MACHINE LEARNING MODEL FOR GLARE PREDICTION IN OFFICES WITH SIMPLE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

Abstract

Daylight glare index (DGI), daylight glare probability (DGP) and glare-sensation (GS) predictive models are the widely used glare indices for the assessment of occupant visual comfort in daylit spaces. This paper presents the development and implementation of Machine Learning models to predict these glare indices. The training and validation data sets were collected from sensors incorporated in the test room with motorized Venetian Blinds and dimmable LED luminaires. Predictor and response data were obtained from conventional sensors, digital cameras, and the EVALGLARE Software. The regression models predict DGI and DGP, whereas the classification model predicts GS. In addition to standard statistical error evaluation metrics, the hypothesis test assesses the performance of regression/classification models. The results reveal that Ensemble Tree (ET) models are highly accurate at predicting glare indices. The proposed technique attempts to simplify the existing traditional Glare Index(GI) estimation method. The combination of real-time daylight glare prediction and suitable window shading control increases occupant visual comfort. A high dynamic image-based system is employed to verify the measurements made using traditional sensors.