Peak extraction in daylight simulations using BSDF data

Bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF) data are used in design practice to represent optically complex daylighting and solar control systems in lighting and energy simulation software. Visual comfort assessments (e.g., daylight glare) require accurate determination of luminance and corresponding solid angle of glare sources. For the sun, the necessary resolution of the BSDF causes problems both in terms of data volume and computational effort. With “peak extraction” (PE), we present a new method that simulates the direct solar contribution at its real size and spread, while efficiently using the underlying BSDF data set for the scattered light.  PE enables practitioners to evaluate daylight performance metrics for their designs at improved accuracy.