Daylighting design software
an extensive illustrated lexicon – calculation of relevant values – precious advice – easy handling
Author : B. Paule
Leso-DIAL has been further developed and now replaced by the software DIAL+, which includes the same user-friendly interface but offers greatly extended possibilities and a European climate data base (other climates on demand). DIAL+ is distributed by the EPFL Spin-off company ESTIA.
The Software
Leso-DIAL gave architects relevant information regarding the use of daylight at the beginning of the building design process.
Functions
- Calculation of daylight factor values on the work plane.
- Appraisal of the daylighting sufficiency:
According to the lighting requirements, Leso-DIAL estimates the time during which artificial lighting can be switched off (Swiss climate). - Diagnosis and advice on how to optimise the daylighting performance.
Based on fuzzy logic rules, the diagnosis facility of Leso-DIAL indicates the possible weak points of your design.
Description
- User-friendly (developed by an architect …)! No learning time – no specialist knowledge needed.
- Graphic, linguistic or numerical description of photometry and geometry – input adapted to the uncertainties of the early design stage.
- A Lexicon is accessible from any stage of the design. About 100 terms of the lighting vocabulary are presented in a richly illustrated way.
- The quickness of the whole procedure is particularly well adapted to the testing of various configurations.
- In the current version of Leso-DIAL, up to 30 openings and atria can be taken into account, and the user has at his disposal an integrated database of case studies.
Related PhD thesis
“Application de la logique floue à l’aide à la décision en éclairage naturel”, Bernard Paule, 1999
Requirements
Computer : PC 486 or more
Memory : RAM : 16Mb, Disk space : 10 Mb:
System : Windows 3.11, Windows’95, Windows NT
For very complex geometry or photometry, we recommend the “Adeline” Software.
This software is only suited for central European climates. Other climates and additional functions: DIAL-Europe
Further information : leso-pb[at]epfl.ch