Smart Lighting in a PoE-based Smart Building is one of the most innovative and energy-efficient applications of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. PoE-controlled LED lighting systems go beyond merely providing light; they play a central role in creating a flexible, comfortable, and sustainable building. This type of lighting not only operates via Ethernet cables but can also be centrally managed, offering a wide range of benefits, such as automated adjustments and significant energy savings.

How does PoE-controlled smart lighting work?

With PoE lighting, both power and data are transmitted through a single Ethernet cable to LED fixtures. This means that the lighting can function without separate power cables, reducing installation costs and simplifying infrastructure. Since the lighting is connected to the network, all fixtures can be centrally managed and controlled via a building management system or a cloud-based platform.

Benefits of PoE-controlled LED lighting

PoE lighting offers more than just simplified wiring. The technology allows real-time adjustments based on various parameters, such as:

1. Occupancy:

By using sensors that detect when people enter or leave a room, the lighting can automatically adjust. Thismeans that lights can dim or turn off when a room is empty, preventing energy waste.

2. Time schedules:

The lighting can also be programmed based on time schedules. This is particularly useful in commercial buildings,where lights often remain on unnecessarily outside working hours. Automatically turning lights on or off accordingto a preset schedule can lead to significant energy cost savings.

3. Natural light adjustment:

Another important aspect of smart PoE lighting is the ability to automatically adjust based on the amount ofnatural light in a room. This is done through light sensors that measure daylight intensity and adjust the LEDlighting accordingly. As a result, user comfort is enhanced while minimizing energy consumption, as lights onlyoperate at full capacity when needed.

Signify solutions:

Signify, formerly known as Philips Lighting, is a leading provider of smart lighting solutions, including PoE-powered systems. Signify's Interact Office solutions are specifically designed for modern office environments and offer advanced capabilities for lighting and space management.

Interact Office: Centralized management and energy savings

Interact Office provides a powerful platform that allows organizations to manage and optimize their PoE lighting systems. The platform uses sensors integrated into the fixtures to collect real-time information about space usage, temperature, and light intensity. This data can then be used to dynamically adjust the lighting, for instance, by automatically dimming or turning off lights in unoccupied areas.

The benefits of Interact Office include:

• Energy efficiency:

Automatically adjusting lighting based on occupancy and light sensors can save up to 80% on energy costs.

• Flexible space management:

Through the dashboard, facility managers can easily monitor spaces and manage lighting across large buildings or multiple locations from one central point.

• User comfort:

Lighting can be adjusted to individual preferences or specific workspaces, creating a comfortable and productive working environment.

Human-Centric Lighting: Smart lighting for well-being

Signify also offers solutions in the area of human-centric lighting, where lighting is tailored to the biological needs of users. By adjusting the intensity and color temperature of the light according to the time of day, the well-being and productivity of employees can be improved. This is particularly important in office environments where people often spend long hours indoors without adequate exposure to natural light.

For example, cool white light can be used in the morning to increase alertness and concentration, while warmer light in the afternoon helps with relaxation and prepares for the evening. These dynamic light adjustments can be automated and integrated into a PoE lighting system.

Conclusion:

Implementing PoE-controlled LED lighting systems, such as those from Signify’s Interact Office, offers significant benefits in terms of both energy efficiency and user comfort. By centrally managing lighting and automatically adjusting it based on sensor data, organizations can not only save on energy costs but also improve the overall quality of the work environment.

Moreover, the technology allows for the integration of lighting with other smart building systems, such as HVAC and access control, resulting in fully automated and sustainable building management. Signify’s solutions enable PoE lighting to become a strategic pillar for creating future-proof, smart buildings that meet the needs of their users while contributing to a more sustainable world.