LIGHTING
the building automation system switching-in backup power as required. These smart luminaires can also be grouped together so that banks of units can be controlled to the same parameters. A pre-set level of lighting can be maintained across the whole area if required.
Systems like the new Goodlight architectural lighting range of modular LED luminaires can be attached to intelligent controls that learn how the areas in an office are used, and adjust the lights accordingly.
In the smart building, control of lighting now goes hand-in-hand with some level of monitoring, to deliver the necessary energy saving benefits. Major energy users are - or will be - finding ways to monitor their usage not only to reveal patterns to help reduce consumption, but also to have a better understanding of how their buildings are being used, which can help to identify all sorts of user- related efficiencies.
Measuring return on investment is not a simple calculation. Estimating the ROI of a future installation project is especially challenging, because every building is individual. Potential adopters should look first at the returns enjoyed by organisations that have already made the switch to LED technology. Evaluation of Goodlight retrofit LED lamps and luminaires has demonstrated energy savings
up to 85%. In addition to this, maintenance savings of up to 100% can be made, and typical return on investment calculations show full payback within three years. To refine their estimates, new installers will typically calibrate their early estimates with real data from a pilot installation.
“WHY TURN THE LIGHTS OUT AT 7PM, JUST
BECAUSE IT’S ASSUMED THAT EVERYONE
HAS GONE HOME BY THAT TIME?”
Naturally, there is some resistance to adopting this relatively new technology. In the past, lighting controls have been standalone systems, which are deemed to be quite expensive, delivering payback over decades. Conventional wisdom is that such an approach is more pertinent for fancy new builds than retrofits into existing buildings.
But integrating the control system within the light itself dramatically changes this model. Smart LED lamps are already relatively inexpensive, making automated lighting highly accessible. In the future, as integrated smart changes from an added extra for a lamp, to a standard feature, energy efficient lighting will become even more
attractive. Benefits will apply not only to cost-conscious landlords, owner occupiers and facilities managers but also to users, who ultimately will gain control of the lighting in their surroundings.
Such appeal should be viewed through the prism of external regulation. Whilst lighting itself is not governed by any specific regulatory framework, here it is possible that legislation will emerge mandating smart lighting. One area of concern – and a possible subject of regulation - is the issue of security. In connected buildings, security is only as strong as its weakest link. This is particularly true if lighting automation relies on connectivity, such as to the Internet of Things. Consider, for example, a smart building in which a security breach allows hackers to turn lights on or off: on to highlight a target for physical attack; off to provide dark cover for intruders. Worse, poor security in a lighting installation could provide entry points into other systems, such as power utilities or customer records.
Despite these gloomy prognostications, the overriding advantages of connectivity and intelligence will continue to drive down the cost of intelligent lighting, with benefits right across the building automation sector.
www.goodlight.co.uk
www.tomorrowsfm.com
TOMORROW’S FM | 35
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