Dataset on Environmental Sunlight Sensing

Environmental sensing is an ongoing and well-established research methodology for engineering, architecture and urban planning studies. Environmental sunlight data can have applications in different domains, from engineering to architecture, including energy harvesting, photovoltaic cells, and green infrastructure (gardens and greenhouses that rely on solar radiation for maintenance). The dataset contains the measurements on Environmental Sunlight Sensing, including dates, times, values, and sky-type scenarios for the empirical data gathered using two Shandong Renke Control Technology sensors, a Pyranometer (PYR) and a Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) Sensor. The monitoring campaign took six months (April – September) of 2023 along 18 days, with three data collections each day in all cases. The empirical data collection was generated in Singapore; according to the Köppen Climate Classification, the city-state has a Tropical Rainforest Climate (Af). This type of climate is usually found along the equator and has yearly stable conditions showing non-pronounced seasons. Due to the regularity of Singapore’s climate, the monitoring period created enough data granularity to generate satisfactory and accurate results. The data collection process was developed at the Singapore University of Technology and Design campus at Building 5, in three locations at roof, façade and ground levels selected to test diverse sunlight conditions. The sensors were systematically located at the exact position for each data collection procedure. The principal investigator and creator of the data collection methodology was Ph.D student Alba Lombardía (Architecture and Sustainable Design), supported by an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), directed by Prof. Arlindo Silva and in which undergraduate student from Engineering Product Development pillar Andrew Tan Jing participated in collecting data in the months of July-August.