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An Energy Efficient Lighting Design Strategy to Enhance Visual Comfort in Offices with Windows

Author

Listed:
  • Mehdi Amirkhani

    (School of Design, Creative Industries Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane 4001, Australia)

  • Veronica Garcia-Hansen

    (School of Design, Creative Industries Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane 4001, Australia)

  • Gillian Isoardi

    (School of Chemistry, Physics and Mathematical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane 4001, Australia)

  • Alicia Allan

    (School of Design, Creative Industries Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane 4001, Australia)

Abstract

A high luminance contrast between windows and surrounding surfaces can increase the risk of discomfort glare, which can diminish office workers’ satisfaction and productivity. Accordingly, it can lead to occupant interventions, such as drawing window blinds or increasing electric light levels, which are intended to enhance indoor visual comfort but counterproductively act to increase energy consumption. Increasing the luminance of the areas surrounding the windows using a supplementary lighting system, such as wall-washing with light emitting diode (LED) linear luminaires, could reduce discomfort glare arising from windowed walls. This paper reports on the results of a study in a typical office room in Brisbane, Australia. The outcomes of this study indicate that creating a luminance contrast of between 11:1 and 12:1 on the window wall in an office room with a 45% window-to-exterior-wall ratio using a supplementary LED system leads to improved subjective assessments of window appearance. The results suggest that such an enhancement could significantly reduce discomfort glare from windows, as well as diminishing the likelihood of the users intending to turn on the ceiling lights or to move the blinds.

Suggested Citation

  • Mehdi Amirkhani & Veronica Garcia-Hansen & Gillian Isoardi & Alicia Allan, 2017. "An Energy Efficient Lighting Design Strategy to Enhance Visual Comfort in Offices with Windows," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:10:y:2017:i:8:p:1126-:d:106643
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hourani, May M. & Hammad, Rizeq N., 2012. "Impact of daylight quality on architectural space dynamics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(6), pages 3579-3585.
    2. Alrubaih, M.S. & Zain, M.F.M. & Alghoul, M.A. & Ibrahim, N.L.N. & Shameri, M.A. & Elayeb, Omkalthum, 2013. "Research and development on aspects of daylighting fundamentals," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 494-505.
    3. Ochoa, Carlos E. & Aries, Myriam B.C. & van Loenen, Evert J. & Hensen, Jan L.M., 2012. "Considerations on design optimization criteria for windows providing low energy consumption and high visual comfort," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 238-245.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alfonso Gago-Calderón & Manuel Jesús Hermoso-Orzáez & Jose Ramon De Andres-Diaz & Guillermo Redrado-Salvatierra, 2018. "Evaluation of Uniformity and Glare Improvement with Low Energy Efficiency Losses in Street Lighting LED Luminaires Using Laser-Sintered Polyamide-Based Diffuse Covers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Heangwoo Lee & Chang-ho Choi & Minki Sung, 2018. "Development of a Dimming Lighting Control System Using General Illumination and Location-Awareness Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-19, November.
    3. Nuria Martín-Chivelet & Cecilia Guillén & Juan Francisco Trigo & José Herrero & Juan José Pérez & Faustino Chenlo, 2018. "Comparative Performance of Semi-Transparent PV Modules and Electrochromic Windows for Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-12, June.
    4. Patricia Aguilera-Benito & Carolina Piña-Ramírez & Sheila Varela-Lujan, 2021. "Experimental Analysis of Passive Strategies in Houses with Glass Façades for the Use of Natural Light," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-14, August.
    5. Yonggang Zhang & Yongwei Zhong & Yingda Gong & Lirong Zheng, 2018. "The Optimization of Visual Comfort and Energy Consumption Induced by Natural Light Based on PSO," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.

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