To simplify the integration of lighting into the hardware and software infrastructure of digitalized buildings, lighting specialist Trilux has invested in the IT expert wtec, a specialist in building automation and IT infrastructure.
wtec's innovative smartengine brand technology enables the complete lighting network to be implemented via data cabling, and seamlessly integrates into the building management system – "making complex building infrastructures a thing of the past" and laying the foundation for "individual, human-centric smart lighting that combines maximum efficiency with user orientation," as contended by the firm.
The partners note that the progressive digitalization and networking of all services in a building offers enormous advantages, especially through precise communication and coordination.
The spectrum of capabilities ranges from lighting and shading to the automated preparation of a meeting room (light, temperature, and media) as soon as it is booked in the IT system. However, historically most of these services have acted independently, and had to be integrated into a higher-level building control system at great expense.
With an investment of 25.1% in wtec, a subsidiary of the largest German real estate developer Zech, Trilux notes it further expands its competence in IT infrastructure and building automation, strengthening its position as a holistic room and building solutions provider. With the smartengine technology, the company now offers a solution that allows lighting to be implemented via data cabling.
As noted by the partners, the classic RJ-45 data cable handles both the power supply to the luminaries via the network and the data communication via IP. Corresponding solutions reduce the hardware installation effort enormously and can be integrated and controlled in the building management system without complex adaptations. In addition, the companies say the installation of smartengine technology significantly improves the ecological footprint and the CO2 balance of a building.
"The lighting network acts as a flexible technology carrier that is responsible for communication and control of the other trades, thus becoming the backbone of digitalisation," explains Joachim Geiger, CSO at Trilux. He added, "Futureproof lighting provides high-quality and efficient light - and at the same time makes the room and building smart. The Trilux lighting portfolio is already fit for the digital future thanks to [its] 'Smart Lighting Ready' [capability], and can also be implemented quickly and easily as an IP and PoE-based solution."
A Trilux statement adds:
Implementing the lighting via the data cable offers a clever alternative to the classic method, requiring five-core cabling - three phases for power supply and two for DALI control. For example, the luminaires themselves no longer need any ballasts; installation is simply done by latching the RJ-45 cable into the central data cabling.
In addition, the luminaires all communicate via the IP protocol and can thus be integrated directly into the building beyond lighting management system without interface adaptations.
Particularly in newly planned office buildings, the digitalization and automation of the services play a central role. By integrating IoT system modules, lighting will increasingly take on tasks in the future, which go beyond the classic lighting tasks.
"The IP conversion or secure internet use of building data is the logical and necessary step towards more customer benefits. We are pleased that with Trilux as a technology leader we have a strong partner at our side for our growth and our path to a technological standard," concludes Dr. Frank Schmitt, Managing Director at wtec and General Manager, Smart Buildings at the Zech Group. "The fact that the technology concept as well as the cooperation works perfectly has already been impressively demonstrated by wtec and Trilux - among others with the Handwerkerhaus in Bremen, a four-storey timber hybrid building that was erected in the record time of only 10 days."
The Trilux Group operates six production sites in Europe and Asia and serves international customers through 30 subsidiaries and numerous sales partners. The company's Lighting Division includes the brands Trilux SIMPLIFY YOUR LIGHT, Oktalite and Zalux. For more information, visit www.trilux.com.
