GP’s system utilizes PoE gateways connected to a PoE network switch
to transmit IP-PoE power and communication to a variety of operational
technology (OT) devices, such as LED lighting fixtures, sensors,
motorized shades, and relay/actuators.
October/November/December 2019 I 55
Enhancing employee productivity was one of the
central motives for the extensive renovations. Therefore,
a lot of different aspects of a productive workspace were
considered. Lighting is one of the important factors in
defining the ambience (Figure 9). Existing research documents
good evidence of an association between lighting
and work performance, mediated by employee well-being.
Studies also suggest that while lighting independently is
unlikely to have a strong effect on performance, it is one
of several major factors that combine to create healthy
work environments that in turn help promote employee
engagement, well-being and productivity.
Areas where employees are expected to spend most
of their working hours, for example, are in open office
desk spaces that get bio-dynamic and circadian lighting.
Incorporating circadian lighting not only offers a viable
alternative to natural light, but it also positively impacts
the overall health and happiness in an office.
The system pushes
lighting scenes
appropriated for the
demand and application
based either
on schedule, sensor
input, local control
or a combination of
these. The idea is to
have a lighting system
that is non-intrusive,
intuitive and simple
to use; it has been
successfully deployed
and enhances the
wellness aspect of the
space. Beyond lighting
applications, sensor
data is shared with other building and office automation
systems. Using the same sensor for multiple applications
has reduced the overall hardware device footprint in
the building.
For example, an occupancy sensor integrated into the
light fixture acts on the light as expected while sharing
this status change with:
1) AV systems through a wireless relay to turn on
systems based on presence
2) HVAC systems to indicate presence in a certain
zone and adjust airflow
3) Room conference scheduling systems to validate
scheduled meeting bookings with the
occupancy indication
The above application in BlueSky reduces four physical
sensors to one.
ENJOYING THE SHADE
The integrated IoT system, a digital infrastructure, was
designed to support scalability and simplified integration
of smart, automated, and connected systems now and
in the future. This IoT solution helped to address any
challenges of designing for cost-effectiveness and
energy efficiency.
With this infrastructure already in place, it is easy
and cost-efficient for GP to add low-voltage Category
cables to power low-voltage motorized shades. These
shades come with multiple positives. Located in premier
meeting room locations, integrated systems can automatically
start the AV, dim the lights, lower the shades,
and then reverse them when AV is not being used.
Additional benefits include the ability to provide DC
power via the same Category cables and to control the
shades using the same system in place for managing the
FIGURE 9: Architectural PoE
LED luminaires.