Opportunities and Challenges for Performance Prediction of Dynamic Complex Fenestration Systems (CFS)

Abstract

This article presents an overview of possibilities and points of attention for modelling the performance of dynamic CFS in building performance simulation software. Following a detailed analysis of the unique requirements that are associated with modelling of CFS, a comparative study of the capabilities in different software implementations is presented. In addition, we present on overview of state-of-the-art approaches to obtain the necessary Bi-directional Scattering Distribution Functions (BSDF), involving experimental characterisation, databases, and component-level ray-tracing approaches. The second part of the paper provides a detailed discussion of a case study of a high reflective lamella system. This case study complements the review with hands-on information from a practical example and highlights the importance of developing models at the right level of complexity, taking into account the type of questions that the simulation intends to answer and the required accuracy level to do so.

Keywords

• Complex fenestration systems
• building performance simulation
• bi-directional scattering distribution functions
• reflective lamella
• modeling complexity