Simulating the Daylight Performance of Complex Fenestration Systems Using Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Functions within Radiance

TitleSimulating the Daylight Performance of Complex Fenestration Systems Using Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Functions within Radiance
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsGregory J Ward, Richard G Mistrick, Eleanor S Lee, Andrew McNeil, Jacob C Jonsson
JournalLeukos, The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society
Volume7
241
Issue4
Date Published04/2011
ISSN1550-2724
Call NumberLBNL-4414E
Keywordsbidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF), Complex fenestration systems, daylighting systems, energy, Radiance software, Shading Systems, windows
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.

DOI10.1080/15502724.2011.10732150
LBNL Report Number

LBNL-4414E