Design of Lighting Systems: Light It Up!
Incandescent light bulb.Copyright 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved.
Through an introduction, and extended learning from associated activities, students explore the design of lighting systems and the electromagnetic spectrum. Students learn about the concept of daylighting as well as two types of light bulbs (lamps) often used in energy-efficient lighting design. Students learn how the application of something as simple, and free, as natural light can help them improve the future of generations to come.
Can you imagine modern-day houses without light? What if you had to study with a candle instead of a desk lamp? It would be simple if our houses used natural light as its major source of light, but that is not realistic since not all homes have 24-hours of sunlight at their disposal. Therefore, the best type of lighting and the effective use of natural sunlight is key in effectively lighting a home. Lighting within buildings and homes is a major consideration that impacts ongoing energy expenditures as well as the environment. To maximize a building's energy efficiency, engineers study the behavior of light and manipulate it to provide maximum output for minimal cost of operation. Recommendations might include implementing a series of daylighting techniques to reduce the need for costly artificial lighting, and/or carefully selecting light fixtures to meet the lighting needs of particular rooms. Using more energy-efficient bulbs reduces the operation costs of a building's lighting and contributes to a cleaner environment, which ultimately contributes to our own health, happiness and safety.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Define energy efficiency in relation to the lighting design of a house or structure.
- Discuss the use of daylighting vs. artificial lighting in the engineering design of a structure.