Optimization of Lighting Projects Including Photopic and Circadian Criteria: A Simplified Action Protocol

• Main Authors: Ana Sánchez-Cano, Justiniano Aporta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-11-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: equivalent melanopic illuminance; daylight equivalent melanopic illuminance; melanopic action factor; circadian light; lighting projects; circadian stimulus
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/22/8068

Lighting projects that consider parameters related to circadian light remain rare. Using controlled lighting on both photopic and melanopic levels, this study aims to simplify the design of circadian lighting projects based on traditional photometric parameters and calculations. A real classroom is used to illustrate the behavior of horizontal (visual stimuli) and vertical (circadian contribution) illuminances under different design parameters, such as the varied reflectance of walls, ceiling, and floor; varied spatial distribution curves, including the number and position of luminaires; and across the spectral power distribution of a variety of LEDs. In this work, we seek to clarify and simplify to the greatest possible extent the meaning and scope of various lighting standards while establishing simple protocols. Our results will enable designers to carry out optimized lighting projects from both the photometric and circadian perspectives.