Light simulation: Realistic analysis of optical systems and special lighting situations
Lighting simulation has proven to be an essential tool in the world of design and engineering. With the ability to precisely analyze and visualize complex lighting effects, lighting simulation enables users to make informed decisions about the design and functionality of lighting concepts.
Why use light simulation to analyze optical systems?
The analysis of lighting conditions using light simulation is of great importance in the design and evaluation of components and entire structures. It not only provides detailed insights into light distribution, but also enables optical design and functionality to be quickly modified and optimized. This saves time and costs compared to conventional methods and promotes innovation and design quality.
Accuracy of the simulation
The simulation enables a realistic representation of the structures to be examined. It is possible to examine other frequency ranges of light, not just the visible range of humans.
Increased efficiency and cost savings
The simulation allows different scenarios to be tested without having to make any physical changes. This saves time and resources that would otherwise be needed to build prototypes and carry out physical tests. Evaluation in physically inaccessible locations is possible.
Optimization of the design
Lighting simulation enables the optimization of lighting solutions to improve visual appearance, energy efficiency and comfort. Various objectives, e.g. homogeneous lighting or a higher-quality visual appearance, can be pursued by adjusting various parameters.
Visualization and presentation
It provides a visually appealing and realistic representation of lighting effects, which is particularly useful for presenting design concepts to customers or stakeholders.
Supporting sustainability
By optimizing lighting, energy consumption can be reduced, contributing to the sustainability and cost efficiency of products.
Promoting safety
In areas ranging from working environments to machinery safety specifications, visual displays and cues can contribute to significant safety.
Dr.-Ing. Frank Brehmer – Management
Our expertise in the field of light simulation
ITB Ingenieurgesellschaft für technische Berechnungen mbH
As a renowned company in the field of computer simulation, ITB Ingenieurgesellschaft für technische Berechnungen mbH offers a wide range of services in the field of light simulation. From the optical analysis and design of entire systems to the optimization of light conduction and distribution for efficient and aesthetic lighting – we have the expertise and the appropriate technologies to successfully implement your projects.
Light simulation – The areas of application
Mobility industry
In the automotive industry, various aircraft technologies and other transportation options, light appears in the form of headlights, signals and other driver assistance systems.
Electrical industry
In the electronics industry, light plays a central role in the development and design of devices. It ranges from backlighting in displays to signal transmission in optical cables.
Furniture industry
In the furniture industry, light is increasingly being used to create atmosphere and show pieces of furniture in the right light. Modern lighting technologies such as LEDs make it possible to design furniture with integrated lighting that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Mechanical and plant engineering
From the smallest units in switches and buttons to entire plant structures, light is required and can be used in a variety of ways.
Safety lighting and emergency lighting
Lighting simulation is used to plan and check the effectiveness of safety and emergency lighting systems in buildings and public spaces.
Household appliances
In the household appliances sector, light plays a key role in improving the user-friendliness and aesthetics of appliances. Modern refrigerators, ovens and microwaves, for example, use interior lighting to make it easier to see and monitor the cooking process. Similarly, washing machines and dishwashers use light signals to indicate the status of the appliance.
Our lighting simulation software
We rely on the leading software solutions Ansys Speos and LightTools for our lighting simulations. These programs are recognized as the industry standard in the field of lighting design and simulation.
We have been relying on Ansys Speos and LightTools for over a year now. This experience has already given us a deep understanding of how to use these lighting design software solutions in a very short space of time. Thanks to this expertise, we are able to deliver precise and reliable lighting design results that offer our customers decisive advantages in the design and optimization of their lighting concepts.
Our services in the field of light simulation
Optimization of the light guide geometry
In light simulation, we focus on uniform illumination, among other things, while neglecting dynamic changes in lighting conditions. This is particularly important when designing light guides for lighting and sensor applications.
- Optimization of light guide geometry: We design the shape and structure of light guides to ensure efficient light transmission and light distribution. This includes adaptation to specific lighting and sensor requirements.
- Material selection and analysis: The selection of suitable materials for light guides is crucial to achieving their desired goal. Examples of this could be achieving maximum efficiency or developing homogeneous illuminance for uniform illumination. Depending on the application, we analyze and select materials that are best suited for the respective application.
- Integration into lighting and sensor systems: The light guides are designed so that they can be seamlessly integrated into existing or newly developed lighting and sensor systems. This includes consideration of all relevant factors to ensure optimum functionality and efficiency.
DESIGN OF REFLECTORS WITH OR WITHOUT A FACETTED STRUCTURE
In the practice of light simulation, the layout and design of reflectors play a key role in achieving optimum light guidance and light distribution. We consider both reflectors with smooth surfaces and those with complex structures.
- Design of individual reflector profiles: The first step is to design individual reflector profiles that are specifically tailored to the needs of the lighting system in question. This includes designing the shape and surface structure of the reflector.
- Optimization of light reflection and scattering: A central component is the optimization of the reflective and scattering properties of the reflectors. This involves calculating exactly how the light is reflected and scattered in order to ensure uniform and targeted lighting, for example.
- Adaptation to different lighting sources: The reflectors are designed to be compatible with a variety of lighting sources, such as LEDs, ambient light, through to conventional light bulbs. Particular attention is paid to the efficiency and effectiveness of light utilization.
OPTIMIZATION OF BRIGHTNESS AND LIGHT DISTRIBUTION
A key service in lighting simulation is the optimization of brightness and light distribution. These processes are crucial to creating effective and pleasant lighting environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Analysis and adjustment of brightness: The first step is to analyze the current brightness and light distribution and adjust it according to the specific requirements of the room or application. Care is taken to ensure that the brightness is sufficient but not too intense.
- Uniform light distribution: A key component may involve ensuring uniform light distribution. This includes minimizing shadowing and avoiding glare to create a consistent and comfortable lighting environment.
- Tuning to specific usage scenarios: Optimization is specifically tailored to the relevant usage scenarios, whether in building components or machinery or public spaces.
CALCULATION OF ILLUMINANCE, LUMINANCE AND LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CURVE
A fundamental service in lighting simulation is the calculation of illuminance, luminance and light distribution curves. These quantitative analyses are essential to ensure and optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of lighting systems.
- Measurement and analysis of illuminance: The first step involves the precise measurement and analysis of illuminance, i.e. how much light hits a surface. This is crucial for ensuring sufficient and uniform lighting in different environments.
- Determining the luminance: We calculate luminance, which indicates how bright a light source or illuminated surface appears to the human eye. This measurement is particularly important for evaluating the visual quality and comfort of lighting scenarios.
Start your lighting simulation today
Do you have a project that could benefit from our lighting simulation expertise? Would you like to make informed, data-driven decisions and optimize your design and lighting concepts? Don’t hesitate any longer and step into the future of lighting design today!
ITB Ingenieurgesellschaft für technische Berechnungen mbH is ready to support you on this journey. Our dedicated team of specialists uses state-of-the-art technologies to successfully implement your lighting projects.
Contact us now for a no-obligation consultation. Together we will find out how we can best master your challenges and make the most of the possibilities of lighting simulation. Take the first step towards optimization and innovation – we look forward to working with you.
Frequently asked questions about light simulation
Light simulation is a computer-aided process that is used to model the behavior of light in a virtual environment. This includes the analysis of light distribution, shadow casting and reflection, taking into account basic photometric parameters: Luminous flux, luminous intensity, illuminance and luminance.
Lighting simulation can help to visualize lighting scenarios before they are implemented. This enables design optimization, energy efficiency and compliance with lighting standards without having to create physical prototypes.
There are various software solutions for lighting simulations on the market, including popular programs such as Ansys Speos and LightTools. The choice of software depends on the specific requirements of the project.
No, light simulation is relevant for both small and large projects. For example, it can be used in the product development of components, machines and in plant engineering.
The accuracy of a light simulation depends on several factors, including the quality of the data used and the complexity of the model. This means that very accurate predictions can be made, taking into account appropriate tolerance ranges.
Yes, modern lighting simulation tools make it possible to simulate both artificial lighting and daylight effects, which is crucial for planning energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting systems.
The duration of a lighting simulation depends on the complexity of the project. Simple simulations can be calculated within a few minutes, hours or days.
Yes, light simulation can be used to analyze the performance of existing lighting systems and identify areas for potential improvement.
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