The Integration of Operable Shading Systems and Lighting Controls

Using daylighting in commercial buildings may significantly reduce electric lighting requirements if appropriatesphotoelectric controls are used to adjust the electric lighting output according to the available daylight. Prior analysis andsresults from monitored buildings and scale-model measurements suggest that the selection, placement, and installation ofsthe control photosensor is a difficult task, even with simple non-operable fenestration systems, since the daylightscontributions from sun, sky, and ground change continuously. The problem becomes even more complex forsfenestration systems that incorporate operable shading devices, because every adjustment changes the systems opticalsproperties. This paper presents results from measurements in a scale model under real skies, designed to bettersunderstand the problem of integrating fenestration and lighting controls. The scale model represented a typical officesspace and was equipped with motorized venetian blinds. Three control photosensors mounted on the ceiling weresconsidered for the operation of the electric lighting system, and two control strategies were considered for the operation ofsthe venetian blinds. Two ground-plane reflectances and two window orientations were examined. Results indicate thatsthe signal from a ceiling-mounted control photosensor shielded from direct light from the window shows the bestscorrelation with daylight work-plane illuminance, regardless of ground plane reflectance or venetian blind slat angle for allsslat angles that do not allow penetration of direct solar radiation. Results also indicate that the control strategies of thesvenetian blinds that were considered for the purposes of this study may result in significantly different slat angles, andsthus different daylighting work-plane illuminances and electric lighting requirements, especially when the ground-planesreflectance is high.