Automated tools for the design of freeform illumination optics have enabled a new class of high-quality, high-efficiency luminaires for general lighting; however, these tools are isolated to specialized software for the highly trained illumination engineer. There is a strong case to be made for an easy-to-use tool that can, for any given application space and lighting requirement, provide the ideal locations of luminaires as well as design the optics, electronics, and fixturing for each of those luminaires. If such a tool was available, there would potentially be fewer energy-impacting tradeoffs made when using off-the-shelf luminaires. This paper explores the work completed to date for a U.S. Department of Energy project that hopes to reduce overall energy impact of lighting by creating custom luminaires using additive manufacturing processes. The steps taken toward an automated luminaire layout and optical design software solution will be discussed.
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