNeil and Christian Kohler and Brian E. Coffey and Eleanor S. Lee} } @techreport {1217, title = {On the sensitivity of daylight simulations to the resolution of the hemispherical basis used to define bidirectional scattering distribution functions}, year = {2011}, month = {09/2011}, pages = {19}, type = {DOE / CEC PIER Technical Memorandum}, abstract = {

The Radiance simulation program includes new tools that enable daylight modeling of complex fenestration systems (CFS) using bi-directional transmission distribution functions (BTDF). The tools use the Klems angle basis to define the number of paired incoming and outgoing data values. However, the Klems angle basis was developed for thermal simulations and may be too low of a resolution for some types of daylight systems, particularly those that exhibit peaky, specular transmission. This study evaluates the sensitivity of the angle basis resolution by comparing simulation results for the Klems angle basis against results using two higher resolution angle bases. The first evaluation compares results for specific points in time. The second evaluation compares simulation results using annual performance metrics. Annual lighting energy data were found to agree to within 1\%. Annual assessments of discomfort glare were found to disagree by 7\% because high resolution basis resolved glare sources into smaller, more intense sources. We concluded that high resolution bases are appropriate for specific types of CFS and performance metrics.

}, author = {Andrew McNeil} } @article {1799, title = {Simulating the Daylight Performance of Complex Fenestration Systems Using Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Functions within Radiance}, journal = {Leukos, The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society}, volume = {7}, year = {2011}, month = {04/2011}, chapter = {241}, 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.

}, keywords = {bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF), Complex fenestration systems, daylighting systems, energy, Radiance software, Shading Systems, windows}, issn = {1550-2724}, doi = {10.1080/15502724.2011.10732150}, author = {Gregory J. Ward and Richard G. Mistrick and Eleanor S. Lee and Andrew McNeil and Jacob C. Jonsson} }