Genetic-Algorithm Based Controls for Daylighting

This paper describes a daylighting control strategy suitable to operate the electrical lighting fixtures in order to maintain a desired illuminance level for one or several specific working locations. The control is based on genetic algorithm to minimize energy use of electrical lighting systems. The algorithm has been developped using experimental data obtained for an office space in Boulder, Colorado. The GA-based control can be coupled with any switching settings to operate the electrical lighting systems such as on-off, stepped, and dimming. The analysis indicated that the GA-based control can save up to 70% of total electrical lighting energy use for the case study of the office building in Boulder, Colorado.