Advanced 3D Glare Assessment Tool

Summary

This invention is a computer-implemented 3D glare assessment platform that uses ray tracing on geo-referenced layouts to quantify and mitigate glare from reflective surfaces (PV panels, glass facades) across urban, airport, and transportation environments.

Unlike conventional tools that rely on simplified line-of-sight assumptions, the system incorporates full structural obstruction modelling — accounting for building shadows, terrain, and complex curved geometries — to deliver spatially and temporally precise glare analysis at any defined viewpoint.

Key achievements include:

1. Advanced 3D Ray Tracing Engine — full structural obstruction modelling (shadows, curved/irregular surfaces) with geo-referenced spatial accuracy, surpassing conventional line-of-sight methods.

2. Automated Glare Quantification & Severity Classification — time-resolved glare occurrence counts across multiple viewpoints with green/yellow/red hazard tiering using retinal irradiance and subtended source angle.

3. Integrated Mitigation Optimisation — four real-time testable strategies achieving up to 75.4% yellow glare reduction while co-optimising solar energy yield (best config: 2,190 MWh retained).

TRL Level

 4-6

Relevant for

Solar PV developers & EPC contractors, building architects (curtain walls, glass facades, domes), energy consultancies conducting environmental impact assessments

About

Inventors: Huixuan Sun, Thomas Guenter Reindl, SoePyae, Yu Hong Chia, Ji Zhang

Affiliation: National University of Singapore (NUS), Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS)

Contact NUS for licensing opportunities and more information.

Please quote ID ref [2025-013] in your email.