Does anyone here have experience or knowledge of using light controls within a commercial setting, more specifically photoelectric controls? How well do they work? Or would using occupancy sensors be a better route to go? Thanks.
We have had problems with occupancy sensors, either they don't detect someone quietly typing in their cubicle, or the turn on with the HVAC cycles. If they are calibrated and maintained well, then you see significant impact. Photo-electric are good, but if you allow the users to override, they will almost always turn on the lights, either out of habit or other psychological reason.
The most successful install I was involved in used photoelectric sensors for general lighting (no overrides) and user controlled "task" lighting at the transaction points and working areas.
j
Lutron makes a fully automated lighting control system.
It controls micro-drive blinds and your office lighting (dimmable fluorescent fixtures).
A central server takes input from occupancy sensors, photo sensors, sun chart, and local weather conditions (station mounted on the roof); it then maximizes the use of daylight (without letting in too much heat) and dims your fluorescents (T5HO are the most efficient) to the minimum level needed to maintain your 50 ft/candles (or whatever is required by code). Every light fixture is addressable, meaning each one is individually controlled for maximum performance.
Several GSA projects use this system. It costs a lot up front, but can save you a lot on solar heat gain and over-lighting.
Hmm...guess I didn't really answer your question. Here goes take two:
Occupancy sensor work really well if you design the system correctly. In an open office area, you should use ceiling mounted sensors. Their effectiveness is dependent on your ceiling height and the height of your cube walls.
Photo sensors dim the lamp when sunlight is present. They are set to maintain a minimum lighting level (e.g. 50 ft candles).
They both save electricity, albeit through two different ways. You can always use both (see post above).
Occupancy sensors probably save more electricity though, especially if the office workers are lazy and don't turn off the lights when they leave at night.
Lighting Control Systems
Does anyone here have experience or knowledge of using light controls within a commercial setting, more specifically photoelectric controls? How well do they work? Or would using occupancy sensors be a better route to go? Thanks.
We have had problems with occupancy sensors, either they don't detect someone quietly typing in their cubicle, or the turn on with the HVAC cycles. If they are calibrated and maintained well, then you see significant impact. Photo-electric are good, but if you allow the users to override, they will almost always turn on the lights, either out of habit or other psychological reason.
The most successful install I was involved in used photoelectric sensors for general lighting (no overrides) and user controlled "task" lighting at the transaction points and working areas.
j
Lutron makes a fully automated lighting control system.
It controls micro-drive blinds and your office lighting (dimmable fluorescent fixtures).
A central server takes input from occupancy sensors, photo sensors, sun chart, and local weather conditions (station mounted on the roof); it then maximizes the use of daylight (without letting in too much heat) and dims your fluorescents (T5HO are the most efficient) to the minimum level needed to maintain your 50 ft/candles (or whatever is required by code). Every light fixture is addressable, meaning each one is individually controlled for maximum performance.
Several GSA projects use this system. It costs a lot up front, but can save you a lot on solar heat gain and over-lighting.
Hmm...guess I didn't really answer your question. Here goes take two:
Occupancy sensor work really well if you design the system correctly. In an open office area, you should use ceiling mounted sensors. Their effectiveness is dependent on your ceiling height and the height of your cube walls.
Photo sensors dim the lamp when sunlight is present. They are set to maintain a minimum lighting level (e.g. 50 ft candles).
They both save electricity, albeit through two different ways. You can always use both (see post above).
Occupancy sensors probably save more electricity though, especially if the office workers are lazy and don't turn off the lights when they leave at night.
lasers
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