Evaluation of Design Parameters for Daylighting Performance in Secondary School Classrooms Based on Field Measurements and Physical Simulations: A Case Study of Secondary School Classrooms in Guangzhou

The quality of natural lighting within secondary school classrooms can significantly affect the physical and mental well-being of both teachers and students. While numerous studies have explored various aspects of daylighting performance and its related factors, there is no universal standard for predicting and optimizing daylighting performance from a design perspective. In this study, a method was developed that combines measurements and simulations to enhance the design parameters associated with daylighting performance. This approach facilitates the determination of precise ranges for multiple design parameters and allows for the efficient attainment of optimal daylighting performance. Daylight glare probability (DGP), point-in-time illuminance (PIT), daylight factor (DF), and lighting energy consumption were simulated based on existing control parameters of operational classrooms. The simulation results were then validated using field measurements. Genetic algorithms (GAs) were employed to optimize the control parameters, yielding a set of optimal solutions for improving daylight performance. The differences between daylighting performance indicators corresponding to the optimal solution set and those of the basic model were compared to test the performance of the optimized parameters. The proposed method is a robust process for optimizing daylight design parameters based on GAs, which not only enhances daylighting performance but also offers scientifically grounded guidelines for the design phase. It is a valuable framework for creating healthier and more productive educational environments within secondary school classrooms.