Using simulation software calibration tests as a consumer guide – a feasibility study using lighting simulation software

This project investigated the feasibility of using existing software test cases to provide reliability scores for lighting simulation software. Estimation of lighting levels is a key element in commercial building design. And, many lighting programs claim to render light accurately. However, there is little published information on their accuracy. In thermal simulation, the IEA BESTEST (Judkoff et al), recently adopted by ASHRAE as Standard 140 (ASHRAE 140), certifies the acceptability of a thermal simulation code. (e.g. NZS4218) The CIE Technical Committee TC 3.33 (CIE) developed BESTEST-like tests for light simulation. This current project concluded that a ‘consumer guide’ must be broader than just these tests. There are four major areas of interest: more qualitative - realistic visualization; more quantitative – the  TC3.33 tests; more efficient; and easier to use.  The delivered product is a proposal for a Web 2.0 (O’Reilly, 2005) delivery mechanism for building a ‘consumer guide’ to light simulation software.