Abstract
Design considerations regarding the effects of luminaire selection and layout on light level uniformity were examined in this study. Flux transfer computer simulations were utilized to determine the effect of luminaire selection and spacing on uniformity in the center, as well as near the perimeter, of a greenhouse. Two design parameters - the spacing ratio (luminaire spacing-to mounting height ratio divided by the spacing criterion) and the area ratio (greenhouse area per luminaire divided by spacing criterion squared times mounting height squared) - were developed and investigated as possible indicators of light level uniformity. Uniformity at the center of the greenhouse was found to be a function of the area ratio of the lighting design. This information can be used to determine the maximum allowable spacing to achieve a desired uniformity level at the center of the greenhouse. "Staggered square" layouts of luminaires do not give improved uniformity over regular square layouts, but staggered rectangular layouts were more uniform than regular rectangular layouts. Light uniformity near the perimeter of a greenhouse improves as luminaires are added to the perimeter, with an optimum perimeter spacing depending on the mounting height and overall greenhouse spacing of the luminaires.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 875-882 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Applied Engineering in Agriculture |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| State | Published - Nov 2001 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General Engineering