[Bldg-sim] Day-lighting Analysis in Ecotect

[Arpan Bakshi]

Sunayana, please review Prof. Reinhart's paper prior to relying on Ecotect
for daylight simulations.
http://www.ibpsa.org/proceedings/BS2009/BS09_0196_203.pdf
As a general rule, Ecotect's native daylight simulation engine is
inaccurate, however, the Ecotect software interface can be used as a
visualization tool to view imported simulation results computed by the
Radiance simulation engine.

AB



On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 4:55 PM, Cheney <chenyu73 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Well, Ecotect is a pretty good and user-friendly software especially at
> initial design stage to my mind. It is able to provide sort of "laymen'
> language among energy modeler and other consultants, owners, etc. For your
> particular questions, see my two cents below. Hope they are helpful.
> Regards,
>
> Cheney
>
> LinkedIN @ http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/yu-cheney-chen/27/637/72b
>
>
>
> On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 12:13 PM, Jain, Sunayana <sjain at ftch.com> wrote:
>
>>  Hi,
>>
>> Can day-lighting analysis be done in Ecotect for a Sketch-Up .dxf file as
>> well?
>>
>> It is possible. However, pay attention to the imported model where some
>> oringinally planar surfaces become unplanar and you have to address these
>> places. On the other hand, it is not necessary to import the whole model
>> when you are going to analyze particular
>> windows/openings (unless the building itself will have self-shading impact
>> over your target windows)
>>
>
>> When importing a 3-d model in Ecotect, the whole model comes as 1 zone.
>> When I select for Lighting Analysis, the analysis grid is of irregular
>> shape even after selecting *with**in* option in window fit grid extents.
>> Does this depend on simplicity of model?
>>
>> 1 zone is okay for lighting analysis though it will definately affect
>> your thermal analysis. And yes, as I mentioned, pay attention to some
>> unplanar surfaces. Alternatively, you can draw and replace your target
>> windows/openings within Ecotect yourself. Sometimes, it is not easy to
>> modify the existing model due to converion issues caused in the process.
>>
>>
>
>> How successful is shading design? Usually it results in extraordinarily
>> big sun-shades.
>>
>> Bear in mind, those big and irregular sun-shades is not for your design
>> dimension but a guide or verificaiton for your proposed design. remember it
>> is a best-case scenario.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Sunayana Jain
>>
>>
>>
>>
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-- 
Arpan
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