Validation of spectral simulation tools in the context of ipRGC-influenced light responses of building occupants

Abstract

With the growing awareness about ipRGC-influenced light (IIL) responses, design applications related to these responses are flourishing. To compare design options and optimize lighting conditions for building occupants, lighting simulations are typically used. However, as our IIL responses depend on the spectral characteristics of light, spectral simulations are required. The goal of this study is to validate two spectral simulation tools, ALFA and Lark, for the study of indoor spaces in relation to occupants’ IIL responses. Indicators associated with IIL responses derived from ALFA- and Lark-simulated data are compared against indicators derived from data measured under indoor daylighting and electric lighting conditions. The results show that Lark outperforms ALFA in most cases, with a simulation error in the ±20% range for point-in-time indicators. When accounting for time dynamics of light exposure, at least 9% of the daylight exposures simulated for a 6-h period in Lark lead to a significant error.