Importance of Model Level of Detail and Level of Information in Non-Image Forming Simulations: a Case Study on Real-Life Office
Abstract
Complex multispectral simulations and measurements of the luminous environment are required to assess daylight's Non-Image Forming (NIF) effect accurately. In the study, a cellular office located in Ljubljana, Slovenia, was modelled at different levels of detail (LOD) and levels of information (LOI) to determine their impact on the accuracy of the simulation results compared to the experimental measurements of illuminance and spectral irradiance at the vertical plane under clear sky conditions. The difference between simulations and experiments was evaluated through Relative Melanopic Efficacy error, comparing median values and IQR, and performing a pairwise statistical analysis with the Mann-Whitney test. The results were analysed on the level of the entire room, individually investigated measuring points and four view directions. The results showed that the simulation model's LOD and LOI significantly influence the error between simulated and experimental results. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that lower error was achieved for the measuring point further away from the window and view directions either pointed towards the window or to the surfaces with spectrally neutral materials (i.e. white wall). Generally, a model with high LOD and medium LOI is recommended for representative NIF simulations.
Keywords
Nif-effects, Level of detail, Level of information, Daylight, Circadian lighting, Office