Daylight-electric light integrated schemes encompassing soft computing models have been perceived as a lucrative option for lighting energy conservation. This paper exploits the quintessence of design and real-time implementation of an adaptive predictive control strategy for robust control of a daylight-electric light integrated scheme. To elicit daylight variations, occupancy detection and user preferences an online self-adaptive, predictive control algorithm is structured for real-time control of electric lights and window blinds. The adaptive, predictive model entails integration of an online, adaptive daylight illuminance predictor in conjunction with an electric light intensity control algorithm for interior illuminance regulation and a fuzzy-logic based window blind control algorithm to eliminate glare and solar heat gain. The control algorithm modelled with real-time sensor information administers an online process of identification, prediction and parameter adaptation. The prototype controller is successfully implemented in a test chamber. A real-time user-friendly simulator provides an online visualisation of illuminance performance indicators and control of the process. The anticipated synergetic effects of the online control algorithm validated in the test chamber highlights the benefits of the scheme in terms of glare control, illuminance uniformity and energy efficiency.

Over a few decades, daylighting has been perceived to possess good potential for energy conservation. In this perspective, there have been significant advances in research methodologies and technologies for optimizing energy consumption through daylight harvesting in commercial buildings. In light of this, a thorough understanding of the application of available technology is very important for daylighting practices for building energy management. The objective of this paper is to examine the status of published research on three key building parameters: window glazing area, dynamic shading devices, and daylighting controls playing a rule on energy conservation. This article may serve as a coherent literature survey that would provide better understanding of the subjacent issues and possibly rejuvenate research interest in this immensely potential field of energy engineering.

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Energy conservation in buildings is greatly influenced by natural daylight in tropical region. A vital step towards development and promotion of daylighting technology in buildings is a prior study on estimation of exterior daylight availability for illuminating its interiors. In view of this, the present communication depicts the preliminary work progress carried out to arrive at a comprehensive idea on assessment of daylight availability and its characteristics. The study is reported taking the representative case of Bangalore (India) (latitude 12.97°N, longitude 77.56°E), which in future work facilitates to device suitable interior illuminance models and lighting controls for a daylight-artificial light integrated scheme. The objective of this paper is to document the estimation of spatial exterior daylight parameters like exterior horizontal as well as vertical global and diffuse daylight illuminance in addition to their respective luminous efficacies computed using an established analytical model. The paper also highlights user friendly computer simulation tool developed, for the detailed estimation of daylight availability at a particular region by the inclusion of corresponding solar radiation data. Keywordsirradiance, luminous efficacy, global and diffuse illuminance, sky ratio Article History