Intelligent lighting ensures optimal learning environment and energy savings
Issue 01-2018:
read all articles online
read as pdf
EnOcean’s self-powered wireless Easyfit switches for Bluetooth® lighting systems combined with Casambi technology have brought state-of-the-art control to the Bernard King Library building at Abertay University, one of Scotland’s leading universities.
University libraries have transformed in recent years, as technology changes the way we research and learn. But libraries are not redundant in the digital age – in fact, they’re becoming more important than ever as universities compete to attract students and the students put greater focus on the quality of the learning environment being provided.
Increasing comfort, decreasing energy consumption
This means it’s important to have the right light to promote comfort and effective study in open-plan areas and smaller rooms, while also keeping energy consumption to a minimum. Smart lighting control technologies such as Casambi, combined with self-powered wireless Easyfit switches, are ideal for applications such as this, allowing staff – or students themselves – to control lights either using a mobile app or simple and discreet wall-mounted switches and dimmers. With Casambi system it is also possible to create automated lighting with timers and sensors. The technology is particularly suited to retrofit projects because no new wiring is required – all the intelligence and connectivity is built into the luminaires and switches, or accessed via a mobile app.
Intelligent retrofit solution to meet today’s requirements
Abertay University in Dundee, Scotland, is one educational institution benefiting from just such a system. Based on a close-knit campus in the heart of the city, Abertay is a leading university in computer game development and is one of Scotland’s foremost institutions for environmental science research. The university’s multi-award winning Bernard King Library, opened in 1997, provides individual and group study spaces, with thousands of books and journals, as well as full Wi-Fi coverage and computers with a vast catalog of e-books. The 5,500 m2 building also houses the university’s ‘onestop shop’ which offers help and advice to students about all aspects of university life.
The building recently underwent a £4 million refurbishment to upgrade services and better meet the needs of today’s students. As part of the project, Abertay University decided to introduce energy efficient LED lighting integrated with Casambi’s smart control system for improved controllability. The installation includes over 30 self-powered wireless Easyfit switches using the Bluetooth® standard in rooms used for meetings, private study, group work and presentations. Thanks to Casambi’s technology, the university has the option of giving students a degree of control over the lighting in breakout study rooms. Some of these rooms are also used for support and counseling of students, so creating a comfortable and welcoming ambience is crucial.
Casambi is a wireless system, consisting of units installed into the luminaires, which communicate directly with a mobile device, so there is no need for additional gateway units.
EnOcean’s self-powered Easyfit switches are supported by the system, and since they are also wireless they can be placed where they are needed.
A great success: individual lighting control and unlimited flexibility
Ian Simpson, Director of Operations at Abertay University, says: “The installation was very straightforward. We were renewing all the light fittings anyway, so the Casambi smart control technology and EnOcean’s self-powered wireless Easyfit switches were really just a small addition – we had no concerns from electricians on site.”
The wireless solution also makes the library ready for the future, says Simpson. “The wireless solution allows lighting to be reconfi gured very easily without changing wiring. That futureproofing aspect is important as we anticipate the building will continue to evolve over time because of the changing way students use study spaces and the wider use of technology in buildings.”
The Bernard King Library features a number of glass walls, so the self-powered Easyfit switches offered the added advantage of not requiring cable runs that would harm the appearance of the building’s interior. Responses from staff and students at Abertay have been very positive, says Simpson. “In staff areas people have been able to request that the standard lighting is changed a little to suit their preference. They can personally choose the illumination for the fitting above their desk simply by sliding the level up or down.”
The success of the installation has given Abertay University the confidence to take the smart lighting technology even further. Simpson adds: “We’ve installed two floors of the library building so far with Casambi, and the assumption now is that we’ll extend it to the offices and student study areas on the other two floors.”
New articles in Smart Lighting
Top articles
