CONTROL INTELLIGENCE DISPERSAL This refers to how lighting control intelligence (parameters for how the network should operate) is dispersed and where it resides. With this, there are four options:
Intelligent, ballast-based strategies: Here, vendors look to leverage the intelligence that resides in the ballast itself. (A ballast is required to control the starting and operating voltages of electrical gas discharge lights, especially fluorescents.) All strategies can control ballasts, but ballast-based strategies distribute intelligence locally; where they then execute the parameters set by the centralized software console.
Intelligent, node-based strategies: In node-based strategies, vendors install a controller (or node) that sits inside each fixture next to the ballast. It is this intelligent node which is responsible for executing all control functionality according to the parameters set by the centralized software control console.
Intelligent, sensor-based strategies: Here, vendors distribute lighting control intelligence directly from the central management console to intelligent sensors and switches; there is no aggregation device.
Control-panel-based strategies: And with this, all of the intelligence is administered through control panels that typically reside in electrical wiring closets. These control panels are responsible for communicating with all of the devices on the periphery and executing all of the light level parameters set by the centralized software control console.
David Raezer and Romahlo Wilson are Partners at Cleantech Approach (cleantechapproach.com), an independent research and advisory firm that identifies market-ready sustainable strategies. A complimentary copy of CTA’s report, “Lighting Controls: Savings, Solutions, Payback and Vendor Profiles” containing payback analysis and vendor profiles, can be downloaded by ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING readers at cleantechapproach.com/ArchitecturalLightingMag.
