Control Solutions and Strategies

Reducing commercial building energy usage and associated costs has never been easier and closer at hand, through smart lighting control strategies. In commercial buildings, lighting typically accounts for up to 40% of the total electricity spend. Wireless lighting control can reduce energy consumption and costs without inconveniencing tenants or affecting their working environment, simply by using your lights more efficiently. Some energy and cost saving measures (such as making better use of available daylight) have even been found to increase the productivity and well-being of facility occupants.

Daintree Networks makes it easy to implement, automate and manage lighting using a wide range of powerful lighting control techniques. Each of these techniques used alone can reduce lighting energy use by 10-20% or more, but their real power comes when used simultaneously and system-wide, together saving up to 70%. Lighting control strategies enabled by Daintree Networks include the following:

Scheduling 

A scheduling system automatically turns on, off or dims lights at specified times of the day. Scheduled lighting events can apply to all lights within a building, or only to those within a specific zone (for example, entrance, hallway, office, or even an individual fixture). The California Energy Commission estimates that scheduling alone can reduce energy costs by 5–15%. Scheduling not only saves energy and money—it also helps buildings to comply with the "automatic shut-off of building lighting" requirements of energy codes such as ASHRAE 90.1 and California Title 24. Find out more about scheduling. 

Occupancy control 

Occupancy sensors detect activity within a specified zone, and provide convenience by automatically turning lights on when someone enters. They also reduce costs and energy use by turning lights off soon after the last occupant has left. The California Energy Commission estimates that using occupancy sensors to turn lights off when areas are unoccupied can reduce energy waste and costs by 35–45%. Occupancy control also helps buildings to comply with the "automatic shut-off of building lighting" requirements of energy codes such as ASHRAE 90.1 and California Title 24. Find out more about occupancy control. 

Task tuning and personal Control

Dimming ballasts and associated controls allow lights to be dimmed or set to match the needs of particular users and spaces, and reduce over-lighting. One associated strategy is to tune light levels down by a small amount (for example, from 100% to 85%)—a reduction unlikely to be noticed by occupants, but one that can significantly reduce energy use throughout the day. Also, by putting additional dimming controls in the hands of individual, it is commonly found that they reduce light levels depending on the task at hand. Making lighting adapt to occupants' needs improves their satisfaction while saving costs and energy.

Daylight harvesting

The concept behind daylight harvesting is simple: during the day when natural light is streaming in through windows and skylights, you don't need to use as much artificial light. Photosensors are used to measure the illumination in specified zones and automatically dim or brighten luminaires to maintain preset levels. Making more use of natural light helps you to consume less energy and reduce energy costs. The California Energy Commission estimates that daylight harvesting can reduce energy costs by 5–15%. Dimming can also help to reduce air-conditioning costs and extend the life of your lamps, further reducing costs. Find out more about daylight harvesting.

Energy monitoring and demand management

Better data equals greater savings. Utilities offer a range of programs aimed towards rewarding buildings that reduce demand at peak periods—but only those with the right set of granular data and real-time control tools can take part. By putting energy monitoring tools and usage data in the hands of facility managers, they can take advantage of greater cost savings and energy reduction strategies. In addition, energy management software provides the ability to view behavior and change strategies over time, as well as monitoring to help verify savings. Current usage can be tracked against usage history or target goals in order to accurately measure energy savings and justify project costs. Find out more about energy and demand management.

Plugload control and other energy loads

Lighting isn't the only energy load that can be controlled by an intelligent wireless network - plug loads, blinds, HVAC devices and more are quickly taking advantage of the power of wireless networking within commercial buildings. By adding a wireless plugload controller at each desk, for example, task lights and other plugged-in devices can be set to a common schedule, associated with an occupancy sensor and more. All of the intelligence of the wireless lighting network extends to easily reduce energy use even further, without the cost of another dedicated control network.