Light automation

An automated lighting control system is a set of technological solutions for achieving optimal operation of illuminated devices in the right place and time. Effective implementation and management of the lighting system can significantly reduce energy costs and reduce maintenance and operation costs.

  • Power savings by 20-40%.
  • Reduced electrical equipment costs.
  • Improving comfort.

Automated lighting control systems are divided into 2 classes:

  1. Local systems for managing a group of luminaires.
  • A luminaire lighting control system is a simple small-sized system that is structurally part of a luminaire and controls only or one group of several adjacent luminaires..
  • Room lighting control system – an independent system that controls one or more groups of luminaires.
  1. Centralized systems for managing separately controlled groups of luminaires. They are built on the basis of microprocessors, which provide the possibility of almost simultaneous multi-variant control of a significant (up to several hundred) number of lamps. Such systems can be used either only for lighting control, or also for interaction with other building systems (for example, with a telephone network, security systems, ventilation, heating.) Centralized systems also issue control signals to luminaires based on signals from local sensors. However, the signal conversion takes place in a single (central) node, which provides additional opportunities to manually control the lighting of the building. At the same time, the manual change of the system operation algorithm is greatly simplified. In systems of centralized remote or automatic lighting control, the power supply of the control circuits is released from the line supplying the lighting.
    For premises with zones with different natural lighting conditions, the control of the working lighting should ensure that the lamps are turned on and off in groups or rows as the natural illumination of the premises changes.
  • Specialized – only for lighting control. Self-contained software.
  • Common systems for buildings or groups of buildings – control of engineering systems, including lighting (SCADA systems, etc.).

By the method of connection, the systems are divided into wired and wireless. Each of them has its own disadvantages and advantages.

  • The wired lighting control system transmits a control signal over the cable. It has a low cost, independence from obstacles and distance, reliability of operation.
  • The wireless lighting control system transmits a signal over a radio channel. Assumes quick installation without a cable, but has a higher cost of devices, signal reception is limited by distance and interference is possible.

 

Lighting automation can perform the following functions:

1. Maintaining artificial lighting in the room at the specified level.

 

2. Changing the level of illumination, taking into account the natural light in the room.

The illumination sensor operates when the illumination level at the installation site of the device decreases to the specified limit. You will expose the trigger boundary yourself, and this can be either complete darkness or a minor eclipse from the cloud.

 

3. Change in illumination level according to the period of day, time.

A timer is a device that reads the time between turning the lights on and off. Timers can be single-tasking – that is, they are able to count time for only one command, and multitasking, they are able to report time for a large number of tasks at the same time.

4. Change in illumination by motion sensors.

Motion sensor – the device is triggered when there is movement in its view. This sensor can be adjusted against minor movement – for example, the movement of branches from the wind, the movement of animals or the movement of people at a distance.

 

5. Change in illumination level with the function of taking into account the presence of people in the room.

Presence sensors are devices that record the presence of a person by the vision of the sensor. They can be made using different technologies, which is why the price of the device can vary quite a lot. For example, some sensors record the presence of human thermal radiation, and some work on the principle of a motion sensor, recording human movements.

6. Implementation of scenarios, zonality.

7. Lighting control with dimmers.

8. Wireless control of lighting from a tablet or smartphone.

 

Different protocols and types of equipment are used to set up a lighting control system.

Wired protocols:

  1. PUSH (DIM)
    The standard has the easiest way to send commands using a button. The button opens the control circuit, thereby turning on, off and adjusting the brightness of the lamp. In this case, a limited number of devices can be connected to one button.
  2. 1(0)-10V
    Luminaires are controlled using a signal with a voltage from 0 to 10 V. At the same time, 10 V provides maximum brightness, 0 – turns off the light.
  3. TRIAC
    It works on the basis of a simistor dimer – a special light regulator. Its advantage does not require additional wires; controls the light using only the power cable. When organizing the network, it is important to take into account the compatibility of the equipment, otherwise the lamps will flicker and make noise.
  4. DMX-512
    One of the most popular standards actively used in stage equipment. Allows you to control 512 channels simultaneously using one link. Able to connect different types of devices from different manufacturers.
  5. DALI
    The protocol is widespread in Europe. It means the use of a single control cable (DALI bus), to which all control and controlled devices are connected. This solution allows you to build a flexible network, but has the limitation of working with groups of luminaires.
  6. KNX
    Competitor DALI, but works not only with lamps. KNX supports most smart devices from different manufacturers: from battery regulators to motors on curtains. A great choice for those who want to connect lighting control systems with a smart home.

Wireless protocols:

  1. IR (IR remotes)
    Commands are transmitted as on the remote from the TV using infrared waves. The disadvantage is a limited range (about 20 meters). Distance can be increased with repeaters.
  2. RF (radio waves)

Works like a household radio – using radio waves. The operating range of devices in rooms with obstacles is an average of 25 meters. The range can be increased using special amplifier devices.

  1. Zigbee

A wireless standard is popular that allows devices to communicate with each other. Data is transmitted by a chain from the luminaire to the luminaire. In the event of a failure of the device, the automated lighting control system will rebuild the chain and continue to transfer data.

  1. Casambi

Own technology of a young Finnish company. The standard is rapidly evolving, attracting an increasing number of lighting manufacturers. Has a mobile application for sending commands from your phone.

  1. BlueLightLink (BLL)

Protocol from the largest European power supply manufacturer TCI. The company is developing wireless mesh networks – an ultra-compact solution for installation in lamps. The standard also supports a mobile application. Its advantage is that you do not need to install a separate lamp control device – the transmitter is already built into the power supply.

 

Yasa Lighting implements all types of automated lighting control systems. We have various business solutions for lighting buildings, offices, shopping malls, factories, warehouses, street and park lighting.