How do smart lighting solutions differ from traditional lighting systems?
Today, traditional lighting systems have been replaced by technologically advanced smart lighting solutions that are gradually changing the way we think about building control codes.
There have been some changes in the lighting industry in recent years, and while some changes have occurred quietly and not necessarily causing a lot of buzz outside the built environment, developments such as automatic lighting controls and the advent of automated lighting have become a reality. LED technology has gone mainstream, dramatically changing the lighting market.
The emergence of smart lighting fully integrated into building operating systems has demonstrated the potential for further positive change – a technology that combines multiple elements to provide a one-stop solution that is virtually out of reach of traditional lighting.
way of integration
Traditionally classified as an isolated stand-alone system, lighting has evolved and requires a more flexible and integrated approach using open protocols to facilitate communication with other devices. In the past, most manufacturers designed and released closed systems that only communicated with their own products and systems. Thankfully, this trend appears to have reversed, and open protocols have become the norm, leading to improvements in cost, efficiency, and experience for end users.
Integrative thinking begins at the specification stage – traditionally, mechanical and electrical specifications are considered separately, and a true smart building blurs the lines between these two elements, forcing a “catch-all” approach. When viewed as a whole, a fully integrated lighting system can do much more, allowing end users to take full control of their building assets by controlling other elements using lighting PIR sensors.
sensor
PIR sensors may be associated with lighting controls and security, but these same sensors can be used to control heating, cooling, access, shutters, and more, feeding back information about temperature, humidity, CO2 and tracking movement to help determine occupancy levels.
Once end users are linked to the building's operating system via BACnet or a similar communication protocol, smart dashboards can be used to provide them with the information they need to reduce exorbitant costs associated with wasted energy. Cost-effective and forward-looking, these versatile sensors are easy to configure and can be added as the business expands or the layout changes. Data is key to unlocking some of the latest cutting-edge smart building applications, and sensors play an integral role in making modern room reservation systems, wayfinding programs and other high-end "smart" applications work as intended.
PoE
Some of the most efficient open protocol systems use Power over Ethernet or PoE based lighting control to maximize cost and save time. PoE may not be suitable for every project, but it does offer many distinct advantages over traditional lighting configurations.
Simply put, PoE uses wired Ethernet to transfer power and data over a single cable (usually Category 5e), and in the case of lighting, this means eliminating AC-to-DC power conversion, improving overall efficiency. Due to its ultra-low voltage and plug-and-play nature, PoE installation and maintenance costs are generally lower than traditional systems because skilled labor is not required. As PoE reduces the need for copper power cabling, large distribution panels and extensive vertical infrastructure in ceiling voids, material cost reductions should also be considered. Add all these elements together, and end users may expect to save 25% to 30% over conventional lighting systems, reducing the average wattage per floor and potentially increasing the building's BREEAM rating.
Emergency lighting
Testing emergency lighting on a monthly basis can be a laborious process, especially in large commercial buildings. While we all recognize its importance in keeping occupants safe, the process of manually checking individual luminaires after activation is time-consuming and resource-intensive.
When a smart lighting system is installed, emergency testing becomes fully automated, eliminating the hassle of manual inspections and reducing the risk of error. Individual lighting devices can report their own status as well as light output levels, and can do so continuously so that faults can be located and resolved immediately after they occur, rather than having to wait for the fault to occur in the next scheduled test.
Carbon dioxide monitoring
As mentioned above, CO2 sensors can be integrated into lighting sensors to help building operating systems keep levels below certain setpoints and ultimately improve air quality by introducing fresh air into indoor spaces when necessary.
The European Federation of Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Associations (REHVA for short) has been working to draw attention to the negative effects of poor air quality and has published papers suggesting that asthma, heart disease, poor air quality in buildings Exacerbating allergies and many minor health problems. Although more research is needed, current evidence seems to suggest that, at the very least, poor indoor air quality reduces work-learning productivity in the workplace as well as in schools and students.
productivity
Similar studies on employee productivity have shown that lighting design and smart lighting systems can also improve the health of building personnel, improve energy levels, increase alertness and increase overall productivity. Integrated smart lighting systems can be used to better mimic natural light and help maintain our natural circadian rhythm. This is often referred to as human-centred lighting (HCL) and places building occupants at the heart of lighting design to ensure workplaces are as visually stimulating to people as possible.
With more focus on employee well-being and productivity, lighting systems that are fully synchronized with other building services and can communicate with existing equipment are an attractive long-term proposition for building owners and operators.
Next-Generation Smart Lighting
The transition to an increasingly integrated built environment is well underway as consultants, specifiers and end users realize the benefits of adopting a more comprehensive approach to electrical and mechanical codes. Smart lighting systems integrated into a building's operating system not only provide unparalleled flexibility and efficiency compared to traditional systems, but can also bring together numerous devices to provide a high level of visibility and control.
User-configurable smart sensors mean that lighting systems can now provide virtually all building services through a building operating system, saving costs and providing the highest level of sophistication in a single package. Smarter lighting is not just about LEDs and basic controls, it demands more from our lighting systems and unlocks the potential of smart integration.
