Page 163 - Advanced Course

KNX ADVANCED COURSE

1 General

The lighting in modern buildings is generally no longer switched manually. The users in
principle demand the implementation of intelligent open- and closed-loop lighting control
systems. This should result in the efficient operation of the lighting. Efficiency has three
meanings in this context: firstly, there should be an obvious saving of energy; secondly,
intelligent lighting systems should largely prevent lights from being switched on
unnecessarily which should lead finally to an automatic protection of resources!

2 Conventional Brightness Control: Sun shines – Light switches

off

If dimmed fluorescent lamps are used for example instead of switched lamps, the service
life of the fluorescent material is lengthened considerably even when the maximum power
is reduced by only 10%. This again results in cost savings and protection of the
environment. A well-designed lighting control system also means a more pleasant working
environment for the user e.g. from office workstations. It is also worth mentioning in this
context that closed-loop lighting control should – where possible – use existing (free)
external light which results in a two-fold energy saving, particularly during the warmer
seasons of the year. A reduced level of artificial light means less electrical power, less
waste heat and thus also a lower cooling capacity if the rooms are air-conditioned.
Moreover, scientific studies have proven, that an integrated blinds and illumination
automation will reduce the sun induced heat energy into a building up to 80%,
Thus even a 4-fold saving can be made, perhaps in certain buildings avoid to install air
condition at all.

Home and Building Management Systems KNX Association
Lighting Control Lighting Control_E0310a.doc 4/34