A correctly performed calculation of the illumination of a room is necessary to create an appropriate atmosphere, which is designed to provide the necessary conditions for work, rest, entertainment, eating, and so on. Lighting systems may differ in power, type of fixtures used and color of radiation. All these factors can affect the mood of a person who will be and work in these conditions. That is why the calculation of the number of fixtures is one of the most important steps in creating an interior.
The process of developing the illumination system includes calculations not only for artificial sources, but also for natural ones. The calculation of the illumination of the workplace involves the development of a combined lighting scheme, because it is this type that will help organize the most comfortable conditions for performing work that requires accuracy. A well-planned illumination scheme (after its installation) will not create contrasting shadows in the workplace.
Calculation of room illumination also helps to determine what types of artificial lighting sourcesbetter to use in certain conditions. This is necessary for the most detailed planning of future costs for interior design. The choice is to be made from incandescent, gas discharge, and LED lamps.
Calculation of room illumination is also carried out in order to calculate the required power of luminaires when their type, color, quantity and location have been designed. Or, on the contrary, knowing the norms of illumination for an interior with specific functions, it will not be difficult to calculate how many and what power lamps will be needed. Most often, the designer faces the task of the first type. If all the calculations are carried out correctly, the lighting system will turn out to be of high quality and economical.
When calculating the illumination of a room, you can choose one of three main methods. However, you can use all three - for a qualitative check and refinement of the results. The following calculation options are commonly used:
- method of calculating the coefficient of useful light flux;
- method of calculating specific power;
- point method.
The first method is best for calculating illuminance in a room with a simple design. If there are no level differences in the interior and insolation of only horizontal surfaces with sources of any type is required, then this method will be most convenient.
Quite often there are situations when a building requiresthe use of luminaires that are not of the direct light type. In these cases, the calculation of the illumination of the room is carried out in a combined way.
And for rooms of a particular type, for example, stairs and corridors, there are already established standards that describe the required power and type of fixtures. In this case, it is not so necessary to calculate the illumination of the room.
