Network layers pave the way to adaptive lighting controls (MAGAZINE)

Intelligent lighting systems that can dim, brighten, or extinguish lights based on occupancy, ambient conditions, or preprogrammed scenarios will maximize energy efficiency. The adaptive-control technology will compound the savings of energy-efficient technologies such as LED-based solid-state lighting (SSL).

LEDs Magazine has planned a recurring series on lighting control technology that will be presented in the magazine and on our website. But first we’ll describe the network and technology layers that underlie intelligent lighting systems, exploring concepts that will recur throughout the series.

We’ve covered the concept of adaptive controls from the high level including a recent article that featured research from several analysts that projected the benefits of control technology. Different analysts suggest that 20 to 40% of the energy used in commercial buildings provides power for lighting. The analysts project that as much as 60% of that energy can be saved through SSL and controls. Intelligent lighting system vendor Digital Lumens goes further, suggesting that in some cases SSL can save 60% and adding controls can bring the saving to 90%.

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This article was published in the November/December 2010 issue of LEDs Magazine. To read the full version of this article, please visit our magazine page, where you can download FREE electronic PDF versions of all issues of LEDs Magazine. You can also request a print copy of LEDs Magazine (available by paid subscription) and sign up for our free weekly email newsletter.