What Value Lighting Control?

In no particular order what are we looking for when specifying lighting control system?

?We want them to be cost effective, we would love them to be Green and above all we want them to add value to our project.

?Let’s deal with cost effective as this is the one area where often decisions are made based on perceived cost and not on the real value of a system, its features, and benefits.

Ok, let’s go out there on a limb and say that not all control systems are the same?

There I’ve said it, they can be similar, however the overall system may vary slightly based on the sophistication of the software and the intelligence of the hardware.

Value as we know is a very subjective term as we can only measure the true worth of a technology only when we understand how that technology functions and how it will be used in the real world. As with any smart solution the true value of a system is how those individual components work collectively to deliver a series of outcomes. Therefore, standards such as IEC 62386 matter, as interoperability guarantees hardware will speak the same language, and performance is assured.

Without some form of standardisation then we run the risk of hardware being commoditised and swapped out for lower cost non-compliant versions. Its these non-compliant devices that often have a knock-on effect to commissioning and the service life of the controls. As with all things in life if its significantly cheaper than its competitors then it’s very likely there is a reason for this.

I’ve spoken before about Value engineering and the fact that there is no Value in Engineering out a solution that works.?

We could all agree that this would be the most sensible approach and that validation of comparable technologies must be benchmarked against known platforms and technologies, which is fine from the hardware perspective (excluding wireless) however, what about the software.

Before I discuss software in more detail I should expand on my comment “excluding wireless”? Wireless will no doubt be a game changer for controls and all controls companies are embracing wireless controls in some form as a technology to connect devices for both new and legacy projects, however, there needs to be some level of clarification on the right choice of wireless.

The DALI Alliance which represents the lighting industry for controls has, along with IEC given its support to Thread, Bluetooth and Zigbee as the wireless protocols of choice. There are two levels of integration with wireless, end to end with Thread and via a gateway with Bluetooth and Zigbee. The latter using their own wireless eco system for the control layer whereas the former” Thread” provides DALI over wireless.

Whatever route you take will in part depend upon the structure of your controls offer and the software platform you deploy. One area that will need to be carefully monitored is Bluetooth as this platform does vary between manufacturers. For greater clarity its worth watching the following webinar?from the DALI Alliance https://www.dali-alliance.org/news/312/dali-connectivity-webinar-materials-available

Control, generally is good thing and we should use lighting controls whenever possible to manage lighting, however returning to the point in question measuring the value or worth of a control system can be very subjective and often open to interpretation.

So how do you quantify the value of one system over another? I’ve thought long and hard over this one as there is no easy answer as each system has its own merits although some are now dated and limited by hardware and software choices. Others promise the earth yet as a base offer have limited functionality unless you purchase an array of very expensive add on’s.?

I would look to break down the Lighting controls into a series of subsets that you can then assign a weighting or value to. I did this many years ago based on a simple matrix where certain features scored higher than a lesser feature.?

Key to making this work is an understanding of the basic requirements of your system, what do you need to do and what would you like to do. Your basic requirement might involve switching or PIR’s as a minimum with daylight harvesting as a “would like to have”?

One could argue that with today’s wide range of multi sensors, daylight harvesting should be applied to all projects, even those without daylight as initial lumens and maintenance factors still result in an over lighting of spaces; I refer you to BS EN 12464 Light and Lighting, Lighting of workplaces. in this standard we must consider various lit zones within the workplace, so we first must consider task lighting, then the immediate surround and finally background lighting. Fine tuning these areas can dramatically reduce your overall lighting load and costs significantly.

With up to 60% of office floor space being designated as a corridor/ walkway, then we don’t need to provide the same level of lighting as we do for the task. Lighting can be dimmed, saving energy, and ultimately reducing your electrical bill: ?Right light, Right place!

As a simple model the weighting can be used to interpret the designers value of what is important in the project and provide a base line of functionality that needs to be adhered to. Deviating from the base spec would highlight a potential risk to the system and specification.

The decision tree is not only based on the functionality of the system, but it would also consider the wide availability of hardware as in DALI-2 as well as the potential upgrade path and add on’s such as emergency lighting and integration to other systems would be factors in selecting the right solution. Single sourcing hardware should be avoided as this place’s a real limitation on any project should supply or technical issues arise

Topology is another factor and the use of wired and wireless should be considered for the reasons discussed previously as evolution rather than revolution should the preferred route to upgrade your lighting controls.

The right choice of technology has a value and the add ons help to focus the project to deliver a cost-efficient solution that can be replicated by other manufacturers, providing we base our controls on open and approved platforms with standards behind them, so we have solid framework.

If we then choose to VE the project, then we can at least compare Apples with Apples.

?When we start to look at the more advanced approach of how we add smart technology to the project then we need to factor these features into a list of essential and non-essential items with a ranking that provides a weighted factor.

?If the client is looking to achieve a BREEAM rating or comply with the WELL Standard then specialist features will factor heavily and these add a value that is difficult to quantify.

As an example the zencontrol IoT sensor that measures, Daylight, Occupancy, Air Quality, CO2, Temperature, Humidity etc is notably more sophisticated than many other devices and the commercial value of this single integrated unit will have to be compared not as an individual lighting devices but as a replacement for the two or three devices it replaces, along with the associated costs of installation and commissioning of said devices. Once again taking a holistic approach will dramatically reduce costs for smarter buildings whilst significantly reducing time on site for install and commissioning.

We need a different approach and whilst we still have many projects where we only provide a minimum level of management, increasingly we are seeing the value and benefit of smarter spaces.

As well as ranking the hardware in order of functionality and openness then consider the value of smart technology and how this can dramatically reduce the technology burden onsite and improve build time and commissioning.

Breaking this down into a value be this monetary or connectivity makes sense as it provides a framework we can use to benchmark against different solutions. Its data that helps us make decisions and the better informed we are, then the better the choice we will make.

It’s not a new process and certainly when Allen F Morgenstern in the 1930s coined the phrase “Work smarter not Harder” he was looking at a simplification program for production. The same is true today as it was then, simplify the process and understand the risks.

We cannot be experts in every field and that is why we need to understand the value of a partnership. Companies such as zencontrol who have a wealth of experience in both Lighting control systems and Emergency lighting and, who are a helping to shape the future of smart buildings can provide that insight and commercial edge.

As alluded to previously data will be the driving force in smart buildings of the future, however you don’t need to install all the smart infrastructure from day one. Developments such as DALI-2, D4i and the new DALI+ wireless solutions are designed to work seamlessly together and to help your building evolve over time.

Solutions are available for every budget and if the design is based on these open and interoperable standards then hardware will no longer be a limiting factor as the designer, installer and operator of these systems has a choice.

The budget might only support the most basic of controls and from a D&B style project that might be sufficient. The key is that the core system/ infrastructure is in place and based on an open system so that the client fit out or redevelopment of that site is not limited in any way.

Adding smart sensors that measure the local environment as well as the lighting can be easily retrofitted and will enhance not replace the existing infra structure.

With the right approach adding features or hardware becomes straightforward and if combined with a Life safety system such as emergency lighting then the functionality and security of the system is assured.

Value is based on knowledge and doesn’t have to be fixed at the tender stage, providing the infrastructure is based around open and interoperable standards. In lighting we rely on IEC 62386 and the DALI Alliance to provide that framework for both wired and wireless solutions. You can of course go down the proprietary route and many systems work very well, however, that ultimately leads to a path of single source supply, and limits your ability to negotiate on price or provide an alternative should there be a technical or supply issue down the line.

Taking the holistic approach is an expression much overused and although it’s the right term when selecting your lighting control and emergency lighting, perhaps a better expression would be “don’t back yourself in a corner”

We mentioned Risk earlier and this is why the industry supports open wired and wireless solutions from the DALI Alliance as hardware should never limit or delay your project. Sourcing technology from multiple vendors is a reality of commercial sales and from a practical point of view the OEM would want that freedom to choose the products that best suits their luminaire or delivery schedule.

Obviously as a controls company we want you to buy our hardware and we will make it as attractive as possible so that you do, however, we do accept that if you buy a certain device from another manufacturer and incorporate that device into your luminaire then reengineering your luminaire may not be an option and providing that device is compliant to the relevant DALI standard, then so be it.

Whether wired or wireless the selection of the technology will impact on the commercial value of the lighting as well as the system controlling it.

Knowledge is everything and understanding the market and why we have standards, will help you to make a better, more informed decision.

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Working with a company like zencontrol helps to demystify DALI and DALI wireless. We understand the value of standards and fully appreciate the challenges associated with manufacturing and construction. Selecting the right platform and product portfolio can save money both in the short and long term. It reduces the dependency on a single supplier for hardware and the restrictions associated with proprietary wired and wireless solutions.

In the long term, it can significantly reduce the impact on environmental challenges we all face as products and systems can be upgraded through life to improve performance. Standards protect us an minimise risk and with the right partner deliver projects that can evolve during construction and over the life of the project itself.

Working smart makes sense!

Author; Stewart Langdown FSLL

e: [email protected]

t: +44(0) 7774821093