Abstract
An architectural means of optimal daylight distribution is by using so-called light shelf systems, horizontal shading and redirecting devices. The overall performance of the daylighting system can be improved by the incorporation with electric lighting control devices. This paper aims to exemplify the benefit of daylighting in term of economic consideration. In such a case a reasonable technique to compare system costs is by life-cycle costing. Stated simply, a life-cycle cost represents the total cost of a system over its entire life cycle, that is, the sum of first cost and all future costs. Four different electric lighting system designs are proposed and a lighting control system that is continuously operating according to the level of daylight in the space has been adapted. The result shows clearly that although denser layout of lighting fixtures might be more effective to interface to the level of daylight ceaselessly changeable, its economic benefit may not meet the expected criterion the reason of increased initial investment and maintenance cost for the fixtures and control devices.
