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Description / Abstract:
SCOPE AND PURPOSE
This guide provides the IES required uniform method for
determining and reporting the photometric characteristics of
skylights and tubular daylighting devices that incorporate a means
to diffuse the natural hemispherical daylight as the daylight
passes through the daylighting system. It describes the procedures
followed and the precautions observed in obtaining uniform and
reproducible measurements of tubular daylighting devices and
skylights with glass or plastic glazing. This guide identifies the
components and the structure type needed to adequately measure
daylighting devices. The procedures, calibration of the equipment,
and determination of sun angles and sky conditions are also
discussed. This method is not recommended for daylight devices with
clear glazing (see Annex B).
Unlike electric luminaires, that require only one photometric
test, skylights require a separate test to characterize their
performance at different sun angles as well as a separate
measurement to determine the sky conditions. Skylights are very
often large, some exceed the size capabilities of typical intensity
distribution goniophotometers, and the sky conditions are always
changing. Therefore, a method was developed to quickly and
accurately measure daylight data and place the results in a
standardized photometric file format such as IESNA LM 63-02
(R2008).¹ The collection of results can be used by lighting design
software programs to simulate how skylights under the desired test
conditions will fill a space with daylight. This equipment tested
also proved to be accurate with regard to the effects of test
distance.
This is only one method of achieving luminous intensity
distribution curves and efficiency data for skylights and tubular
daylighting devices with diffusing properties. In addition, this
method mirrors the proved method used to measure electric lights
but includes many adjustments because of the very intense movable
light source, the sun. Since 2002 this method has proved to produce
consistent repeatable results for measuring skylights and tubular
daylighting devices under actual sky conditions.
The procedures contained in this document are a benefit to the
lighting industry in characterizing the performance of daylighting
products and are backed by significant experience using this
measurement method. However, daylight photometry is in infancy
stages of research and further research and development of these
and other methods will continue
In addition, further research is being conducted to compare
measurement methods to simulation methods. Simulations of daylight
system performance use predicted sky models from either the CIE or
IES and allow for the rapid comparisons of multiple design options
or sky conditions. Further research will also be conducted to
improve methods of achieving accurate skylight luminous intensity
distribution curves and efficiency data.