Wireless networks enable city-wide control of LED street-light installations (MAGAZINE)

Energy-efficient lighting technologies are quickly pervading street-light deployments globally as municipalities seek to save money and utilities try to forestall energy shortages due to generation shortfalls. LED-based street lights have perhaps the greatest potential for energy savings because solid-state-lighting (SSL) technology is more amenable to adaptive controls than are induction or ceramic-metal-halide options. Controls will allow dimming of lights for even greater savings during off-peak hours. Network and control systems, such as Roam from Acuity Brands Controls, enable remote control and monitoring of street lights utilizing a wireless mesh network.

Control networks, including the Roam Monitoring and Control system, aren’t confined to SSL installations. Indeed Roam came to the market before SSL did and Acuity has supplied the technology with many types of legacy lights for power monitoring, on-off control, and detecting failed lamps. Dimming is an additive feature that’s especially valuable with LED lights because the technology is amenable to dimming and delivering energy savings.

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This article was published in the February 2011 issue of LEDs Magazine. To read the full version of this article, please visit our magazine page, where you can download FREE electronic PDF versions of all issues of LEDs Magazine. You can also request a print copy of LEDs Magazine (available by paid subscription) and sign up for our free weekly email newsletter.