October/November/December 2020 I 23
However, what happens to a building that did
not intend to have addressable lighting due to budgetary
reasons? For starters, the Wi-Fi service is always there.
Secondarily, depending on the number of devices that
are wired into the network, an engineer or designer would
have to weigh the costs of each option to determine the
feasibility of adding addressable lighting with Li-Fi service
and its added benefits. There are certainly other considerations
in that decision-making process, such as future
needs of the space, health implications, interference with
other systems and equipment, the client’s knowledge
of Li-Fi, and potential future savings. A life cycle cost
analysis may be required because lighting energy savings
may also offset the initial capital cost with a rate
depending on the size of the building.
Figure 3 is a diagram of a typical Li-Fi installation.
This diagram is provided for guidance only, since actual
installations would have to be evaluated on a project
basis by the engineer of record.
CURRENT CHALLENGES
TO Li-Fi TECHNOLOGY
As with most emerging technologies, there are challenges
to overcome, and Li-Fi is no exception:
1. Because the technology is in its early stages,
Li-Fi equipment is not yet widely available. There
are a few sources where some equipment, such
as transceivers, lighting, LiFi compatible drivers,
routers and kits, can currently be purchased
(e.g., Oledcomm, pureLifi, Signify, VLNComm).
2. A Li-Fi transceiver is needed as an add-on for
mobile phones, tablets, computers and other
electronic devices. Large manufacturers have
yet to incorporate a Li-Fi transceiver into their
mobile devices.
3. Light emitting diode luminaires that work with
Li-Fi technology are currently limited. Lighting
FIGURE 3: An example of a Li-Fi installation.