DAYLIGHT HARVESTING

LIGHTING MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS

The earth receives a significant amount of electromagnetic radiation from the sun, with up to 40% of this being visible light. This means that there is a potentially large amount of free, natural illumination available for use. Incorporating this natural daylight into a lighting control solution can help to reduce energy consumption, extend the life of artificial lights, and enhance the quality of life for people who are able to live and work in sunlight. The amount of natural light that is available can vary greatly based on factors such as the time of year, the latitude of the location, the height above sea level, and overcast conditions. However, regardless of these variables, it is clear that natural light is a valuable resource that can be harnessed.

One way to make use of this natural light is through the use of a light sensor and a relay. The light sensor can detect the amount of natural light present, and the relay can be used to turn on or off artificial lighting based on the user’s desired light level. For example, if the user selects a light level of 400W/m2, the artificial lights will turn off when the natural light exceeds this level.

A more comprehensive solution would involve regulating the dimming of artificial lights in order to compensate for changes in natural light levels. For instance, if the natural light drops to 60% of the desired level, the artificial lights could be programmed to increase their output to compensate for the 40% difference. This would allow for a more consistent and comfortable lighting experience while also maximizing the use of natural light and reducing energy consumption.

Incorporating daylight into your lighting control solution can help you reduce energy consumption, extend the life of your lights, and allow people to live and work in sunlight, enhancing their quality of life.

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