A proposal on residential lighting design considering visual requirements, circadian factors and energy performance of lighting

Abstract

This study assesses residential areas which have been converted into workplaces and are still used after the Covid-19 in terms of visual, non-visual, and energy performance requirements of lighting. We proposed a lighting design using LED systems with dimmable and tuneable features. Circadian factors in WELL Building Standard are analyzed for compatibility with the current visual requirements. The impact of various design parameters on lighting energy consumption, including daylight availability, lighting schedules, lighting control strategies, and light reflectance value of walls is evaluated through a case study in Turkey. Although the annual lighting energy consumption is higher than it was before the pandemic, building energy simulation results show that the application of LED systems with lighting energy measures can improve lighting energy performance by up to 38%. From the non-visual dimension of light, our data indicate that higher melanopic illuminance and/or colour temperature of light sources are necessary to entrain and sustain the circadian rhythm under overcast sky conditions in winter months. On the other hand, an increase in luminous intensity can lead to glare and higher energy consumption while a higher colour temperature may affect the physiology and psychology of occupants negatively.