FEATURE LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS
Saving energy with lighting controls is easier than you may think A
ny lighting engineer will tell you that the most efficient light fixture is one that is not
in use. That is where the next revolution begins: lighting controls. Controls vary from simple standalone on/off switches to networked, building-wide systems. The rise of LEDs, which are essentially electronic chips, has spurred on the growth of digital controls, because LEDs require control to be properly managed, and they enable more sophisticated control of light than ever before. In fact, the market for lighting controls is forecast to grow more than 10 per cent a year over the next five years. Controls represent a huge opportunity for contractors to increase the scale and value of projects, and to achieve a better outcome for everyone. However, though introducing lighting controls is easier than ever, it is an opportunity that is often missed. The good news is that convincing customers to invest in lighting controls is easier, and the potential rewards bigger, than you may expect.
EASIER TO SAVE ENERGY Drive through any city at night and you will see empty buildings with lights on. Energy – and therefore money – is being wasted all around us, despite the technology that can prevent this being readily available. Thousands of homeowners and building operators are already making savings from switching to LED. On top of these savings, they can also achieve substantial reductions in energy use with controls. Switching or dimming lights in response to presence detection and daylight levels, for instance, can save between 20 per cent and 60 per cent of lighting energy. But before we get to dimming, it is worth
asking whether the light level from installed fittings is correct in the first place. Many retrofit projects aim to match existing light levels – but this is not always necessary. Most offices are actually overlit. LED upgrades can end up perpetuating this. Controls can fix this by automatically trimming-off the top end of the dimming range, creating a better environment and reducing energy use for lighting by 10-30 per cent. This can save the customer money over time for by preventing the unnecessary use of
The LED revolution in lighting is old news. Another revolution is on the horizon, and it is potentially even bigger. Tony Biggs, senior manager, Lutron Electronics
electricity. This is an opportunity that many users would not be aware of, and an easy way for contractors to add value.
EASIER TO INSTALL In many cases, the cost and disruption of installing controls is a major hurdle for customers. However, many lighting control systems are now wireless and require no – or very little – new cabling. Lutron’s Energi TriPak system, for example, uses wireless RF modules that attach to luminaires and communicate wirelessly. A variety of wireless controllers are available too, which can be placed almost anywhere. For electrical contractors,
The cost and disruption of installing controls is a
EASIER TO MAKE CHANGES LATER Controls are all about flexibility. If a client’s needs change, controls mean the lighting scheme can easily adapt. For instance, if a meeting room takes on a new purpose, if workstations are moved, or if issues with lighting become apparent after a business moves into a new space, a good lighting control system can easily adjust to fit the new scenario.
major hurdle for customers. However, many lighting control systems are now
wireless and require no-or very little-cabling..."
wireless is great news because it is so easy to install and commission. Wireless also opens up the possibility of introducing controls to projects where it would not otherwise be an option – including the huge retrofit market as well as historic buildings, where chasing masses of control cables through walls is usually out of the question. If the disruption of installing controls is an obstacle, recommend wireless lighting control options.
20 JUNE 2018 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Control systems also open up the potential for clients to introduce extra features and functions in future, harnessing the Internet of Things (IoT). By incorporating sensors and intelligence into light fittings, it is possible to track movement of people, monitor
temperature, light levels and air quality, and analyse the data for the
benefit of the business. The IoT is still in its infancy, but it is going
to be huge. Even if businesses are not ready to take advantage of it, they may want to futureproof their operations by making themselves ready for it.
Lutron
www.lutron.com/europe
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