Fellow building simulationists,
A new version of the Sensor Placement + Optimization Tool daylighting
software, SPOT Pro, is now available. Visit SPOT home
to learn more about it and download the software.
SPOT Pro is a Windows-based stand-alone interface to the Radiance
ray-tracing engine that sits, accessible, behind the scenes. SPOT Pro has
a number of unique simulation capabilities:
- *Optical daylighting system annual simulation* - SPOT uses "system
BSDF" files to describe these optical or complex fenestration systems and
perform annual simulation.
- *Shade control simulation* - both automated/photosensor-based control
and a range of manual shade control algorithms are available
- *Annual metric reports* - compare various daylighting metrics with
standard daylighting reports for LEED (v4, 2009, v2.1), CHPS and a SPOT
performance report.
- *"Design Day" calculations* - results showing average "design day"
conditions (calibrated to climate data) rather than a specific weather
condition in an hourly weather file.
- *Simulation of photosensor systems* - SPOT simulates the actual
photosensor system response, lets you refine the control system settings,
and provides an annual simulation of the interaction between electric
lighting and daylighting. For those aiming for truly accurate
simulation of the interaction between daylighting and electric lighting,
this may be the only tool that does not use workplane illuminance (an
average or a point) as a proxy for the photosensor signals, and that
accounts for the interaction of electric light feedback on common
closed-loop control systems.
- *Output to DOE-2 and EnergyPlus* - After optimization and simulation
of the photosensor system, SPOT provides annual LPD multiplier schedule
output files for both DOE-2 and EnergyPlus. Direct output to HAP coming
soon....
- *Internal Geometry Modeler* - The internal modeling tools are fairly
robust, with blocks, sloped ceilings, monitors, and sawtooth geometries
available, yet still easy and quick to use with no CAD experience
necessary. Sketchup models can be imported into the software behind the
scenes.
- *Material Database and Editor * - New material database allows colors,
patterns, glass, metals, and BSDF files to be assigned to your model's
surfaces.
- *Improved Renderings -* The use of materials and patterns greatly
improve the quality of the perspective and sectional renderings.
The software is in final beta testing stages with an official v5.0 release
coming summer 2015. Reduced price educational licenses are available and
commercial licenses bought during the final beta stage are 1/2 off and
valid for all SPOT Pro 5.X releases. Periodic SPOT training webinars will
be held throughout 2015, the first will be held on June 18th at 10am
(MST). E-mail spot at daylightinginnovations.com if you are interested in
joining this webinar (limited to 25 participants) or scheduling a future
SPOT webinar.
Happy Simulating!
Zack
--
Zack Rogers, P.E., LEED AP BD+C
Daylighting Innovations, LLC
808 S. Public Road, Suite 200
Lafayette, CO 80026
(303)946-2310
www.daylightinginnovations.com
