Connected Lighting Controls – Leap Info Systems https://leapinfosys.com Convergent Lighting and Building Automation Technology Thu, 17 Mar 2022 07:57:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Possibilities and Challenges In Smart Building Lighting Control https://leapinfosys.com/possibilities-and-challenges-in-smart-building-lighting-control/ https://leapinfosys.com/possibilities-and-challenges-in-smart-building-lighting-control/#respond Thu, 17 Mar 2022 07:47:45 +0000 https://leapinfosys.com/?p=7373

Possibilities and Challenges In Smart Building Lighting Control

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Perhaps the most revolutionary by-product of all experimentation done on Internet technology is the concept of the Internet of Things. Rendering the advantages of the internet network to everyday things was a unique and extraordinary concept in itself. But what is even more fascinating is the fast and rapid implementation that made us realize how IoT has the ability to touch our lives more profoundly than we imagined. The fact that the internet of things is strongly aligned with modern-day concern of energy conservation, makes it all the more important.

The Internet of Things being a generalized approach can be applied to many different objects in the environment. One prominent use case of IoT is its implementation in various aspects concerning a building. Interestingly, buildings are also one of the biggest consumers of electricity, and the cost of building operation is very difficult to manage and curtail.

It is this reason that forces building managers to look out for new technologies and services that can help in easing the lives of building owners, but also in taking care of the energy efficiency aspect. One department where the implementation of automation and control via IoT is gaining traction is lighting. Here in this blog, let’s check out the possibility of smart building lighting control and its key components.

Building Management Systems and Smart Building Lighting Control

Now that it is clear how important lighting control is for a smart building, it must be understood how this can be achieved. The problem with the existing building management systems is that they are not designed to access control over lighting systems fundamentally. Some attribute this shortcoming to the delayed rise of automation technologies in the lighting industry. Others suggest that the gross neglect of lighting as a source of convenience and savings may be at fault.

Anyhow, the solution for this problem is the external integration of lighting control panels with existing building management systems. While the concept is crystal clear, there are some challenges in this approach to access smart building lighting control. The use of third-party protocol converters which are expensive and complex is usually necessitated to solve this problem.  Also, establishing good degrees of interoperability between different systems within the building can be a challenge.

Despite these challenges, if building automation-based lighting control is enabled in a smart building, it has several benefits to offer. Firstly, detailed analysis and reports of occupancy data can be a game-changer when it comes to energy savings and cost reduction for commercial spaces. Similarly, the diagnosis of lighting system problems remotely is another advantage of having a central control on lighting systems by a BMS.

Direct Digital Control Modules For Lighting Control In Smart Buildings

If we look at the preparation of building management systems closely, it is notable that the technique of using distributed control networks for this purpose is more popular. When a distributed control network is prepared, then the scope of adding newer systems for automation is also enhanced significantly. Direct Digital Control is the technology used for distributed control network creation in Smart buildings.

If we take up the case of lights, then every lighting circuit that needs to be controlled is connected to a single direct digital control module. Here, every direct digital control module acts as a node on the distributed control network. This system is more beneficial than other models where a central automation processing unit was used. For those kinds of building automation systems, it was important for every new device to be connected to the central system for control and automation features.

As expected, achieving this on a large scale is next to Impossible. By using direct digital control modules, any new module that is added only needs to be connected with the adjacent existing model for it to become eligible for control via the building management software itself. Further, any computer with a direct digital control interface card can be utilized to establish a network or to monitor light activity. This forms the administration node.

The Communication Protocol Conundrum

BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks have become synonymous with smart building control. Conventionally, the lack of any standard network control protocol was the reason why building automation systems did not pick up extensively among buyers.

Choosing among several systems from different manufacturers to fulfill our automation needs is a difficult task for a majority of buyers. This is where BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks, the prominent open building automation protocols came into the picture. The problem with these open protocols is that most of them, especially BACnet, were specifically designed for HVAC networks. So, lighting control can be a very difficult add-on to smart buildings, considering that popular communication protocols themself do not cater to lighting needs.

The Way Out For Building Automation-based Lighting Control

Two things must have already become clear to you by now. Firstly, buying proprietary control solutions for every different system installed in a building is practically impossible. Secondly, making use of open communication protocols and purchasing additional third-party software to make smart building lighting control possible is not a practical solution.

For the second problem, it should also be noted that even though protocol converters are available for smart building lighting control. They are very complex to install and use in such situations. The need of the hour is to have vendor-agnostic solutions that enable lighting control irrespective of manufacturers. elitedali is a convergent smart building lighting control solutions provider. We offer an open standard framework that ensures interoperable lighting control features in all Niagara-based BMS solutions. Check out our host of other exciting offerings and contact for a consultation today.

]]> https://leapinfosys.com/possibilities-and-challenges-in-smart-building-lighting-control/feed/ 0 BMS Lighting Control For Future – Ready Buildings https://leapinfosys.com/bms-lighting-control-for-future-ready-buildings/ https://leapinfosys.com/bms-lighting-control-for-future-ready-buildings/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:08:00 +0000 https://leapinfosys.com/?p=7359

Automated lighting solutions in one form or the other have become a household name already. These have emerged as one of the best ways commercial spaces can save big on energy expenditures. On the other hand, more people investing in construction projects are keen on having Building Management Systems installed for their space. These automation systems help in managing several aspects like heating, ventilation, circulation, etc.

Building management systems should undertake the responsibility of managing lighting control is what many users feel currently. While the demand for BMS lighting is quite right in its own place, the fact that making this happen involves a very complex process cannot be undermined. In this blog, let us take a look at how building management systems and lighting automation are being compiled to provide users with the kind of convenience that they desire.

Understanding Building Management System

The system that allows integration of all the electrical and mechanical processes going on in a building through a computer network is called a Building Management System. A building management system can be created in two possible ways. First, all existing systems on-premise can be integrated individually, and second, a new distributed control network can be established. For practical purposes, both these techniques are used in specific areas to create a bigger building management system. The best example of this situation is when a simple HVAC system is supplemented with lighting and security control features using special third-party software or protocols.

One thing to note is that since a building management system is entirely computer-dependent, it is only as good as its programming. The cost and expertise involved in the development of building management software decide the programming capabilities eventually. The simplest building management systems can only provide features like scheduling for control and automation. The more advanced versions can make use of fuzzy logic to better implement the benefits of intelligent automation and control.

BMS Lighting System: How Does It Work?

Entirely dependent on the kind of programming done to create the building management system is the manner in which it supports lighting control. The following techniques are popular for BMS lighting control:

●     Scheduling

Building management systems are traditionally capable of managing electrical loads via the technique of schedule creation. Schedules are created where certain electrical appliances or other equipment are only allowed to operate when the need arises. When the need is fulfilled, a mechanism is present that cuts off the circuit so that no energy wastage is possible. This was a good enough arrangement to provide a simple degree of automation and control. However, user demands and requirements from the lighting systems change spontaneously too. For this, no schedule can be created as such. But, there is no mechanism by which scheduling features could accommodate this requirement.

●     Manual Controlling

As consumers, we are already aware of manual controls for lighting systems. So, it won’t be hard for us to upgrade the same manual handling of lighting systems is the whole premise behind giving manual controls for lights in a BMS. This is different from just reaching out to the switchboard and switching the light off. Now, with BMS controls, you can install direct digital control modules that help you tune the lights as per your preference. So, if it’s a sunny day and the room is filled with sunlight, you can use the modules and switch off the light remotely.

●     Occupancy Sensors

This method works by using special sensors fit into your lighting systems that detect motion. So, whenever you enter and stay in a room, your lights will remain on for the entire length. As soon as you move away, and the sensors detect your absence, the lights will be turned off automatically. This automation is a great means of saving electricity and associated costs. Integrating occupancy data with the building management software will be beneficial in planning other services too. For instance, if only one part of the building is occupied and data is transmitted to the central system, other aspects like controlling the temperature automatically, or sending alerts to the security staff regarding this particular point can be initiated.

●     Wireless BMS Lighting

By using elaborate twisted-pair wiring, coaxial cables, or even routers, the dream of attaining wireless lighting control in buildings can be achieved. This control will be accessed via standard Internet Protocol networks like a corporate intranet or Global Intranet. Wireless BMS lighting setups can be expensive, so should be set up where instantaneous feedback mechanisms help with lighting control.

Bringing Lighting Control and BMS Together

Everybody wants their building management systems to perform lighting control, but the task is subject to a lot of challenges. Firstly, the cost and investment required initially for this project are on the higher side. Secondly, the final distributed network to be created in this arrangement is highly complex. Lastly, the lack of interoperability within the building systems is a great deterrent for the success of BMS lighting.

elitedali offers unique integration solutions to solve this problem. Since we do not make use of third-party software or protocol converters, the integration process becomes easy and affordable. We deal in specialized lighting control kits that are vendor agnostic solutions to help building members access lighting automation benefits. We already serve several Niagara framework-based BMS’ around the world. For detailed consultation, contact us today.

]]> https://leapinfosys.com/bms-lighting-control-for-future-ready-buildings/feed/ 1 Exploring The Concept Of Smart Connected Buildings https://leapinfosys.com/exploring-the-concept-of-smart-connected-buildings/ https://leapinfosys.com/exploring-the-concept-of-smart-connected-buildings/#respond Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:30:00 +0000 https://leapinfosys.com/?p=7321

Exploring The Concept Of Smart Connected Buildings

When you talk about smart connected buildings, three things that automatically come to mind are automation, communication, and energy efficiency. While these three, in a nutshell, are the biggest benefits of having connected buildings for commercial use, they are somewhat unable to justify the impact that smart buildings can have on business. Similarly, the installation of niche smart products is definitely part of the whole smart building concept, but there is much more to it which is not clearly explained to potential users.

In this blog, we shall describe what a connected building actually is, what are its important components, and how lighting automation fits in the idea of a smart building.

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What Are Smart Connected Buildings?

21st-century innovations are all about finding possibilities in existing solutions. As more and more daily use equipment and structures were being empowered with advanced technical abilities, there was a growing consensus that a modern-day building should not remain as a mere basic shelter framework only. A place where employees spend almost 12 hours every day or where people reside for their entire lives, should definitely offer more to make lives convenient. This premise was the single big triggering factor for the evolution of Smart Buildings. Today, a smart connected building is informally defined as a living organism that houses more living organisms within its vicinity.

The term connected is worth paying attention to. Automation has been introduced in many industries and services individually till now. However, since every individual desires to use all of these in his daily affairs, there needs to be a standard framework that brings everything under one roof. A place where people spend most of their time is surely the most suitable place for such amalgamations. Keeping this in mind, the concept of smart connected buildings solutions got shaped in its entirety.

Components of Smart Connected Buildings

●     IoT Sensors

Internet of Things is the technology that allows developers to make everyday equipment eligible for communication. This communication is particularly beneficial for its remote operation, controls and management. The IoT technology works based on special sensors called the IoT sensors. These sensors record and transmit real-time data to a computer processor, which is generally the access point created for a building. Data related to temperature, humidity

light, motion, etc. is generally used here.

●     User Interface

The ease of communication between the processing software and the user is determined by the user interface. In a connected building setup, automation facilities whose software has a favorable user interface are more readily used than the others. On a commercial level, building data can be huge. Thus, the processing software should support lesser complexity.

●     Building Management Software

The Building Management Software is the brain of a smart connected building. It is the control center for various building automation services, from HVAC control to lighting automation. A successful building management software needs to perform data processing rapidly, and should also support a diverse set of services too. It must be easy to integrate new services that users find beneficial to the existing solution. All in all, the BMS is the center of action in a smart building.

●     Connectivity

Finally, there should be a means to establish connectivity between systems as well. Internet connections that are secure, uninterrupted, and have no bandwidth constraints are desirable to keep a building connected. Cellular and WiFi-based networking options can be explored to support good connectivity.

Contribution of Lighting Automation In A Smart Building

At the beginning of this blog, we discussed how ‘smart’ building solutions have three main objectives. All of these are quite convincingly fulfilled by lighting automation systems as well, justifying their inclusion in the smart building concept. Lighting automation and control is a big-time energy saver in commercial settings and cuts down operational costs significantly. The convenience and productivity benefits are noteworthy too. Imagine a hospital setup where it takes the nursing staff too much time to find medical equipment and then use it. Bluetooth transceivers can be embedded in lighting systems to help in locating and tracking equipment for faster usage.

Another example of how lighting control data helps in creating a smart building setup with good management is by utilizing occupancy data. Occupancy data analysis can help floor staff like janitors to plan their routine efficiently. Areas that are not occupied during certain hours of the day would be completed in a particular shift and then the other areas can be cleaned too. These are small yet significant contributions that lighting control automation can have on making a building truly ‘smart’.

elitedali: Bringing Lighting Control Closer to Smart Buildings

Building Management Systems (BMS) usually do not have a lighting control panel by default. But as we saw earlier, lighting automation is absolutely necessary for a commercial space. So, elitedali decided to bridge the gap between BMS solutions and lighting automation in the most feasible way. Our services help all BMS’ based on the Niagara Framework to be empowered with lighting control panels without needing complex third-party software purchases. Furthermore, we offer vendor-agnostic solutions that help in integrating all compatible luminaires with the BMS irrespective of their manufacturer.

To know more about an ensemble of services that we provide, reach out to us today.

]]> https://leapinfosys.com/exploring-the-concept-of-smart-connected-buildings/feed/ 0 Lighting Control Techniques: Inside A Lighting Control Panel https://leapinfosys.com/lighting-control-techniques-inside-lighting-control-panel/ https://leapinfosys.com/lighting-control-techniques-inside-lighting-control-panel/#respond Wed, 16 Feb 2022 05:29:00 +0000 https://leapinfosys.com/?p=7294

Lighting Control Techniques: Inside A Lighting Control Panel

With the reserves of important global resources dwindling frequently, a lot of attention is being given to energy efficiency lately. Electrical engineering today is more focused on energy efficiency than convenience. Commercial buildings are great consumers of electrical energy, and therefore, directly put immense stress on our natural resources too.

Backed by evidence from hundreds of research papers from all over the globe, the utilization of lighting control schemes in big commercial buildings is one of the best ways to implement energy-efficient lighting models. Lighting Management systems are working very well to help us achieve lighting control in the best possible way. In this article, let us take a look at the lighting control panel present in lighting management systems, and the control features that it offers.

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What Is a Lighting Control Panel?

Lighting control panel is a small electrical cabinet comprising controller that aid in intelligent lighting controls features. These are very commonly used to control public area lighting, street lighting, supermarket lights, and even lighting equipment in residential buildings. These control systems help users obtain the right amount of light whenever and wherever required. Some lighting control systems will only allow localized control over lighting equipment, while others grant enterprise-level control.

There are several common mechanisms by which lighting control systems operate. These depend on the sensors and other components used in its design.

Common Mechanisms of Lighting Control

●     Occupancy Sensing Lighting Control

Among all lighting control strategies, occupancy sensing has been there for the longest time. Here, special occupancy sensors are attached to every light, which utilizes motion-sensing capabilities to trigger the switching on or off of the lights in a given space. Whenever there is a delay period in which the sensors do not sense any movement, lights go off automatically to save electricity. In the more primitive models of occupancy systems, only a single large sensor was installed for every room. However, problems like false sensing and reverse sensing (the lights used to turn off whenever a person entered the room) were encountered. To avoid such situations, the contemporary model focuses on having individual occupancy sensors for each lighting fixture.

●     Types of Occupancy Sensing

These occupancy-based controlling schemes can be of two types. The first is the motion-based switching control scheme. Whatever conventional explanation we have provided so far about occupancy sensing models is nothing but motion-based switching only. As stated before, here the delay period decides when the lights go off in a room. Naturally, smaller is the delay period, more are your savings on electricity bills.

The problem with these traditional occupancy sensing systems is that if you set a very small delay period for a room with an irregular frequency of visitors, it will eventually be very irritating for everybody. Similarly, if you prolong the turning off period extensively, you defeat the purpose of using sensors for energy efficiency. Hence, whatever be the case, buyers should first figure out the user behavior for every room and then select the occupancy sensing parameters.

Motion-based dimming is the second occupancy sensing control scheme. Here, everything remains the same, but after the delay period, lights automatically get dim to a preset intensity value. This is a better alternative in commercial spaces where visitors do not like returning to a pitch-dark room regularly.

●     Daylight-linked Lighting Control

In buildings and rooms with an ample amount of sunlight, lighting control schemes can be linked to the intensity and the duration of daylight availability. When adequate daylight penetration is available, people can either make use of daylight only or can use it to complement the illumination provided by their lamps. This way, the burden on the lighting equipment reduces, and consequently, the energy consumption also drops.

These daylight-linked lighting controls are also useful for common space light fixtures and any outdoor light. In sports facilities and parking lots, this control mechanism provides the best energy efficiency. For indoor commercial requirements, particularly for office spaces, if ample daylight is available, these control systems should definitely be put in place. This is because daylight in itself is considered a major driving force for visual comfort as well as productivity. Therefore, it will enable office workers to work with maximum focus, while not putting a major strain on themselves.

Over To You

Lighting control panel provides a modern, dynamic, and all-encompassing method for significant energy saving in lighting systems. A decline in the energy demands and the convenience of adjusting lights remotely is accessible through lighting control systems. elitedali is the leading enabler of lighting control and automation in the commercial sphere today! elitedali supports multi-sensors input devices with its Lighting Management System, thereby accommodating all kinds of usage requirements together. The in-built WebServer for managing lighting control interfaces makes it easy for us to monitor and provide assistance to customers comprehensively.

We offer a native solution for the Niagara Framework, the most popular building management system in the world. Thus, you don’t need any additional software to avail benefits of lighting control integration in your existing BMS. Lastly, by staying in touch with all major DALI manufacturers across the globe, we deliver the most advanced lighting control products to the Niagara community. Connected Lighting Controls, Daylight Harvesting, and Human Centric Lighting are the three areas of our prime expertise. To avail of our services and transform your commercial space, contact elitedali today.

]]> https://leapinfosys.com/lighting-control-techniques-inside-lighting-control-panel/feed/ 0 Practical Benefits Of Lighting Management System For The Commercial World https://leapinfosys.com/benefits-of-lighting-management-system/ https://leapinfosys.com/benefits-of-lighting-management-system/#respond Fri, 11 Feb 2022 10:01:00 +0000 https://leapinfosys.com/?p=7260

Practical Benefits Of Lighting Management System For The Commercial World

A lighting management system is the comprehensive amalgamation of all lighting control features that buildings require. They are characterized by the scope of programming new settings to the system to make lighting control customizable. Lighting Management system essentially work by establishing a network where all lighting devices are connected via a common interface. Therefore, these systems become enablers for seamless communication between the installed luminaires, which adds more to their functionality.

Overall, lighting management systems are the so Lighting Control Techniques- Inside A Lighting Control Panel lution for almost all lighting needs that can arise in a building. In this article, let us see the practical benefits of Lighting Management System for commercial spaces.

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Advantages Of Lighting Management Systems

 

●     Reduce Overhead Expenditures

One of the most basic techniques of control implemented via lighting management system is to utilize sensors for to ensure right light at right time and right place or Light on demand. These are generally motion-sensing sensors that detect occupancy to turn lights on or off. Even this seemingly basic lighting control offering can save your business loads of money. Further, lighting management system also support features like scheduling, where some lights in the facility remain on for a particular period only. Both these features ensure that only the amount of light which is absolutely necessary is being utilized, while wastage is successfully prevented up to 100%. Ultimately, this reduces your overhead expenditures and the operational costs of the business come down significantly.

●     Ease Of Building Management

One of the biggest advantages of a lighting control system for building managers is the lighting network that they create. This means that all lights in a certain section of the building are connected to each other via intricate mechanisms of the lighting management system. Therefore, all these can be turned on or off or adjust the intensity of the required zone with just a single click, without having to deal with each of them individually. Moreover, this does not impact the lights present in other zones of the building. Hence, every such zone is labeled as a stand-alone zone.

But not just stand-alone zones, modern lighting management system also have building-level controls. These are established through a clean user interface, common to all lamps, LEDs, ballasts, etc., in the building. This way, remote asset management becomes very easy through the manager’s laptop or mobile phone. It is also a very effective way of data collection for building managers.

●     Asset Tracking

Enhanced operational efficiency is the key to reducing capital expenses. Simultaneously, just to cut down on the expenses, safety and convenience cannot be overlooked. It is easier to track devices remotely and get reports on performance and device health. So, subsequent interventions and replacements can be planned without delays so that lighting glitches do not occur. Another interesting way in which lighting management equipment can help with asset tracking is by connecting lamp sensors with products. So, staff can virtually locate products, and track their location easily. Many business owners are using this mechanism for inventory located in their warehouses.

●     Self-adjustment For Design And Cost Cutting

Self-adjustment benefits of lighting management system are beneficial for corporate office space and a small restaurant alike. For instance, certain features like daylight adjustment help in automatically reducing the intensity or even turning off certain lights completely, after sensing that natural sunlight is more than enough to work without putting any strain on one’s eyes. Similarly, for places like restaurants, bars, indoor auditoriums, etc., self-adjustment features such as dimming of lights during the nighttime or playing with colors to create a certain mood or ‘atmosphere’ can be a great interior design addition.

●     Security Benefits

Lighting management system offer intelligent security solutions also, that are collaborative with Security Management Systems. Occupancy sensing is the most obvious mechanism by which this works, illuminating dark spaces whenever any intrusion is sensed. Many lighting management systems also have provisions for enabling alerts along with turning the lights on when such intrusions take place. Most systems today give sensitivity controls as a standard offering. With sensitivity controls, features like automatically turning on bright exterior floodlights will help security guards track and locate intruders easily.

●     Flexible Control

The responsive control features of lighting management system allow users to manage their lighting devices from virtually anywhere. Lighting management software can be integrated with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops very easily. Therefore tasks like adjusting, monitoring, and scheduling lighting changes can be done remotely within a few seconds. Lighting management software gives managers direct enterprise-level access to their lighting devices, so it’s possible to even take large-scale lighting control modifications from mobile devices.

Final Note

Lighting management systems offer an easy and advanced way of controlling lighting systems. They even support needs like remote monitoring and adjustment of lights when required. However, one of the biggest challenges in getting a lighting management system installed for your building is establishing its interoperability with other applications installed in the commercial space.

elitedali offers all-round assistance to deal with this problem. We help users integrate their lighting management systems with an active building management system without needing any additional software or protocol converters. The elitedali connectivity kit offers comprehensive support to control, manage, and monitor DALI light fixtures in real-time. To know more about what we do, contact our representatives today.

]]> https://leapinfosys.com/benefits-of-lighting-management-system/feed/ 0 Understanding What A Lighting Control System Brings To The Table https://leapinfosys.com/understanding-what-a-lighting-control-system/ https://leapinfosys.com/understanding-what-a-lighting-control-system/#respond Wed, 09 Feb 2022 09:44:00 +0000 https://leapinfosys.com/?p=7237

Understanding What A Lighting Control System Brings To The Table

Lighting control options have expanded like anything in the last decade. The paradigm shift in the objectives of the new lighting system has been a great catalyst for this trend. Today, in commercial and residential spaces alike, there is an increased focus on having an efficient lighting system that saves electricity and reduces bills. Sticking to a traditional lighting system just because they can still ‘do the job’ will only result in more power mismanagement.

It is a popular saying that customers are always willing to pay extra for convenience. What more convenience can you get than being able to switch OFF all lights of your workplaces whenever there is no occupancy or there is enough light LUX available? With that in mind, let us explore all lighting control options people have today, and how lighting control systems can change lives.

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What Is A Lighting Control System?

An interconnected system of small and large components that helps users experience unique lighting control functions is called a lighting control system or lighting management system. An automated lighting control system comprises various parts depending on the functions that it supports. These usually include light switches, occupancy sensors, photocells, touchscreens, etc. The best part about lighting control systems is the immense possibility of adding smarter components.

The integration of lighting control panels in your basic building management system allows you to cover all possible lights for automation. Not just this, lighting control systems help you customize the functioning of your lights too. So, if you want the lights in the passages to switch on every day at 7 when it gets dark outside, you can schedule it with a lighting control system.

Lighting Control Functions That Users Enjoy

Lighting control functions keep evolving to accommodate efficiency, cost-cutting, and customization from time to time. The basic objective that every lighting control system fulfils is to support your visual requirement needs while managing your energy consumption. To help you achieve that, a basic lighting control system will support functions like increasing the intensity of lights in some sections, dimming of lights during certain hours of the day, or completely switching off lights after sensing the occupancy of a room. In technical terms, these lighting control functions are described as zoning, dimming, and turning off of lights.

Much of the evolution in the lighting control systems domain is concerned with customization. Therefore, there are many functions that will support you in implementing your preferred lighting specifications automatically. So, if you want an LED light of a particular colour to be assigned to a specific space, that will be implemented automatically through the control system.

Lighting control systems, like much other daily use equipment, are becoming intelligent too. With the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning models, lighting control systems help in tweaking light intensity, temperature, colour, etc., to support our biological needs. So, you have lighting control systems where there is automatic changing of light temperatures so that it suits your body clock and plays a role in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Remote programming is another area where lighting control systems are coming up with exciting offerings. Primarily, remote programming allows a user sitting at his place to control the lights in his office space to regulate energy consumption.

In important aspect can be added as,

 

  • Automated fault detection and diagnosis
  • Data and Analytics – Energy Consumtion, Light fixures life etc

Lighting Control Systems: Numbers, Opinions, and Research

People are definitely showing more interest than ever in getting lighting control systems installed in their commercial and residential projects. This is the reason why the lighting control systems market is expected to grow from USD 19.5 billion in 2019 to about USD 39.0 billion by 2024.

Extensive market research and surveys have been conducted to know the general opinion about these systems. Most people refer to energy efficiency and decreased power mismanagement as the main trigger for switching to lighting control systems.

The planners of Smart City projects in developing economies are monitoring the growth of smart lighting solutions very closely. This is because, without smart street lighting, that lowers the power dependence and delivers the right visual support, the dream of a smart city cannot be realized.

During the forecast period, that is between 2019 to 2024, the hardware segment is expected to dominate the lighting control systems market. LED drivers and ballast components hold the maximum share among hardware devices in the automated lighting domain.

elitedali Solutions For Lighting Control

elitedali is the leading choice for convergent lighting solutions today. We help commercial space owners seek the benefits of lighting control by integrating lighting control systems with building management systems. However, this integration does not require any complex and expensive third-party protocol converter. So, to integrate lighting control systems for offices, and be able to customize them in a flexible and affordable way, contact elitedali representatives today.

]]> https://leapinfosys.com/understanding-what-a-lighting-control-system/feed/ 0 Sustainable Lighting for Office Complexes https://leapinfosys.com/sustainable-lighting-for-office-complexes/ https://leapinfosys.com/sustainable-lighting-for-office-complexes/#respond Tue, 25 Jan 2022 13:47:00 +0000 https://leapinfosys.com/?p=7158

Sustainable Lighting for Office Complexes

We are gradually moving towards a world where we keep the environment and sustainability as our top priority, irrespective of what activity we do. Be it having an electric car, water conservation or sustainable lighting, environmental friendliness is being prioritised across all domains of our daily activities. From citizens to corporations and government, all entities are playing a crucial role towards safeguarding a future for the next generation.

Lighting is consumed by all of us on daily basis. It plays a huge role in causing environmental degradation of our planet. Majorly, energy is generated from non-green resources to date. However, this is starting to change as governments of various countries are adopting eco-friendly solutions to meet the agenda of Conference of Parties 26 and Sustainable Development Goals 2030 laid down by the United Nations.

As business leaders and citizens of the world, it is upon us to take charge of how we can contribute to society and make a difference. We have the technology that can provide green lighting solutions to your office buildings, complexes, and all types of commercial buildings. Before we dive deep into our environmentally friendly lighting solutions, let us understand the various impacts of lighting on a day-to-day basis.

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Effects of Lighting

Environmental effect:

Organisations are trying to reduce their carbon footprint to implement green solutions in their organisations. Sustainable lighting for any commercial facility can be primarily achieved in two main ways:

  1. Natural Lighting: Natural daylight is one of the best ways to have natural lighting in your facility. With the increased focus on sustainable architecture and designs, most of the new Commercial buildings and office facilities are now being designed in such a way that the maximum amount of sunlight enters the office workspace.

  2. LED Lighting: By far, LED lighting is the most durable and sustainable form of light source available right now in the market. They last 100x more than incandescent bulbs and are way more durable since they do not have any filament. They require far less power less than 50% that of traditional light sources and therefore, are energy efficient and help to reduce overall carbon footprint.

Biological effect:

Light has a biological impact on our daily lives as well. According to a study, light can help shape our emotions and moods. Light can help us become calm, composed, and motivated. Different commercial facilities require different light setups. Brighter light is used in schools and hospitals to improve our level of focus whereas warm and dim lighting is used in movie theatres and hotels to help us relax and enjoy.

Designers and architects must keep in mind the different light setups required for the facilities as per their application or usages. Another biological factor that plays a crucial role in lighting is age. Older people have difficulty with bright light whereas young people do not. There is a role of colour as well wherein blue light is said to be used to keep people awake whereas red makes them calm.

Having the right light combination based on human biology can help save a huge amount of energy and allow eco-friendly lighting solutions to be implemented.

Solutions for Sustainable Lighting

elitedali’s solutions are bringing a paradigm shift in terms of lighting solutions for offices and workspaces. It brings the lighting and all other utilitiy services together, converged to the most efficient operations by extending the interoperability and data/control exchange between diverse systems.

Using Internet-of-Things (IoT) driven systems, we are reshaping the way lighting solutions needs to be implemented and ensuring they are sustainable. Combining the use of artificial and natural light, we are enabling a system wherein lights are used only when they are required. This reduces the overall energy consumption in a given office facility.

Let us deep dive into different sustainable lighting solutions offered by us that help your workspace go green:

Dynamic daylight harvesting

Dynamic Daylight Harvesting solution by elitedali uses a wide variety of automated technologies such as sensors and connected lights that provide light based on the occupants in the room or the time of the day. Fewer people at a workplace means less light is consumed and vice versa. Depending on the weather and time of the day, Dynamic Daylight Harvesting lighting solution can adjust the light at office accordingly. This is a data-driven sustainable lighting solution that can also decrease your energy bill by up to 70%.

Human Centric Lighting

We have already explained the emotional and psychological impact of light on our daily lives. Keeping that in mind, we have introduced Human Centric Lighting solutions. Using automation systems and understanding the human circadian rhythm, we have designed the lighting solution in such a way that it helps us uplift our moods and enables employees to be more motivated at workplaces. It also helps to reduce overall energy used in the lights and therefore, helps in decreasing carbon footprint as well.

We at elitedali are imagining a world where there is a future for all and at the same time, people can help the society nourish while saving the planet. Our lighting solutions have helped many organisations and institutions to improve their overall productivity while keeping the environment a top priority. If you would like to also know more about sustainable lighting solutions, feel free to get in touch with us.

]]> https://leapinfosys.com/sustainable-lighting-for-office-complexes/feed/ 0 Lighting Control Module – The Core of Intelligent Lighting Automation Systems https://leapinfosys.com/lighting-control-module-core-of-intelligent-lighting/ https://leapinfosys.com/lighting-control-module-core-of-intelligent-lighting/#respond Tue, 16 Nov 2021 07:01:07 +0000 https://leapinfosys.com/?p=6944

Lighting Control Module – The Core of Intelligent Lighting Automation Systems

Lighting automation has taken the lighting industry by storm. From residential buildings to commercial premises and industrial areas, lights are evolving. People are investing in smart lighting solutions that are not only equipped with efficiency and productivity, but also look after the energy conservation and cost-saving measures.

What’s more noteworthy, however, is the mechanism that works behind the scenes to make your buildings’ lighting smart and automated. The mechanism is technically termed as a lightning control module which is the execution unit of these lighting automation systems. It resides at the heart of these systems which have become an integral part of residential and commercial lighting.

More importantly, when lighting automation systems are effectively employed in commercial premises like offices, industries, factories, warehouses, or even hospitals, an intelligent lighting control module is the reason behind their productive utilization throughout their lifecycle.

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What is a lighting control module?

As the name suggests, a lighting control module is the control terminal of a lighting automation system that allows building managers to manage all their lighting fixtures and controls from a single place. It is an intelligent control device, to which all the other modules, fixtures, sensors, dimmers, and other similar equipment are connected by wired or wireless means.

It is also termed as a central controller which gives a set of centralized instructions to all the connected devices for efficient functioning of lighting automation systems.

There are two common types of lighting control modules that govern the working of lighting automation systems. Take a look.

PIR control module

A PIR or Passive Infrared module is a control system which uses PIR sensors to switch the lighting fixtures ON and OFF automatically, detecting the IR radiation emitted by nearby objects, including humans and animals. These sensors can detect even the slightest amount of IR radiation depending on the warmth and material design of the object.

PIR sensors work in pairs – they detect the heat energy around them in the surrounding environment by transmitting signals. When there’s a change in the transmission, someone enters the area, for example, the sensors trigger an alarm. It can be a notification to the authorities or even turn on lighting fixtures. PIR control modules are commonly used in security alarms, motion detectors, and automated lighting systems in which the sensors are installed on the luminaires, and when a person enters the room, the sensors transmit the signal and cause the luminaires to light up.

Remote control module

Remote control module deals seamlessly with limitation of lights and monitoring systems to be physically present near each other. With a remote control module, you can manage your lights from across the world. That said, it reduces the operational costs which are otherwise overhead in manually managed projects like street lights or government infrastructure projects that employ manpower and material resources.

Remote control modules utilize a wealth of control carriers like mobile phones, computer networks, and information feedback systems to control and manage lights remotely. With the wireless connection of lighting fixtures and controls with monitoring systems, you can monitor real-time data of these fixtures and then adjust their performance and usage capabilities accordingly.

An intelligent lighting control module is one that provides easy, accessible, and flexible control over the lighting while keeping the costs to minimum.  Not to mention why remote control modules are common in the lighting industry.

What does the lighting control module do?

Here are some common functional areas of a lighting control module.

1.   Sensors

A lighting control module monitors and instructs the sensors installed across the building. It works by perceiving different factors in the environment that surround the sensors, including brightness, thermal radiation emitted by human bodies, motion, touch, sound, smoke, and everything else that the sensors can detect. Based on these factors and data that the sensors collect, the lighting control module gives instructions to the lighting fixtures to turn the light ON/OFF, adjust the intensity of the light, and cut off power during emergencies like fire breakout or power failures.

In addition, the control module also utilizes the sensor control to gradually increase the intensity of lumination when the sensors detect the presence of someone in the room. This is done to ensure that the person can adapt to the changing brightness safely and comfortably.

2.   Time

Lighting control modules effectively employ time control in lighting automation systems at places where the duration of lights in use is fixed. For instance, in offices, where there is a fixed time to enter and leave the premises, the control module can program the lights to switch ON on a set time when the staff arrives and similarly, switch OFF when the staff leaves.

Moreover, each lighting fixture in the building can be programmed with a different set of duration, according to the requirements of the occupants.

3.   Location

The dispersed, physical positioning of lighting fixtures and control unit/maintenance systems is often a problem for many. However, an intelligent lighting control module ensures that no matter where the fixtures are installed, there’s a centralized control system to monitor, maintain, and adjust their performance.

That said, the building managers receive real-time updates on the lighting fixtures, and should any unfortunate conditions or issues arise, they will be informed immediately.

A well-thought combination of these functional areas along with other factors together make an intelligent lighting control module. It not only eliminates the manual operation and management of lighting in a building, but also employs a smarter way to save energy and operational costs. 

]]> https://leapinfosys.com/lighting-control-module-core-of-intelligent-lighting/feed/ 0 Innovative usages of Lighting Technologies https://leapinfosys.com/innovative-usages-of-lighting-technologies/ https://leapinfosys.com/innovative-usages-of-lighting-technologies/#respond Tue, 16 Nov 2021 06:45:22 +0000 https://leapinfosys.com/?p=6932

Innovative usages of Lighting Technologies

“Innovation in lighting industry” – the term became a buzzword when corporations across the globe realised the difference between the two states of employees – being physically present in the office and being productive.

In fact, the idea of light being a significant placeholder in boosting employee productivity is alien and unbelievable for many. However, as lighting technologies evolved and their application in commercial buildings yielded positive results in terms of productivity and efficient use of energy, people started exploring the untapped potential of lights.

Nevertheless, people were reluctant to entirely expose themselves to the new era of lighting. The reason – natural light, i.e. the sunlight, has been regulating our mind and body since the existence of mankind, and their continued exposure to artificial lights (traditional lighting) interrupts the flow. Hence, the need for lighting technologies that could create the same environment as natural light emerged as a necessity in front of innovators.

Take a look at how different innovations in lighting technologies finally led to the invention of sustainable lighting systems that can comply with “the demands of nature” and improve the quality of life.

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Human centric lighting technologies

There has been significant research on the impact of colour, wave spectrum, and temperature of light on the productivity and mood of a person. Considering the corporate environment that employees work in, human centric lighting has become paramount. It has the ability to stimulate the spectral quality of sunlight throughout the day to maintain the balance in human hormone levels, even when they are exposed to artificial lights.

LEDs, equipped with health-oriented lighting, are immensely being incorporated into the general fixtures in commercial buildings to improve the performance and concentration of the workforce. Such lighting technologies prevent artificial lights from interrupting the circadian rhythm in humans.

In fact, healthy light technology is common in medical facilities where doctors use these lights to keep patients calm during surgeries and speed up recovery.

Connected lighting technologies

Dimmers and sensors are among the common lighting technologies we have been using for quite a long time now. However, with the inception of connected lighting, commercial buildings are more inclined towards the new-found benefits of these technologies.

Connected lighting is a networked system of lighting fixtures having sensors that send and receive data related to the environment of a commercial building. The data collected by the system helps it to improve the efficiency of lights in the building while optimising the space.

The sensors collect data on the building’s occupancy, temperature, humidity, usage, etc. to general-valuable insights into the building’s space. The data, in turn, helps building managers to have more control over their lights. They can adjust the lighting in real-time to ensure comfort and safety throughout the day while also saving energy.

Smart lighting technologies and security cameras

The evolution in security systems has been significantly improving the lives of people. The leverage of choosing the safety options and capabilities of the cameras based on your requirements cannot be ignored. On the top of it, the integration of smart lighting that emits infrared rays in the night is even more advantageous in terms of the safety and security of commercial buildings.

Combined with smart lights, the security cameras increase the brightness of scenes captured while making the images sharper.

The next level of security systems also include motion detector lights that send you alerts on your mobile device whenever someone comes near your property. So basically, you can watch over your building from anywhere across the world.

Convergent lighting controls

Convergent lighting controls emerged as the next level of lighting technologies that represent the integration of lighting management systems with building management systems, creating a central point of control for your building’s lighting and other components of the building. That said, lights, security systems, refrigeration, HVAC, and other parts of a building management system can be operated from a single place.

Such a system enables building managers to reduce the complexity in wiring different components of a building while saving significantly on energy consumption. elitedali has been leveraging DALI-powered lighting controls to help building managers implement IoT convergent lighting systems in their premises.

With an aim to transform lifeless work environments into productive spaces, elitedali is working towards redefining the traditional lighting systems in commercial buildings.

]]> https://leapinfosys.com/innovative-usages-of-lighting-technologies/feed/ 0 How to set the right work environment with programmable lighting systems? https://leapinfosys.com/right-work-environment-with-programmable-lighting-systems/ https://leapinfosys.com/right-work-environment-with-programmable-lighting-systems/#respond Fri, 29 Oct 2021 11:57:43 +0000 https://leapinfosys.com/?p=6902

How to set the right work environment with programmable lighting systems?

The physical space you work in plays a crucial role in setting the right mood, inducing productivity, and making things possible. It is not only about having the right amount of space or comfortable furniture, but also incorporates the ambient light you work in.

That said, the contemporary buildings are investing in creating an experience in the form of a workplace for the employees, leaving behind the traditional cubicles. Programmable lighting systems have a big hand in making it a reality as these lighting controls have the ability to customize the lights like we are actually “talking” to them.         

Let’s see how programmable lighting systems help modern workplaces set the right environment.

1.  Play with daylight

Daylight can be customized in multiple ways to set the right ambiance for every task in a workplace. You just need to focus on the orientation of the building and the arrangement of the windows to let in sufficient sunlight and shadows in the workplace.

With programmable lighting systems, you don’t just adjust lights for occupancy as your employees enter the space, but also readjust the lights and lower the shades as the sun covers your building. You can even lock the view around you to reduce the glare and heat that comes in with daylight.

The lighting and shade levels in space lit with daylight respond to the latter in such a way that the occupants receive the right amount of light for their tasks, no more no less, thereby saving energy.

Combined with occupancy sensors and timeclock events, you can use programmable lighting controls to customize lighting for certain activities. For instance,  brainstorming sessions can be stimulated with cool light while decision-making or intense thought processes go well with warm lighting.

2.  Create safer environments with custom lighting

Commercial buildings like industries and warehouses need well-lit areas for storing equipment, products, and other crucial items. Moreover, the staff working at such places need equally bright lights to move around and perform their jobs.

With programmable lighting systems, it is easier to create accident-proof work environments for the people working in warehouses, factories, and places alike. Bright and glare-free lighting stimulates risk free movement throughout the warehouse and makes the moving machinery visible to the staff, thereby preventing accidents and unwanted damage to the equipment.

In addition, programmable lighting systems also fulfill the need for high and low bay luminaires, vapor proof fixtures for elevated temperatures, and downlights for the highest light output. What’s more? Everything comes at low maintenance needs while providing longer life spans.

3. Design flexible workplaces

Experts say, office lighting should be designed in a way such that it is flexible enough to suit five generations of people working in the office. There are certain factors which determine flexibility for these generations, and each of these factors have their own definitions corresponding to the concerned generation. The factors include physical comfort, separate meeting areas, employee engagement, acoustic privacy, and security.

Programmable lighting systems look after the above-mentioned factors according to the requirements of different people. For example, you can employ LED task lighting if you are reading through documents or designing. However, for huddle rooms that are designed for informal meetings with a small group of people, natural light is always comfortable as compared to harsh lighting over the head.

Similarly, one space can be customized to transition into multiple environments such as a calm workplace for morning jobs, a cafeteria for lunchtime, or a sophisticated meeting room for team meetings in the afternoon.

4.  Employ smart analytics

Nothing can beat the power of measuring and monitoring the performance of your lighting controls. Programmable lighting systems also equip you with the ability to keep track of your energy usage and look for a scope of improvement.

Such systems are not limited to offering remote control for managing lights in your building. They also provide you with actionable data, insights into space utilization, and the flexibility to manage your lighting controls from anywhere and at any instant of time.

Moreover, with real-time data on the performance of your lighting controls, you can optimize their functionality on the go. For instance, dimmers, occupancy sensors, and motion sensors can send real-time data, and based on the information, you can program them for an improved output.          

5.  Partner with the right people

The last step in personalizing your workplaces with programmable lighting systems is to partner with designers and developers who understand the experience you wish to create with lights. They should know about how to design the right lighting strategies according to the changing requirements of the modern buildings.

Look for people who can equip you with the right tools to create a customized environment in your workplace. The right lighting solutions provider will utilize the available data to design and implement a lighting strategy that caters to the specific needs of your workforce.

That said, partnering with elitedali offers benefits not less than the ones mentioned above. We provide smart, IoT convergent lighting controls and automation solutions for building managers, engineers and architects, and facility managers. With our advanced, DALI powered lighting controls technologies, you can create a comfortable, productive, and beautiful work environment for your workplace.

Create experiences that matter!

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