An empirical validation of estimation model (optimlum) for energy efficient luminaire layout design in offices

Abstract

This study performed with the purpose of constructing and validating a model named OptimLUM ( Optimizing Luminaire Layouts) to estimate the most accurate location, number and type of artificial light sources according to average illuminance and maximum uniformity in an office. OptimLUM is appling through Excel Spreadsheet to develop the model and uses Evolver, which is basing on genetic algorithm to implement optimization routine. To validate the reliability of the proposed model, luminaire layout scenairos generated for two types of luminaires after taking illuminance measurements in an actual office. OptimLUM illuminance values were comparing statistically with measurement and DIALux results to test the applicability of the model. The model performance is highly accurate in determining luminaire positions: coefficient of determination R-2 and coefficient of variation CV were equal to (86-99)% and to (0.04-0.12) respectively, and for all scenarios. Its outputs are closer to the actual measurements when compared with DIALux outputs.