Electronically Controlled Artificial Sky Dome @ Osu ... In Progress

Abstract

Indeed, design of daylighting systems is increasingly becoming an integral part of the design of energy-efficient buildings. In order to accurately design, test, and analyze daylighting systems, a controlled luminous environment is required to simulate different sky conditions, under which a physical model can be tested. An artificial sky dome is needed. This paper reports on the ongoing effort to build an Artificial Sky Dome for the School of Architecture at Oklahoma State University. The paper discusses the technical challenges faced by the team in charge of designing the Artificial Sky Dome. Challenges that relate to the structure of the dome, uniform distribution of light sources, avoiding the star effect, effect of internal reflections, models of different sky conditions, control of sky luminance, and the need for a post-construction calibration of the lighting control system. The construction of the Artificial Sky Dome is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2005. This laboratory is funded by the National Science Foundation, Division of Undergraduate Education, (CCLI) Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement-Adaptation and Implementation. This new laboratory will help integrate the engineering of daylighting systems into the school’s curriculum, with the anticipation that this will nurture the scientific background and design skills of undergraduate students. The secondary mission of the laboratory is to disseminate the same knowledge and/or skills between graduate students, faculty, and practicing professionals. The laboratory will also be an effective venue to integrate teaching and research. 1. Design of Daylighting Systems in Buildings Integration between daylighting and electric lighting systems in commercial buildings may result in a significant reduction in the annual energy consumption and operating cost. Indeed, daylight is a free source of energy. Moreover, it is rather a cool source of light that reduces space cooling load. Despite of this fact, the majority of building designers still does not use accurate design tools to design daylighting systems in buildings. Currently, design of daylighting systems relies on the use of rules of thumb, which are not accurate because they only offer general guidance that is not case-specific. The use of inaccurate design tools results in losing the opportunity of saving energy. Currently used daylighting design tools include, but not limited to, simple formulas, daylighting nomographs, and graphical methods. Each of these design-assisting tools