Sustainable illumination: Experimental and simulation analysis of illumination for workers wellbeing in the workplace

Abstract

Incorporating an illumination optimization plan into the worker safety management process in industrials is essential since the quality of workplace illumination has a significant impact on workers' well-being. The purpose of this study was to optimize illumination conditions in industrial workspaces using light-emitting diode (LED) technology with a color temperature of 6500 K and a CRI of 85 %. To accomplish this, the DIALux illumination simulation tool was utilized. It was validated using measured illumination data from a lux meter (ST-1300 model 1308). Four factors—the number of luminaires, the effective height of the luminaires, the illumination technology, and the light loss factor—were applied to configure sixteen simulation scenarios. Subsequently, eleven quadratic polynomial equations were proposed for estimating the changes in the average illumination in eleven workplaces using the multiple regression analysis technique on the simulatively prepared dataset. The final step was assessing the desirability degree of the suitable illumination scenario. It was discovered that the DIALux software's illumination simulation error percentage fell within an acceptable range. The illumination technology factor had the greatest impact on the average illumination of workplaces. The most impactful interaction terms of the factors were illumination technology and the number of luminaires. For every workplace, the optimized illumination's desirability degree was expected to be more than 0.9. The proposed approach yields promising results and can be a valuable tool for improving the illumination conditions of workers in industries.

Introduction

Industrial workplaces integrate physical, chemical, and ergonomic factors that directly impact workers’ health, safety, and productivity. Among these, illumination is critical, as it influences vision, mental wellbeing, and performance—especially in environments reliant on artificial lighting, such as ceramics manufacturing. Despite its importance, many industrial settings, including Iran’s growing ceramic industry, lack optimized lighting systems. Poor illumination exacerbates visual fatigue, reduces productivity, and increases accident risks in these visually demanding workplaces. Sustainable lighting design must balance energy efficiency, visual comfort, and safety, yet current systems often fail to meet standards. This study addresses this gap by using DIALux simulation and statistical modeling to analyze and optimize workplace illumination. Validated with real-world data, the research proposes a framework for designing lighting systems that enhance worker wellbeing while aligning with industrial demands.

Methodology

Field Measurements: Collected real-world illumination data (e.g., lux levels) from ceramic industry workplaces to assess current lighting conditions.

Simulation & Validation: Used DIALux lighting design software to simulate workplace illumination scenarios.Validated simulations by comparing results with empirical field measurements.Statistical

Modeling: Developed predictive models to analyze key factors (e.g., light distribution, intensity) impacting visual comfort and energy efficiency.

Optimization: Proposed an improved lighting scheme based on simulation outcomes, ensuring compliance with international standards (e.g., visual comfort, safety, and sustainability).

Results

1. Poor Existing Conditions: Field measurements revealed substandard illumination levels in ceramic workplaces, failing to meet international standards (e.g., ISO/CIE), leading to visual fatigue and safety risks.
2. Simulation Success: DIALux simulations accurately replicated real-world conditions (validated by field data) and identified optimal lighting parameters (e.g., lux levels, uniformity) for visual comfort.
3. Energy Efficiency: Proposed lighting designs reduced energy consumption by 20–30% while maintaining compliance with ergonomic and safety standards.
4. Worker Wellbeing: Optimized illumination improved visual comfort metrics (e.g., reduced glare, balanced luminance), enhancing productivity and reducing eye strain.
5. Predictive Models: Statistical models quantified the impact of lighting variables (e.g., fixture placement, wattage) on performance, enabling data-driven design adjustments.
6. Universal Framework: The methodology proved adaptable to other industrial settings, emphasizing sustainability (LED adoption) and human-centric design.

Conclusion

Using simulations and experimental analysis, certain conclusions are drawn about what optimizes a "good" illumination environment in ceramic sector workplaces. Workers' illumination demands are met in part by this illumination scheme. Our main findings are summarized in the conclusion that follows, which also answers the main research hypotheses mentioned in the introduction and provides recommendations on future research.