Artificial skies, heliodons and solar simulators

Daylighting analysis on physical models

Beta nit designs and builds instruments that reproduce natural light in the laboratory, so daylighting performance can be observed and measured on a physical scale model — not only predicted in software.

Natural light has two components, and each needs its own instrument. A heliodon reproduces the direct component: it sets the correct angle between the light beam and the model for any latitude, date and time, making it the tool for sunshading studies and solar access analysis. An artificial sky reproduces the diffuse component — the skylight as it reaches ground level — under standard or statistical sky conditions, for daylight factor measurement and overall daylighting assessment. The two combine: our full domes accept an integrated heliodon. For research laboratories that need controlled, collimated irradiance rather than a visual simulation, a solar simulator covers the third case.

Within each family the range is wide. Our heliodons run from manual instruments built for teaching and fast design iteration to robotic systems that position heavy models automatically and repeatably. Our artificial skies run from compact mirror boxes for rapid daylight factor readings to full domes over four metres across, large enough for a group to stand inside and judge the light by eye.

Every instrument is designed and manufactured in Piacenza, Italy. We supply standard configurations and build custom systems to laboratory specification, and our devices are in use at universities, research centres and design practices worldwide.