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The 5 bases of the light study at Dialux

03 Jan 2023 // by Fernando Barrachina

Using simulation and calculation software such as Dialux is a great advantage, but it can be an impossible task if you do not have the necessary knowledge. In order to carry out a lighting study in Dialux, it is necessary to understand concepts such as light intensity or uniformity.

 

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In this article we explain each of the terms you should know to carry out a lighting study in Dialux without problems, are you going to miss it?

 

estudio luminico dialux

 

What is a lighting study?
A lighting study in Dialux allows you to check which luminaire is the most suitable and which is the most optimal distribution of light points. This tool studies aspects such as the lighting level of a room or the distribution of the luminous flux.

Some of the criteria taken into account to achieve the best results in the lighting project are:

  • The quantity of light
  •  The quality of light
  • Energy efficiency

 

Carrying out a lighting study with Dialux allows you to guarantee an optimal result, faithful to what you had planned and without surprises. In short, it is a tool that analyzes the important lighting aspects so that all interested parties can work with light in a precise way and with the certainty that the objectives set will be met.

In addition, a lighting study at Dialux allows you to check in advance that all lighting regulations and quality standards are met.

 

estudio luminico dialux

 

Basic concepts to carry out a lighting study in Dialux
In order to carry out a luminance study in Dialux, it is essential to know the meaning of some concepts such as:

1. Luminous intensity (cd).
Luminous intensity is the amount of luminous flux emitted by a luminaire per unit of solid angle. According to the International System of Units, its unit of measurement is the candela, which is indicated as "cd".

2.Luminous flux (lm)
Although this concept is key to choosing luminaires and you may already be familiar with it, it is also a key term for a lighting study at Dialux. It can be defined as the amount of light emitted by a source, and its unit of measurement is the lumen.

 

3. Luminance (cd/m2)
The concept of luminance in a luminance study at Dialux refers to the amount of light emitted by an illuminated surface. It is a concept that measures the light as perceived by the human eye from a particular point of view. That is, how much light objects and surfaces reflect back to our eyes. In this context, having a good knowledge of the degree of reflection of the surfaces of the space to be studied is of vital importance to achieve an accurate light study.

4. Illuminance (E) or Light Level (Lx)
Illuminance is indicated by the symbol E and is the amount of light reaching a given surface. The unit of measurement for illuminance is lux, which is equivalent to one lumen per square meter. Lux is the primary measure used by regulations to determine whether a space has adequate light levels.

 

estudio luminico dialux 2

 

5. Absorption, reflection and transmission
Absorption, reflection and transmission are generally the causes by which a luminous flux interacts with a space. When light strikes a body, its behavior varies depending on the surfaces. It is the properties of the surfaces that determine what percentage of the light is absorbed, reflected or transmitted, and therefore how the light interacts with that space.

- Absorption is a process in which the flux is dissipated. Light that "stays" in a body. Dark surfaces absorb more light than light surfaces.

- Reflection is the process in which flux leaves a surface on the same side from which it indexes, and can be specular or diffuse. Light hits a surface and bounces off. This can be reflected specularly (direct, as in the case of a mirror) or diffusely (as occurs in a painted and textured wall).

- Transmission, on the other hand, is the process in which the flow leaves a surface on a side other than the side of incidence. This transmission can be direct, when there is no change in direction or quality of the light (a transparent glass), diffuse, when the light is scattered in various directions as it passes through the object (an opal glass), and selective, which only allows certain wavelengths to pass through, as in the case of colored glass and plastics that will give a colored effect to the light.

In Faro Barcelona we have the photometries of our technical products to help lighting designers to plan the projects and analyze the behavior of the luminaires. Thanks to this, the lighting designs will be more accurate and we can ensure that the planned objectives and the corresponding regulations are met. Do you still have doubts about how to carry out a lighting study at Dialux? Ask us and we will be happy to help you.

 

The Estudio AG Interiorismo team has been responsible for the integral design and execution of Beauty the Shop.