Quantifying And Analysing Discomfort Glare In Subterranean Learning Environments Using Commercial Lighting Simulation Software

Abstract

This paper uses commercial lighting simulation software to estimate the Unified Glare Rating (UGR) CIE for discomfort glare. Workplaces, such as workstations, office cabins, classrooms/study rooms, and laboratories located underground, are evaluated for UGR. One of the most frequently cited drawbacks of subterranean space is the absence of natural light. Even if a facility has a relatively low ratio of natural light to artificial light for work tasks, occupiers and users nevertheless value having access to natural light. The sensation that daylight creates, its fluctuation, and the sense of being in touch with the outside world are all significant factors in its appeal, in addition to the discomfort with this kind of construction.

The illumination distributions of solid-state lighting (SSL) luminaires are evaluated and modelled in three dimensions using software, all while accounting for the observer's actual position and line of sight. The luminaire source's luminance and the angle between a luminaire's orientation and the observer's position's line of sight are the primary factors contributing to discomfort glare. The field of view for the UGR values was determined by modifying the values of the three input variables, which is the main emphasis of this paper. UGR readings fall between 10 and 30, with lower being preferable; 16 being perceptible and 19 being only passably comfortable; and more than 19 being more uncomfortable.

This study mainly focuses on quantifying and analysing Discomfort Glare in subterranean educational premises like the computer and electronics lab using Commercial Lighting Simulation Software. This study emphasizes the UGR values, which were determined by changing the values of the three input variables: field of view for the backdrop brightness (Lb), luminance of each luminaire's luminous portions (L), and position index (ρ). The impact of the luminaires' light distribution, the observer's viewing angle and line of sight orientation, and the background luminance effects on the UGR values and conclusion has been studied.