@techreport {58258, title = {Experimental Validation of Daylighting Simulation Methods for Complex Fenestration Systems}, year = {2006}, month = {05/2006}, abstract = {

The objective of this paper is to assess the capability of existing lighting simulation methods to predict the performance of complex fenestration systems, which are becoming a commonly used component in buildings construction domain. A specific experimental protocol was conducted to collect reliable reference data based on illuminance measurements inside a black box with (and without) one complex glazing sample facing a measured external luminance distribution. Two types of simulation methods were tested and compared: The first is based on modeling the glazing sample in a ray-tracing simulation program and the second is based on use of the samples{\textquoteright} BTDF data. The BTDF data sets were combined with the external luminance distribution to predict the flux distribution inside the room and the resulting illuminance values at the reference points. The comparison between the experimental reference data and the simulation results showed that the influence of the CFS could be predicted with good accuracy.

}, author = {Fawaz Maamari and Marilyn Andersen and Jan de Boer and William L. Carroll and Dominique Dumortier and Phillip Greenup} } @article {11582, title = {Bi-Directional Transmission Properties of Venetian Blinds: Experimental Assessment Compared to Ray-Tracing Calculations}, journal = {Solar Energy}, volume = {78}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, pages = {187-198}, abstract = {

An accurate evaluation of daylight distribution through advanced fenestration systems (complex glazing, solar shading systems) requires the knowledge of their Bidirectional light Transmission (Reflection) Distribution Function BT(R)DF. An innovative equipment for the experimental assessment of these bi-directional functions has been developed, based on a digital imaging detection system. An extensive set of BTDF measurements was performed with this goniophotometer on Venetian blinds presenting curved slats with a mirror coating on the upper side. In this paper, the measured data are compared with ray-tracing results achieved with a virtual copy of the device, that was constructed with a commercial ray-tracing software. The model of the blind was created by implementing the measured reflection properties of the slats coatings in the ray-tracing calculations. These comparisons represent an original and objective validation methodology for detailed bi-directional properties for a complex system; the good agreement between the two methods, yet presenting very different parameters and assessment methodologies, places reliance both on the digital-imaging detection system and calibration, and on the potentiality of a flexible calculation method combining ray-tracing simulations with simple components measurements.

}, author = {Marilyn Andersen and Michael D. Rubin and Rebecca Powles and Jean-Louis Scartezzini} } @article {11635, title = {Comparison Between Ray-Tracing Simulations and Bi-Directional Transmission Measurements on Prismatic Glazing}, journal = {Solar Energy}, volume = {74}, number = {2}, year = {2003}, month = {02/2003}, pages = {157-173}, chapter = {157}, abstract = {

Evaluation of solar heat gain and daylight distribution through complex window and shading systems requires the determination of the bi-directional transmission distribution function (BTDF). Measurement of BTDF can be timeconsuming, and inaccuracies are likely because of physical constraints and experimental adjustments. A general calculation methodology, based on more easily measurable component properties, would be preferable and would allow much more flexibility. In this paper, measurements and calculations are compared for the specific case of prismatic daylight-redirecting panels. Measurements were performed in a photogoniometer equipped with a digital-imaging detection system. A virtual copy of the photogoniometer was then constructed with commercial ray-tracing software. For the first time, an attempt is made to validate detailed bi-directional properties for a complex system by comparing an extensive set of experimental BTDF data with ray-tracing calculations. The results generally agree under a range of input and output angles to a degree adequate for evaluation of glazing systems. An analysis is presented to show that the simultaneously measured diffuse and direct components of light transmitted by the panel are properly represented. Calculations were also performed using a more realistic model of the source and ideal model of the detector. Deviations from the photogoniometer model were small and the results were similar in form. Despite the lack of an absolute measurement standard, the good agreement in results promotes confidence in both the photogoniometer and in the calculation method.\ 

}, doi = {10.1016/S0038-092X(03)00115-4}, author = {Marilyn Andersen and Michael D. Rubin and Jean-Louis Scartezzini} }