I have just noticed in IES 2015, there is now an option for 'Automatic Zoning for Lighting Controls' in DSM as well as SBEM. This should be a massive time saver. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any access to the setting through tabular view but I guess this will be added at some point?
Looking at the NCM modelling guide there are 4 criteria for a lighting zone:
So I am guessing this new feature means that rule d. is handled automatically?A lighting zone is an area that:
a. Has the same lighting requirement (levels and duration); and
b. Is served by the same type(s) of lamp/luminaire combination; and
c. Where the output of the lighting system is controlled in a similar manner; and
d. Has similar access to daylight, i.e., the zone is bounded with fenestration having similar glazing ratio, light transmittance, and orientation. This means that where benefit is being taken of daylight-linked controls (manual or automatic), a given lighting zone must not extend beyond ~6m from the perimeter.
However in the common situation of just the window row of luminaires having a dimming sensor, should we still be making a separate zone in ModelIT, as the control is different for the row (rule c.)?
Also is there a requirement for daylight zoning even if lighting doesn't have dimming?
Any clarification would be great. I've seen lots of different approaches on this one.
Ross
