Evaluations of Low ambient task - surround lighting system in a simulated environment

Peter Y Ngai

doi:10.1186/s40539-016-0032-6

Abstract

Task -Ambient lighting provides energy saving but space surrounding the users can be dim and unpleasant. This study proposed a solution of an additional Surround Layer of light. Though a series of simulated lighting scenarios, it examined illumination requirements, dimensionality and appearance of the space by the use of Vector/Scalar and Task/Vertical Illumination Ratios. They were evaluated under several illuminance requirements, Task-Surround combinations and Surround Light source sizes. The results showed that by adding a Surround Light Layer, visual appearance of space surrounding the users could be enhanced and energy savings could be achieved.

Highlights

With ever increasing energy costs and the push to reduce energy consumption, there is constant pressure to reduce the amount of energy devoted to lighting
It consisted of data for illumination on X, Y and Z axis, ʽE, ~E, magnitude of Vectors and Scalar Illumination, Contrast Ratios and Vector/Scalar Ratios for Task Surface Illumination of 400 Lux
It consisted of three lighting layers - the Ambient Lighting Layer, the Surround Lighting Layer and the Task Lighting Layer

Summary

Introduction

With ever increasing energy costs and the push to reduce energy consumption, there is constant pressure to reduce the amount of energy devoted to lighting. Energy savings can be achieved by turning down the amount of ambient lighting in the room, and supplementing light on work surfaces, such as table tops and desk tops, and in work spaces with task lighting. From an energy efficiency point of view, only task lights would be used in a space, without ambient lighting. From a practical point of view, some ambient lighting is required for circulation and safety and to provide visibility to surrounding architectural structure and amenities in the space. If the ambient lighting in a task lit space were reduced from 400 lu× to 100 lu×, the energy savings would be appreciable. Task-ambient lighting becomes more prevalent in many lighting applications

Methods

Results

Conclusion