Effects of individual control of ambient lighting with personal switch on the occupants'visual environment and energy saving

Abstract

In this study, field measurements were conducted to identify the effects of the ambient lighting control system using personal switch on energy saving and the occupants' visual comfort in a real office space. Three types of the switch for ambient lighting were tested. From the results of the measurements, the electrical power use for lighting after introducing the system was almost halved compared with that before introducing the system. However, it was also identified that the occupants seldom switched on/off during the working hours, even in the cases when the brightness in the task area was not insufficient or when the occupants' left their seats. One of the reasons why the occupants seldom switched off each ambient lighting was because they felt fear for the effects on the surrounding lighting environment by their control. In addition, it was identified that the quick response of the switch is also important for the occupants' satisfaction. The results showed that the number of the occupants who could switch on/off the same ambient lighting should be minimized to promote individual ambient lighting control.