LIGHTING DESIGN LECTURE 6

Efficient Electric Light Sources

Remember our basic concerns about light sources

Generally designed to provide two things Accurate rendition of color / complete spectrum (Color Rendering Index from 0-100) Pleasing color temperature / balance of spectrum (Degrees / Kelvins)

The attributes to consider

Initial cost Operating cost Color rendering index Color temperature Ballast and transformer req. Dimming Instant on / off Directionality Efficacy Lamp life Temperature requirements Heat generated Noise

Fluorescent, HID and LEDs are generally considered highefficiency electric light sources

LIGHTING DESIGN LECTURE 6

Efficient Electric Light Sources Fluorescent (compact & linear)
Highly efficient low temperature long lasting source with a variety of color rendering properties. Requires care when specifying Components:
Gas envelope (argon / krypton) Electrified mercury vapor phosphor coating Ballast requirements

Same letter and number code for shape and size

Different types of bases/sockets get tedious so pay attention Fluorescent quality codes:
The magic three digit number on every lamp Color temp. and CRI

Fluorescent lamp properties depend largely on the fluorescing phosphors coating the inside of the glass bulb

LIGHTING DESIGN LECTURE 6

Efficient Electric Light Sources
Linear fluorescent fixtures are a good way to get lots of diffuse light into a space
High efficacy Low heat Long life Even light distribution Cheap All shapes and sizes and looks All require ballast (electronic NOT magnetic) Dimmable, quiet, no flicker

Simply require some thought when using

Downlights /area lights for diffuse area lighting Shaded table and floor lamps Utility spaces / closets Linear under cabinet, millwork, display Indirect applications (brackets, coves, slots)

Basically, if you can hide the lamp, no one will notice

Even vanity fixtures with the right CRI and CCT

Fluorescent sources with the right CRI and CCT can be used just like incandescent sources.

LIGHTING DESIGN LECTURE 6

Efficient Electric Light Sources
High Intensity Discharge
Very efficient , concentrated, high lumen output directable source
Arc tube Carbon electrodes / carbon arc Electrified metal vapor Ballast requirements Re-strike time

High intensity discharge create the same light textures as halogen sources, but are more efficient, lower CRI, difficult to dim technology
High bay applications, street lighting, stadium flood Accents: PAR lamps and reflector driven accent fixtures.

HID lamps create a small point of light similar to halogen sources. These point sources can be easily aimed and focused.

LIGHTING DESIGN LECTURE 6

Efficient Electric Light Sources

Light Emitting Diodes LEDs

Efficient, long life, tiny, controllable
Diode wafer Lens and reflector RGB systems Phosphor white

LEDs are tiny sources that can pack a lot of light, different colors and different optics into one system
Most commonly used for Color effects White is a work in progress

The efficiency and color rendering capabilities of LEDs improve daily. Insist on seeing an LED product in action before specifying it.

LIGHTING DESIGN LECTURE 6

Efficient Electric Light Sources

Introduce In-Class Charrette Reading Assignment:

The Architecture of Light, Chapter 8, 16 and 30

Midterm exam next week