LED lighting systems provide new opportunities for controlling the intensity, distribution, and spectrum of light. Color-tunable LED systems enable adjustments in spectral power distribution and light output that are easier to implement than with conventional fluorescent lighting technologies. The availability of these new systems, combined with the growing understanding of the non-visual effects of light, has increased the awareness of and excitement for these advanced lighting systems. These new opportunities also present additional complexity and decisions that need to be carefully considered. This paper examines the design and commissioning of color-tunable lighting systems by reviewing data from several projects, including evaluations of color-tunable luminaires and installations in a senior care facility, a behavioral health unit, and three K-12 classrooms. These projects provide unique data that is helpful when considering the implementation of a color-tunable lighting system. The operational characteristics of the system must be understood, because the input power, lumen output, efficacy, and D_(uv) can vary over the color-tuning range. These changes affect the performance of the system, from energy consumption to illuminance levels to metrics related to possible circadian stimulation. Data beyond what is typically provided by manufacturers are often needed to design and commission a color-tunable lighting system. Users also have the opportunity to change the lighting system in an increased number of ways after it commissioned, so additional education is necessary in near-term installations of this technology. This paper synthesizes the data collected from laboratory testing and several installations into general considerations for the design and commissioning of color-tunable lighting systems.
展开▼
