Page 1 of 2
• Standard
incandescent (tungsten);
• Tungsten
halogen;
• Tubular
fluorescent;
• Compact
fluorescent;
• Mercury
fluorescent;
• Metal
halide;
• Sodium;
• Induction.
The energy consumption, relative to
standard tungsten bulbs is shown in fig. 10.2. Of all the lamps
described below, the current preference is for high-frequency
fluorescents (compact or tubular), arranged according to
badminton requirements and linked to suitable controls.
Section 10.4.1 has further information on
lamp colours and colour rendering capabilities.
10.2.1 Tungsten
The standard incandescent tungsten bulbs,
typically found in domestic situations, are the most
inefficient form of illumination. They should never be used in
a sports hall, as they require regular replacement (1000
hours), are inefficient and generate significant amounts of
heat relative to the light output.
Tungsten halogen lamps are more efficient
and last longer (2000 hours). They are generally found in
display systems and floodlighting. The modern, low voltage
systems are best used for display and mood lighting. The heat
output from such lamps is greater than standard tungsten bulbs,
especially in floodlighting situations.
Tungsten lighting can be readily controlled
by dimming and gives instantaneous lighting. However, on
efficiency and practicality grounds they should not be
specified for sports halls. In the case of daylit sports halls
the argument against tungsten is even stronger, as the colour
temperature is ‘warm’ compared with the
‘cool’ light of daylight, and so is not compatible
in an integrated system. For colour see 6.4.1.
10.2.2 Fluorescent (Tubular and Compact)
Fluorescent lighting is the most common for
non-domestic buildings. It can be found in countless offices,
shops and factories. Fluorescent lamps are a form of discharge
lamp, though here it is given a separate classification for
clarity.
Sports halls occasionally use fluorescent
lighting, see fig. 5.1.6, though most tend to use other forms
of discharge lamps.
Compact fluorescents are generally
preferred in locations where a compact light source is required
They have largely, successfully replaced the tungsten bulb in
traditional luminaire designs, such as ceiling recessed
downlighters and standard domestic fittings. The efficiency
(efficacy) of compacts is lower than tubular fluorescents,
typically 60 lumens per watt and 80 lumens per watt,
respectively.
The use of fluorescent lighting in sports
halls is seen to be the way forward in lighting, as viewed by
the sports councils and lighting companies. It is suitable for
use in daylighting situations for its close colour rendering,
and can be dimmed (if high frequency control gear is specified)
for use in lighting control systems.
Such a type of lighting system, for sports
halls, is on the market and has been developed in association
with the Sports Council.81
10.2.3 Discharge
• Fluorescent
tubes;
• High-pressure
sodium;
• Low-pressure
sodium (SON);
• Mercury
fluorescent;
• Metal
halide
Discharge lamps are any type of lamp that
produces light by passing an electrical discharge through a
gas. Figs. 10.2.3 and 10.2.4 shows the various forms discharge
lamps and their characteristics.82
Fluorescent tubes work on this principle,
but the ultra-violet light produced is converted into visible
light by a phosphorous coating inside the tube.
Sodium lamps are the most efficient types
of discharge lamps, though their colour rendering capabilities
are very poor. They are typically used in street lighting, due
to their efficacy and lamp life.
High pressure sodium lamps have better
colour qualities, but are unsuitable for sports requiring
reasonable colour recognition.
High pressure mercury fluorescents and
metal halide bulbs have much improved colour rendering and
reasonable efficacy. They are generally found in standard
sports halls, warehouses and other high ceiling buildings.
The disadvantage with most discharge lamps,
with the exception of fluorescents, is that they require 2 - 5
minutes to warm up on initial switch-on. If they are turned off
and on again they will not light until the lamp has cooled
sufficiently to allow a restrike. Hot-restrike lamps are
available, but require more complex control gear. Discharge
lamps are generally unsuited to automatic control and dimming,
unless high-frequency fluorescent luminaires are specified.
10.2.4 Induction
Induction lamps are a recent development,
similar to fluorescents in light quality, without the use of
electrodes. Typical lamp life is around 60,000 hours and so are
suited to locations were access is difficult. The efficacy of
such lamps is similar to that of compact fluorescents.
10.2.5 Sulphur Microwave
These lamps are even more recent and at
present are only suitable to applications requiring high
intensity light sources. The prototypes consumed 5.9 kilowatts
to produce 450,000 lumens. They are only suitable for use in
light distribution systems, where the light can be
‘piped’ along light pipes to various locations.
A commercial version of the lamp is now
available, consuming 1 kilowatt. Such lamps have a present
lifetime of 10,000 hours (dependent on the magnetron that
produces the microwaves) and an efficacy of about 75 lumens per
watt. The light quality is continuous throughout the whole
spectrum, with reasonable colour rendering capabilities.
Back to Top ^
