Energy performance of daylight-linked automatic lighting control systems in large atrium spaces: report on two field-monitored case studies

Abstract

This paper presents the field-measured energy performance of two common types of daylight-linked lighting control systems, continuous dimming and automatic on/off installed in two existing large atrium spaces located in Canada. The daylighting performance was evaluated based on the daylight contribution to the indoor illuminance and the amount of electrical lighting displaced by daylighting via the daylight-linked lighting control systems. Measured daylighting contribution to the space indicates that significant lighting energy savings can be achieved in atrium spaces if the daylight-linked lighting control system is appropriately selected, installed and commissioned throughout its existence. Results extrapolated from measurements collected during summer and winter indicate that as installed, the continuous dimming lighting control system provides 46% annual savings in electrical lighting consumption, while the automatic on/off saves between 11-17% in lighting energy. These savings account for 68% of the lighting energy consumed during main occupancy for the continuous dimming system, and 31.5% for the automatic on/off. Operation irregularities such as a reduced dimming linearity and an incorrect adjustment of the phases of the dimming control system, as well as the inadequate location of the photocell controlling the automatic on/off lighting system, the improper maintenance of the skylight during winter and the oversizing of the lighting system reduced the energy efficiency of the lighting control systems by 30-65%.

Effect of internal woven roller shade and glazing on the energy and daylighting performances of an office building in the cold climate of Shillong

“…On/off and continuous dimming controls are two commonly used daylight linked control systems. Previous studies showed that both of the control systems can reduce electrical lighting energy consumption significantly in the buildings that have indoor daylight access [45][46][47][48][49][50][51]. However, the on/off control system requires extra attention to adequate zoning and its calibration (based on space daylight availability) [46].…”

“…Previous studies showed that both of the control systems can reduce electrical lighting energy consumption significantly in the buildings that have indoor daylight access [45][46][47][48][49][50][51]. However, the on/off control system requires extra attention to adequate zoning and its calibration (based on space daylight availability) [46]. Moreover, a frequent variation in the daylight levels (due to unstable weather conditions) around the switching illuminance creates a condition of rapid and frequent switching of lights on and off in the on/off lighting control system that disturbs occupants and reduces the lamp life [52].…”

Energy-efficient lighting design: A case study in an exclusive spa project

“…Although there have been several studies investigating energy effi ciency in lighting design in buildings, many of these studies are focusing on offi ce buildings or commercial buildings other than spa buildings (see, for instance, Santamouris et al , 1994 ;Fu Min et al , 1997 ;Kim and Mistrick, 2001 ;Li and Lam, 2001 ;Atif and Galasiu, 2003 ). There is hardly any study that investigates energy-effi cient lighting in an exclusive spa project.…”

Developing a Baseline Strategy for Controlling Blinds in Buildings

“…Several research studies (measurement studies [4,7,8] and simulation analyses [9][10][11][12][13][14]) have shown that by applying proper daylight controllers, up to 60% of lighting energy could be saved. However, these studies have not been able to encourage designers and engineers to apply these kinds of daylighting controllers in their projects, [15].…”