PROJECT - GOALS

To derive theoretical spectral radiances for non-homogeneous and homogeneous skies.
To make this solution dependent on both microphysical parameters of the atmosphere (including clouds and hazes) and characteristics of surrounding environment (like spectral reflectance of an underlying surface, masking of the horizon by obstacles surrounding the measuring point).
To integrate the product of spectral radiance and spectral luminous efficiency for an individual observer over the visible spectral range – thus obtaining the luminance.
To provide set of approximations applicable to engineering practice.
To parametrize the sky radiance/luminance model accepting the multiple scattering effect
To incorporate the specific characteristics of the clouds into the optical model of the atmosphere (it deals with water content and total optical thickness of the clouds, droplet sizes, altitude of clouds, statistics of cloud coverage).
To collect the experimental data with aim to verify and normalize the model; to make this possible, the field campaigns will be organized.
To evaluate the existing (archived) data.
To develop the core module for numerical simulation of sky radiance and luminance under variable meteorological conditions. Integration of luminance/radiance over the closed sky segment (determined by a window edges) can provide directional characteristics needed for evaluation of daylight availability for arbitrarily orientated and sized building’s windows.
To characterize the basic features of the optical model, to provide guidelines and to make them publicly available (communications to lighting engineering community, giving presentations to the scientific meetings and lectures to the students).
To test the model against other available tools (benchmark results).
To provide a generalized interface (the core module should be usable worldwide in various geographical region).
To analyze common behavior of the model and present it in graphical or tabulated forms (if applicable). It may serve to other scientists and practitioners.
To propose a new enhanced classification of skies.
To publish results in peer-reviewed journals and to present most important scientific findings at international conferences.