Tunable white – what is it?

“Tunable white” is a technology that allows you to change the temperature of white light as needed. This system provides the flexibility to change the light shade from warm to cool white and the entire light spectrum in between.

Variation of natural light during the day

The natural temperature of light varies throughout the day depending on the time of day and the position of the sun in the sky, creating different shades and intensities of light. This diurnal variation is an important factor affecting the human circadian rhythm[1], productivity and general emotional well-being.

At dawn (before sunrise), the sun’s rays penetrate the atmosphere at a very low angle, so the light has more warm shades (orange, pink). The light temperature is around 2000K-3000K, giving a warm and soft light. In the morning (after sunrise) the sun rises higher, the light becomes brighter and neutral. The light temperature increases to about 3000K-4000K. At noon, the sun is highest in the sky, the light is brightest and coldest. The light temperature can reach 5000K-6500K, providing a very clear and cool white light. In the afternoon, the sun begins to set, the light becomes softer and warmer. The light temperature gradually decreases, returning to around 4000K-5000K. In the evening, the sun sets even lower, the shades of light become even warmer. The light temperature drops to 2000K-3000K, similar to dawn. After sunset (in the evening and during the night), natural light disappears, and the light temperature can only depend on artificial lighting sources.

The “Tunable white” light regulation system allows these changes in natural light to be simulated indoors.

Tunable white system and its advantages

The “Tunable white” system can simulate the natural light cycle indoors, giving the possibility to change the temperature and intensity of the white light according to the time of day. In the morning, the light temperature can be set cooler, helping people wake up and prepare for the day’s activities. During the day, the light can be adjusted to maintain a high level of energy, concentration and vigor, and in the evening to switch to a warmer light that promotes a state of peace and comfort.

Compared to conventional lighting, the “Tunable white” system has several advantages. Firstly, it allows better control of lighting, adapting it to individual needs and the time of day, thus improving the quality of life, rest and work. The ability to individually adjust the color and intensity of the light allows each user to create an optimal work or rest environment for himself. Second, it can help reduce eye strain and fatigue, especially when reading or using the computer, as the light can be adjusted to be as close to natural daylight as possible. Third, this system can help maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality and overall well-being. Finally, “Tunable white” technology is more efficient than traditional lighting, as LED technology is used, providing long-term benefits and lower operating costs.

Other practical and aesthetic advantages of the “Tunable white” system can be distinguished:

• Ambiance creation: the ability to change the warmth of the light allows you to create the desired atmosphere for different occasions, such as warmer light for parties or cooler light for work activities: creating energizing light in the morning and calmer light in the afternoon, adapting to the nature of work and the needs of employees.
• Boosting productivity: Brighter, cooler light during the day can increase energy and concentration, which is especially important in workplaces and learning environments.
• Reducing stress and fatigue: the right light can have a positive effect on mood, reduce stress and improve general well-being. Reducing the light intensity and switching to warmer colors can reduce eye fatigue and psychological stress, especially during long working hours.
• Flexibility and control: The ability to easily and quickly change light settings provides great flexibility and convenience for the user. The Tunable White system offers simple control methods, such as remote control or apps, which allow you to easily change the light settings.
• Estetika: galimybė keisti šviesos spalvą leidžia derinti apšvietimą prie interjero dizaino ir esančių spalvų, suteikiant patalpoms norimą išvaizdą ir jaukumą.

Thanks to all these advantages, the Tunable White system is highly valued in various environments: from homes to offices, schools and healthcare facilities. This system is especially effective in modern, flexible workplaces where it is important to create a stimulating and healthy environment for employees. It contributes to better employee well-being and can have a positive effect on overall productivity or health.

“Tunable white” system operation and areas of use

In Lithuanian, the “Tunable white” system can be called “variable white color” or “adjustable white color” system. This reflects the main feature of the system – the ability to change and adjust the color temperature of the light from warm to cool white.

How it works:

Two types of LED: Tunable white lights usually use two LED elements with different color temperatures – one that emits warm white light (approximately 2700K-3000K) and another that emits cool white light (approximately 5000K-6500K).

Control: Using a controller, the user can adjust the brightness and ratio of these two types of LEDs, thus changing the overall color temperature of the light. For example, increasing the brightness of warm LEDs and decreasing the brightness of cold LEDs makes the light warmer.

Application:

The system allows the user to adapt the light to specific activities, time of day or desired atmosphere. For example, an energetic cool white light can be chosen in the morning and a relaxing warm white light in the evening. “Tunable white” technology provides great flexibility in light control, so it is valuable in both practical and aesthetic aspects. This system is particularly useful where dynamic lighting is required, adapted to different needs and circumstances.

Areas of use:

• Public area lighting: can be used to promote productivity and concentration during the day and reduce stress levels in the evening.ešojo naudojimo patalpų apšvietimas: gali būti naudojama dienos metu skatinant produktyvumą ir koncentraciją, o vakare mažinant streso lygį.

• Sveikatos priežiūra: naudojama pacientų palatose ir kitose sveikatos priežiūros įstaigose, kad būtų sukurtas palankesnis gydymo aplinkos klimatas.

• Health Care: Used in patient wards and other health care facilities to create a more favorable treatment environment.

• Retail and exhibition spaces: help create the right mood and highlight products or displays.
The “Tunable white” system is an excellent choice for both home and work environments, where you want to create healthy and productive lighting.

[1] The circadian rhythm, also known as the biological or internal clock, is a natural process that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other physiological functions in the human body over a roughly 24-hour period. This rhythm is important in the life cycle of all living organisms, including humans.