Calculation of room illumination by different methods

Correctly executed calculation of illumination of a premise is necessary for creation of the corresponding atmosphere which is called to provide necessary conditions for work, rest, entertainments, reception of food and so on. Lighting systems can differ in power, type of luminaires used and color of radiation. All these factors can influence the mood of a person who will stay and work in these conditions. That is why the calculation of the number of lamps 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 sources. Calculation of workplace illumination involves the development of a scheme of combined lighting, because this kind will help to organize the most comfortable conditions for performing works that require accuracy. A well-planned scheme of illumination (after its installation) will not create contrasting shadows in the workplace.

Calculating the illumination of the room also helps to determine which types of artificial light sources are more appropriate to use under certain conditions. This is necessary for the most detailed planning of future costs for interior decoration. The choice to be made from incandescent, gas-discharge lamps, as well as LED lamps.

The calculation of the illumination of the room is also carried out in order to calculate the required power of the luminaires when their type, color, quantity and location have been designed. Or, conversely, knowing the norms of illumination for the interior with specific functions, it will be easy to calculate how much and how much power the lamps will need. Most often, the designer has the task of the first type. If all calculations are correctly carried out, the lighting system will 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 qualitative verification and refinement of the results. Typically, these calculation options are used:

• Method of calculating the coefficient of useful light flux;
• Method of calculating the specific power;
• Point method.

The first method is best suited for calculating the illumination in a simple room. If the interior lacks level differences and requires insolation of only horizontal surfaces by sources of any type, then this method will be most convenient.

Quite often there are situations when the building requires the use of fixtures that are not related to the type of direct light. In these cases, the calculation of the illumination of the room is carried out in a combined way.

And for premises of a specific type, for example, stairs and corridors, there are already established norms that describe the required power and type of fixtures. In this case, it is not so necessary to calculate the illumination of a room.