AEC - Architectural Energy Corporation

Developing sophisticated daylighting design solutions

• Services Overview
• Sustainable Design Consulting
• Energy Modeling & Analysis
• Daylighting Modeling & Analysis
• LEED Certification Consulting
• Commissioning
• Measurement & Verification
• Energy Audits & Retro-commissioning
• CALGreen Consulting
• Utility Program Services
• Codes & Standards
• Sustainable Management Services

Daylighting Modeling & Analysis

AEC successfully integrates innovative daylighting techniques and strategies into buildings to reduce electrical and mechanical energy consumption and enhance the visual environment while creating a healthier, more productive building for its occupants.

AEC uses TracePro and Radiance software, two of the most advanced lighting/daylighting analysis tools available, to evaluate and refine daylighting design solutions. Working from 2-D or 3-D CAD or Revit files provided by the design team, we create a geometrically accurate representation of the space including glazing properties, surface reflectance, furniture layout, shading, and light distribution strategies. 

Using local weather data, the daylighting model is simulated under varying conditions and times of the year. Animations are performed to illustrate how daylight interacts with the building over a specified period of time. Daylighting analysis results include average illuminance throughout the daylit space, illuminance on work surfaces, and surface luminance ratios Renderings of the daylit space design team determine whether the daylight and lighting design criteria have been achieved, and whether further design refinements are necessary. 

AEC's daylighting services provide support for LEED^® credits.

Electric Lighting Design

In addition to daylighting modeling, AEC can also visualize and refine electric lighting system design. We incorporate the electric lighting system into the daylight model using the fixtures’ photometric files to accurately represent light distribution characteristics. The model calculates the integrated daylighting and electric lighting performance under both daytime and nighttime design conditions.