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CATEGORY:  Products » Digital Controls and Systems

LCA TV: WattStopper Intelligent Building Strategies

This short video, produced by the Lighting Controls Association at the 2011 LIGHTFAIR event, introduces the building industry to WattStopper’s intelligent building strategies based on the company’s Digital Lighting Management (DLM) product line.

An all-digital suite of plug-together lighting controls, DLM automatically configures to the most energy-efficient sequence of operation based on installed components. The result is that DLM meets and exceeds energy code requirements, saves more energy than conventional controls, and provides an unprecedented return on investment for both new construction and retrofit projects.

With DLM, each room or space in a building has its own control network where the installer simply connects room controllers, occupancy sensors, switches and photocells as needed. Plug n’ Go technology then recognizes what is connected and automatically configures the space to the most energy efficient operation. For instance, advanced controls strategies such as automatic-on of 50% of lighting with manual-on of the remaining 50% automatically configure when appropriate DLM components are connected. Other DLM innovations include LCD screens on occupancy sensors for ease of setup, as well as a handheld bidirectional configuration tool that provides ladder-free system setup or adjustment. Because DLM uses Cat 5e RJ45 cables to connect components, time-consuming installation activities, such as interpreting wiring diagrams, setting DIP switches, and terminating low voltage wires, are eliminated. This speeds up installation and eliminates the potential for wiring errors.

DLM also offers integration of plug load control, allowing building owners to further leverage code-compliant occupancy sensors and realize greater savings. Most recently, the company expanded the DLM offering with components that allow quick and easy networking of room-based controls and lighting control panels for centralized monitoring, control and programming.

WattStopper’s Switch to Digital Program Helps Contractors Address New Code Requirements

wattstopper switch to digitalWattStopper has launched “Switch to Digital,” a new program focused on providing complete Digital Lighting Management (DLM) solutions for contractors as they begin to encounter complex new energy code requirements. The program includes two new prepackaged lighting control kits with all the DLM components needed to provide advanced code-compliant lighting control for rooms with one or two lighting loads. The easy-to-install DLM occupancy-based controls automatically self-configure to provide the most energy efficient sequence of operation as soon as the components are plugged together. Contractors can now reduce installation time and eliminate labor risk on commercial lighting retrofit and new construction projects with these innovative, off-the-shelf control solutions available from electrical distributors nationwide.

Dubbed “Switch to Digital” to highlight the benefits of DLM, WattStopper’s new program includes the two “room in a box” kits, as well as a brochure, videos, and a toolbag demo. These tools help contractors recognize the practical advantages of selecting digital lighting controls that are easy to use, yet capable of automatically providing more complex, code-mandated sequences of operation. Each DLM kit comprises a room controller, dual technology ceiling mount occupancy sensor, a switch for manual control and two pre-terminated cables. Contractors simply plug the controls together using the two cables, which eliminate the need for time-consuming low voltage wiring connections. Once the controls are installed, patented Plug n’ Go automatic configuration ensures that they work right out of the box, without any setup or commissioning.

The single load kit, the LMKT-101, automatically configures for manual-on/automatic-off control, providing 20-30% greater energy savings than automatic on/off and compliance with provisions of the latest code revisions including ASHRAE 90.1-2010. The two load bi-level kit, the LMKT-102, defaults to automatic-on/automatic-off for one load, and manual-on/automatic-off for the second load. This sequence of operation further increases savings, reducing energy use by 52% more than traditional automatic on/off controls and is compliant with requirements in California Title-24, IECC 2012 and ASHRAE 90.1-2010.

Additional components are also available to customize and expand DLM kits to meet the control objectives of more complex applications. A handheld wireless configuration tool permits convenient, ladder-free adjustment, and additional digital room controllers, sensors, switches and cables may be incorporated to control extra loads.

By combining superior energy savings and predictable installation, Digital Lighting Management provides the fastest, easiest and best commercial lighting control solutions for contractors and building owners alike. WattStopper’s Switch to Digital solutions provide superior ROI when compared to automatic on/off controls, and traditional analog controls that typically take twice as long to install.

OSRAM SYLVANIA Introduces GreenBus II for The Encelium Energy Management System

encelium greenbus IIOSRAM SYLVANIA has introduced GreenBus II, a new, two-wire communication platform for supplying data and power to the ENCELIUM Energy Management System from OSRAM. The new communication network integrates lighting control and energy management into one complete, programmable architecture.

This next generation bus system dramatically raises the capability to deliver power to sensors on the bus while increasing the number of nodes supported by a single ENCELIUM Energy Control Unit. GreenBus II includes enhanced troubleshooting features over the GreenBus I architecture, such as the ability for the system to detect and locate field bus communication faults via the ENCELIUM Polaris 3D™ software.

The ENCELIUM Energy Management System is unique in that it can integrate control of either DALI dimming ballasts or 0-10V analog dimming ballasts within the same platform. Where DALI ballasts are preferred, the system utilizes an ENCELIUM DALI Bridge as a gateway between the ENCELIUM GreenBus II field bus and the DALI ballasts. The DALI Bridge also allows for the mixing of Class 2 and Class 1 wiring within the same lighting system. Where analog ballasts are preferred, the system utilizes a Luminaire Control Module (LCM), which provides for addressable control (dimming or switching) of each device. The LCM is also able to control LED fixtures and dim 0-10V LED drivers.

The system also utilizes a Sensor Interface Module (SIM) to integrate standard occupancy and photo sensors into the ENCELIUM GreenBus II communication network. Each SIM is automatically addressed as soon as it is connected to an ENCELIUM Energy Control Unit (ECU) and adjusts itself to the type of sensor it is wired to, establishing two-way communication between the ECU and itself.

With the GreenBus II communication network and Polaris 3D software, the ENCELIUM Energy Management System offers unprecedented flexibility and control of a building’s lighting usage.

WattStopper Controls Compatible with Industry Standard Ballasts and LED Drivers

WattStopper has published a technical bulletin describing how the company’s 0-10VDC dimming controls, including selected Digital Lighting Management (DLM) room controllers, wallbox dimmers and daylighting controllers, use an industry standard control protocol in order to control compatible ballasts and other devices such as LED drivers.

The bulletin reviews how this low voltage “sinking” control method was developed, how it works and how it differs from 0-10VDC “sourcing” control.

Sensor Switch nLight Network Lighting Control System Awarded 2011 Top Product Recognition

Acuity Brands, Inc. has announced that its nLiGHT® Network Lighting Control System from Sensor Switch® recently received a 2011 Top Products Award for lighting controls from Building Operating Management Magazine.

The Top Products Awards from Building Operation Management recognize the best products from manufacturers and suppliers from the past year as determined by building and facility executives who participated in a national survey. Top Products were selected based on the criteria of innovation and usefulness to facility managers. Winners were selected from a field of more than 500 possible products.

Introduced in 2007, nLiGHT is a revolutionary digital architecture and networking technology that cost-effectively integrates time-based, daylight-based, sensor-based and manual lighting controls. Designed to function in an individual room or to be networked together across an entire facility or campus, the nLiGHT system is an easy-to-use and easy-to-install lighting control system. It significantly cuts energy consumption while enhancing user and occupant convenience.

Further, nLiGHT intelligence is also embedded in LED luminaires from Lithonia Lighting, offering a complete and customizable lighting solution with integrated controls.

Leviton Awarded Top Products of 2012 from Building Operating Management Magazine

leviton sectorflex digital lighting management control systemLeviton has been named among Building Operating Management magazine’s top products of the year for the company’s SectorFlex Intelligent Digital Lighting Control System. There were 560 products submitted and the winners were chosen by the building and facility management executives that subscribe to the magazine, ensuring 100 percent reader selection. The SectorFlex products will be featured in the January 2012 issue of Building Operating Management (BOM) as a Top Products Award Winner.

Leviton’s SectorFlex Intelligent Digital Lighting Control System combines several energy saving technologies – scheduling, occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting and dimming – into one conveniently integrated system. This topology-free system uses the same wiring type for all Sector components and accessories, making it one of the easiest lighting control systems to install. To further simplify installation, all components are on a single bus, with accessories connected to the network. The Sector family of products provides a scalable solution that offers maximum flexibility and maximum coverage in any application – from a single room to a campus of buildings.

The SectorFlex Intelligent Digital Lighting Control System is part of Leviton’s integrated energy management offering, which includes Leviton occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting systems, self-powered energy harvesting wireless lighting controls, commercial grade submeters, programmable relay control and dimmers, and architectural lighting control systems for building-wide lighting management.

WattStopper Digital Lighting Management Photosensors named as BOM 2012 Top Products Award winners

wattstopper LMLS-400 and LMLS-500 DLM photosensorsWattStopper’s innovative LMLS-400 and LMLS-500 digital photosensors were selected by Building Operating Management (BOM) readers as recipients of BOM’s 2012 Top Products Awards. The photosensors are part of WattStopper’s Digital Lighting Management (DLM) product line, and are specifically designed for easy integration with occupancy sensors and other lighting controls. DLM maximizes energy savings and return on investment (ROI), and meets or exceeds the latest code requirements.

These photosensors comprise the most complete and most flexible range of daylighting control options on the market. Both products include a two-way infrared (IR) transceiver for communication with a wireless configuration tool, and the LMLS-400 features automatic commissioning for either switching or dimming, an industry first. Either sensor can be configured for on/off switching, bi-level or tri-level step switching or step dimming, or continuous dimming for each controlled zone.

A convenient menu-based handheld wireless tool is used for sensor configuration. The wireless tool also initiates the self-commissioning process for the LMLS-400, and prompts users to input light levels in order to quickly commission the LMLS-500. Once the LMLS-500 receives measured light levels for each control zone, it automatically recommends setpoints, greatly simplifying the setup process compared to other open loop daylighting controls.

WattStopper’s LMLS-400 is a single-zone closed loop photosensor that can be installed on a ceiling or in a lighting fixture. The LMLS-500 is a multi-zone open loop photosensor designed to mount on a ceiling or in the light well of a skylight, and control up to three lighting zones. The digital photosensors simply plug into a DLM network and can easily be added, or exchanged for one another, if project requirements change. They are ideal for both retrofits and new construction.

The Building Operating Management Top Products Awards are 100% reader-selected and recognize the most popular manufacturers and suppliers of the year, as determined by building and facility executives who participated in a national survey. Award winners are featured in the January 2012 issue.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2011 Product of The Year Awards Recognize Three Lighting Control Products

Consulting-Specifying Engineer has recognized three innovative lighting products in the lighting controls category of its 2011 Product of the Year Awards.

GOLD: The McGraw-Edison Ventus outdoor LED area luminaire from Cooper Lighting incorporate bilevel switching capability
SILVER: The Digital Lighting Management (DLM) lighting control system from WattStopper
BRONZE: The GreenMAX relay control panel from Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc.

Congratulations Lighting Controls Association members on earning these prestigious awards!

LCA TV: Sensor Switch nLight Digital Lighting Control System

This short video, produced by the Lighting Controls Association at the 2011 LIGHTFAIR event, introduces the building industry to Sensor Switch’s nLight Digital Lighting Control System.

nLight is the first lighting control system to cost-effectively integrate Occupancy-based, Daylight-based, Time-based, and Manual control methods. Requiring no centrally hardwired equipment, nLight provides facility managers with the ability to deliver increased energy savings and occupant convenience via one system, all while lowering equipment and installation costs, to provide a quick return on investment.

nLight works by establishing a communication network between intelligent lighting control devices, including occupancy sensors, power packs, photocells, wall switches, and dimmers. This creates a system with distributed intelligence, meaning that all lighting control decisions, as well as all switching and dimming actions, are carried out by the devices within each individual lighting zone. This system feature eliminates the need for centrally hardwired equipment and enables zones to self-commission and function independently, if necessary. It also enables nLight to provide global control of the building’s lighting system via nLight’s web-based lighting management software called SensorView. SensorView allows every device setting and operational mode to be configured and scheduled according to a user’s preferences, resulting in highly customized lighting control schemes. Further, every nLight device can be remotely upgraded when new features become available.

Lutron Quantum Select Light Management Packages Enable Select Quantum Functionality for Smaller, More Specialized Applications

Lutron Quantum SelectLutron Electronics recently unveiled Quantum Select packages to provide simple, cost-effective, scalable options for adding select capabilities typically found in larger centralized lighting and energy management systems to smaller, more specialized applications.

Lutron Quantum Total Light Management system maximizes the efficient use of light to improve comfort and productivity, simplify operations and save energy. This powerful and efficient system dims or switches all electric lighting and simultaneously controls daylight using automated shades. Quantum easily integrates with building management systems and is ideal for office buildings, hospitals, universities, and more.

Quantum Select packages are pre-packaged solutions for standalone or panel-based projects that require only select Quantum functionality.

Benefits of Quantum Select packages:

• select only the Quantum capabilities required for your project
• complete solutions start at less than $0.25 per square foot
• easily add functionality and expand the system to control larger areas at any time

Four distinct light management packages are available:

• Central Control Package – A simple, cost-effective and scalable solution that provides the ability to control and monitor your lighting system easily from a computer.
• Building Systems Integration Package – Ideal for integrating your Lutron light control system with a third-party building management system, this package provides the necessary software licenses to manage your building from a single point of control.
• Hyperion™ Package – Designed for use in spaces that have direct exposure to daylight, this package utilizes Lutron Hyperion automatic shading software to control the amount of daylight entering a space, based on the position of the sun.
• Green Glance® Package – Designed to facilitate effective energy management by enabling a building to evaluate and monitor energy use, the GreenGlance package features display software that provides real-time and historical data on lighting energy savings.

Each Quantum Select package features the QP3 Light Management Hub to control, manage, and monitor light and energy use, while offering specific Quantum capabilities and associated software licenses based on project needs. The new QP3 hub:

• easily integrates with third-party building management systems
• offers the most cost-effective light management hub of its kind
• features a small form factor that fits easily into any location
• has two configurable links that provide the ability to control a small area up to an entire building (limit 512 controllable outputs per link)