Evaluation of a new user-centric sensor-based lighting control approach for circulation areas

Suitable lighting control strategies are essential for energy efficiency in buildings. Occupancy sensors are highly promoted by the building codes as one of the most cost-effective solutions in the sector. However, widespread use of these systems is still limited due to lack of user satisfaction. In this study, it is hypothesized that the "conventional use" of occupancy sensors (where user steps inside a dark area, and only afterwards the area becomes lit) is the reason behind the dissatisfaction. To overcome this problem, a new user-centric sensor-based lighting control approach is proposed in this study where users walk into an already lit area. An experiment was carried out in the circulation areas of a university building to test the feasibility of the proposed scenarios along with a conventional occupancy sensor scenario and the existing "no sensor" scenario. The main results revealed that the conventional use of occupancy sensors was not favoured by the participants in circulation areas while use of the proposed user-centric approach was as favourable as the existing constantly lit situation. It is the claim of this study that both energy efficiency and user satisfaction can be provided by the use of user-centric control systems.