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Published by Grupo de Pesquisa em Iluminao GRILU Lighting Research Group Universidade Federal de Alagoas Campus A. C. Simes Cidade Universitria 57.072-970 Macei AL Brazil www.grilu.ufal.br grilu@ctec.ufal.br 55-82-3214-1311 4th Edition: Dezembro 2006 Ricardo Carvalho Cabs 3rd Edition: Janeiro 2006 Ricardo Carvalho Cabs 2nd Edition: 2005 Ricardo Carvalho Cabs 1st Edition: 2004 Ricardo Carvalho Cabs Available on the internet in the website: http://www.grilu.ufal.br All rights reserved. No part of this guide can be reprinted ou reproduced in any way without a written authorization by the author. Cover design: Iuri vila Team responsible for the development of this Guide: Ricardo Carvalho Cabs, Vanine Borges Amaral, Iuri vila Lins de Arajo, Amaya Glaria Khni, Francisco Javier Ibarra Soto e Bruno Raphael Pastor de Melo. Tranlation: Camila Marques e Ricardo Cabs

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Ricardo Carvalho Cabs

TropLux V 3.0 Users Guide

Grilu
Macei 2006

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Summary
Introduction ................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Necessary Configuration ..................................................................... 2 1.2 Installing TropLux .................................................................................... 2 1.3 Executing TropLux ................................................................................. 2 2 Input ................................................................................................................ 3 2.1 Room Geometry.................................................................................... 3 2.1.1 Room Number ................................................................................4 2.1.2 Room Description ..........................................................................4 2.1.3 Height Z............................................................................................4 2.1.4 Width Y ............................................................................................4 2.1.5 Length X ..........................................................................................4 2.1.6 WorkPlane H ...................................................................................4 2.1.7 Floor Heigth .....................................................................................4 2.1.8 Wall Thickness .................................................................................5 2.1.9 Ceiling Thickness ............................................................................5 2.1.10 Floor Thickness ................................................................................5 2.2 Planos (Planes)....................................................................................... 7 2.2.1 Fields ................................................................................................9 2.2.2 Worksheet .....................................................................................10 2.3 Windows ............................................................................................... 12 2.3.1 Fields ..............................................................................................13 2.3.2 Worksheet .....................................................................................14 2.4 Material Characteristics ..................................................................... 17 2.4.1 Fields ..............................................................................................18 2.4.2 Worksheet .....................................................................................19 2.5 City Parameters ................................................................................... 20 2.5.1 Fields ..............................................................................................20 2.5.2 Worksheet .....................................................................................21 2.6 Elements ............................................................................................... 23 2.7 Shading Devices.................................................................................. 24 2.7.1 Overhang ......................................................................................25 2.7.2 Lightshelf........................................................................................27 2.7.3 Louvre ............................................................................................29 2.7.4 Pergola ..........................................................................................30 2.8 Daylight data ....................................................................................... 32 3 Setup............................................................................................................. 34 3.1 Setup Room.......................................................................................... 34 3.2 Setup Ground ...................................................................................... 35 4 Run ................................................................................................................ 37 4.1 Daylight Coefficients Direct............................................................... 37 4.1.1 Point(s) ...........................................................................................38 4.1.2 Plane-Grid .....................................................................................40 Daylight Coefficients Diffuse ............................................................. 42 4.2 iv 1

4.2.1 Point(s) ...........................................................................................43 4.2.2 Grid ................................................................................................45 4.2.3 Plane(s) (average) ......................................................................47 4.3 Ground Coefficients ........................................................................... 50 4.4 Illuminance ........................................................................................... 52 4.4.1 Fields ..............................................................................................55 Output .......................................................................................................... 60 5.1 Room ..................................................................................................... 61 5.2 Illuminance ........................................................................................... 65 5.2.1 Save ...............................................................................................66 5.2.2 Plot .................................................................................................67 5.2.3 Report ............................................................................................67 5.3 Daylight Coefficients .......................................................................... 67 5.3.1 Fill sky patch ..................................................................................68 5.3.2 Fill sky patch-with Solar Chart ....................................................69 5.3.3 Value by sky patch ......................................................................71 5.3.4 Plot DC ...........................................................................................72 5.4 Sky Zones .............................................................................................. 73 5.5 Glazing properties ............................................................................... 75 5.6 Horizontal Illuminance from Sky ........................................................ 76 5.7 Solar Illuminance ................................................................................. 78 Utility .............................................................................................................. 81 6.1 Copy Room Files .................................................................................. 81 6.2 Delete Room Files ................................................................................ 82 6.3 Folder location..................................................................................... 83 Help ............................................................................................................... 85 7.1 TropLux Help ......................................................................................... 85 7.2 About TropLux ...................................................................................... 85 7.3 About Grilu ........................................................................................... 85 Quit ............................................................................................................... 86

1 Introduction
Troplux has been developed from 1999, during my PhD at the University of Sheffield, England, supervised by Prof. Peter Tregenza. Inicially the software was expected to be used only as a development tool for my thesis Tropical daylighting: predicting sky types and interior illuminance in north-east Brazil. However, because of its complexity and consistent code validation, I decided to create a friendly interface making possible to share the tool, called TropLux. The name came from the main features of the software, that respond well to the needs of the tropical architecture. Since then, the programme has been updated and new functions have been incorporated to the main software, based on users needs. Nowadays, TropLux is adopted in several post graduation courses in Brazil, being the support for master degree dissertations, doctorate thesis and scientific articles published in national and international events and journals. From release 3.0, with the simplification on the procedures and new outputs, the availability of an up-to-date guide and an online1 forum, it is expected that TropLux can be widely used on research and graduation institutes, contributing to improve the quality of daylighting of our buildings. Macei, December 18, 2006. Ricardo C. Cabs

http://groups.google.com/group/troplux

1.1

Basic Configuration
Windows 98 or superior; MatLab 6.5 or superior; Vdeo 800 x 600 or superior.

1.2

Installing TropLux

Execute the installation program TropLuxSetup. This option sets up the system to run TropLux from the icon located in the Desktop and in the Programs Menu. During the installation, the folder TropLux is created with the sub-folders Input, Output and pcode in the directory Program Files in the hard drive.
Input: Folder to store the input data inserted by the user during the modelings. It must contain files with the extension *.mat. Output: Folder to store the output data generated for the simulations, such as illuminance, graphics and pictures. pcode: Folder to store the codes of the TropLux system. It must not be moved or altered. All system files must be in this folder. It must contain files with the extension *.p, *.fig, *.jpg e *.mat.

1.3

Running TropLux

Click on the icon TropLux, in the Desktop or in the Programs Menu of Windows.

2 Input
The data to be run are inserted from the menu Input. Use the mouse to choose the field in which you wish to insert, consult or modify data. The Windows standard movement keys function normally.

2.1

Room Geometry

In the first option of the menu Input [Room Geometry], it is possible to create automatically the basic geometry of a room to be shaped, with the wanted dimensions and characteristics, registering them in specific fields existent in the Room Geometry window.

Picture 1 Input Menu and Room Geometry window

The number of plans that compose the basic geometry of a room is 15. (See section 2.2 of this chapter).

After that it is shown the fields to be filled. The software gives some standard values that can be modified. With exception of the field [Room Description], it is not possible to modify the other fields after having clicked <OK>. To modify afterwards the room geometry data, the user must alter the spreadsheet of plans (see Chapter 2.2) 2.1.1 Room Number Numeric field to identify the room. An automatic sequence is followed from number 1. The user must not modify the number offered by TropLux. 2.1.2 Room Description Alpha-numeric field to identify the room with the name chosen. 2.1.3 Height Z The height of the room represented by the Z axis in meters (m). Standard: 3,00m 2.1.4 Width Y The width of the room represented by the Y axis in meters (m). Standard: 6,00m 2.1.5 Length X The lenght of the room represented by the X axis in meters (m). Standard: 6,00m 2.1.6 WorkPlane H The height of the workplane in meters (m). The standard workplane must be horizontal. Standard: 0,75m
It is possible to create different workplanes in different orientations and dimensions creating new planes of 0 type (imaginary plane). See section 2.2.

2.1.7 Floor Heigth The height of the room, in meters (m), in relation to the ground. The value can be higher or equal to zero. Standard: 0m 4

In case the standard value is altered to positive numbers, the room will be suspended. The plane 13 (ground) will show the value of Z negative, similar to the height of the room floor. The floor plane (1=floor) will always show Z=0m. If necessary, there can be created planes to fulfill the empty spaces derived from this modification. It is not possible to put negative values in the case of the room being underground. In this case it should be created planes to simulate the ground blockages.

2.1.8 Wall Thickness The required dimension in meters (m) to project external walls thickness of a room and its possible openings. Standard: 0,15m 2.1.9 Ceiling Thickness The required dimension in meters (m) to project the ceiling thickness of a room and its possible zenithal openings. Standard: 0,10m 2.1.10 Floor Thickness The required dimension in meters (m) to project the floor thickness of a room and its possible openings. Standard: 0,10m After having typed the correspondent data, click on the button [OK] of the window. It will appear then, a new window [Input], with the option to register a new room. If the option wanted is [yes], to ease the procedure, the fields of the next window, referent to the room to be registered, will be automatically filled with the values of your last typing, with exception of the field Room Number, which will be increased in a unit. In case you do not want a new room, select the option [no].
Table 1- Location of the Planes and its vertices (Standard Room)

LOCATION OF THE PLANES AND ITS VERTICES PLANE LOCATION P1(x,y,z) P2(x,y,z) 01 Floor 0,0,0 6,0,0 02 Ceiling 0,0,3 0,6,3 03 Wall A 0,0,0 0,0,3 04 Wall B 0,6,0 6,6,0 0,6,0 05 Wall C 0,0,0 06 Wall D 6,0,0 6,0,3

P3(x,y,z) 6,6,0 6,6,3 6,0,3 6,6,3 0,6,3 6,6,3

P4(x,y,z) 0,6,0 6,0,3 6,0,0 0,6,3 0,0,3 6,6,0

Picture 2 Standard room generated from the data registration

Table 2 - Description of the standard planes

DESCRIPTION OF THE STANDARD PLANES PLANES STANDARD DESCRIPTION NUMBER Ingls Portuguese 1 Floor Piso 2 Ceiling Teto 3 Wall A-Int Parede Interna A (paralela ao eixo X) 4 Wall B-Int Parede Interna B (paralela ao eixo X) 5 Wall C-Int Parede Interna C (paralela ao eixo Y) 6 Wall D-Int Parede Interna D (paralela ao eixo Y) 7 Surface under floor Superfcie abaixo do piso Telhado (ou piso do pavimento 8 Roof superior) 9 Wall A-Ext Parede Externa A 10 Wall B-Ext Parede Externa B 11 Wall C-Ext Parede Externa C 12 Wall D-Ext Parede Externa D 13 Ground Solo 14 Top working plane Plano de trabalho parte superior Bottom working 15 Plano de trabalho parte inferior plane

2.2

Planos (Planes)

TropLux has its geometry based in planes with four vertices. The planes can have any orientation and it is possible to simulate curved surfaces through the combination of several planes. (See Picture 4 as an example of the generation of an awning with five planes).

Picture 3 Input-Planes Screen

When the room geometry is stablished, it is created an initial environment containing 15 planes (Table 1 and Picture 2). A plane, by definition, has one view only. As a consequence, to create a surface (with two dimensions) by which the light does not pass in any direction, there must be created two planes with opposite views, or a volume with the enough amount of planes to avoid the light from reaching the plane behind. (See Picture 5)

Picture 4 Generation of curve surfaces

Picture 5 Surface x volume

The view of a plane is defined from the order of the points P1 to P4, which must be typed counter-clockwise, from an observer standing in a point with an overall view of the plane (rule of the right hand). (See picture 6).

Picture 6 Rule of the right hand

The user can introduce new planes one by one as described in this section or through the option Elements (See section 2.6) or Shading Devices (See section 2.7), where volumes are generated with their respective planes.
Everytime the thickness of a piece is insignificant to the running, it is convenient to create the volume with a thickness equal to zero to optimize the running. By doing that, two planes are generated instead of six.

2.2.1 Fields 2.2.1.1 Number of the plane (Num) Numeric field that specifies the order of the plane.

When one or more planes are erased, the numeration is reorganized in a way to preserve a numeric sequence without blank spaces. The first 15 planes are obligatory, they cannot be erased. However its fields, with exception of the number, can be edited. 2.2.1.2 Type of Plane(Type) Numeric field that specifies the type of plane used: Negative types (-) represent opaque surfaces; Positive types (+) represent translucent or transparent surfaces; Zero valued types (0) represent imaginary planes. The negative types must have a similar module to the plane number, while the positive type must correspond to the translucent or transparent material existent in the system. Until the present version, just the type 1 (regular glass) is allowed. For further details see item 5.5.
Opaque surfaces are those in which the transmission phenomenon does not exist, only reflection and absorption of the light. Translucent and trasparent surfaces are those in which there are reflection, transmission and absorption of the light. The distinction between a translucent and a transparent surface is done by the definition of the materials characteristics (see section 2.2.2.2). A surface will be transparent when the transmission is considered regular (or specular), while on the translucent surface there will be a diffuse component. The more a surface is translucent the higher its diffuse component is, compared to the regular (or specular) transmission.

2.2.1.3 Plane Description (Description) Alpha-numeric field for plane identification. TropLux sugests the description of the 15 basic planes and others created automatically by the system (eg.: elements, shading devices, windows). The user can modify it according to his convenience. 2.2.1.4 Vertices - Points 1 to 4 (Point 1 - 4) Extreme points of the plane. It is necessary to locate them on space, registering its coordinates X, Y and Z, on the correspondent lines, the first to the axis X, the second to the axis Y and the third to the axis Z.
After the planes are registered, select the icon [save file] to confirm the alterations.

The points must be registered counter-clockwise from the observer (see section 2.2). 2.2.2 Worksheet When the option [Input]-[Planes] is chosen, TropLux opens a new screen (Planes) according to Picture 7.

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The user can utilize this option to consult, edit, delete or insert new planes. 2.2.2.1 Consulting planes The user can open the planes file (bPlanennn.mat, where nnn is the number of the correspondent room-project) by using two different ways: 1) Typing the number of the room-project (Room Number) and clicking on the button [Open File]. In case the correspondent file exists, the fields will be filled automatically; otherwise, there will be an error message. 2) Clicking on the button [Open File], there will be a new screen [Plane Files], containing the planes files available. Choose by clicking on the wanted file. The worksheet is made of 12 lines. Each line corresponds to the data of a plane, defined by the columns (according to section Error! Reference source not found.). The user can clean the screen by clicking on the button [Clear Screen]. TropLux offers five movement buttons: Pg Up Pg Dn Home End Go to moves to the previous screen moves to the following screen moves to the beginning moves to the end moves to the correspondent plane to the number typed on the left field.

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Picture 7 Worksheet of plane registration

2.2.2.2 Inserting new planes To create a new plane, the user must click on the button [New Line], so that a new blank line is opened in the end of the worksheet. After typing the correspondent data, click on the button [Save New Plane]. The user must be careful with the plane vertices definition so that the geometric consistency is kept. 2.2.2.3 Editing planes The planes data can be edited by clicking on the correspondent Field and typing the new wanted information. The user can edit all fields available on screen. After the alterations, the user must click on the button [Save Screen], before any other option of screen movement is used. The user must be careful with the plane vertices edition so that the geometric consistency is kept.
In case it is necessary to modify fields in other screens, always save the previous screen.

2.2.2.4 Deleting planes It is possible to delete planes in sequence or in an individual way. To delete an unwanted plane, type the number on the field placed on the left of the button [Delete Plane(s)]. To delete a sequence of planes, type the initial number on the left field and the last number on the field closer to the button [Delete Plane(s)]. Afterwards click on the button. It will appear a confirmation screen. It is not allowed to delete the planes 1 to 15 (system planes), however they can be altered by the user, who should be careful not to generate geometric inconsistencies.

2.3

Windows

The concept of Window adopted in TropLux is of an opening in any plane (wall, ceiling, floor, partition, etc.), which can be an empty space or closed by a transparent or translucent material. To generate windows, there must be registered the necessary data on the correspondent fields on the second option of the menu Input [Windows]. (See Picture 8). A window must be located in a standard plane of one to six, correspondent to the internal surfaces of a basic room. The software generates automatically the opening of the correpondent external

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plane, as well as the four planes that composes the windows box, necessary to close the opening limits of the volume (wall, ceiling or floor). TropLux demands at least one window for its proper functioning.

Picture 8 Screen Input-Window

2.3.1 Fields 2.3.1.1 Window Number Numeric fields to identify the window. There must be followed an automatic sequence from number 1. Each created window in the internal planes (1 to 6) generates a new window on the equivalent external plane (7 to 12) with a sequential number. That way a new window has an odd number and its external correspondent, an even number. The number offered by the software must not be altered by the user. 2.3.1.2 Window Type Numeric field correspondent to the window type according to its transmittance and reflectance. Until the present version the system runs only regular glass (type 1), or free openings (type 0). 13

Standard: 1 Windows with positive types (+) show translucent or transparent closing surfaces, where there are reflection, transmission and absorption of light. The number corresponds to the material used. Types with value zero represents empty spaces. Glass type 1 has its characteristics (reflectance and transmittance) described on the graphic generated on option [Output-Glazing Properties]. 2.3.1.3 Plane Number Numeric field to identify the plane in which the window is located. Standard: 5 (plane directed to faade South when the azimuth on the axis X is 0) 2.3.1.4 Plane description Alpha-numeric field to identify the plane that contains the window. Field used only for information. To edit, see item 2.2.1.3. 2.3.1.5 Windows Vertices - Points 1 to 4 (Point 1 - 4) Extreme points of the window. They must be located on space, registering the coordinates X, Y and Z on the correspondent lines, the first to the axis X, the second to the axis Y and the third to the axis Z. The points must be registered counter-clockwise from the observer (see section 2.2). 2.3.2 Worksheet When the option [Input]-[Windows] is chosen, TropLux opens a new screen (Windows) according to Picture 9. The user can utilize this option to create, consult, edit and delete windows. 2.3.2.1 Inserting windows When the user opens the windows worksheet for the first time, for a specific room-project, TropLux proposes the creation of a standard window. This window is located on plane 5, centered, with a third of the area of the internal wall. The user can modify, as he wishes, any of the fields, before saving the window clicking on the button [Save New Window].

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To create a new window, the user must click on the button [New Line], to open a blank line in the end of the worksheet. After typing the correspondent data, click on the button [Save New Window]. The user must be careful with the window vertices definition so that the geometric consistency is kept. Until the present version, it is only possible to insert windows in the internal planes (1 to 6), which must be parallel to one of the axis X, Y or Z. In case it is necessary to create openings in planes with different locations, there must be adopted the trick of creating several planes, leaving the empty spaces between them. 2.3.2.2 Consulting windows The user can open the windows file (bWindownnn.mat, where nnn is the number of the correspondent room-project) by using two different ways: 1) Typing the number of the room-project (Room Number) and clicking on the button [Open File]. In case the correspondent file exists, the fields will be filled automatically; otherwise, there will be an error message. 2) Clicking on the button [Open File], there will be a new screen [Window Files], containing the windows files available. Choose by clicking on the wanted filed. The worksheet is made of 12 lines. Each line corresponds to the data of a plane, defined by the columns (according to section Error! Reference source not found.). The user can clean the screen by clicking on the button [Clear Screen]. TropLux offers five movement buttons: Pg Up Pg Dn Home End Go to moves to the previous screen moves to the following screen moves to the beginning moves to the end moves to the correspondent plane to the number typed on the left field.

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Picture 9 Worksheet to register windows

2.3.2.3 Editing windows Until the present version, it is not possible to edit the data of a window. When necessary, the user must delete the window (see item Error! Reference source not found.) and insert a new one with the data to be updated. 2.3.2.4 Deleting windows The procedure of deleting windows is done differently. As a window on TropLux corresponds to an opening on a plane (see item 2.3), when a window is deleted on an internal plane, the correspondent window on the external plane will be automatically deleted (or vice-versa). There will also be deleted the four planes of the windows box, which were generated automatically during the creation. To delete an unwanted window, type the number on the field placed on the left of the button [Delete Window]. Afterwards click on the button. It will appear a confirmation screen. In case the user deletes the window 1, the window 2 will be automatically deleted. In case the user types 2, there will also be deleted the windows 1 and 2.

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2.4

Material Characteristics

TropLux allows the user to register independently the material characteristics of each plane. It is allowed to define reflection or transmission of the diffuse, specular or hybrid. TropLux creates automatically the file bMatnnn.mat (where nnn is the number of the room-project) registering all the standard planes with diffuse reflectance equal to 0.50, with exception of the ground (13ground), with diffuse reflectance equal to 0.2 and of the work planes (14 and 15), without reflectance and transmittance, as they are imaginary planes. All the planes generated previously on the option [Room Geometry] (see item 2.1), [Planes] (see item 2.2), [Elements] (see item 2.6) ou Shading Devices (see item 2.7) might have its characteristics redefined. For that to happen, there must be chosen the fourth option on the menu Input [Material Characteristics].

Picture 10 Screen Input-Material Characteristics

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2.4.1 Fields 2.4.1.1 Plane number (Num) Numeric field that specifies the order of the plane. It cannot be edited in this window. To edit it, see item 2.2.2.3. 2.4.1.2 Plane Description (Description) Alpha-numeric field to identify the plane. It cannot be edited in this window. To edit it, see item 2.2.2.3. 2.4.1.3 Reflectance - Diffuse Part of the luminous radiation reflected through the surface of the plane in a diffuse way, according to the Law of Lambert. Value on the interval [ 0 ; 1 [ . Standard: 0.5 to all planes with exception of the following: Plane 13 (ground) = 0,2 ; Plane 14 (Top Working Plane) = 0; Plane 15 (Bottom Working Plane) = 0. 2.4.1.4 Reflectance - Specular Part of the luminous radiation reflected through the surface of the plane in a specular way, which means with an incidence angle equal to the reflection angle. Value of the interval [0 ; 1[ . Standard: 0 2.4.1.5 Transmittance - Diffuse Part of the luminous radiation transmitted through the surface of the plane in a diffuse way, according to the Law of Lambert. Value on the interval [0 ; 1[ . Standard: 0 2.4.1.6 Transmittance - Specular Part of the luminous radiation transmitted through the surface of the plane in a specular or regular way, which means with an incidence angle equal to the trasmission angle. Value on the interval [ 0 ; 1[ . Standard: 0

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2.4.2 Worksheet When the option [Input]-[Material Characteristics] is chosen, TropLux opens a new screen (Material Characteristics) according to Picture 11. The user can utilize this option to consult and edit the material characteristics of the registered planes.

Picture 11 Material Characteristics

2.4.2.1 Consulting the Material Characteristics The user can open the materials file (bMatnnn.mat, where nnn is the number of the correspondent room-project) by using two different ways: 1) Typing the number of the room-project (Room Number) and clicking on the button [Open File]. In case the correspondent file exists, the fields will be filled automatically; otherwise, there will be an error message.

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2) Clicking on the button [Open File], there will be a new screen [Planes Files], containing the planes files available. Choose by clicking on the wanted filed. The worksheet is made of 12 lines. Each line corresponds to the data of a plane, defined by the columns (according to section Error! Reference source not found.). The user can clean the screen by clicking on the button [Clear Screen]. TropLux offers five movement buttons: Pg Up Pg Dn Home End Go to moves to the previous screen moves to the following screen moves to the beginning moves to the end moves to the correspondent plane to the number typed on the left field.

2.4.2.2 Editing the material characteristics The planes data can be edited by clicking on the correspondent field and typing the new wanted information. The user can edit all fields available on screen. After the alterations, the user must click on the button [Save Screen], before any other option of screen movement is used. In case the sum of the four material characteristics fields is larger than one, TropLux will send an error message. In case it is necessary to modify fields in other screens, always save the previous screen.

2.5

City Parameters

Defines the parameters for the city to be studied. TropLux offers a registration of 34 cities and standard locations. In case the city to be run is already registered, just click on the correspondent button of the column [Run]. On the contrary the user can include the new city. 2.5.1 Fields 2.5.1.1 City Number (Num) Numeric field to identify the city code. 2.5.1.2 City to be run (Run) Button to mark the city in which the studied project is located.

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2.5.1.3 City Name Alpha-numeric field to identify the city name. 2.5.1.4 City Latitude Numeric field in degrees and minutes. The cities below the equator have negative values. 2.5.1.5 City Longitude Numeric field in degress and minutes. The cities located west from the Meridian of Greenwich have negative values. 2.5.1.6 Standard Meridian The cities located west from the Meridian of Greenwich have negative values. The initial Standard Meridian (MP) is Greenwich (0). In Brazil, most part of the territory has an MP equal to -45. Usually the MP varies from 15 to 15 degrees (equivalent to an hour). 2.5.2 Worksheet When the option [Input]-[City Parameters] is chosen, TropLux opens a new screen (Planes) according to Picture 12. The user can utilize this option to consult, edit, delete or insert new cities.

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Picture 12 Screen to register cities

2.5.2.1 Choosing the city to run TropLux runs the city in which the field [Run] is selected. When clicking the button correspondent to the city, TropLux will create a file bCityParam.mat, containing the necessary data to run. 2.5.2.2 Consulting cities When the option City Parameters is chosen, there will automatically appear a window containing the cities previously registered by TropLux. The worksheet is made of 12 lines. Each line corresponds to the data of a city, defined by the columns (according to section Error! Reference source not found.). TropLux offers five movement buttons: Pg Up Pg Dn Home End Go to moves to the previous screen moves to the following screen moves to the beginning moves to the end moves to the correspondent plane to the number typed on the left field.

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2.5.2.3 Inserting new cities To insert a new city the user must click on the button [New Line], so that a new blank line is opened in the end of the worksheet. After typing the correspondent data, click on the button [Save New City]. 2.5.2.4 Editing cities The planes data can be edited by clicking on the correspondent Field and typing the new wanted information. The user can edit all fields available on screen. After the alterations, the user must click on the button [Save Screen], before any other option of screen movement is used.
In case it is necessary to modify fields in other screens, always save the previous screen.

2.5.2.5 Deleting cities To delete an unwanted city, type the number on the field placed on the left of the button [Delete City]. Afterwards click on the button. It will appear a confirmation screen. It is not allowed to delete the city selected to run (See item 2.5.2.1).

2.6

Elements

This option allows the user to create a set of planes to a new volume or surface (partitions, columns, obstacles, etc.). For TropLux, a surface is a volume with thickness zero, therefore it generates two planes, while a volume always generates six planes. The planes must be inserted through points in the cartesian plan, where there are two values, minimum and maximum, for each axis (X1;X2;Y1;Y2;Z1;Z2). As a consequence, elements must be parallel or perpendicular to the axis X, Y or Z.

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Picure 13 Screen to register Elements

2.7

Shading Devices

It allows the user to create overhangs, lightshelfs, louvres and pergolas, based on cut-off angles or pre-defined dimensions.

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Picture 14 Shading Devices menu

2.7.1 Overhang There must be confirmed the number of the room in which the overhang will be inserted. In case there are more than one window (internal) registered, it will also be asked the number of the window in which the device will be created. Afterwards, the following fields must be filled:

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Picture 15 Screen to register overhangs

2.7.1.1 Cut-off Angle Numeric field in degrees (). It corresponds to the vertical angle defined to the shading device in the opening, measured from the horizon, in direction to the zenith. This value will be used to calculate the device length. When this field is informed, the field [2.7.1.2 - Slat Length] must be left blank, because its value will be replaced by the one calculated from the cut-off angle. In case the field [Cut-off Angle] is left blank the user must inform the Slat Length. 2.7.1.2 Slat Length Numeric field in meters (m). Value defined by the user. This field must be left blank if the cut-off angle is informed. It is also possible to fill only the slat length field, leaving the cut-off angle (item 2.7.1.1) field empty.

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2.7.1.3 Distance Slat-head window Numeric field in meters (m) correspondent to the distance from the top of the window to the base of the overhang. In case it is left blank, the considered value will be 0 (zero). 2.7.1.4 Slat thickness Numeric field in meters (m). In case it is left blank, the considered value will be 0 (zero). It should only be informed when the dimension is relevant to the running.

Picture 16 Overhang example

2.7.2 Lightshelf There must be confirmed the number of the room in which the lightshelf will be inserted. In case there are more than one window (internal) registered, it will also be asked the number of the window in which the device will be created. Afterwards, the following fields must be filled:

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Picture 17 Screen to register the lightshelf

2.7.2.1 Cut-off Angle Numeric field in degrees (). It corresponds to the vertical angle defined to the shading device in the opening, measured from the horizon, in direction to the zenith. This value will be used to calculate the device length. When this field is informed, the field [2.7.1.2 - Slat Length] must be left blank, because its value will be replaced by the one calculated from the cut-off angle. In case the field [Cut-off Angle] is left blank the user must inform the Slat Length. 2.7.2.2 Slat Length Numeric field in meters (m). Value defined by the user. This field must be left blank if the cut-off angle is informed. It is also possible to fill only the slat length field, leaving the cut-off angle (item 2.7.1.1) field empty. 2.7.2.3 Distance Slat-head window Numeric field in meters (m) correspondent to the distance from the top of the shelf to the inferior face of the top of the window. 2.7.2.4 Slat thickness Numeric field in meters (m). In case it is left blank, the considered value will be 0 (zero). It should only be informed when the dimension is relevant to the running.

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2.7.3 Louvre After confirming the number of the room in which the louvre will be inserted, there must be specified the type of louvre used: 1 to horizontal louvre; 2 to vertical louvre. In case it is used eggrate louvre, there must be created the horizontal louvre first and then the vertical one (or viceversa). TropLux allows the user to create Louvre from two of the following information: cut-off angle (2.7.3.1), number of slats (2.7.3.2) and slat length (0). In case this information is not compatible, it will be shown an error message Parameters do not match.

Picture 18 Screen to register Louvre

2.7.3.1 Cut-off Angle Numeric field in degrees (). It corresponds to the vertical angle (measured from the horizon in direction to the zenith) or horizontal (measured from the window plane in direction to the perpendicular) defined to the shading device in the opening. When this field is informed, the field Number of slats (0)or the field Slat Length (0) must be left blank, so that it is automatically calculated by TropLux. In case the field is left blank, the user must inform the Number of slats (0) and the Slat Length (0).

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2.7.3.2 Number of slats Numeric field informing the amout of slats that will compose the louvre. When this field is informed, the Cut-off Angle (0) or the Slat Length (0) must be left blank, so that it is automatically calculated by TropLux. In case the field is left blank, the user must inform the Cut-off Angle (0) and the Slat Length (0). 2.7.3.3 Slat thickness Numeric field in meters (m). In case it is left blank, the considered value will be 0 (zero). It should only be informed when the dimension is relevant to the running. 2.7.3.4 Slat Length Numeric field in meters (m). Value informed by the user. When this field is informed, the Cut-off Angle (0) or the Number of slats (0) must be left blank, so that it is automatically calculated by TropLux. In case the field is left blank, the user must inform the Cut-off Angle (0) and the Number of slats (0).

Picture 19 Screen to choose the type of louvre

2.7.4 Pergola After confirming the number of the room in which the pergola will be inserted, there must be specified the type of pergola used: 1 to pergola on the axis X and 2 to pergola on the axis Y. A pergola can only be created on plane 2 (Ceiling). TropLux allows the user to create pergola from two of the following information: cut-off angle (2.7.4.1), number of slats (2.7.4.3) and slat height (2.7.4.2). In case this information is not compatible, it will be shown an error message Parameters do not match.

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Picture 20 Creating pergolas

2.7.4.1 Cut-off Angle Numeric field in degrees (). It corresponds to the vertical angle (measured from the horizon in direction to the zenith) defined to the shading device in the opening. When this field is informed, the field Number of slats (2.7.4.3) or the field Slat Height (2.7.4.2) must be left blank, so that it is automatically calculated by TropLux. In case the field is left blank, the user must inform the Number of slats (2.7.4.3) and the Slat Height (2.7.3.3). 2.7.4.2 Slat Height Numeric field in meters (m). Value informed by the user. When this field is informed, the Cut-off Angle (2.7.4.1) or the Number of slats (2.7.4.3) must be left blank, so that it is automatically calculated by TropLux. In case the field is left blank, the user must inform the Cut-off Angle (2.7.4.1) and the Number of slats (2.7.4.3).

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2.7.4.3 Number of slats Numeric field informing the amout of slats that will compose the pergola. When this field is informed, the Cut-off Angle (2.7.4.1) or the Slat Length (2.7.4.2) must be left blank, so that it is automatically calculated by TropLux. In case the field is left blank, the user must inform the Cut-off Angle (2.7.4.1) and the Slat Height (2.7.4.2). 2.7.4.4 Slat thickness Numeric field in meters (m). In case it is left blank, the considered value will be 0 (zero). It should only be informed when the dimension is relevant to the running.

2.8

Daylight data

It allows the registration of the horizontal diffuse illuminance (Ehd) values, in lx, for registered locations. The city must be chosen on the menu [City]. Troplux offers a localities registration, which can be manipulated according to what is described on section 2.5. To insert data, the user must click on [New Line] and fill the data for [Year], [Month], [Day], [Hour], [Minute], [Second] and Horizontal Diffuse Illuminance [Ehd]. After having filled the fields, click on [Save New Line]. This procedure must be repeated to as many lines as necessary. The movement keys function the same way as the explained in previous secctions.

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Picute 21 Screen to register the daylight data

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3 Setup
The information given on Input, in order to be run correctly by TropLux, are configured through the menu Setup.

Picture 22 Setup Menu

3.1

Setup Room

It configures every file related to the room-project. It is possible to run a room-project or a set of rooms-projects. To run, the user must insert the number of the room(s) to be configured.
Everytime a data is included or modified, Setup must be run.

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Picture 23 Running Setup Room

3.2

Setup Ground

It configures the ground file to the room-project. It is possible to run a room-project or a set of rooms-projects. To run, the user must insert the number of the room(s) to be configured. The ground reflectance must be informed on the plane number 13 in the option [Input-Planes]

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Picture 24 Running Setup Ground

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4 Run
TropLux calculates the illuminance based on the ray tracing method, together with the Monte Carlo method and the daylight coefficients. It is possible to run the illuminace to a specific point, a grid of points or even the average illuminace of a plane. For this to happen, the daylight and ground coefficients must be correctly chosen for running, according to what is described on the following sections.
It is possible to interrupt the running, clicking <Ctrl>+ <C>. To return to TropLux, the old window must be closed and a new one must be opened.

Picture 25 Run Menu

4.1

Daylight Coefficients Direct

This option calculated the direct components of the Daylight Coefficients DC.

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It is important not to confuse the concept of daylight coefficients with the concept of daylight factor. TropLux offers two running options: Point(s) or Plane-Grid.

Picture 26 Running options of the Daylight Coefficients Direct

4.1.1 Point(s) In this option the user must run a specified point (X,Y,Z), or a set of combinations between the inserted values for X, Y and Z. When this option is chosen, it will appear a window with the following described fields.

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Picture 27 Running parameters of the Daylight Coefficients - Points

4.1.1.1 Room Number Integer field to insert the number of the room-project that will be run. Standard value: 1 4.1.1.2 Planes Integer field to insert the number of the plane that will be run. Standard value: 14 (work plane). 4.1.1.3 Points X, Points Y and Points Z Decimal fields to insert the value of the coordinates X, Y and Z, in meters. Standard value: X = 3,00m, Y=3,00m e Z=0,75m. (Center of the work plane of a standard room). After clicking OK, TropLux will run 5221 coefficients per point, while it is shown on screen a tracking message: Running Batch for DCDir Points Point n/N Sky Zone nnnn/5221 nn.nn min remaining 39

In the end, in case it succeds, there will appear a message: End of batch for Daylight Coefficients Direct (point). Click <OK> to conclude. It is possible to include more than one value for some of the fields. For instance, if the points are located on the Plane 14, there can be included several values for X and Y, that has combined each other and with the fixed value of Z. In case it is typed in Points X [1 3 5] and in Points Y [2 4], keeping the Points Z = [0.75], there would be run the points: (1, 2, 0.75), (1, 4, 0.75), (3, 2, 0.75), (3, 4, 0.75), (5, 2, 0.75) e (5, 4, 0.75). The generated files from the running are saved in the folder troplux/input with the format: bDCDir-r999-pl99pt9.99-9.99-9.99 where r999 is equivalent to the number of the room-project, pl99 to the plane, pt9.999.99-9.99 to the values of X, Y and Z of the point. In case new files are generated to the same parameters, it will be added v999 to the end of the file, corresponding to the order of the files version. 4.1.2 Plane-Grid In this option the user must run a grid of planes that might serve to calculate the average illuminance value in a plane or to generate isolux curves. When this option is chosen, it will appear a window with the following described fields. 4.1.2.1 Room Number Integer field to insert the number of the room-project that will be run. Standard value: 1 4.1.2.2 Plane Integer field to insert the number of the plane(s) that will be run. Standard value: 14 (work plane). After clicking OK, TropLux will request the number of points per dimension X, Y and Z. Place this values between brackets, separated by a space.

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The standard value is [5 5 1], that will generate a grid of 25 sub-areas, with a centered running point.

Picture 28 Running parameters of the Daylight Coefficients Plane-Grid

For a room measuring 5.00m x 5.00m and a work plane 0.75m high, there would be run the points: (0,5; 0,5; 0.75), (0,5; 1,5; 0.75), (0,5; 2,5; 0.75), (0,5; 3,5; 0.75), (0,5; 4,5; 0.75), (1,5; 0,5; 0.75), (1,5; 1,5; 0.75), (1,5; 2,5; 0.75), (1,5; 3,5; 0.75), (1,5; 4,5; 0.75), (2,5; 0,5; 0.75), (2,5; 1,5; 0.75), (2,5; 2,5; 0.75), (2,5; 3,5; 0.75), (2,5; 4,5; 0.75), (3,5; 0,5; 0.75), (3,5; 1,5; 0.75), (3,5; 2,5; 0.75), (3,5; 3,5; 0.75), (3,5; 4,5; 0.75), (4,5; 0,5; 0.75), (4,5; 1,5; 0.75), (4,5; 2,5; 0.75), (4,5; 3,5; 0.75), (4,5; 4,5; 0.75), TropLux will run 5221 coefficients per point, while it is shown on screen a tracking message: Running Daylight Coefficients Direct Point n/N Sky Zone nnnn/5221 In the end, in case it succeds, there will appear a message: End of batch for Daylight Coefficients Direct (point). 41

Click <OK> to conclude. The generated files from the running are saved in the folder troplux/input with the format: bDCDir-r999-pl99- where r999 is equivalent to the number of the room-project, pl99 to the plane run. In case new files are generated to the same parameters, it will be added v999 to the end of the file, corresponding to the order of the files version.

4.2

Daylight Coefficients Diffuse

This option calculates the reflected components of the Daylight Coefficients DC. This is the softwares slowest running. TropLux offers 3 running options: Point(s), Grid, Plane(s) (average).

Picture 29 Daylight Coefficients Diffuse Menu.

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4.2.1 Point(s) In this option the user can run a specified point (X,Y,Z), or a set of combinations between the inserted values for X, Y and Z. When this option is chosen, it will appear a window with the following described fields.

Picture 30 Running parameters of the Daylight Coefficients Diffuse - Points

4.2.1.1 Room Number Integer field to insert the number of the room-project that will be run. Standard value: 1 4.2.1.2 Error (%) Decimal numeric field, in which is identified the wanted statistical error margin for the reflected component. Standard: 5% 43

The lower the error percentage the longer it takes the running. It is suggested that during the tests phase this value is increased, to about 20%, in order to optimize the model quicker. When the model is defined, the error must be reduced so that the results are more consistent. It is important to stress that this error is calculated to the reflected component integrating the whole sky vault. For each subdivision of the sky, the error might be higher or lower. That way the illuminance components error from the Sun (that occupies a small subdivision of the sky) can be larger than what is shown. When the illuminance is equal to zero (eg.: space with no openings) the error will be represented by the expression NaN (Not a Number). 4.2.1.3 Planes Integer field to insert the number of the plane that will be run. Standard value: 14 (work plane). 4.2.1.4 Pontos X, Y e Z [Points X, Points Y e Points Z] Decimal numeric fields to insert the value of the coordinates X, Y and Z, in meters. Standard value: X = 3,00m, Y=3,00m e Z=0,75m. (Center of the work plane of a standard room). After clicking OK, it is shown on screen a tracking message: Running DC Diffuse Point n/N Sample nnn Error nn.nn% In the end, in case it succeds, there will appear a message: End of batch for Daylight Coefficients Diffuse. Click <OK> to conclude. It is possible to include more than one value for some of the fields. For instance, if the points are located on the Plane 14, there can be included several values for X and Y, that has combined each other and with the fixed value of Z. In case it is typed in Points X [1 3 5] and in Points Y [2 4], keeping the Points Z = [0.75], there would be run the points: (1, 2, 0.75), (1, 4, 0.75), (3, 2, 0.75), (3, 4, 0.75), (5, 2, 0.75) e (5, 4, 0.75). The generated files from the running are saved in the folder troplux/input with the format: bDC-r999-g2-pt9.99-9.99-9.99-t99999 where r999 is 44

equivalent to the number of the room-project, pt9.99-9.99-9.99 to the values of X, Y and Z of the point and t99999 to the amount of emitted radiation. In case new files are generated to the same parameters, it will be added v999 to the end of the file, corresponding to the order of the files version. 4.2.2 Grid In this option the user must run a grid of points that might serve to generate isolux curves. For the calculation of the average illuminance value in a plane, it is better to use the option 4.2.3. When this option is chosen, it will appear a window with the following described fields. 4.2.2.1 Room Number Integer field to insert the number of the room-project that will be run. Standard value: 1

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Picture 31 Running parameters of the Daylight Coefficients Diffuse - Grid

4.2.2.2 Erro [Error (%)] Decimal numeric field, in which is identified the wanted statistical error margin for the reflected component. Standard: 5% The lower the error percentage the longer it takes the running. It is suggested that during the tests phase this value is increased, to about 20%, in order to optimize the model quicker. When the model is defined, the error must be reduced so that the results are more consistent. It is important to stress that this error is calculated to the reflected component integrating the whole sky vault. For each subdivision of the sky, the error might be higher or lower. That way the illuminance components error from the Sun (that occupies a small subdivision of the sky) can be larger than what is shown. 4.2.2.3 Planos (Planes) Integer field to insert the number of the plane(s) that will be run. Standard value: 14 (work plane). 4.2.2.4 Grid Points X, Y, Z Decimal numeric fields to define the grid of points. The standard value is [5 5 1], that will generate a grid of 25 sub-areas, with a centered running point. For a room measuring 5.00m x 5.00m and a work plane 0.75m high, there would be run the points: (0,5; 0,5; 0.75), (0,5; 1,5; 0.75), (0,5; 2,5; 0.75), (0,5; 3,5; 0.75), (0,5; 4,5; 0.75), (1,5; 0,5; 0.75), (1,5; 1,5; 0.75), (1,5; 2,5; 0.75), (1,5; 3,5; 0.75), (1,5; 4,5; 0.75), (2,5; 0,5; 0.75), (2,5; 1,5; 0.75), (2,5; 2,5; 0.75), (2,5; 3,5; 0.75), (2,5; 4,5; 0.75), (3,5; 0,5; 0.75), (3,5; 1,5; 0.75), (3,5; 2,5; 0.75), (3,5; 3,5; 0.75), (3,5; 4,5; 0.75), (4,5; 0,5; 0.75), (4,5; 1,5; 0.75), (4,5; 2,5; 0.75), (4,5; 3,5; 0.75), (4,5; 4,5; 0.75), After clicking <OK>, TropLux will run the grid, while it is shown on screen a tracking message: Running DC Diffuse Grid Point n/N Sample nnn Error nn.nn %

46

Picture 32 Screen with a tracking message of the Daylight Coefficients Diffuse

In the end, in case it succeds, there will appear a message: End of batch for Daylight Coefficients Diffuse. Click <OK> to conclude. The generated files from the running are saved in the folder troplux/input with the format: bDC-r999-g2-pt9.99-9.99-9.99-t99999 where r999 is equivalent to the number of the room-project, pt9.99-9.99-9.99 to the values of X, Y and Z of the point and t99999 to the amount of emitted radiation. In case new files are generated to the same parameters, it will be added v999 to the end of the file, corresponding to the order of the files version. 4.2.3 Plane(s) (average) In this option the user can run the average daylight coefficients to a plane. These values will be useful to calculate the average illuminance in a plane.

47

It is much quicker and efficient to calculate the average of the diffuse component of the daylight coefficients in a plane through this method, than through a grid of points. For the calculation of the coefficients to generate isolux curves, it is better to use the option 4.2.2. When this option is chosen, it will appear a window with the following described fields.

Picture 33 Running parameters of the Daylight Coefficients Diffuse - Plane

4.2.3.1 Nmero da Sala-Projeto [Room Number] Integer field to insert the number of the room-project that will be run. Standard value: 1 4.2.3.2 Erro [Error (%)] Decimal numeric field, in which is identified the wanted statistical error margin for the reflected component. Standard: 5% The lower the error percentage the longer it takes the running. It is suggested that during the tests phase this value is increased, to about 20%, in order to optimize the model quicker. When the model is defined, the error must be reduced so that the results are more consistent. It is important to stress that this error is calculated to the reflected component integrating the whole sky vault. For each subdivision of the sky, the error might be higher or lower. That way the illuminance components error from the Sun (that occupies a small subdivision of the

48

sky) can be larger than what is shown. This matter must be fixed in future versions. 4.2.3.3 Planes Integer field to insert the number of the plane(s) that will be run. Standard value: 14 (work plane). After clicking <OK>, TropLux will run the coefficients, while it is shown on screen a tracking message: Running DC Diffuse Plane(s) Plane nn n/N Sample nnn Error nn.nn %

Picture 34 Screen with a tracking message of the Daylight Coefficients Diffuse - Plane

In the end, in case it succeds, there will appear a message: End of batch for Daylight Coefficients Diffuse.

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Click <OK> to conclude. The generated files from the running are saved in the folder troplux/input with the format: bDC-r999-g2-pl99-t99999.mat where r999 is equivalent to the number of the room-project, pl99 to the number of the plane and t99999 to the amount of emitted radiation. In case new files are generated to the same parameters, it will be added v999 to the end of the file, corresponding to the order of the files version.

4.3

Ground Coefficients

This option calculates de Ground Coefficients, auxiliary coefficients on the illuminance running. When this option is chosen, it will be requested the number of the roomproject to be run.

Picture 35 Screen to run Ground Coefficients

After clicking <OK>, TropLux will run the coefficients, while it is shown on screen a tracking message:

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Running Ground Coefficients Ground Zone n/N

Picture 36 Screen with a tracking message of the Daylight Coefficients - Ground

In the end, in case it succeds, there will appear a message: End of Batch for Ground Coefficients. The generated files from the running are saved in the folder troplux/input with the format: bGrdZone2-r999.mat where r999 is equivalent to the number of the room-project. In case new files are generated to the same parameters, it will be added v999 to the end of the file, corresponding to the order of the files version.

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4.4

Illuminance

This option runs the illuminance from the daylight coefficients, previously calculated. The user must choose the right files, as well as choosing the parameters that will serve to generate the illuminance file. The steps required are described below.

Picture 37 Screen of Illuminance running

At first, the number of the room to be run must be specified. Next, the files referent to previous runnings are chosen. These files will be requested in the following order:
Daylight Coefficients Direct Room nnn Formats: bDCDir-r999-pl99-.mat for planes grid bDCDir-r999-pl99-pt9.99-9.99-9.99.mat for points DC-Monte Carlo sky 145 (Daylight Coefficients - Difuse) Formats: bDC-r999-g2-pl99-t9999.mat for planes bDC-r999-g2-pl99-pt9.99-9.99-9.99-t9999.mat for points DC-Ground-Sky Format bDC-GRDSky-r999-g2.mat

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Ground Zone File Format bGrdZone2-r999.mat

Picture 38 Screen to choose the DC Direct file

There must be chosen one file for each option, so that the runnings are compatible, with the same points or planes. After the files selection, the running parameters must be defined, according to what is described on section Error! Reference source not found..

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Picture 39 Screen of illuminance running parameters

Afterwards, a tracking message of the running will appear: Running Illuminances Day 99/99 Time 99:99 Sky 99 Azimuth 999

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Picture 40 Screen with a tracking message of the Illuminance running

In the end will appear a message: End of batch for illuminance The ran results may be viewed in several ways, according to what is described on section 5.2. 4.4.1 Fields 4.4.1.1 Sky types Numeric field that defines the sky type to be run. It varies from 1 to 15, according to the standard sky types stablished by CIE (See Table 3). The user can select as many sky types as he wants. For that he can type the numbers separated by spaces. For a sequence of numbers (Eg.: 3,4,5,6), it can be used the signal : (colon), to separate the first and the last element of the series (Eg.: 3:6).

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Table 3 Sky Type

Num Description 1 Overcast, steep gradation (approx CIE overcast) Overcast, steep gradation, brightening towards sun Overcast, moderate gradation, uniform in azimuth Overcast, moderate gradation, brightening towards sun Uniform sky Partly cloudy, moderately graded, brightening towards sun Partly cloudy, moderately graded, brighter circumsolar Partly cloudy, rather uniform, clear solar corona Partly cloudy, shaded sun position Partly cloudy, brighter circumsolar White-blue sky with clear solar corona CIE clear sky with low turbidity CIE clear sky with higher turbidity Cloudless turbid with broader solar corona White-blue turbid sky

Classification Overcast

Overcast

Overcast

Overcast

5 6

Overcast Partly cloudy

Partly cloudy

Partly cloudy

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Clear sky Clear sky Clear sky Clear sky Clear sky

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with wide solar corona

Picture 41 Sky types with examples of luminance distribution

4.4.1.2 Azimuth Axis X Decimal numeric field in degrees, that determines the angle between the True North and the axis X, clockwise, varying from 0 to 360. It is through this angle that the opening orientation is defined. As a roomproject may have openings to any side, TropLux fixes the orientation in function of the axis X. 4.4.1.3 Days Numeric field that determines the days to be run, the values vary from 1 to 31.

57

4.4.1.4 Months Numeric field that determines the months to be run, the values vary from 1 to 12. TropLux does the combination Days x Months. So, if Days = [22] and Months = [3 6 9 12], there will be run the days March 22nd, June 22nd, September 22nd and December 22nd. To choose everyday of the year, it can be typed [1:31] and months [1:12]. TropLux excludes inexitent days. 4.4.1.5 Hours Numeric field that determines the hours to be run, values vary from 0 to 23. 4.4.1.6 Minutes Numeric field that determines the minutes to be run, values vary from 0 to 59. It must be combined with the field Hours. 4.4.1.7 Time (Type of Hour ran) Numeric field that defines the type of hour to be run: Type 1: Solar Time (ST) Type 2: Legal Time (LT)

4.4.1.8 Ehd Method (Horizontal Diffuse Illuminance Method) Numeric field that defines the type of diffuse illuminance running on the external horizontal plane, unobstructed. The value must be chosen according to the table:
Table 4 Types of calculation of the horizontal diffuse illuminance

Type 1 2 3 4.4.1.9 Unit

Description of the method of calculation of Horizontal Diffuse Illuminance (Ehd) IES Method (Illuminating Engineering Society) Empiric method, based on (Tregenza, Sharples, Daylight Algorithms - Algorithm 1.31 - 1993) Real measurements

Numeric field that defines the type of illuminance unit to be run. See table:
Table 5 Types of calculation units for illuminance

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Type 1 2

Unit Relative (% DF + SF) Absolute (lx)

Description Daylight Factor and Sunlight Factor Value in lux

Notice that on option 1, sky components and Sun components are not summed together, because they are distinct values, respectively horizontal diffuse illuminance and horizontal direct illuminance.

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5 Output
Output shows a series of options, described below. It is possible to view the results in graphics, tables, save in electronic worksheet compatible files and text softwares.

Picture 42 Output Menu

The running results are visualized in independent windows. It is possible to save any graphic, utilizing the option File-Export and choosing the format. There are lots of standard files available, according to Table 6.
Table 6 File formats to save pictures

Format emf bmp eps

Description Enhanced metafiles Bitmap files Eps filess

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ai jpg tif png pcx pmb pgm ppm

Adobe ilustrator files Jpeg images Tiff images Portable network graphics files Paintbrush 24-bits files Portable bitmap files Portable graymaps files Portable pixmaps files

There is still the possibility of manipulating the given graphics.

5.1

Room

There are two options of visualizing the menu: Room 3D and Room Plan.

Picture 43 Visualization option of the room-project

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In the option room plan, the user must inform the number of the wanted room. Next, a new picture with the room-project plan will appear.

Picture 44 Visualization of the room-project plan

In the option Room 3D, a new window will appear to define the visualization characteristics.

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Picture 45 Screen to register the visualization characteristics of the room-project

The user can register the colours and the trasparency for each one of the planes to be visualized.

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Picture 46 Visualization of a basic room, on the wired format

At first the user must type the number of the room in the field below [Room Number], next click on the button [open file]. In case the user does not know the room number, he can click on the button [open file] that a window will appear with the planes files available for visualization. After the room is chosen, there will be filled the fields [Num] and [Description] of the planes [Plane] with the aleady registered values in bPlaneNNN.mat. All planes will be registered automatically with the colour gray [RGB: 0,5 0,5 0,5] and transparency 0,7 (70%). The colours may be changed by the user in two ways: (1) clicking in the button placed right from the plane description and choosing the colours according to the Windows standard; or (2) typing the values for Red, Green and Blue, on the RGB pattern. The transparency can also be modified in two ways: typing a new number, or moving the scroll bar.

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The user can choose the way of showing the room, clicking on the apropriate buttons: Wired or Filled; Black & White or Colour. After the definitions, the user must click on the button [Show], to show the graphic. The Graphic may be manipulated and saved in different formats according to Table 6. It is important to remeber that the visualization data must be saved clicking on the button [Save screen], before clicking on any movement key (Pg Up, Pg Dn, Home, End ou Go to).

Picture 47 example of a room visualization with complex geometry

5.2

Illuminance

When choosing the option [Illuminance], a new window will appear, according to Picture 48. The user must choose a room whose illuminances have already been ran (see section 4.4), typing the field number [Room], and clicking on [Open file]. Next there will appear a window containing all the illuminance files generated to this room-project.

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Picture 48 Screen of illuminance output

After choosing the file, the fields Azimuth, Day, Time and Sky will be filled, with the possible values, according to the previous running. Next, the user must choose the field that will form the visualization worksheet columns. For that he must click in one of the four option of the menu [Column Field]: Azimuth, Day, Time and Sky. Afterwards there must be chosen an option in each of the four menus (Azimuth, Day, Time and Sky), with exception of the Column Field, where there can be chosen as many options as necessary. This choice complies to the general rules of Windows, that to click in several options there can be used the keys [Ctrl] or [Alt] together with the mouse click. When all the configuration is defined, just click on the button [Run], that the worksheet will be filled with the wanted values. In case there are more than 12 options, due to the screen limitation, there will be shown only the first 12. However, all the requested data can be saved, generating graphics and reports. 5.2.1 Save The user can save the data in two formats: csv (comma separated value) or wk1 (Lotus 1-2-3). The wk1 format can be read and manipulated by Excel worksheet. So the user can generate nonstandard graphics and reports in the following sections.

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5.2.2 Plot TropLux offers the following graphics options: 5.2.2.1 Global Iluminance Line Line Graphic with the value of the global illuminance, in lx, in the axis Y. In the axis X, there will be shown the field chosen in [Column Field]. In case it is the day, it will be shown on the Julian format (1 to 365). 5.2.2.2 Global Iluminance Bar Bar Graphic with the value of the global illuminance, in lx, in the axis Y. In the axis X, there will be shown the field chosen in [Column Field]. In case it is the day, it will be shown on the Julian format (1 to 365). 5.2.2.3 Iluminance by component Bar Graphic with the value of the global illuminance, in lx, in the axis Y. In the axis X, there will be the components. In each component there will be as many bars as the ones chosen on [Column Field] 5.2.2.4 Sky x Sun Contribution Pie Chart sumarizing the total illuminance percentage coming from the Sky and the Sun Contribution. 5.2.2.5 Direct(Sun+ Sky) x Reflected Contribution Pie Chart sumarizing the total illuminance percentage coming from the direct (Sun+Sky) and the reflected contribution. 5.2.2.6 [(Sun+Sky) x Ground x Obstruction Contribution] Pie Chart sumarizing the total illuminance percentage coming from the (Sun+Sky), ground and obstruction contribution. 5.2.3 Report TropLux provides two report formats: by component and summarized. When clicking in any of these two, a dialog window will be opened, requesting the name of the file to be saved. The file will be saved on the folder [Output].

5.3

Daylight Coefficients

They are shown in several ways, as presented on the following sections.

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5.3.1 Fill sky patch It generates a picture with sky patch (145 or 5221) filled according to a daylight coefficients scale, in which red represents the highest coefficient. To direct DC (solar), use sky CIE 5221. To diffuse DC, use sky CIE 145.

Picture 49 Daylight Coefficients output

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Picture 50 example of daylight coefficients output - direct

5.3.2 Fill sky patch-with Solar Chart It generates a solar chart with sky patch (145 or 5221) filled according to a daylight coefficients scale, in which red represents the highest coefficient. To direct DC (solar), use sky CIE 5221. To diffuse DC, use sky CIE 145.

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Picture 51 Example of daylight coefficients (diffuse) with solar chart output

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Picture 52 Example of daylight coefficients (direct) with solar chart output

5.3.3 Value by sky patch It generates a picture with sky patch (145) filled with the daylight coefficients values. Because of graphical limitations, only valid to diffuse DC, that uses a sky CIE 145.

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Picture 53 Daylight coefficients numeric output

5.3.4 Plot DC It generates a graphic with the daylight coefficients values on the axis Y and the sky patch on the axis X. To direct DC (solar), use sky CIE 5221. To diffuse DC, use sky CIE 145.

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Picture 54 Daylight coefficients graphic output

5.4

Sky Zones

There are presented 3 graphic options: CIE Sky Zones picture with 145 sky patches. Used to run the diffuse component of the daylight coefficients. CIE Sky 5221 Zones division with 5221 sky patches. These patches are subdivisions of the sky with 145 patches.

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Picture 55 Sky with 5221 patches

CIE Sky 5221 zones over CIE 145 It presents both pictures described overlapped.

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Picture 56 Sky with 5221 patched over sky CIE 145

5.5

Glazing properties

It presents the reflectance and transmittance properties of the glass type 1.

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Picture 57 Glass type 1 properties

5.6

Horizontal Illuminance from Sky

Horizontal diffuse illuminance (from the sky), in lx. TropLux offers four graphic options: IES-by day IES-all skies Tregenza-by day Tregenza-all skies

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Picture 58 Example of horizontal diffuse illuminance for day, city and sky type

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Picture 59 Horizontal diffuse illuminance for three standard IES sky types

5.7

Solar Illuminance

Solar illuminance in lx. TropLux offers two graphic options: Solar Horizontal Illuminance Solar Normal Illuminance

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Picture 60 Solar horizontal illuminance, for day, city and sky type

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Picture 61 Solar nomal illuminance, for day, city and sky type

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6 Utility
6.1 Copy Room Files

It allows the copy of a rooms characteristics to a new room.

Picture 62 Utility menu

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Picture 63 Screen to copy room-projects files

6.2

Delete Room Files

It allows to delete created rooms from the software.

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Picture 64 Screen to delete registered room-projects files

6.3

Folder location

It allows configuring the file bRoomParam, when it is damaged, or when it has been improperly modified. The user will be requested to inform, in sequence, the location of the pcode, input and output folders.

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Picture 65 Screen to locate the standard folders

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7 Help
7.1 TropLux Help

When clicking on this option the user opens the TropLuxs guide in pdf format.

7.2

About TropLux

It presents a summary about TropLux.

7.3

About Grilu

It presents a summary about Grilu (Daylight Research Group).

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8 Quit
To quit the software, just click on the option [Quit] or on the button X on the superior right corner of the window.

Picture 66 Screen to quit TropLux

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