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Controls and Communications

The Controls and Communications research activity investigates how digital technologies, such as Bluetooth, can be applied to building lighting control systems to increase building efficiency and improve occupant comfort and productivity. Projects range from embedded device networks applied to building lighting systems, to WiFi and environmental sensing and monitoring.

Current Projects

• IBECS (Integrated Building Environmental Communications System)
• Wireless Lighting Controls (with DUST Networks)
• HPCBS Advanced Digital Controls
• Building Control Systems Integration

Completed Projects

• CEC Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Projects
• 450 Golden Gate Project

New Publications

• Standardizing Communication Between Lighting Devices: A Role for IEEE P1451 (0.8 MB)

Summary: The paper proposes a building equipment communications network based on a federation of existing standards and communications protocols. The proposed network concept provides a viable model for control manufacturers to provide advanced digital control of most building equipment.

• Hardware/Software Solution Unifying IBECS, DALI, and BACnet (0.8 MB)

Summary: The report proposes an intelligent gateway that would intermediate between local office lighting controls and building-level control and automation systems. The gateway uses the IEEE 1451 Standard on Sensors and Actuators as the basis for standardizing communications between the network and building equipment and sensors.

Evaluation of Alternative Field Buses for Lighting Control Applications (0.9 MB)

Summary: This report evaluates existing and emerging standards for interfacing sensors and controllers for communicating with integrated lighting control systems in commercial buildings. The protocols evaluated include 1-Wire Net, DALI, MODBUS, and Zigbee.

Performance of Personal Workspace Controls (1.2 MB)

Summary: This report discusses the development of the Personal Workspace Control to date, including descriptions of the different fixture types that have been converted to IBECS operation, and a detailed description of the operation of PWC Scene Controller, which provides the end user with precise control of the task-ambient lighting system.

• Daylighting, Dimming, and the California Electricity Crisis (0.1 MB)

Summary: This paper presents a typical commercial building electric demand profile during summer, and shows how daylighting-linked lighting controls and load shedding techniques can reduce lighting at precisely those times when electricity is most expensive. We look at the importance of dimming for increasing the reliability of the electricity grid in California and other states, as well as examine the potential cost-effectiveness of widespread use of daylighting to save energy and reduce monthly electricity bills.

• Retrofit Fluorescent Dimming with Integrated Lighting Controls (1.7 MB)

Summary: The goal of this research was to develop and test a dimmable fluorescent lighting system that is suitable for easy retrofit into existing commercial buildings and to demonstrate the benefits to the lighting community. This system dims commercially available 0-10 VDC fluorescent dimming ballasts down to 20 percent light output without negatively affecting power quality. This unique lighting solution is particularly suited to retrofit applications since the installation requires no added wiring.

After DALI: A Look At What's Next (0.2 MB)

Summary: Article appeared in Architectural Lighting, January/Febrary 2005