Third Time’s A CHARM

For the first time, controls innovations – three, in fact – have made it to the podium at the Build Back Better Awards. We see what made them special.

Now in its third year, the lighting category of the Build Back Better Awards has always thrown up stand-out projects, ideas and innovations that inspire and intrigue. But never before have controls taken to the podium – until now.

In fact, three products were celebrated and rewarded: Osram’s DALI PRO 2 IoT, Urban Control’s Cellular Node and Mackwell’s N-Light CONNECT+ DALI system.

The DALI PRO 2 IoT – the first DALI 2 certified controller with integrated IoT gateway and open API – won a Build Back Better Awards GOLD for making it simple to access cloud applications.

Once installed, commissioning is achieved via an intuitive user interface, using either a notebook computer (LAN or WiFi) or a smart device (Wi-Fi).

The built-in gateway offers access to automatic firmware updates and enables IoT applications which can include remote access, emergency lighting and open REST API, which allows for integration with third party software and cloud apps.

For instance, facility managers can use the platform to monitor their lighting installations, get insights into individual energy consumption areas, provide information for potential optimization of the lighting system configuration and identify maintenance needs remotely.

It provides a simple way to access cloud applications. In addition, its browser-based graphical user interface offers a time-saving and intuitive commissioning experience.

The built-in gateway offers access to a Software Service for automatic FW updates and enables IoT Applications. This way, the controller can be automatically updated with new features, provided it is connected to the internet.

Because Osram releases new features and firmware to automatically update the product, there is no need for product replacement, which reduces the environmental impact.

Urban Control’s Cellular Node, by contrast, is a plug-and-play IoT LED streetlight controller designed to lower energy use and cut carbon emissions while improving safety. It took both a Gold and Green award.

Featuring a standardised Zhaga socket, the Node connects to lighting infrastructure allowing highway agencies and local authorities immediate control of their street lighting networks.

But unlike traditional wireless lighting control systems that require a specialised network to be built, the Cellular Node accommodates NB-IoT and LTE-M standards and connects over existing 4G and 5G cellular networks, just like a mobile phone.

In addition, the Node works straight out of the box without the need for separate gateways, making it a cost-effective solution for deploying lighting networks anywhere and at any scale.

It allows precise control of lighting outputs through remote ‘dimming and trimming’ techniques. In addition, the Node can automatically provide reporting on faults, further saving monitoring and maintenance costs.

When paired with additional sensors, the Cellular Node can provide dynamic lighting, which automatically adjusts depending on footfall or road traffic. This ensures adequate light levels during peak periods, offering a sense of security while minimising wastage during quieter periods.

In addition, by utilising dynamic controls, it is possible to minimise the impact on nocturnal wildlife by switching off or dimming street lights when nobody is present.

The N-Light CONNECT+ DALI system from Mackwell – which allows facility managers to view the status of emergency installations at any time, from anywhere and all on one single interface – was awarded a Build Back Better Awards Gold.

The cloud-based system brings new sophistication to automatic emergency lighting testing and reporting.

Emergency lighting must undergo monthly function and yearly duration testing. Traditionally, this was carried out manually by turning a key switch on a wall, observing the result, and maintaining the logbook. On multiple sites and estates, this is complex and expensive.

Mackwell created this smart, automated solution to streamline the process and use technology to assist in these challenges.

The system is a complete, scalable, and integrated monitoring solution that allows wired and wireless monitoring as well as cloud connectivity all in one system.

It includes DALI controls and intuitive interfaces and is compatible with all Mackwell DALI emergency components.

A single touch panel can control up to 1,024 devices, creating simple fault reports for quick rectification. Monitoring and maintenance can be achieved through the Mackwell Configurator software which creates an automated tree format to view and issue commands to 1,000 devices.

Through cloud monitoring, all test reports and current system status are online and are accessible for the responsible person with dedicated and personalised logins. ■