Zonal Cavity Method

By Ljun Virtudazo BSCE 3

 Zonal Cavity Method
The zonal cavity method is the currently accepted method for
calculating average illuminance levels for indoor areas unless the
light distribution is extremely asymmetric. The basic principle behind
this method is that foot-candles at the work plane are equal to flux
over the work plane.
 Methods of Calculating
Illuminance
Determine cavity ratio Select coefficient of
01 03
(CR) utilization

Determine effective Compute average

02 04
cavity reflectances illuminance level
 Methods of Calculating Illuminance
In these computations:
The area (A) is the area of the space to be
illuminated.

The illuminance (E) is the desired target illuminance or

illumination at the work plane
 Lumen output (LM)
It is generally based on the number of lumens initially output by each
lamp. However, lumen output of a lamp decreases over its life because of
decrease in lamp output as the lamp ages (referred to as lamp lumen
deprecia- tion) and because the collection of dirt and dust on the lumi-
naire (referred to as luminaire surface depreciation).
 The light loss factor (LLF)
It is the product of all consid- ered factors that contribute to a lighting
installation’s reduced light output over a period of time. It takes into account
dirt ac- cumulation on luminaires and room surfaces, lamp deprecia- tion,
maintenance procedures, and atmosphere conditions. In a lighting installation,
the LLF accounts for the reduction of light output while in service. It allows for
acceptable operation at less than initial conditions.
 The number of lamps in
luminaire (n)
It is the quantity of lamps found in the specified or existing
luminaire. The number of luminaires (#) is the minimum required
or the given number of luminaires in the space.
 The coefficient of
utilization (CU)
It is the ratio of the amount of light (lumens) illuminating the work
plane to the output of the lamp(s) in a fixture. It is generally found in
technical literature available through the light fixture manufacturer,
 The coefficient of
utilization (CU)
It is the ratio of the amount of light (lumens) illuminating the work
plane to the output of the lamp(s) in a fixture. It is generally found in
technical literature available through the light fixture manufacturer,
 Important terms to know:

• A room is made up of three spaces called cavities .

• The space between the luminaires and the work plane is referred to as the room
cavity.
• The space between the work plane and the floor is called the floor cavity.
• The space between the ceiling and the luminaires (if they are suspended) is
defined as the ceiling cavity.
 Reflectance
Reflectance (ρ) is the ratio of reflected light versus the light striking the
surface (illuminance).
The reflectance of the ceiling cavity is the average re- flectance of the surfaces
above the luminaire plane.
The reflectance of the floor cavity is the average reflectance of the surfaces below
the work plane.

The reflectance of wall surfaces is for the wall between the plane of the
luminaires and the work plane.
 Cavity Ratio (CR)
The cavity ratio (CR) is a number indicating cavity proportions from length,
width, and height.

or
WHERE:
MH: distance between the plane of the luminaires and reference work plane, in
inches, feet, or meters.

W: width of the space, in feet or meters

L: length of the space, in feet or meters

P: perimeter of space, in feet or meters

A: area of the space to be illuminated, in square feet
or square meters
 EXAMPLE
A 30 ft by 40 ft classroom with 9-ft high ceilings will have an
ambient lighting target illuminance of 60 fc at a work plane that
is 30 in above the floor. The walls and ceiling will be off- white
in color such that the anticipated ceiling cavity reflectance is
0.80 and the average wall reflectance with artwork is about 0.50.
The space will be illuminated with surface-mounted, prismatic
wrap around luminaires with four fluorescent lamps as shown in
Figure 20.16. The initial output of the lamps is 2850 lm. The
LLF will be assumed to be 0.65. Determine the number of
luminaires required to provide uniform illumination in the space.
Thank
you!
By Ljun Virtudazo BSCE 3