IoT and Connected Lighting
As just one piece of the extensive Internet of Things (IoT) field, connected lighting is described as the connection of lighting, controls, and sensors to a local network that can be monitored and controlled, either wired or wirelessly, through a dashboard accessed by a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The lighting system may or may not be connected with other building systems, such as HVAC and security systems. Connected lighting systems are new and still evolving, and as such are mostly untested and have not been compared in the field with traditional lighting controls. LRC projects in this research area have included:
Investigation of the Use of 3D-printed Antennae for Connected Lighting Systems
In this study, the LRC investigated whether 3D printing of an antenna on the external surface of a lighting fixture could improve communication performance for connected lighting systems.
Demonstration and Evaluation of Energy-efficient LED Lighting Controls
In this two-year project, the LRC evaluated LED lighting with fixture-integrated and network-connected lighting controls. The controls were tested in a broadbased laboratory and field evaluation to compare and quantify the additional benefits that connected lighting systems offer to users. The LRC team investigated everything from ease of installation to user satisfaction, evaluating what types of networked and fixture-integrated systems work best for different types of spaces, and will produce results and best practices guides for both purchasers and manufacturers. Sponsored by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Remote Monitoring of LED Lighting System Health
The LRC explored the ability for remote monitoring, whereby data is gathered to monitor the “health” of the lighting system. Such capabilities provide building managers with the benefit of early warnings that allow for timely scheduling of maintenance and replacement of lighting fixtures. Investigations include the development of a methodology that allows for real-time prognostic health monitoring of an LED lighting system using wireless data transfer to a smart device. This includes analyzing wireless methods that can best communicate and map luminaire location, and determining sensor communication protocol requirements for reliable transmission of sensor data to a monitoring system.
Technical Reports and Publications
Udage, A., and N. Narendran. 2021. Investigation of the use of 3D-printed antennae for connected lighting systems. IES 2021 Virtual Annual Conference, August 9-13, 2021.
Perera, I.U., and J.P. Freyssinier. 2020. Lessons from a field evaluation of two connected-lighting systems. Strateges in Light, Feb. 12, 2020, San Diego, CA.
Thotagamuwa, D.R., I.U. Perera, and N. Narendran. 2016. Remote monitoring of LED lighting system performance. Proceedings of SPIE 9954, , 99540I (September 7, 2016); doi: 10.1117/12.2240463.
Media Coverage
Mullaney, R. 2017. “5 projects in 5 pages.” LD+A, July 2017, pp. 47–52.
Press Release: LRC Expands SSL Research Capabilities to Connected Lighting, 3D Printing (2016)
Project Summary Sheets
Real-time Remote Monitoring of LED System Performance (2017) 
Sponsors
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (Agreement 61723)
Alliance for Solid-State Illumination Systems and Technologies (ASSIST)
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