Different building systems , such as lighting , heating , air conditioning , IP , VoiP , as well as physical security and access control , can now work together . They can adapt to users ’ needs in real time to make spaces work better for individuals and groups . This approach breaks through silos of independently operated building systems to make it easier to automate all building services .

Through digitisation , it becomes possible to put sensor data into databases that can be analysed to gain deeper insight into how employees , customers , and guests are using spaces , allowing improved business decisions to be made about use of real estate such as room , floor and building occupancy . One of the most compelling of these next generation solutions is in connected lighting .

‘ Installation companies that have strong relationships with their end-user clients will benefit most from these new ideas .’

Eddie Brady , business development executive at Cray Valley

Ethernet-based low voltage lighting

Low voltage LED lighting is playing an increasingly important role within intelligent buildings , driven by the adoption of Category 6A Ethernet cabling to luminaires .

Low voltage lighting marks a new era and new opportunities for the cabling industry , as lighting projects involving hundreds and thousands of luminaires and sensors can only be deployed viably and reliably using wired solutions . LED luminaires offer three compelling reasons for inclusion in the intelligent building .

They consume less electricity They generate less heat They are 100 % dimmable

There are also other advantages as the systems offer enhanced optical wireless networking . The recent development of optical Li-Fi networks , can theoretically achieve speeds of up to 226Gbps . Li-Fi networking also transcends the limitations associated with Wi- Fi , such as limited bandwidth and potential carcinogenic effects .

Other advantages include a typical 50,000 hour life-span for the luminaires and centralised LED drivers that reduce maintenance costs . Also , the reduction in the amount of energy used for lighting can directly impact the reduction of HVAC costs . For every three watts reduced in lighting , there is a corresponding one watt reduction in HVAC load .

Low voltage , smart lighting also provides significant health and safety benefits , allowing easy maintenance and office reconfiguration . Advanced emergency evacuation wayfinding

uses LED luminaires to flash and change colour to aid employees to locate the nearest and safest exit route .

Creating new user experiences via lighting services

With an IP backbone linking multiple building systems in a smart , connected architecture , future lighting systems will improve safety , comfort , productivity and business deliverables . There are also many new services that can be offered by low voltage , digital lighting solutions . With many organisations using ‘ hot-desking ’, employees can customise light in their spaces to match what they are doing and to suit their personal preferences . A smart , connected workspace can even automatically carry over an employee ’ s pre-set IP phone preferences and automatically log them into collaboration tools . In shared spaces , the same digital architecture supports multiple functional working zones that can change to suit a new employee , team , or task .

Another hot topic right now is human-centric , healthier lighting . Users will be able to control lighting intensity and colour temperature in every work space , alongside other factors to adapt to the needs of occupants . Circadian rhythm lighting which mimics natural light cycles can increase productivity up to 16 %, aid patient recovery in hospitals and improve learning in schools .

Digital lighting solutions can also be integrated with digital signage and wayfinding applications that connect with employees ’ and visitors ’ personal

18 | September 2017