In the world of building construction and facilities maintenance, the use of embedded lighting controls continues to grow as a sought-after solution for achieving design flexibility, simple space reconfiguration, and the ability to connect to building management systems.
According to a 2020 Connected Building Survey conducted by IDC, lighting controls is one of the top five connected building capabilities being deployed this year.
Major reasons for the growing popularity are key benefits, such as additional energy savings, lower installation costs, and multiple configuration options that can adapt to the needs of occupants to enable a space to be more effective, efficient and safe.
Through the integration of sensors, network devices and intelligent LED drivers, luminaires can often operate standalone, as a locally networked solution within four walls, or as a fully networked system with the ability to connect to building management systems (BMS).
The growing adoption of wireless technology offers the added ability to connect both indoor and outdoor lighting applications. A lighting control system that utilizes a Bluetooth® radio can also offer additional Internet of Things (IoT)-type features, such as real time location services or asset tracking to further enhance how building spaces are being used.
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How do you leverage this technology, whether for new construction projects or in older buildings that require renovation within existing established walls?
Here are two technology options for consideration:
1. nLight® is a networked lighting control system with wired and wireless options that is designed to “grow” with the building’s evolving needs. By creating a digitally connected network using nLight enabled LED luminaires and other nLight lighting control devices, indoor and outdoor spaces can be controlled seamlessly while helping to reduce energy usage and improving occupant comfort.
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2. eldoLED® LED drivers play an essential role in the transformation of lighting by setting standards for dimming, flicker and enabling quality of light. eldoLED’s digital driver technology makes it possible to seamlessly integrate control components that are fully embedded within the luminaire. These drivers, featuring two-way communications, are a reliable constant in the design of any solution and key to creating attractive, connected lighting.
Specifying and installing a lighting controls system with luminaire embedded controls and intelligent drivers can offer a tremendous ROI when factoring in both installation and energy savings. This is in addition to the simplified energy code compliance and enhanced occupant comfort.
A well-designed lighting controls system that can connect to building management systems will lead to more efficient and effective building operations and flexible configuration to address future needs.
About the Author:
Gilles Abrahamsen is vice president and general manager, Digital Luminaire Components, with Acuity Brands Lighting.
He oversees development of embedded controls, components and devices across the company’s various lighting and controls platforms.
Gilles was the former general manager of eldoLED, a world leader in the design and manufacture of intelligent drive solutions for LED-based lighting systems.
*This article is written and sponsored by Acuity Brands.
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