Guest post by Kevin Willmorth
Here are 15 examples of LED lighting in application, with a brief description of the controls strategy used to achieve the desired results.
#1. Freezer Case
LED lighting produces a compound energy benefit when installed in freezer cases. Substantial energy savings can result from the improved directionality of LEDs, better optical control, less light loss from operation of fluorescent lamps at low temperature, and reduced heat.
In this application, the addition of occupancy sensors, which reduce light levels by 50% when the space is vacant, generates additional savings.
Image courtesy of Watt Stopper/Legrand
#2. Infrastructure Effect Lighting
The use of color LEDs produces a dramatic effect on water, as well as the otherwise stark grey concrete of large structures.
Simple software-driven proprietary controls provided by the light fixture manufacturer allow the color to be changed for a special event, season or holiday.
On-off function activation through photocontrol and time-clock function activate on-off function at the main control panel.
Photo courtesy of Philips
#3. General Lighting with Conventional Control
Retrofit downlighting connected to a compatible dimmer produces the combined efficiency of LEDs with the simplicity of conventional lighting.
Photo courtesy of Cree
#4. Colorful Residential Lighting
The use of color was initially considered as a novelty but is now possible as an exciting home feature. In this residence, color is controlled using a DMX interface through wall station control activation of preset programmed effects.
Programming is managed through wall controls or PC connection to the main control panel.
Photo courtesy of Design One Corp.
#5. Facade Branding and Display Effects
In this application, white LEDs illuminate the structure behind a metal screen that wrapped the building.
Theatrical controls and DMX protocols were used to create dynamic graphics and fixed lighting effects, programmed by store display specialists using computer software that provides a graphic representation of the building that is painted with light. Daylight sensing changes functions, or turns the system off.
Photo courtesy of Tanteri + Associates
#6. Theatrical House Side Lighting
In this application, LED lighting was selected for the cove and balcony rail lighting effects. These were controlled with other house lighting used on the walls and in the ceiling using the same controls as would be used in any performing arts center of this scale.
Photo courtesy of Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design
#7. Daylight Control
The LED light panels diffuse daylight and add fill. Daylight controls as well as standard large-area building controls were employed. Control of the LED fixtures was integrated with control of conventional lighting products used in other areas through a large centralized dimming and programmable control system.
Photo courtesy of Behnisch Architekten (photo by Hans Jürgen Landes)
#8. Integrated Display and General Illumination Effects
In this application, LEDs were used to create shades of white, as well as a moving artistic message on the wall. Control is through DMX interface, while programming of the effects is accomplished using a standard PC and third-party graphic software.
Photo courtesy of Randy Burkett Lighting Design
#9. Special Effects
Public spaces are transformed by color, or moving light effects, using easy to program software and interactive controls. This allows public space to be continuously changing, and responsive to seasons and special events.
Proprietary controls and control software are employed, while communication is through DMX control protocol and cabling.
Photo courtesy of Randy Burkett Lighting Design
#10. Outdoor Facade Lighting
White light applications of LEDs are controlled in the same manner as any other lighting product, and outdoor applciations such as this one are no exception.
In outdoor applications, time-clock and photosensor controls, combined with standard relay contactors, can be employed in the same manner as any conventional source.
Photo courtesy of SmithGroup and Justin Maconochie Photography
#11. Facade Textured Effects
The use of exposed LED sources and DMX controls through PC software provides static and dynamic lighting patterns in an infinite array using white light sources.
Photo courtesy of Randy Burkett Lighting Design
#12. Workstation Lighting
Fluorescent lamps do not instantly achieve full brightness after ignition, and suffer shorter life when there is frequent switching.
LED lighting provides instant-on response and does not suffer any negative effects from frequent switching—compounding their already superior optical performance advantage in task lighting applications.
Graphic courtesy of University of California
#13. Commercial Interiors
In this application, 100% of the lighting is LED, controlled by a combination of conventional line-voltage load controls, using typical wall stations and daylight sensors to reduce electric lighting when not needed.
Photo courtesy of Derry Berrington Lighting Design
#14. Video Effects
The use of LEDs in large video quality systems crosses the lines between lighting, entertainment and signage. An application such as this would be impossible using conventional lamp and control technology.
Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Visitors Bueau
#15. White Light Tuning
Control of color or white light blending using either DMX or proprietary controls with wall station activation of preset scenes offers new lighting opportunities, without the inefficiencies of conventional dimming on incandescent lamps, or the light losses experienced with color filters used over incandescent or fluorescent lamps.
Photo courtesy of Design One Corp.
I’m looking for a way to do a reverse type control for LED lighting behind a stained glass window that no longer has outside lighting. My goal is to dim the LEDs relative to ambient outside light using a photo control or similar sensor. Any ideas???
Thanks, Ross Lewis