Comparison of Fast Daylighting Climate-Based Simulation Methods for Parametric Design: Two-Phase, Three-Phase Method and Path Tracing

Computer modeling and simulation are essential for predicting architectural solutions performance. When integrated into the design process; they are known as performance-based design. During the design process, fast analytical cycles are required. However, daylighting simulations are challenging due to computational processing and time requirements. This paper presents a comparative study of fast daylight simulation methods, two-phase, three-phase and path tracing, in a hypothetical commercial building located in Miami, Florida. Five types of static glass and one electrochromic glass were tested with six parametric models of a translucent horizontal shading device. Daysim was used as reference. The two-phase method produced results similar to the reference results with faster processing times for static facades. For dynamic facades, the path tracing method with the tested interface enabled faster simulations and parametric variations. However, the three-phase method yielded a lower average error.