Traditional lighting systems are being eclipsed by technologically advanced solutions that are gradually changing the way we think about building control specification. These advanced solutions go way beyond the introduction of LEDs and are able to facilitate the use of intelligent lighting that is fully integrated into building operational systems.
PIR sensors may be commonly associated with lighting controls and security but these same sensors can be used to control heating, cooling, access, open blinds and much more, feeding back information on temperature, humidity, CO2 and tracking motion to help determine occupancy levels. Once linked to the building operation system via BACnet or a similar communication protocol, end users can make use of smart dashboards, giving them the information they need to drive down the excessive costs associated with wasted energy.
Cost effective and future proof, these multi-functional sensors are easily configurable and can be added to as businesses expand or moved around as layouts change. Data is the key to unlocking some of the latest cutting-edge smart building applications and sensors play an integral part in enabling modern room booking systems, wayfinding programs and other high-end ‘intelligent’ applications to operate as intended.
The move towards an increasingly integrated built environment is well under way as consultants, specifiers and end users recognise the benefits of a more holistic approach to electrical and mechanical specification. An intelligent lighting system integrated into a building operational system not only offers unrivalled flexibility and efficiency when compared with traditional systems, it can bring together a multitude of devices to provide high levels of visibility and control.
