Page 181 - Solar Power in Building Design The Engineer's Complete Design Resource

COMPUTERIZED LIGHTING CONTROL 151

Figure 6.2 A typical centralized lighting control wiring plan. Photo courtesy of LCD.

environments, lighting control is accomplished by a computerized automation system
that consists of a centralized control and display system that allows for total integra-
tion of all the preceding components.
A central lighting control system embeds specific software algorithms that allow for
automated light control operations to be tailored to meet specific energy and automa-
tion management requirements unique to a special environment. An automated light-
ing control system, in addition to reducing energy waste to an absolute minimum,
allows for total operator override and control from a central location.
Because of its inherent design, the centralized lighting control system offers indis-
pensable advantages that cannot be accomplished by hard-wired systems. Some of
these are as follows:

■ Remote manual or automatic on-off control of up to 2400 lighting groups within a
predetermined zone.
■ Remote dimming of lighting within each zone.
■ Automatic sequencing control of individual groups of lights.
■ Sequencing and graded dimming or step activation of any group of lights.
■ Remote status monitoring of all lights within the overall complex.
■ Inrush current control for incandescent lights, which substantially prolongs the life
expectancy of lamps.
■ Visual display of the entire system illumination throughout the complex by means
of graphic interfaces.
■ Free-of-charge remote programming and maintenance of the central lighting and
control unit from the equipment supplier’s or manufacturer’s headquarters.
■ Optional remote radio communication interfaces that allow for control of devices at
remote locations without the use of conduits and cables.