Analysis of Daylight Performance of Skylight in Tropical Climate Using Simulation Methods

Abstract

This paper is to analysed the skylight application performance through comparative simulation of models that apply top lit and side lit skylight with tropical climate conditions which is Malaysia and to test whether which of this types of skylight with various sizes of openings and overhangs works properly and capable to provide comfort to users while distributing uniform amount of average daylight factors throughout the plane. The findings showed that the readings of average daylight factor of both type of sky light were accurate compared towards fieldworks studies and calibrated well. The daylight factor measurement also shows slightly changed of readings when tested in various sizes of openings and overhangs. This is because the variables which is the sky condition plays an important role in providing internal illuminance. The study shows that Top lit with larger openings provide sufficient amount of daylight factors compare to side lit skylight evenhough side lit skylight distribute uniform amount of illuminance.