Designing A LED Luminaire

Design of the LED luminaire is very important as it acts as a tool to control light. A good design should provide flexibility to control the intensity of light emission, light pattern (flow of light), and light aesthetic statement (architectural, neutral, decorative).  Appropriate intensity, pattern and aesthetic of the LED Luminaire provides rich diverse luminous effects.

Design impacts the performance and perceptions of the user. It should be able to aid people the way they live, work, learn and play. Two important factors to consider while choosing a design are Light Distribution and Luminaire Efficiency.

Light Distribution

Light should be put where it is required and eliminated from where it is not required. Light should be distributed to improve task visibility and reduce light pollution.

Luminaire Efficiency

Control and distribution of light reduces the amount of energy to be used in generating the light. Reducing the energy consumption results in not heating up the luminaire and less emission of air pollutants. All these factors result in increasing the efficiency and longevity of the luminaire.

LED Light Quality or Lighting Quality is subjective and changes according to the requirements and specifications of the usage of light. Lighting Quality largely affects the buying decision. A good quality LED Luminaire is expected to be inexpensive, provide quick return on investment, and improve the Lighting Quality.

In Lighting Solutions, it is necessary to consider the way task is lit and the way the interior as a whole is lit. Lighting Quality can be determined using the factors listed below.

Visual Performance

Lighting should offer sufficient conformity and ensure visual tasks can be carried out without difficulty. Characteristics to consider in visual performance are

• Lighting level
• Uniformity of illuminance
• Color rendering
• Avoiding hard shadows
• Contrast rendition
• Phycological glare

Panorama

Lighting should enhance the looks of the interiors and exteriors. Light should be able to attract people with the first visual impression. Characteristics to consider in visual performance are

• Architectural design
• Hierarchy of perception
• External appearance
• Protection type
• Protection against radiations

Visual Comfort

Lighting is not just used for accomplishing tasks but also to relax and perceive. Lighting should illuminate the space with uniform brightness and lightning balance. Characteristics to consider in visual comfort are

• Balanced brightness
• Varying luminance levels
• Artificial lighting complemented by day-light
• Flicker free
• Modelling

Energy

Lighting directly impacts the activity of people and influences their wellbeing. It may also influence the biological process of the people. Characteristics to consider in energy are

• Sense of wellbeing
• Activation and stimulation
• Lighting like day-light
• Avoiding thermal radiation
• Electromagnetic fields

Empowerment

Visual requirements, tasks to be performed, and duration of use determines one’s lighting solutions or requirements. Controls in the Luminaires help people to tailor the lighting solutions to meet their needs. Characteristics to consider empowerment  are

• Individual influence
• Choice of lighting scene
• Presence detection
• Daylight based control
• Choice of lighting scenario
• Flexibility
• Privacy

LED luminaire lifetime is not identical to LED lifetime. LED luminaire lifetime includes the function of the power supply, operating temperatures, thermal management, materials, and electrical and material interfaces. LED Luminaire reliability can be accessed by considering the following points.

• Quality of LED used
• Luminaire warranty
• Luminaire photometric report
• Temperature Data
• Test data regarding the long-term performance of the LED

Along with energy efficiency and reliability safety measures of the LED and LED Luminaire is important. Ensuring that it is not hazardous to people and animals around is very vital. Some of the points to consider for safety are.

• Compile to all the regulatory requirements.
• ‘Electrical equipment’ operating at 50 – 1000Vac, 75 – 1500Vdc is in the LVD scope.
• The equipment must not endanger humans, animals or property when used and installed as intended.
• The CE mark should be affixed to the product before it is placed on the market. It indicates all relevant directives have been complied with.

Installing the luminaire for right amount of light with comfortable vision is very important. Some of the basic installation checks are

• Easy to install
• Clear instructions on installation steps to be given
• Easily adapt the existing provisions of lighting
• Ensure Hard shadows do not occur because of installation
• Should be easily configured for control

LED Luminaries manufactured should be easy to maintain. Good maintenance increases the longevity of the LED and its Luminaire. Points to be considered for maintenance luminaire are.

• Easy to handle
• Sufficient room for cleaning
• Usage of effective control system

As the technology evolves, the design considerations for the LED Luminaire changes. Considering the suitable design, quality, reliability, safety, installation and maintenance is a must.

Making a good trade off and smart decisions in bringing up advanced lighting solutions with LED is crucial. Better designed LED and LED Luminaire consumes energy efficiently and hence contributes to a cleaner and energy-rich environment. Helps people live a more energetic life, changing the way people live, work, learn, and play.

Turnpoint Technologies Pvt. Ltd. provides innovative lighting solution using SMART technologies in the field of LED lightings.We deliver a broad range of innovative and reliable indoor and outdoor lighting luminaries and control solutions specifically designed to maximize performance, energy efficiency and cost saving. Know more