Simulation of Artificial Lighting Using Leading Software to Evaluate Lighting Conditions in the Absence of Daylight in a University Classroom

Abstract

This paper focuses on evaluating lighting conditions in a university classroom used for day and evening classes. The evaluation was made with regard to the legislation requirements for evening classes and adult education. The practical part of this paper consists of illumination measuring and simulation. A RadioLux 111 luxmeter was used to measure the illumination during the absence of daylight, which often occurs, especially in winter during the later hours. The simulation was performed in the DIALux EVO 10.1 and ReluxDesktop lighting design software. In both software, a 3D model of the classroom was created to represent its actual state. The results of the measurement and both simulations were compared with each other and with the requirements of the legislation. The requirements for evening classes have not been met in all three cases; therefore, the lighting simulation tools were used to improve the lighting system design concerning its energy efficiency and costs. This paper points out the benefits of using freely available computer software in the process of the calculation and improvement of lighting systems.