Health and Light: Clean, Energy Efficient and People-Centred

LDS Light Building 400

May 5, 2021

Whether natural growth, optimum conditions for concentrating or staying healthy, light has a variety of operating mechanisms. It influences the body’s messenger substances and ensures the inner clock keeps time. The wavelength of the light used is decisive for the application concerned.

Light is the name generally given to the spectrum between UV and infrared radiation, which triggers the human perception of brightness and colour. Most people see light with a wavelength of between 400 and 780 nanometres. This applies to both natural sunlight and artificial sources of light. Not visible to the human eye are the wavelengths of energy-rich UV radiation and the heat radiation known as infrared radiation. Both are below and above the visible spectrum.

Old technology held in new regard

UVC radiation, which comes below the visible light spectrum and has wavelength of between 100 and 280 nanometres, has long been used for purification and disinfection in the food industry, in drinking-water treatment and in operating theatres. Up to now, this radiation has been produced by UV mercury-vapour lamps.

The dosage is decisive for the effectiveness of UVC radiation: it must be large enough and have enough time to damage the DNA of viruses, bacteria and microorganisms so they cannot survive. To ensure that this effect only occurs where required, the radiation must take place in a shielded setting. Otherwise, the radiation can be harmful for humans.

The corona pandemic has given this technology a new boost with UVC disinfection devices being used in the fight against Covid-19. The result: manufacturers are being inundated with orders for such equipment at the same time as the areas of application have expanded greatly. Sterilisation systems with UVC light are used in schools, kindergartens, busses and airports. Studies have been carried out with air-filter systems in the ceilings of shopping centres. Currently, work is in progress on a new generation of UVC lamps made using UVC LEDs.

Positive effects on the circadian rhythm using LED technology

Another waveband of light is used in biological light planning. The focus of this approach, which is also known as Human Centric Lighting (HCL), is the physical effect of light on people. The spectral composition of light changes over the course of the day and the organism reacts to this. The high blue content in the morning activates and invigorates before becoming less pronounced in the evening. Then, the light is warmer, which helps people relax so a natural tiredness takes effect.

This knowledge is employed to good use with HCL. How light is used in a building depends largely on the users and the purpose of the building. If, for example, it is used for teaching, i.e., a school or university, the need is for concentration, which is enhanced by light with a higher blue content. Similar light is also required in hospital treatment rooms. For recovering patients, however, a warmer light is necessary for optimum convalescence.

Different target groups also have different expectations. For example, older people need more light than younger people. Moreover, industrial standards apply to workplaces in office buildings or factories and account must be taken of them when planning the lighting. On this basis, purpose-oriented concepts are then prepared with the aim of creating a stimulating working environment.

LB health image

Thanks to today’s LED technology, HCL concepts are easier to implement than in the past. If dynamic light-management systems are integrated into the building-system technology, it is possible to accurately control the various sources of light in combination with sun-protection systems, black-out facilities and daylight. Such systems can also result in a reduction in a building’s energy consumption and costs. Under optimum circumstances, the use of a HCL concept can generate long-term benefits such as improved concentration in office buildings and educational institutions, greater productivity in factories and faster recovery in hospitals.

Many of the exhibitors at the next Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main from 13 to 18 March 2022 will present the next generation of technology that works with UVC radiation, as well as HCL concepts that can be synchronised with building-services technology.

More Light + Building top themes can be found at HERE

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Magic Lite Announces New Partnership with Prolux Lighting - Representation

    Magic Lite Announces New Partnership with Prolux Lighting

    Magic Lite is thrilled to officially join forces with the amazing team at Prolux Lighting & Controls with a new representation agreement! Thank you for the warm welcome! The Magic Lite team is excited to be part of Prolux’s strong lineup of trusted lighting brands. From kitchens to commercial projects, Magic Lite can’t wait to… Read More…

  • SLS Group Industries Announces New Partnership with JDRF Electromag

    SLS Group Industries Announces New Partnership with JDRF Electromag

    SLS Group Industries are proud to represent JDRF Electromag. Discover Autonomy Lighting, the world’s first self-commissioning Lighting Control System. JDRF Electromag’s self-commissioning smart lighting system uses machine-learning to eliminate all manual design, setup, and maintenance and removes all human involvement before, during, and after installation of the luminaire. Upon power-up, devices automatically build a secure… Read More…


Design

  • Artika: Spring Bathroom Lighting Upgrades for a Refreshed Space

    Artika: Spring Bathroom Lighting Upgrades for a Refreshed Space

    Refresh and revitalize your bathroom lighting. Spring brings with it an opportunity to breathe new life into our homes, starting with the spaces we use the most. The bathroom plays a crucial role in our routine, from energizing showers in the morning to relaxing baths at night. Therefore, consider upgrading your bathroom lighting to transform… Read More…

  • Cooper Lighting Solutions: Enhancing Visual Comfort with Regressed Lighting

    Cooper Lighting Solutions: Enhancing Visual Comfort with Regressed Lighting

    Regressed lighting offers significant advantages in reducing glare and enhancing visual comfort. However, regressed lighting also presents some installation considerations, especially when dealing with obstructions above the ceiling. To define regressed lighting, one should look at how it differs from surface and recessed lighting. Surface downlights are fixtures that attach directly to the ceiling’s surface. As… Read More…


New Products

  • RENO Lighting: TELAIO SERIES – Architectural Grid Frame Light

    RENO Lighting: TELAIO SERIES – Architectural Grid Frame Light

    Introducing a new way to elevate interior T-Bar ceilings with the TELAIO SERIES Architectural Grid Frame Light, crafted to bring a modern touch to any grid ceiling. The pre-assembled design of the TELAIO Series Grid Frame Light ensures quick and seamless integration into standard grid systems, offering an innovative solution with smooth, fully luminous light… Read More…

  • Hèmèra: Bijoux – Suspension Luminaire

    Hèmèra: Bijoux – Suspension Luminaire

    The Bijoux meaning jewel in French blends the elegance of jewelry with the warmth of opalescent glass and the mystique of smokey mirror glass.  This piece casts a soft, inviting glow while adding a touch of luxury to any space.  Perfect for those who seek a sophisticated and artful addition to their decor. Read More…