Parking on the ‘GREEN’ Level A Quarterly Showcase of Innovation for the Parking Industry


Technology: Remote Control Lighting and Lighting Control Strategies BY STEVE LITTLE


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HIS ISSUE’S TECHNOL- ogy feature focuses on new and innovative lighting con- trol opportunities in parking garages. Until fairly recently,


lighting such a structure was more of an afterthought or a “Let’s just do what we always do” kind of thing.


While plenty of engineering is involved in prop-


erly designing and laying out an effective lighting sys- tem, the technology and often placement of fixtures make for an easily repeatable process. As technologies advance,more andmore consid-


erations come into playwhen lighting a parking struc- ture.Today, once you establish the best technology for your needs, it doesn’t stop there. Next, itmight be a good idea to addmore control


to your lighting strategy. For instance, the low hang- ing fruit to add to your energy savings is to turn off perimeter lighting in daytime operation. Doing so can save 50% more energy on days


when the ambient lighting levels are adequate for illu- minating the perimeter of the garage without operat- ing the lighting fixtures. This would be a simple task as long as the garagewas pre-wired to do so, butmost garages were not when they were constructed, and adding additional wiringmay be cost prohibitive. Today, it’s possible to turn perimeter fixtures on and off


without adding wiring by installing an intelligent wireless con- trol system. Additional benefits of such a system is the ability to use


motion sensors to energize (or turn on) idle lamps. By shutting down individual fixtures or by patterning large groups of them in a predetermined yet dynamic arrangement, the benefits can be overwhelming. The most talked-about benefit of wireless controls is, of


course, Energy Savings. For a garage that today remains fully lighted 24 hours a day but the parking levels are somewhat inac- tive at night, adding wireless lighting controls can save more money by turning off some or all of the lights at night and “ener- gizing” themonmotion. In addition, the Security and Safety benefits of wireless


controls are significant.As the garage lights turn on upon sens- ing motion, those intent on causing trouble will likely flee the parking deck, fearing that their cover has been exposed. Also, sequences are available that, when implemented,


would allow the police to be notified of a “trouble brewing” situ- ation on the parking deck,whichmay help avert the crime before it is able to be committed. Another big benefit of wireless lighting controls is Service.


38 SEPTEMBER 2010 • PARKING TODAY • www.parkingtoday.com


For example, if a lamp or ballast were to fail, an electronic work order could be generated for the building operator on his arrival at the parking structure the nextmorning. Such an EnergyManagement System (EMS) was recently


installed in the Plaza Park garage in Indianapolis. This property, owned byDenison Parking, has been featured in various publica- tions and is gaining national attention. Its Energy Savings are expected to be in the 60% range vs.


the original metal halide lights, and before the EMS perimeter lighting control. (For more information on the system discussed above, con- tact ECO Parking Lights at www.ecoparkinglights.com.)


Steve Little, President of Level Solutions, can be reached at srlittle@level-solutions.com. Note: The next installment of “Parking on the ‘GREEN’


Level” will feature Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technol- ogy for heating and cooling common spaces of parking garages. Learn how it is taking over traditional HVAC systems in NorthAmerica.


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