Natural light e LEDThese are two resources considered very economical for lighting purposes in industrial warehouses. However, choosing the best resources for each scenario still raises many doubts among industrial managers.
In most cases, the best option isintegrate these two sources oflighting. In this content, we will show you how you can do this in practice,combining visual comfort, energy efficiency and industrial sustainability.
How to choose the best option for warehouse lighting
A natural lightradiates a perfect combination of colors, however, the intensity and range of sunlight we receive are difficult to reproduce in an artificial environment. This form of lighting not only affects our routine throughout the day (and night). It also influences our level ofvitamin Dand contributes to our health by bringing several benefits.
This is because daylight inhibits the production of melatonin –the well-known “sleep hormone”– which influences us to become tired as the day gets dark. On the other hand, cortisol – a hormone that makes us alert and focused – is stimulated by lighting. Not surprisingly, these relationships are described in the regulatory standards that concern lighting in indoor environments.
In the case of people who are not exposed to satisfactory levels of sunlight during the workday (exposed only to artificial light), it works differently. Both substances are present in the body at the wrong times.
The consequences include problems such as tiredness, irregular sleep patterns, headaches and even depression.In this sense, thecombination of natural light and LEDIt is the most recommended to seek balance.
This combination of natural light and LED in warehouse lighting allows you to enjoy the benefits of both solutions. In other words, it ensureswell-being, mood and health for employees, with total electricity savings– in the case of natural lighting. Controlling the intensity of light according to the needs of each warehouse can be done using dimmable LEDs, favoring productivity in the factory.
Differences between natural and LED light for the shed
Artificial light is lighting transformed and generated from an energy source. And, although we don't stop to think about it too much, a large part of our daily tasks could be directly affected if we didn't have an alternative light source to natural light. In contrast, theartificial lightIt does not have a broad spectrum of colors or wavelengths like natural light and, therefore, is not as beneficial as natural light for our health.
Explaining this better,the spectrum of natural light is full and dynamic. A full spectrum means the light beam contains all the colors of the rainbow, while dynamic means the intensity and combination of these colors changes depending on the time of day.
We can illustrate these natural light cycles by thinking about variations that go from bright days with a high blue tone during the day, to softer lighting with a high red content at dusk.
The intense bright blue glow (during the morning and afternoon) encourages us to stay awake and alert, while the redder tone of light (common in the late afternoon) tells us that it is time to relax and prepare for bed.
It's forbalance these different scenariosthat combine natural light and LED in industrial warehouse lighting, where different shifts and work situations require specific levels of light.
LED technology is capable of replacing natural light
Although theDimmable LEDsallow you to adjust light levels according to the demands of the work environment, this technologynot able to replace natural light. In fact, the absence of natural lighting can cause serious damage to the health of employees, as we mentioned previously. It is, however, an important complement.
Artificial light can be used safely as long as the intensity and color/spectrum are appropriate for that particular time of day. This is precisely why technologies have been improving more and more, in an attempt toreproduce the color cycles and intensity of natural light.
With the support of these innovative technologies, it is possible to maintain a healthy corporate environment that encourages alertness. Thatbrings focus and concentration rather than drowsiness.
Optimal lighting can be obtained either byuse of the correct material in natural light systems, as well as the appropriate color temperature spectrum in artificial lighting systems. THEprismatic polycarbonate, for example, is one of the most suitable materials for the manufacture of natural lighting domes, as they guarantee the ideal luminous efficiency of the solution.
—> You still don’t know thepolycarbonate? So access our content and be surprised by the benefits of this material!
Regarding LED lamps, they are already widely known for having amuch longer useful life than conventional ones. Furthermore, they consume much less energy compared to incandescent lamps (sometimes even90%less). However, even though LED bulbs have a good range of light levels – including variations during the day – several studies show that natural light should be a priority.
This is because some stimuli are more evident throughnatural lighting, such as people's well-being and good mood, which is extremely important when it comes to ensuring health and productivity in the workplace.Therefore, we can say that there is no artificial light system that replaces natural light 100%.
The closest you can get to this is through LEDs with color temperatures varying between5200K – 6400K. It is also worth remembering that some types of LED lights have demonstrated positive impacts on people's mood and health. White daylight(>5,300K), for example, has a high blue content that can stimulate employee performance, hence its recurring use in factories and offices.
The downside is also the price, as the investment is considerably greater than in the case of conventional lamps. However, in terms of cost-benefit and return on investment, the balance is much more favorable to the use of LEDs, due to their very lowenergy consumption. Additionally, most LED lights do not contain ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Although excess radiation is harmful to health,It is still important to receive certain doses. In this context,natural lighting systems are once again highlighted, because they perfectly balance this aspect. This, of course, as long as they are manufactured with suitable materials, such as the prismatic polycarbonate mentioned above, which combines high luminous efficiency and protection against excess.
MB Group natural lighting solutions
Another undeniable advantage of natural lighting systems is that the solutions operate at zero energy costs. Therefore, combining natural light and LED is one of the most effective ways to achieveenergy efficiencyat the factory. THEMB Group, a reference in natural lighting and ventilation solutions for more than15 years, is aware of this scenario and knows that sustainability is an urgent issue in industries.
Therefore, the solutionsMB GroupThey are manufactured to ensure maximum system performance with the least possible environmental impacts, in addition to not consuming electrical energy. Youlinear domes, for example, are unbeatable for warehouse lighting. The polycarbonate cover enhances the benefits of the solution and justifies the investment, as the return is guaranteed.
—> To learn more about MB Group’s sustainable solutions, take advantage and see the results of these two works carried out with polycarbonate domes:Atacadão Itajaí eKock Supermarkets.
Lighting dome
Talking a little more about domuses, they are roof structures designed to encourage the strategic entry of natural light into the environment – that is, without directly affecting employees and equipment and without letting dangerous levels of radiation pass through.They can be installed on new or existing roofs.
In addition to being a high-performance solution, the finish is excellent, combining aesthetics, visual comfort and energy savings for the industry. Youdomus ofMB Groupare capable of effectively lighting a warehouse for up to eight working hours. Below, we summarize the advantages of the solution:
- Uniform lighting even on cloudy days;
- Thermal comfort and visual safety for carrying out the work;
- More health, well-being and disposition for employees;
- Reduction of electricity expenses;
- Ease of installation and excellent aesthetic finish.
MB Smart
O MB Groupit also has a specific solution that allows you to combine natural light and LED with the best possible cost-benefit. This is theMB Smart, an intelligent center that automatically manages lighting in all industrial sectors, integrating domes and dimmable LEDs.
It works as follows: as natural light falls through the domus, the intelligent system makes theLED dimmingto maintain light levels appropriate to the moment. Thus, in addition to not wasting electricity, it is possible to guarantee maximum health in warehouse lighting.
—> To better understand how MB Smart works, access other of our content and see the6 things you need to know about this solution!
Because it is asmart solution, access to the center is remote, which brings even more practicality to the manager in managing the system. It is also important to highlight thatMB Smart is a beta solution, that is, it is always improving to meet increasingly specific demands of the industrial segment.
Therefore, if you want to combine energy efficiency, high performance and sustainability in the industry, you already know which resources to invest in for warehouse lighting!
Did you like the idea? ThenTake the opportunity to get to know MB Smart betterand take your industry to a more modern and sustainable level with smart lighting!
