Does anyone know if there is a list of approved Daylight Modeling Programs - software that LEED/GBCI will accept versus software that they will not accept? I have a client looking to contract an [inexperienced] daylight modeler to use a program called Velux. I know nothing about this program other than it appears to be "free" - which makes me suspect it may not meet the specifics required by LEED.
If anyone knows whether Velux would work - or even better, if you know of a list of LEED approved daylight modeling programs - I would be very grateful.
THANKS LEEDERS!
TODD REED
Energy Program SpecialistPA DMVA
LEEDuser Expert
890 thumbs up
April 25, 2012 - 8:08 am
There is no list of approved daylight simulation programs for LEED. I personally have no experience with that program and from what i read on the website, it appears that it would work. I believe that the DOE has a list of simulation programs that are recommended, i will look into the list and post that when i find it.
I would suggest that they look into SPOT,(Sensor Placement Optimization Tool) it is a free program that has a small learning curve and it uses raytrace for its simulation.
Eddy Santosa
Director of SustainabilityDBR Engineering Consultants
376 thumbs up
April 25, 2012 - 12:48 pm
I never use that either but from the description, I agreed with Todd that it looks good. Personally, I prefer simulation software with ray tracing or radiosity method. One of well known daylight simulation engine is Radiance that has been used in many software including SPOT.
An experienced daylight modeler is as important as a good software in the simulation process. He/She has more sensitivity to the results and can understand the methodology and the results better.
For the purpose of the simulations, daylight modeler may need to assess whether the software is capable to carry the calculation that he/she wants and what the limitation of the software is. For example, some daylight simulations are not capable to handle diffuse glass inputs or there is limitation of the geometry that you can model in the software.
Regarding the DOE list, it can be found in here:
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/tools_directory/subjects.cfm/page...
However, DOE doesn't endorse or recommend those software programs. (please refer to the disclaimer of the website)