Design and Development of a Sustainable Environmentally Friendly and Human Centric Luminaire

Abstract

Apart from the visual effects, light can also affect the human non-visual system, which includes a wide range of functions such as hormone secretion, alertness, mood etc. The non-image forming effects occur because light affects melanopsin, a photosensitive protein present in the receptive domain of retinal ganglion cells. These cells are responsible for generating nerve impulses that regulate the secretion of two hormones, cortisol and melatonin. Low-wavelength light at 460-480 nm inhibits melatonin secretion and activates brain activity. Aim of this paper is to create a sustainable and human centric luminaire suitable for office installations that will regulate the biological rhythm of the occupants and has the minimum environmental impact. The luminaire’s light source emits variable spectrum, with a collated colour temperature varying between 2700K and 6500K. For a 500K step of colour temperature values, the appropriate human centric lighting metrics are calculated: Equivalent Melanopic Lux, Melanopic Daylight Equivalent Illuminance, Circadian Stimulus. The development of the human centric luminaire considers not only the metrics of human centric lighting but energy efficiency and visual comfort as well. Conclusively, the proposed luminaire can provide a holistic approach to lighting design so as to integrate both visual and non-visual effects and produce sustainable and environmentally friendly lighting.

Methodology for the optimization of artificial lighting considering both visual and non-visual effects

“…During the course of a day and for a wide variety of human activities, sufficient levels of natural and artificial lighting are required [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] sufficient levels for recreational spaces, schools, offices etc. Lighting contributes to both the visual and to non-visual effects on humans [11][12][13]. The visual effects of light contribute to the perception of space and to the overall appearance of the lighting.…”

“…As its name suggests, it is a special form of ganglion cell. The photochromic substance contained in an ipRGC cell is melanopsin which has a maximum absorption at a wavelength of 480 nm [11,13].…”