The traditional practice of managing the lighting systems and controls independently from otherbuilding management systems is not the most efficient method. In the age of intelligent buildingtechnology, integrated systems play a massive role in increasing the efficiency of buildingmanagement and maintenance. Hence, integrating a smart building management system withlighting controls is a powerful way to lower energy costs and improve performance.

Integrating Lighting Systems with Smart Building Management Systems

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This blog will explore smart lighting systems and controls and their features.

Smart Lighting systems use advanced technologies and automated functions

Smart technologies, including IoT sensors and analytics with machine learning (ML)capabilities, have transformed what lighting systems can do by incorporating automation capabilities. The IoT sensors interact with each other and control mechanisms to perform actionsautomatically based on the preset instructions.

The benefits of integrating an intelligent building management system with lighting controls alsogo beyond energy efficiency. Automated strategies enhance safety and allow occupants to createmore comfortable spaces.

Manual controls

Manual controls allow users to choose illumination levels. While this has historically been theleast efficient strategy, advanced manual controls that alter lighting levels in stages or throughsmooth transitions offer significant energy savings.

Manual lighting control requires higher efforts from building occupants, such as making sure toswitch off lights while leaving, turning knobs to adjust light intensity, and switching colors. Incontrast, smart lighting systems have various functionalities that enhance the user experience andreduce energy consumption.

Some of the popular automated lighting controls are as follows.

Time scheduling

Smart lighting systems allow users to schedule when to turn the lights on and off based on theirworking hours. Building managers can also schedule the same for common areas, such aswaiting lounges and parking spaces.

Occupancy sensing

Automatically turning on lights when a space is occupied and turning them off when unoccupiedsaves substantial energy bills. Sophisticated strategies that involve more nuanced adjustmentsimprove efficiency further. This strategy works well in smaller offices, conference rooms, breakrooms, and restrooms, though it may also be used in larger spaces.

Institutional task tuning

Institutional tuning alters illumination based on either user preference or recommendations forspecific tasks. This approach helps improve occupant experience and preserve eye health as thelight intensity required varies across different tasks.

Demand response

Demand response involves reducing power for lighting based on peak hours to minimize costs.Typically, this means dimming rather than turning lights off entirely.

Daylight harvesting

This strategy adjusts lighting in response to daylight availability. It reduces light output onceillumination levels reach a targeted threshold, as determined by light sensors. It works well forlighting zones next to windows, under skylights, or in any area that offers sufficient ambient lighting.

Color tuning

Commonly used for signage, entertainment venues, or similar applications, color tuning dimscolors within LED lights to produce specific lighting effects. In addition to reducing energyconsumption, color tuning can be used to imitate incandescent dimming, blend artificial lightingwith daylight, mimic traditional lighting sources, or stimulate circadian rhythms.

Wireless Lighting Control and Sequencing

IoT devices and advanced analytics make developing and implementing effective lightingstrategies more accessible than ever. However, wireless technology is one of the most valuablecomponents of a smart lighting system.

Wireless lighting controls within an automated building management system reduce the cost ofinstallation and integration by eliminating the need for wiring. It opens up new opportunities tocreate control strategies customized to specific needs and goals, even in buildings with legacyequipment. However, with each device working somewhat dissimilarly, describing how lightingin a space should function using sequencing is important.

For example:

All light fixtures can dim and be controlled wirelessly, independently or in tandem,depending on zoning.
Lighting turns on only by manual activation of a wall switch.
Wall switch nearest the entry controls on/off and dimming features.
Fixtures dim smoothly in areas designated as daylight zones when sunlight is available.
Lighting shuts off automatically when a room has been vacant for an allotted period.

Well-planned sequencing allows lighting to operate seamlessly and with extraordinaryefficiency.

Unifying Your Building Management System With Lighting Controls

Integrating your building management system with lighting controls puts better strategies withinreach. A master systems integration (MSI) expert will design a custom solution to unify buildingsystems and add cutting-edge smart technologies in a way that makes sense for your building.With the right approach, you gain deep visibility into your lighting and realize the full benefits of advanced automation.

Reach out to us at info@aastroelectronics.com to learn all about how IoT can help your organization. Follow Aastro Tech Electronics on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram to stay updated.

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