Green light
Offering a high degree of responsiveness, the lighting systems were able to talk to each other via Clipsal's C-Bus technology
TECHNOLOGICALLY diverse elements played an important part in the Department of Conservation's inroads on energy savings. Clipsal's C-Bus system was at the heart of the interconnectivity that the DALI lighting and building management system, BMS, achieved.
Spokesperson for Clipsal New Zealand Paul Harris says the ability of C-Bus to talk between diverse electronic devices and protocols is its key advantage.
"A single C-Bus cable connection is able to control an almost unlimited number of devices," says Harris. "For example, the main switch panel in a typical building could contain 200 switches and 100 dimmers yet only one C-Bus twisted-pair cable would actually be wired into the switch panel."
On a project where the scale of lighting control required was immense C-Bus was integral to Conservation House's energy responsiveness.
"While DALI ballasts in the light fittings provided an advanced lighting control option, this still had network limitations," says Harris. "To overcome this, a C-Bus DALI interface enabled C-Bus to extend the number of DALI networks to 255 more than was actually required. This, coupled to a strong interface with the BMS, and C-Bus Schedule Plus software, allowed for comprehensive control."
Systems integrator ECOsystems loaded a PC with Clipsal's Schedule Plus management software to alter the programming of the light fittings as well as monitoring the light levels on the floors. This one central computer communicates with the various switchboards via a transmission control protocol, or TCP, network.
"It is also possible from this screen to assess whether any fluorescent tubes need replacing or if there is a fault with any DALI control gear, or ballasts."
Reallocation of space, or any form of business evolution within the DOC building can be catered for by the system without need for costly rewiring.
"C-Bus offers a transparent platform to manage everything from the building's access control through to facility to control its grey water irrigation," he says.
For further details, contact Clipsal New Zealand, phone (09) 576 3403. Website: www.clipsal.co.nz.
Story by: Trendsideas
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