How luminaires assist in the development of efficient lighting

systems?

Saloni Dhoot

Integrative Studio

Indian School of Design and Innovation

Faculty – Prathana Patil

February 7, 2017
 Introduction

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of USA, “world consumption of

marketed energy is projected to increase by 49% from 2007 to 2035.” 1This is bound to happen
considering that fact that electric lighting consumes approximately 35% of electricity used in
commercial buildings and 20% is consumed in residences.2 Moreover, approximately 20% of
electricity is used for air conditioning as a result of the heat generated by lamps. Hence, it is necessary
to incorporate a quality lighting environment with the help of luminaire systems that protect and
conserve the environment. Luminaire systems give the ability of absolute control over the technical
because of its detailed assessment and research of every component involved in the lighting system.

Luminaires

Luminaires also known as lighting fixtures or fittings, are designed in a way that they hold one
or more lamps together, position and protect them, ballast and connect them to the power supply.
These fixtures do not only cover the illumination process but also make sure that there are appropriate
external and internal parts for proper operation. A luminaire can be functioned to direct light without
causing discomfort or glare. Luminaires are a helpful resource in designing an energy efficient
lighting system. Each component of a luminaire is flexible and can be manipulated according to the
criteria of the space or the product. Also there are other factors that come into play while selecting a
Figure 1: Components of a Luminaire luminaire system, for instance the protocols, materials
Source:
available and required, etc. Since, luminaire is so
https://www.archtoolbox.com/images/materials/el
ect/light-components.gif palpable it can be a resourceful and ecological
approach to creating an efficient lighting system that
conserves electricity.

A luminaires consists of the following components:

Lamps

They are an essential part of the unit and a

readily available source of artificial light. There are
several factors that play a role in the determination of
which lamp must be chosen in particular luminaire.
Plus, it also depends upon the context which is taken
into consideration, since that usually drives the

1
Susan M. Winchip, Fundamental of Lighting (New York: Fairchild Books), 33-143
2
Susan M. Winchip, Fundamental of Lighting (New York: Fairchild Books), 33-143

1
characteristics of the lamp. For instance if the context demands the development of a luminaire for a
commercial space, its design would be unique to that situation or when a designer decides to build a
decorative luminaire, the characteristics would be different. Since designers have the opportunity to
consciously make an effort in the reduction of usage of energy, they must thoroughly study the type of
lamps and conduct a life cycle analysis on every component that they used, so as to minimize the
impact on the environment.

Lamps are available in different shapes, sizes and mechanisms. The most commonly used lamps
in luminaires are incandescent lamps, high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, and light emitting diodes
(LEDs).

Incandescent Lamps

In 1841, Frederick de Moyens’s use of

heating powered charcoal between two platinum
wires inside a vacuum bulb formulated the
concept of incandescence. Incandescence is a
process where an electrical current passing
through a thin filament resists electricity,
inevitably generating excitement and creating
heat to eventually spawn light. Tungsten is
usually used as a filament because of its high
melting point and low evaporation point; while
nitrogen and
argon are used

Figure 2: Incandescent Lamp to reduce

Source: http://conservationteam.com/incandescents.html
oxidation as
they fill the bulb. The average life of an incandescent bulb is 2000
hours. Only 10% of the energy consumed to illuminate an
incandescent lamp produces light, while 90% of the remaining
produces heat.3 Excessive heat can damage fabrics, artworks, while
also minimizing the lamp’s efficacy and life. These lamps are
available in an assortment of sizes, wattages, shapes and colors. Sizes

of the same ranging from small holiday lights to huge search lamps. Figure 3: Chromaticity
Moreover, the wattages can range between 3 to 10000 watts. The Source:
http://hid.venturelighting.com/TechC
enter/Lamps/color_of_light.htm

3
Susan M. Winchip, Fundamental of Lighting (New York: Fairchild Books), 33-143

2
chromaticity4 of a typical incandescent lamp is 2800°K with a Color Rendering Index5 (CRI) of 100.6

They are used in accent lighting, safety lighting and special lights.

High Intensity Discharge Lamps

Typically found in streets and parking lots, these lamps

produce light when in a pressurized tube an arc passes
between cathodes causing metal additives to vaporize. The
lamp functions on radiant energy generated by gas and metal
vapors, while using ballasts to control the output. Every lamp
has specific ballast thus cannot be interchanged simply on the
basis of wattage. There are four types of HID lamps:
mercury, metal halide, high-pressure sodium and low-
pressure sodium. They are the appropriate choice for
applications that necessitate long life, high efficacy, high

lumen/watt performance, operation in a variety of ambient

Figure 2:
temperatures and are positively economical. They are http://www.ledwatcher.com/high-
intensity-discharge-lamps-explained/
available in various shapes and sizes. They are available at
different chromaticity levels, 2900°K, 3100°K, 4100°K and 5000°K. The CRI ranges from 65-95
depending upon the color and material. A HID lamp has an average life of 10,000-40,000 hours. 7

However, they take a lot of time to start up, colors can shift during the life of the lamp, rigorous
ballast requirements and not easily dimmable; dimmability
Figure 5: Light Emitting Diode
https://www.zazzle.com/diagram_of_a_5mm_ reduces the amount of current intake.
round_light_emitting_diode_led_poster-
228529585677199587
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

A light emitting diode is a pea-sized device that

emits lights via the movement of electrons in a
semiconductor. The diodes can be arranged into any
shapes, matrices or clusters offering great design
flexibility. LEDs are environment friendly and more
energy efficient when compared to HIDs and incandescent
lamps. They are durable and small with a long life, have a

4
Chromaticity or color temperature measures the amount of red (2000°K) or blue (8000°K) in a space and helps
create an atmosphere for the same.
5
Color Rendering Index value determines how a light source reveals the true color of objects
6
Susan M. Winchip, Fundamental of Lighting (New York: Fairchild Books), 33-143
7
Susan M. Winchip, Fundamental of Lighting (New York: Fairchild Books), 33-143

3
directional source, use minimal electrical power and do not emit UV and IR radiation. LEDs have
chromaticity vales ranging from 2700°K to 10,000°K. Their CRI value is Figure 6: Philip's Master LED
lamp
50-90 and has an average life of 50,000 hours. LEDs can be used in general, Source:
http://www.lighting.philips.co.i
task, decorate or accent lighting. n/prof/lamps/led-lamps-and-
systems/led-lamps/master-led-
lamps-lv

The most efficient, sustainable, economic and ecological lamp is a light

emitting diode. For instance, Philips’s MASTER LED Lamps LV is an
efficient substitute to halogen/incandescent beam with applications in the
hospitality industry; specifically public places where light is needed all the time.
The interesting fact about this luminaire is that it has a clearly defined beam spread and
lower maintenance cost. It has a CRI value of 80. However, it is not dimmable.

The shapes of the lamps are named according to the wattage of the lamp for instance if the lamp
is a standard size, and below 100W, it is an A shaped lamp. If the lamp is 150W and higher it is
generally a pear shaped lamp. A “C” shape lamp is cone shaped like the ones used in night lamps. A
“F” shape lamp is flame shaped, “G” shaped lamp is globular used for brightly lit environments like
make-up rooms, “PAR” is parabolic in nature and used for security purposes. The thermal properties
also affect the selected shape, if the chance of developing heat increases the base of the lamp moves
further away from the filament; in incandescent lamps.

There are several other characteristics that come into play when selecting the type of a lamp,
regardless of its mechanism; the materials it is made up of, the shape of the lamp, the wattage of the
lamp, its chromaticity and CRI, color of the beam, thermal properties, time it takes to start, how well
it communicates with other electric devices like ballasts, transformers, etc.

Lamp Holders

They hold the lamp body into the required position in the interiors of a luminaire. They are
made up of different materials depending on the thermal properties of the chosen lamp, its shape, size,
and wattage. There are several types of lamp holders and caps for instance bayonet cap, Edison screw
cap, candle socket, shell, surface, flush, etc. However, the
most unique characteristic of this holder is the electrical
contacts it has; 3 pin, 2 pin or single pin.

For instance, Havell’s Regal Batten T5 is a general

purpose batten that can be used in schools, railway platforms,
industrial bays and assembly benches. It uses an especially

Figure 3: Regal Batten T5

Source:
http://www.havells.com/content/dam/havells
4
/brouchers/industrial-ligting-area-
lighting/Industrial%20&%20Area%20Lighting%
20Catalogue%202016.pdf
design push fit rotary type white polycarbonate with electrical grade brass contacts to fit light.

Power Supplies and Sources

Ballast are devices for starting and regulating fluorescent or discharge lamps. Power supply for
comes in the form of alternating current and needs to be employed according to the nature of intake in
the lamp holder. Plus, the amount of electricity flowing in the lamp can be controlled with the help of
resistors and transformers. This can help in controlling and minimizing the amount of electricity that
is used to operate the luminaire and reduce the consumption of electricity. Since everything from the
input of watts to the output in terms of lumen can be controlled with the assistance of the right power
supplies.

For instance, Havell’s Magnum 1 is a “corrosion resistant, impact proof, surface mounting
luminaire of polycarbonate housing with transparent & reeded polycarbonate cover suitable for wet
location.”8 It uses a high frequency electronic ballast to control the input of electricity since it is
usable in wet conditions, and within a closer proximity to people, it mustn’t cause harm or injury as
water is a conductor of electricity.

Reflectors

They are a layer of material that provides a reflective surface to direct (Parabolic reflectors) or
distribute (Elliptical reflectors) light. Reflective materials can be specular or matt, hammer or ridged,
white or metallic, or a combination of the following. The function of the reflector is to capture some
or some of the light emitted by the electrical light source and accordingly direct it to necessary zones.
A reflector can be made up of adhesives, aluminium, steel, etc. There are four types of reflection:

1. Specular Reflection: changes the direction of the beam of light without actually changing the
nature of the beam

Figure 4: Specular Reflection Source: http://stagelightingprimer.com/index.html?slfs-reflectors.html&2

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Professional Luminaires Lighting Solutions. PDF. Noida: Havells.

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 2. Diffuse Reflection: when the beam of light is completely dispersed and spreads in all
directions possible.

Figure 5: Diffuse Reflection Source: http://stagelightingprimer.com/index.html?slfs-reflectors.html&2

3. Spread Reflection: it is similar to diffuse reflection however; a larger percentage of light is

reflected along the angle of
reflection.

Figure 6: Spread Reflection

Source: http://stagelightingprimer.com/index.html?slfs-reflectors.html&2

4. Mixed Reflection: it is a mixture of spectacular and diffuse reflection.

Figure 7: Mixed Reflection Source: http://stagelightingprimer.com/index.html?slfs-reflectors.html&2

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 The following types of reflection discussed above help conceptualize the model of a luminaire
and can be used to direct any type of lighting system as per the requirements. New LED Wavestream
technology developed by the Cooper lighting industries uses the light panel as a reflector for precisely
directing the amount of light output and distribution. It is a highly efficient, glare-free, provides a soft
light, brightness control at an affordable price.

Diffusion/Shielding components

These are constituents used to shield the user from discomfort, to distribute light evenly and to
hold the luminaires at proper viewing angles in consideration with the eyes and where the light needs
to be directed. For instance, lenses, wave guides, diffusers, louvers, baffles, are used to reduce the
amount of light emitted and directed towards the user’s eyes. They are also used to reduce UV
emission and reduce glare.

Lenses are used to redirect light with reduced absorption or diffusion. Lenses are made up of
two sides one of which is smooth while the other one is embedded with prismatic shapes. Lenses can
be three dimensional or two dimensional depending on the requirement of the amount of light. They
can also be used to minimize the glare on horizontal surfaces.

Diffusers are used to diffuse light in all the directions or a particular set of them. Usually made
of semi-translucent plastic that helps is redirecting spectacular reflection while also absorbing almost
30% of the light. They also assist in the uniformed distribution of light.

Louvers are significantly used to reduce glare on vertical screens. They can also limit the angle
at which the light should interact with a surface(s). Louvers also have the tendency to absorb most of
the light thus need to be chosen with utmost care.

Other devices like dimmers, photo sensors, timers and occupancy sensors can also be used to
manipulate the characteristics of a luminaire.

Housings

They comprise of all internal electrical equipment for example, wiring connections, electrical
components, photo sensors and other control devices. They can be small, light, easy to maintain and
easy to install depending on the type of luminaire or its function. These housings are usually made of
aluminium alloys, surface treated synthetic and steel.

The performance of the luminaire system depends on how well the characters complement each
other, also other factors like daylight contribution, room geometry; room finishes, etc. also affect the
system’s workability.

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 They are many different types of luminaires because the system brings flexibility and choice
when it comes to fixating in a particular area. Following are the types of luminaires: Recessed
Luminaires, Surface – Mounted Luminaires, Suspended Luminaires, Track Luminaires, and Portable
Luminaires.

Conclusion

According to the Department of Energy (USA), the number of luminaires being listed in each
quarter has increased whereas the number of lamps used has been consistent in the past two years.9
Luminaires are the endless solutions to every electrical problem. Although their manufacturing cost is
much higher than a simple lamp, they last longer and conserve more energy. Luminaires also need to
be researched and every aspect needs to be calculated, which is time consuming but a one stop
solution considering the fact that every characteristic is looked after and given equal attention.
Luminaire is a subjective choice because it can be molded according to the context of the situation
and has room for advanced development in terms of technology and efficiency.

9
Snapshot Indoor LED Luminaires. PDF. US Department of Energy, May 2014.

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Winchip, Susan M.Fundamentals of lighting. New York: Fairchild Books, 2011

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