Sports Court Lighting Installation: Factors That Installers Need To Consider
Directory:
1. Factors to Consider in Sports court Lighting Fixture Installation
1.1 Illuminance Calculation
1.2 Selection of Lighting Indicators
2. Important considerations for installing lighting systems in stadiums
2.1 Light Distribution Curve of Lighting Fixtures
2.2 Installation Requirements for Light Poles and Pathways
2.3 Sports Court Lighting Arrangement Techniques
2.4 Components of the Sports Court Lighting System
As a key location for international and regional events, the lighting systems in stadiums significantly influence both the audience's experience and the performance of athletes. This article examines the essential factors to consider when installing sports court lighting fixtures and high lights the critical aspects of the installation process, aiming to offer theoretical guidance for such installations.
1. Factors to Consider in Sports court Lighting Fixture Installation
1.1 Illuminance Calculation
Illuminance is defined as the amount of visible light energy received per unit area. For venues classified as level III and above, the lighting design must ensure that the horizontal plane 1.5 meters above the ground meets the vertical illumination standards outlined in the "Standard." This "Standard" specifies illumination values for various sports events, and installers must calculate the illumination for different fixtures using appropriate methods. Currently, there are two primary methods for calculating illumination: the physical model method, which employs point illumination, and the use of lighting software.
1.2 Selection of Lighting Indicators
(1) Horizontal illumination refers to the light received at a point on a horizontal plane, typically measured at 1 meter above the ground. This type of illumination greatly affects the visibility of the illuminated object; higher horizontal illumination results in greater reflected brightness.
(2) Vertical illumination pertains to the light received at a point on a vertical plane, usually measured at 1.5 meters above the ground, which aligns with the height of an athlete's face. Increased vertical illumination enhances the three-dimensional appearance of the illuminated object. Adequate vertical illumination allows the audience, referees, and cameramen to clearly observe athletes' movements and facial expressions, contributing to a better visual experience. In venues equipped for television broadcasts, vertical illumination requirements are particularly important for the main and auxiliary cameras. The vertical illumination standard for the main camera, which is typically positioned high and centrally in the venue, is higher than that for the auxiliary camera, which is located at the venue's edge and focuses on capturing athlete movements and key moments. During the design of lighting fixtures, installers must take into account the vertical illumination needs for both the main and auxiliary cameras.
(3) Illumination uniformity refers to the consistency of lighting across a space. U1 measures the ratio of the minimum to maximum illumination, while U2 measures the ratio of minimum illumination to average illumination. This uniformity not only indicates variations in brightness and light distribution but also reflects the overall quality of the lighting. Designers should prioritize uniform illumination in their lighting designs to comply with established standards.
(4) General color rendering index and special color rendering index pertain to how well a light source can render colors of objects, known as color rendering. The color rendering index serves as a metric for assessing the color quality of a light source. The average color rendering index for the first eight samples is termed the general color rendering index, while R9 specifically measures the color rendering for the ninth standard color sample. Utilizing lighting with a high color rendering index can enhance athletes' spatial awareness of their surroundings, helping them perform optimally.
(5) Color temperature describes the hue of light emitted by a heated black body, which corresponds to the light produced by a specific light source. The temperature at which the black body is heated is referred to as the color temperature. A lower color temperature yields warmer tones, whereas a higher color temperature results in cooler tones.
(6) Glare index assesses the discomfort caused by uneven brightness, intense light, and high contrast in lighting, which can hinder people's ability to see fine details. This index helps evaluate the visual discomfort that lighting in sports venues may cause. A higher glare index indicates more severe glare.
2. Important considerations for installing lighting systems in stadiums
2.1 Light Distribution Curve of Lighting Fixtures
The primary role of lighting fixtures is to secure and protect light sources while managing their light output to prevent harsh glare and create a pleasant lighting atmosphere. The light intensity distribution in all directions around the light source is referred to as the light distribution curve. Once a lighting fixture is installed, the original light intensity distribution of the source will be altered. Based on the characteristics of the light distribution curve, indoor lighting can be categorized into various types, including direct, semi-direct, diffuse, semi-indirect, and indirect lighting. The beam angle significantly impacts both the light intensity and the size of the light spot, thereby influencing the overall lighting effect. A smaller beam angle results in a concentrated light intensity with a limited radiation radius and a stark contrast with the illuminated surface, while a larger beam angle leads to a reduced central light intensity. Additionally, smaller and softer light spots are easier for people to perceive.
2.2 Installation Requirements for Light Poles and Pathways
(1) Light Pole Installation Requirements
In stadiums utilizing a four-tower or light strip lighting configuration, designers should use light poles to support the lamps. Installers must adhere strictly to relevant installation guidelines when setting up these poles. The number of edges on the pole's cross-section must meet aerodynamic performance standards, typically taking the shape of a regular icosagon. During installation, a ladder or electric lift may be required for maintenance access. If a ladder is used, a rest platform should be installed every 10 meters; if an electric lift is employed, a drive disc and a flexible stainless steel wire rope should be installed at the top of the pole to ensure smooth and stable operation. Additionally, a red obstruction light must be placed at the top of the light pole to comply with civil aviation regulations. In special locations, this red light may need to be replaced with a strobe or solar obstruction light. It is essential that the light poles possess adequate strength and are designed for a service life of at least 25 years.
(2) Installation Requirements for Horse Tracks
Horse tracks serve as pathways for cable installation, equipment setup, or for installers to navigate, providing ample working space. During the planning phase, installers must adhere to relevant regulations and establish the number, direction, height, and placement of the horse track in line with the planning and lighting design of indoor sports facilities. This ensures that the horse track integrates well with the building's aesthetics and emphasizes the unique features of the sports venue. When installing the horse track, it is crucial for installers to choose a logical installation site and ensure it aligns with the architectural style and structure. Additionally, care should be taken to prevent any obstruction of lighting by decorative materials, installation components, or pipelines.
2.3 Sports Court Lighting Arrangement Techniques
In arranging lighting fixtures for the sports venue, installers must take into account the venue's structure, the nature of the sporting event, and the actual conditions present, in order to create the optimal lighting environment for the event and meet the needs of referees, athletes, on-site spectators, and television viewers. The lighting layout for indoor sport courts typically includes top layout, two-side layout, mixed layout, and four-corner layout. The two-side and mixed layout methods are particularly suited for venues that emphasize artistic appeal.
2.4 Components of the Sports Court Lighting System
The sports court lighting system consists of a power distribution system, a power supply system, an intelligent lighting control system, an intelligent fire emergency lighting system, and an evacuation indication system. Installers must have a comprehensive understanding of the sports court lighting system's components and ensure proper installation to create a safe and reliable lighting environment for sporting activities.
(1) Power Distribution System
Given that venue lighting and refrigeration systems require significant power, the stadium's distribution system should be located near the lighting control room and freezer. Dry-type transformers are commonly used in the power distribution systems of sports venues. Most large power equipment needed for sports events relies on independent transformers for power supply. When there are no competitions, venue staff can turn off the transformer to minimize power consumption and reduce costs. Variations in power supply voltage can lead to gas discharge, resulting in current fluctuations that may shorten the lifespan of the lamps. Therefore, it is essential for installers to incorporate on-load tap-changing transformers in stadiums to ensure proper lamp operation during voltage fluctuations.
(2) Power Supply System
The power supply system consists of three types: radial, trunk, and hybrid. A radial power supply delivers electricity in a radial pattern to a specific area or user. In the event of a circuit failure or maintenance, personnel can isolate the affected circuit without disrupting others. However, this method requires more switches and lines, resulting in higher costs. The trunk power supply, on the other hand, involves a single line from a substation or distribution box that supplies power to multiple distribution boards or loads simultaneously. While this approach is more cost-effective, it carries a greater risk of failure. The hybrid power supply combines elements of both radial and trunk systems. The choice of power supply method should be based on the specific characteristics of the power load.
(3) Intelligent Lighting Control System
In stadiums, traditional lighting control typically involves connecting a control switch to the load circuit, requiring manual operation to turn lights on or off sequentially. This method often leads to prolonged light usage due to the extensive manual intervention needed. Additionally, the complexity of the circuits, difficulty in control, inconvenient switch operation, high equipment power consumption, and inability to effectively manage voltage surges can shorten the lifespan of the lights and fail to meet the operational needs of sports venues. An intelligent lighting control system can automatically adjust lighting based on the type of sports events, their levels, and the number of attendees, facilitating smart switching and creating a more comfortable and convenient lighting environment.
(4) Intelligent Fire Emergency Lighting and Evacuation Indication System
Traditional emergency lighting and evacuation indicators primarily serve to provide illumination during a fire, aiding in evacuation and assisting firefighters. However, their high energy consumption and maintenance requirements have rendered them inadequate for the fire safety needs of sports venues. The intelligent fire emergency lighting and evacuation indication system offers centralized monitoring of emergency lights and critical equipment, integrating with the fire alarm system. Upon receiving a fire alarm, the controller assesses the evacuation routes to identify the most efficient paths for quick and safe evacuation. The system then activates emergency lighting according to the evacuation plan, enabling strobe functions and automatically directing indicator lights toward safe areas.
Large stadiums serve as important city landmarks, enhancing the city's reputation and fostering the growth of urban sports. The effective functioning of these stadiums relies heavily on proper lighting, as the quality and method of lamp installation significantly influence the overall lighting performance. Installers need to thoroughly understand the key aspects of stadium lamp installation to enhance the overall quality, thereby creating an optimal lighting environment for sporting events.