Photopic and Melanopic Analysis of Daylight Through Glazing in Indoor Environments

Abstract

Daylight influences more than just our vision; elements such as its intensity and spectral composition can significantly impact our circadian rhythms and, consequently, our overall well-being. In this study, we present an analysis of a classroom simulated in Dialux, involving a comprehensive examination of natural daylight through a specific type of glazing, assessing their photopic characteristics and their influence on the human circadian system in individuals aged 32 and 70 years. Our findings highlight that spectral data from daylight (D75, D65, and D50) and glazing transmittance can be easily used to evaluate the melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (mel-EDI) in addition to standard photopic illuminance, applying a f(MP)Glazing factor calculated from the spectral characteristics of both daylight and glazing transmittance. Our results provide new insights for users to more effectively assess daylighting quality and its implications within indoor environments.

Keywords

• daylight
• circadian effects
• spectral power distribution
• transmittance
• indoor environments