Fuzzy-based model for predicting lighting efficiency in institutional buildings

In the USA, Lighting energy consumption in commercial buildings is considered one of the major energy consumption. Occupants´ presence and behavior in buildings as well as environmental, physical, activities types and policies have large impact on electric lighting usage. This study examines the effect of previous factors on occupants preferences and therefore on electric lighting energy consumption in the workplaces. The data was collected using a questionnaire from the occupants of institutional buildings at Purdue University. This study investigates the occupants´ preferences of daylighting intensity in the workplace, and develop a model to predict the lighting energy performance of manually electric lighting. The model is based on hierarchical fuzzy expert system. The developed research /model will help architects and practitioners to design an efficient workplace daylighting, and reduce artificial lighting energy use.