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LIGHTING
LIGHTING CONTROLS PRIMER
The selection of lighting controls is a complex task . If chosen unwisely , the lighting will be ineffective and / or difficult to maintain . The aim of this article is to provide advice to inform those working in the public infrastructure realm to enable them to check that their designer is choosing a suitable lighting control system .
There are four types of dimming protocols :
• Phase dimming uses a simple phase chopping circuit originally developed for incandescent lighting controlled usually by a rotary switch or similar .
• Zero to 10V dimming works by running a set of two control cables to each luminaire in addition to the power cables .
• DALI dimming Digital Addressable Lighting Interface is a protocol that allows each luminaire to be addressed individually using a digital signal and is the most modern dimming system being developed . It requires two wires to each device in addition to the power cabling . As each luminaire can be digitally individually addressed it allows “ scenes ” to be created through third party controllers that are programmed to achieve the results required .
• DMX provides 512 channels per “ Universe ” that is very useful for controlling lighting where there are large numbers of RGBW lighting sources such as on a building façade .
DIMMING CONTROL SYSTEMS
The choice of the dimming method is only one part of the design . The second consideration is how the lighting will be controlled .
Generally there are three options :
1 . Local : The lighting is controlled from a local panel , usually quite simply using rotary or similar controls . ideal for smaller projects ..
2 . Centralised : The lighting is controlled from a central point by a “ head end ” panel of some sort , ideal for complex designs such as lighting the façade of major buildings , complex catenary lighting or tunnel lighting tasks . It allows very complex lighting designs such as colour shift and special shows to be programmed . It can be used for daylight harvesting and for remote control .
3 . Distributed : Individual luminaires have intelligence and link together usually using WiFi which is ideal for street lighting and for office lighting within council buildings . The most modern development , it allows ease of extension to lighting plans and is the most flexible . In the office environment , for instance the lighting can be programmed at each desk position to suit the participant using a hand held device by managers . It doesn ’ t require a technician and doesn ’ t require rewiring of existing lighting positions .
EXAMPLES
Webb Australia are responsible for designing a large number of successful lighting installations using the various dimming technologies . Some examples include :
The Ross Street path in Toorak : This installation uses combined sensor controls and dimming with solar power to provide non-grid connected path illumination with reduced energy consumption thereby reducing solar panel size and frequency .
Centralised system examples include the Melbourne GPO and the Larissa underpass . Each involved complex designs and programing to produce vibrant effects . Follow the link to see the dynamic lighting of the Larissa underpass . This very successful installation stopped vandalism and made the underpass popular with local commuters and residents . https :// vimeo . com / 64692959
A good example of distributed lighting is the Council offices of the City of Kingston . The existing fluorescent lighting was changed to LED with distributed control . The final installation resulted in energy savings approaching 50 % of previous use as well as greatly improving user comfort for Council staff .
Barangaroo Headland Park : A safe , energy efficient and visually attractive public environment was created for people of all ages and mobility to enjoy the Park during the day and night , with the space being accessible 24 hours a day . The installation comprised of specially manufactured LED post top luminaires of a single type and regular spacings provided a recognised standard for development across Barangaroo . Narrow strip lights , embedded at regular intervals , located within the ‘ 1836 ’ sandstone wall and central promenade sandstone provide feature aesthetic . A distributed control system , in conjunction with movement detection and Webb Australia designed Park CCTV system , further adds to the energy efficiency of the Park .
Macquarie Mall , Liverpool : Lighting was a major contributor in realising the aims of Liverpool City Council to increase the amenity and safety of Macquarie Mall in the recent upgrade In addition to under awning , signage , up lighting and water feature lighting , a catenary lighting scheme provided functional as well as dynamic decorative lighting . All lighting is programmable and controllable over the Council ’ s network from the Council ’ s offices . Lighting protocols utilised included DMX , Phase Dimming , Zero to 10V as well as relay switching .
GOVLINK » ISSUE 1 2017