Analyses on Photosensor Illuminance for Prediction of Fluctuating Illuminance by Daylight Dimming Control Systems

This study examines the influence of fluctuating daylight illuminance on daylight dimming control systems. Field measurements were performed for a full-scale mocked-up model under various daylight conditions in winter. Fluctuating ranges for a partially-shielded photosensor were great when the variation of sky ratio was great. When solar altitude was lower the illuminance and fluctuating range of illuminance were great due to the influence of direct components of daylight and the interrefelction between surfaces in rear area of space. It implies that daylight dimming system would not function effectively, unless the desktop illuminance by daylight is enough. Fluctuation ranges of photosensor illuminance were lower than 50 lx under clear sky conditions, but they were greater than 100 lx under partly-cloudy sky conditions. It means that the fluctuation range of electric light output of lighting fixture would greater under the partly-cloudy conditions and cause potential visual annoyance to occupants. Outdoor vertical illuminance reaching the windows would be an effective factor that can be used to predict the fluctuation of photosensor signals for effective controls of daylight dimming system.