Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP
Innovative daylighting systems promise the efficient use of daylight in terms of a building’s energy requirements and the well-being of its users. A vast number of systems are already on the market with more under development. The range extends from diffusing to fixed, light-directing systems right through to movable reflectors based on metallic or dielectric mirrors. In addition to multifunctional glazing, intensive work is also being carried out on the further development of sun shading systems designed to supply glare-free daylight at the workplace without causing overheating.
At present, the extent to which a system meets these important and demanding requirements cannot be reliably predicted, either during the development phase or when a building is being planned. This is because computer-aided daylighting calculation tools are not yet capable of calculating complex daylighting and sun shading systems. The project aims at remedying this shortcoming.