Control characteristics of LEDs
The optimum switching and dimming behaviour of LEDs makes them ideal for integration in electronic lighting systems such as Light System DALI. LEDs have absolute switching stability and are capable of hot re-strike. They can be continuously dimmed from 100% to 1% - without any of the negative effects associated with other lamps, such as the effect on lighting colour, colour rendition or functional life. For this reason the majority of ERCO´s LED lighting tools are also available as Light Clients, i.e. with DALI-compatible control gear. Individually addressable luminaires, powerful software and a wide variety of interfaces for switches and sensor technology all come together in Light System DALI, to combine scenographic lighting with efficient visual comfort.
Dimming
The brightness of LED luminaires can be continuously adjusted. The master dimming function in the Light Changer+ also allows the overall brightness of a selected light scene to be regulated. Unlike other lamps, colour temperature and colour rendition remain constant with LEDs.
Colour temperature
Light Clients with the RGBW LED module are displayed in Light Studio with the 4-channel varychrome attribute. The colour temperature can be infinitely adjusted over a wide range using the relevant slider control in the software.
Coloured light
For use with DALI-compatible varychrome technology luminaires, Light Studio features a colour wheel. This familiar and user-friendly control for infinite RGB colour mixing provides an intuitive and interactive means of selecting the light colours. It relieves the user from the tedious task of having to input separate dimmer settings for the individual colour components.
DALI plug and play
Every Light Client, i.e. every DALI-compatible ERCO luminaire, is supplied by the factory with a digital code pre-programmed in its DALI control gear. The luminaire ID contains the article and serial numbers for the special user-friendly functions when commissioning, programming and operating Light System DALI . The Light Studio software identifies the type of luminaire and provides the appropriate information and functions.
Control of varychrome rings
Quintessence recessed luminaires with varychrome rings are designed for user-friendly control via Light System DALI. In this type of luminaire, the primary light source and the varychrome ring form two distinct technical lighting systems each with their own dedicated DALI control gear. As a Light Client, the luminaire is factory encoded with a unique luminaire ID, allowing the Light Studio software to automatically recognise the luminaire as a unique entity and to clearly assimilate the data. The colour of light in the varychrome ring can be easily adjusted using the colour wheel in the software and dynamic progressions can be programmed in just a few mouse clicks.
In luminaires with varychrome ring, the light for the varychrome ring is adjusted separately. For instance, dimmed light can be selected for the ambient lighting effect and a ring of coloured light as a decorative attraction.
To enable a separate adjustment of brightness and lighting colour, this type of luminaire has two separate sets of DALI control gear. Through these encoded control gear units the luminaire is recognised as an entity by the system, to simplify programming.
Light Studio software
Collaboration between IT engineers and designers at ERCO has resulted in a powerful package of hardware and software for user-friendly lighting control.
Pre-defined light scenes make it easier for the lighting designer to inspect the lighting installation. The Light Studio software has a clear user interface, enabling rapid configuration of light scenes through to time-controlled light sequences.
The Light Studio software makes it easy to set up lighting installations with Light System DALI and makes its complex functions available in a user-friendly format. It consists of five modules: The Light Master module is used for editing and managing the light scenes. The Light Book is used for organising and structuring Light Studio projects. The Light Timer module allows light scenes to be recalled at pre-defined times. The Light Sequencer is a tool for defining the chronological progression of light scenes. Finally, the functions in the Light Keeper module support the user in planning maintenance and help utilise the potential for saving energy.
The Light Changer+ PC software makes the user-interface of a Light Changer+ available to operate Light System DALI on a PC.
The special functions in the Light Keeper module provide users with a particularly convenient means to realise the energy-saving potential of their lighting installation with the help of intelligent lighting control.
Energy saving through lighting control
Sensor technology gives Light System DALI systems the capability to adapt to changing influences in the surroundings. Via the Light Studio software, the relevant light scenes can be conveniently programmed and made dependent on the readings from the sensors. In this context, DALI-compatible LED lighting tools, both through their high luminous efficacy and through their optimal controllability, contribute to lighting solutions with efficient visual comfort.
User-dependent lighting control
The lighting is adjusted to suit personal requirements.
Time-dependent lighting control
The lighting is planned around time progressions and calendar events with automation optimising energy usage.
Daylight-dependent lighting control
The lighting is adjusted to suit the available daylight using an outdoor sensor.
Brightness-dependent lighting control
The illuminance level is kept constant taking both natural and artificial lighting into account.
Presence-dependent lighting control
The lighting is dimmed or switched using a presence detector or motion sensor.
Consumption-dependent lighting control
To reduce peak loads, the lighting is dimmed dependent on total energy consumption.
Temperature-dependent lighting control
In order to limit the thermal load with regard to the air-conditioning, dimming of the lighting is made dependent on temperature.
Use of sensors
Daylight-dependent control
A typical application for the analogue inputs is the daylight-dependent control. An external sensor controls an analogue value in response to daylight conditions. The sensor's range of values allow up to 12 switching thresholds to be set in Light Studio. The sensor´s analogue value triggers the appropriate scene or sequence when a threshold value is exceeded.
One application for external sensors: daylight-dependent control of museum lighting.
Sensor technology and energy saving regulations
In many parts of the world, legislation is currently being introduced to save energy in buildings. Such provisions already frequently prescribe the use of presence detectors and constant light regulation to defined reference values. They therefore require the installation of an appropriate lighting control system as a prerequisite for the practical implementation. The result is that efficient visual comfort through intelligent lighting control is made a mandatory part of lighting design.
Using daylight to save energy and costs: with the constant light regulation of Light System DALI.
Connection of media technology
Ethernet can be used to connect the Light System DALI with standard media technology controls. Many functions of Light System DALI can be controlled using a documented programming interface. Media controls from the manufacturer AMX are compatible with Light Studio.