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, leisure, entertainment, eating and so on. Lighting systems may vary 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 stages in creating the interior.
The process of developing an 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 scheme of combined lighting, because this particular type will help to organize the most comfortable conditions for work that require accuracy. A well-planned illumination scheme (after installation) will not create contrasting shadows in the workplace.
The calculation of the room’s illumination also helps to determine what types of artificial lighting sources are more appropriate to use in certain conditions. This is necessary for the most detailed planning of future expenses for interior design. The choice has to be made from incandescent, gas-discharge, and also LED lamps.
The calculation of the illumination of the room is also carried out in order to calculate the required power of the fixtures when their type, color, quantity and location were designed. Or, on the contrary, knowing the norms of illumination for an interior with specific functions, it will be easy to calculate how much and what kind of power the lamps will need. Most often, the designer is faced with the task of the first type. If all 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 quality check and refine the results. Typically, these calculation options are used:
- a method for calculating a coefficient of useful light flux;
- method for calculating specific power;
- point method.
The first method is best suited to calculate the illumination in a simple design room. If there are no level differences in the interior and insolation of only horizontal surfaces by sources of any type is required, then this method will be most convenient.
Quite often, situations arise when the use of fixtures other than direct light is required in the building. In these cases, the calculation of the illumination of the room is performed in a combined way.
And for rooms of a specific type, for example, stairs and corridors, there are already established standards that describe the required power and type of fixtures. In this case, the calculation of the illumination of the room is not so necessary.