DAYLIGHTING AND PERCEPTION

Group leader: Prof. J.-L. Scartezzini (also associate editor for Daylighting related publications in Solar Energy Journal)

The daylighting and perception research group work on advanced systems for optimal use of daylight in buildings, with the aim to improve user comfort and reduce energy consumption.

The group has set up a sophisticated daylighting laboratory with, among other, a scanning sky simulator and an automated heliodon, which allow reproducing with very high precision all daylight conditions that exist around the world. Several anidolic (non-imaging) daylight transmission systems have been developed and tested by the group. Furthermore, a bidirectional reflection and transmission photogoniometer was recently developed to test the characteristics of advanced glazing.

Published work relates to

• Anidolic Systems for non-imaging light transmission into darker building locations
• Scanning sky simulator and Heliodon for the reproduction of any daylight conditions
• Bidirectional reflection and transmission photogoniometer
• Daylighting and ergonomical test chambers
• Measuring methods
• Daylighting tools

Current projects:

• Comparing daylighting performance assessment of complex fenestration systems of buildings
• Green Lighting - High Performance integrated Daylighting and electric Lighting Systems

PhD theses published in this domain:

• "Comparing physical and virtual methods for daylight performance modelling including complex fenestration systems", Anothaï Thanachareonkit, 2008
• "Innovative Bidirectional Video-Goniophotometer for Advanced Fenestration Systems ", Maryline Andersen, 2004 (Prix Chorafas 2005)
• "Méthode expérimentale d'évaluation des performances lumineuses de bâtiments", Laurent Michel, 1999
• "Systèmes anidoliques d'éclairage naturel", Gilles Courret, 1999
• "Application de la logique floue à l'aide à la décision en éclairage naturel", Bernard Paule, 1999
• "Simulations numériques de systèmes d'éclairage naturel à pénétration latérale", Raphaël Compagnon, 1993

Tools:

• Daylighting Handbook
• LESO-DIAL, DIAL-Europe Daylighting Design Tools
• Radiance Synthetic imaging system - Unix freeware for lighting design and rendering
• Adeline Integrated lighting design computer tool

Main Publications