The Interplay between Parameters of Light Pollution and Energy Efficiency for Outdoor Amenity Lighting

Krzysztof Skarżyński () and Anna Rutkowska
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Krzysztof Skarżyński: Lighting Technology Division, Electrical Power Engineering Institute, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland
Anna Rutkowska: Prolight Ltd., 3 Maja 183, 05-800 Pruszków, Poland

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 8, 1-14

Abstract: This paper is related to light pollution and the energy efficiency of outdoor amenity lighting. It concerns the standard design assessment parameters of light pollution, the Upward Light Ratio (ULR) and Upward Flux Ratio (UFR), and the classic energy efficiency parameter—Normalized Power Density (NPD). The motivation for this research was the observation of certain inaccuracies related to the applicability and interpretation of these parameters in practice and the lack of connection between parameters of light pollution and energy efficiency. The multi-variant computer simulations of the exemplary large-area parking lot lighting system were conducted. Over four hundred cases were carefully analyzed. Individual cases differ in the shape of the task area, luminaire arrangements, mounting height, luminous intensity distribution, aiming, and maintenance factor. The results confirmed that the criteria values of ULR and UFR are often overestimated for modern luminaires, which emit luminous flux emitted only downwards. In this case, the ULR and UFR values do not exceed the criteria values for even zones with lower ambient brightness. Thus, lighting solutions with much lower energy efficiency easily meet the requirements of these parameters. This situation is not rational. So, it is crucial to make the criteria of ULR and UFR much more stringent in all environmental zones. Moreover, the research confirms a strong positive linear correlation between UFR and NPD (0.92, p < 0.001), which means that light pollution can be reduced by ensuring an appropriate level of energy efficiency. It is a great help in designing sustainable outdoor amenity lighting.

Keywords: lighting technology; outdoor lighting; lighting design; light pollution; upward light ratio; upward flux ratio; energy efficiency; normalized power density (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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