By John Arthur Wilson and David Shiller
This is the first of a four article series about important concepts in wireless networked lighting controls (NLC). John Arthur Wilson is an educator for wireless NLC systems. This first article is about wireless integration versus networking performance.
Addressability Types
To properly understand the variety of wireless NLC systems available today, it is important to define three types of NLC systems based on addressability and controllability. The first type in this classification scheme is “Zone Limited” NLCs. These have the least addressability and the least controllability. In the image above, Zone Limited NLC is the left graphic. Zone Limited NLC have only one sensor per group or zone of fixtures, and only one controller per group of fixtures. This seems simple and lowest cost, but has the drawbacks of no controllability for individual luminaires, and no ability to regroup or rezone luminaires without ladder work and rewiring. This is far from ideal and is the least flexible NLC type.
The second type of NLC system is “Individually Addressable.” This is the middle graphic above. Individually Addressable NLCs have a load controller in each luminaire but the zone or group still operates on a single sensor. This provides individual addressability (hence the name), and enables the simple regrouping or rezoning of luminaires without ladder work.
The third type of NLC system is “Luminaire Level,” widely referred to as Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC). For these systems, each luminiare has its own sensor and load controller. This is the right graphic above.
Networking Performance Tiers
After the three addressability types above, we’ll define three networking performance teirs: Basic mesh, +Gateway, and +IoT Server. These networking performance tiers are in order from lowest networking capability (basic mesh) to the highest (+IoT server).
The NLC Matrix
We’re now able to set up the NLC Matrix that enables desciption of nearly all wireless NLC systems on the market today. The image below shows the NLC Matrix with the three addressability types of NLC on the left vertical axis and the three networking performance tiers across the top, horizontally. With this matrix, we can better classify nearly all NLC based on addressability vs. its networking performance tier.
Considering NLC on this matrix provides a better understanding during system selection, and reduces confusion and unwanted value engineering. Today, the vast majority of NLC systems installed are Zone Limited. Zone Limited systems save a few dollars, but prevent system flexibility (the easy regrouping or rezoning of luminaires), and are little better than standalone controls. In practical terms, the single biggest benefit of an NLC system comes from the flexibility to rezone a space without needing to physically touch any luminaires. Zone limited systems do not offer any flexibility. In contrast, LLLC offer both flexibility and the greatest energy savings.
About The Authors:
John Arthur Wilson is a lighting control and utility rebate consultant to utilities and manufacturers. For the past few years, John has been conducting market research into wireless lighting controls and educating utilities and contractors on the most important considerations in NLC systems. John’s research resulted in a learning guide that can be used to support basic education around wireless trends in lighting. The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) has published that document on their Better Bricks website, available to the public, here. John’s consulting firm is Fernhill Shopworks, LLC.
David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW and President of Lighting Solution Development, a leading consulting firm in the lighting industry.
All images: John Arthur Wilson
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