Smart Lighting Systems

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Smart lighting systems are lighting systems that utilize advanced technologies to optimize lighting performance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance occupant comfort and productivity. These systems go beyond basic on/off functionality and offer features such as dimming, occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, and remote control.

Impact on climate action

Smart Lighting Systems in Energy-Efficient Buildings advance climate action by optimizing energy use and reducing carbon emissions. By integrating sensors and automation, these systems adjust lighting levels based on occupancy and natural light, minimizing energy consumption and contributing to a more sustainable built environment, mitigating climate change impacts.

Underlying
Technology

  • LED Lighting: LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology is the foundation of most smart lighting systems. LEDs are highly energy-efficient, long-lasting, and offer a wide range of color temperatures and dimming capabilities.
  • Sensors: Occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and other sensors are used to detect occupancy, ambient light levels, and other environmental factors, allowing the lighting system to adjust automatically.
  • Wireless Communication: Smart lighting systems often use wireless communication protocols, such as Zigbee or Bluetooth, to enable communication between lighting fixtures, sensors, and control devices.
  • Control Systems: Smart lighting systems can be controlled through various means, including wall switches, mobile apps, and building automation systems.
  • Data Analytics and AI: Data analytics and AI algorithms can be used to analyze lighting usage patterns and optimize lighting schedules and settings.

TRL : 7-8


Prominent Innovation themes

  • Li-Fi (Light Fidelity): Li-Fi technology uses light waves to transmit data, offering a potential alternative to Wi-Fi and enabling new applications for smart lighting systems, such as indoor positioning and data communication.
  • Human-Centric Lighting (HCL): HCL systems adjust the color temperature and intensity of light throughout the day to mimic natural daylight patterns, improving occupant well-being and productivity.
  • Integrated Lighting and Building Automation: Smart lighting systems are being integrated with building automation systems to create a more holistic and intelligent building environment.
  • Predictive Maintenance: AI and data analytics can be used to predict potential failures in lighting fixtures, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Adaptive Illumination
  • Energy Harvesting
  • Interactive Controls
  • Networked Infrastructure
  • Energy Optimization Algorithms
  • Advanced Sensor Fusion
  • Cloud-Based Management
  • Augmented Reality Integration
  • Voice-Activated Controls
  • Eco-Friendly Materials
  • Remote Diagnostics and Maintenance
  • Ambient Intelligence
  • Collaborative Ecosystems

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  1. Signify (formerly Philips Lighting):
    • Technology Enhancement: Signify is a global leader in lighting solutions, including smart lighting systems powered by advanced LED technology and connected lighting platforms. Their smart lighting systems integrate sensors, controls, and data analytics to enable energy-efficient and customizable lighting solutions for various applications. Signify’s systems can be remotely controlled, automated, and optimized for energy savings and user comfort.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Signify stands out for its long history of innovation in lighting technology and its commitment to sustainability and human-centric design. Their smart lighting solutions offer a wide range of features, including color tuning, daylight harvesting, and occupancy sensing, tailored to the needs of different environments and user preferences.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Signify serves a diverse range of end-user segments, including commercial buildings, offices, retail spaces, hospitality venues, and smart cities. Their smart lighting systems are deployed in indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing productivity, safety, and sustainability while reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
  2. Acuity Brands:
    • Technology Enhancement: Acuity Brands specializes in innovative lighting and building management solutions, including smart lighting systems equipped with sensors, controls, and network connectivity. Their smart lighting platforms enable intelligent lighting control, automation, and data-driven insights for optimizing energy use, space utilization, and user experience. Acuity Brands’ systems support interoperability with other building systems and IoT devices for seamless integration and comprehensive building management.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Acuity Brands stands out for its broad portfolio of smart lighting solutions and its focus on delivering value-added services and customer-centric solutions. Their expertise in lighting controls, IoT connectivity, and data analytics enables them to address complex lighting and building management challenges across diverse industries and applications.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Acuity Brands serves a wide range of end-user segments, including commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential markets. Their smart lighting systems are deployed in office buildings, schools, hospitals, warehouses, retail stores, and outdoor spaces, providing enhanced lighting performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
  3. Current:
    • Technology Enhancement: Current, powered by GE, offers smart lighting and energy management solutions designed to optimize lighting performance, energy efficiency, and operational productivity. Their smart lighting systems utilize LED technology, wireless controls, and IoT connectivity to deliver dynamic lighting control, asset tracking, and space utilization insights. Current’s systems leverage data analytics and machine learning algorithms for predictive maintenance and continuous optimization.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Current stands out for its integration of advanced lighting technology with energy management and IoT capabilities, providing holistic solutions for smart buildings and cities. Their focus on data-driven insights and actionable intelligence enables customers to unlock new opportunities for energy savings, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Current serves a diverse range of end-user segments, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and transportation sectors. Their smart lighting systems are deployed in office buildings, factories, airports, streets, and public spaces, delivering enhanced lighting quality, energy savings, and operational visibility.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
    • Research Focus: MIT is at the forefront of research on Smart Lighting Systems, focusing on developing advanced lighting technologies, sensor networks, and control algorithms to optimize energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and visual performance in buildings.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of intelligent lighting fixtures, tunable LED luminaires, and adaptive lighting controls that dynamically adjust illumination levels, color temperatures, and lighting distributions based on occupancy patterns, daylight availability, and user preferences. They also integrate sensors, IoT devices, and machine learning algorithms to create responsive lighting environments that enhance productivity, well-being, and sustainability.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. By deploying Smart Lighting Systems, MIT’s research enables significant energy savings, reduces operating costs, and creates more comfortable and productive indoor spaces, contributing to building sustainability and occupant satisfaction.
  2. Stanford University:
    • Research Focus: Stanford University conducts innovative research on Smart Lighting Systems, leveraging its expertise in human-centric lighting, building automation, and data-driven design to develop intelligent lighting solutions for diverse architectural contexts and user needs.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves exploring novel materials, optics, and control strategies for enhancing lighting quality, circadian rhythms, and visual comfort in indoor environments. They also investigate the integration of advanced sensors, occupancy detectors, and adaptive controls to optimize energy usage, minimize light pollution, and support human health and well-being.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work find applications in office buildings, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. By implementing Smart Lighting Systems, Stanford’s research enhances occupant satisfaction, increases energy efficiency, and promotes sustainable building practices, aligning with the principles of green building design and performance.
  3. University of California, Berkeley:
    • Research Focus: UC Berkeley is engaged in cutting-edge research on Smart Lighting Systems, leveraging its interdisciplinary expertise in architecture, environmental design, and computer science to develop innovative approaches for integrating lighting, energy, and environmental performance in buildings.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of holistic lighting solutions, daylighting strategies, and visual comfort metrics to optimize lighting performance while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact. They also explore the use of advanced simulation tools, digital twins, and occupant feedback mechanisms to inform lighting design decisions and evaluate system performance over time.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in residential retrofits, commercial retrofits, and new construction projects. By deploying Smart Lighting Systems, UC Berkeley’s research enables energy-efficient buildings, enhances user satisfaction, and contributes to creating healthier and more sustainable built environments, fostering human well-being and environmental stewardship.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Smart lighting systems are widely used in commercial and institutional buildings, such as office buildings, schools, and hospitals. They are also becoming increasingly popular in residential buildings as homeowners seek to improve energy efficiency and enhance comfort and convenience.



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