Students of Control

Lighting controls consultant

Dave Tilley explores a real-world lighting challenge, this time in a student accommodation building in London

How many buildings were built without lighting controls? How many LED upgrades were point for point without lighting controls? And how many first-generation lighting control systems are either discontinued or extremely expensive to maintain?

The answer, for all the above questions, are difficult to quantify but I can say with confidence the number for all questions is extremely high.

The building regulations in many countries has increased the specification of lighting control systems, but there are a significant number of developments that do not comply with the legislation.

Lighting control systems can be wireless or hard wired. System types can vary from basic to sophisticated. These can include hard-wired occupancy and daylight sensors, power control packs installed into existing power cables, wireless nodes installed into luminaires and DALI lighting control systems.

A simple but important thing to remember if the existing luminaires are not dimmable the lighting control system will only be able to provide on/off functionality.

GreyStar, a leading global provider of student accommodation, identified an area with a range of functions, reception area, meeting and relaxation space, illuminated by a number of spotlights, decorative luminaires, wall lights and pendants, with 24/7 access for students.

The entrance and front of reception is glass, floor to ceiling, providing a significant level of natural light.

The space requires illumination for student access, exit and performing visual tasks, from 7am to midnight and security from midnight to 7am.

While the spotlights, wall lights, main pendant and reception desk luminaires are on individual circuits the only control is switch ON/OFF.

The level of natural light, during the day, would provide adequate illumination for the requirements of the reception area without the luminaires being ON, however the space would then appear to be dull and flat. If switched OFF the meeting areas would not be suitably illuminated for reading and general study.

The introduction of wireless control units to selected lighting circuits enabled control of lux levels, within each area, providing appropriate illumination for the specific space application. The visual impact of the luminaires would also look as would be expected.

The benefits of introducing lighting controls to this space.

• Energy saving, occupancy and daylight sensors combined with dimming.

• Scheduling of events, within the space, with the ability of change requirements using an iPad or iPhone.

• Extended life of the luminaires, 10 per cent trimming.

• Luminaires will always appear to be operating even at low levels.

• Balance of lux levels based on the requirements of each area.

The GreyStar reception and associated areas is a relatively small lighting controls project. However, it does demonstrate the client benefits of introducing a lighting control system from energy saving and extended luminaire life to maintaining the visual appearance of the space.

GreyStar is committed to the introduction of innovation and technologies that not only provides business benefits, financial and sustainability, but more importantly enhances the comfort, security and safety of the students. ■

Controls 1: The case study demonstrate the client benefits of introducing a lighting control system from energy saving and extended luminaire life to maintaining the visual appearance of the space.

Controls 2: Daylight sensors allow the control system to regulate the dimming.

Controls 3: The space requires illumination for student access, exit and performing visual tasks, from 7am to midnight and security from midnight to 7am.

Controls 4: The life of the luminaries is extended by 10 per cent trimming.