Last year, Enlighten completed a project that was able to integrate modern wireless lighting controls into a campus of historic, high-rise buildings, all constructed almost 100 years ago. The project required Enlighten to create a solution that would provide modern functionality but integrate with the historic decor and limitations of the existing building. Furthermore, a solution that allowed for a minimally invasive installation would be highly beneficial. Both stairwell and hallway solutions were designed, supplied, and installed by Enlighten.
The hallway technology is based on an energy-harvesting motion sensor. It uses ambient light to charge a battery for power and perform it’s motion detection activity. This means that no new wires or conduit needed to be installed, a process which would have been labor very intensive in this existing building. These energy-harvesting motion sensors wireless connects with blue-tooth nodes Enlighten installed in each of the traditional, decorative ceiling fixtures. The nodes provide two key points of functionality. First they are able to dim the LED bulbs in the fixture utilizing a triac-dimming protocol. This allowed the client to keep their traditional interior fixtures rather than change to a more modern looking and functioning fixture that required 0-10V control. Second the fixtures wirelessly mesh together in groups, so that so that all brighten in unison down a stretch of hallway. This group functionality provides a much more pleasing experience as all fixtures in the hall brighten upon occupant entrance instead of one at a time as an occupant travels down a hall.
The stairwell technology is based on an in-fixture ultrasonic motion sensor. It detects motion as an occupant is traveling the stairs above or below by listening for small changes in sound. This anticipatory detection means the fixture senses stairwell activity and brightens slightly before the occupant arrives. This is a nice feature for stairwells as otherwise the occupant would incur some short period in a dim/dark stairwell.
Apartment and hotel hallways and stairwells are great opportunities for dimming during periods of vacancy as they are often infrequently occupied. See the below video for a demonstration of the technology. Contact Enlighten Solutions for lighting design, consulting, installation, and other services / contact@enlightensolns.com
