DL-Light provides tools for calculation of physically based daylight indicators for SketchUp models. To get accurate results with DL-Light, we recommend that you prepare your SketchUp models:
It is recommended to work on a copy of your original model, since you may need it in future for some other calculations or presentations. Make a copy of model and do all DL-Light related actions in this copy.
On Windows operating system, we recommend to place the project directory on a local hard drive.
DL-Light calculations are based on validated ray-tracing software
Radiance. They calculate daylight indicators in sensors on selected
surfaces. To avoid unnecessary calculation time, simplification
steps are useful, though not compulsary.
Some cleaning steps you can use:
The organization by layer is necessary for modules that make use of materials property, like Daylight Factor, Daylight Autonomy or Watt. Material properties are attached to layers, so all the faces of a layer will get the same material.
Every face in SketchUp can have layer and material defined.
Materials in SU are used for representation purposes, but are not
suitable for physically based calculations.
Layers are much better option, since all faces with the same layer
can be treated as they have the same physical characteristics. Eg
put in one layer objects that would be made of glass, in another
layer objects made of aluminum, then wood etc.
DL-Light only exports SketchUp geometry by layers.
Recommended procedure for organizing the model by layers:
Detailed info on when and why are virtual surfaces may be necessary for calculations is given on page Creation of virtual surfaces.
Two cases when virtual surfaces are necessary:
To be able to calculate any daylight indicator, it is necessary for light to fall on the surface. Face orientation is important, since front side of the surface is receiving the light. Recommendations below are only for surfaces which are used for calculation:
All extensions developed by De Luminae can be used in the same SketchUp model, with restriction that only one can be active at a time. This approach is used to avoid mixing results across various daylight indicators.
When SketchUp is started, De Luminae extensions are inactive and
user can work on model geometry normally.
Use menus or toolbar buttons to activate an extension. If another De
Luminae extension is already in use, a confirmation is required.
When extension selection is confirmed, the user interface and all
the results for previously active extension are hidden. Then the
interface and results for newly selected extension are shown. The
results for deactivated extension are not deleted, and will be shown
when extension is reactivated.
When a new model is created or an existing model is opened, no extension results are visible until an extension is activated.
De Luminae extensions can be deactivated at any moment with click on toolbar button