Smart parking lot lighting control

 

Smart parking lot lighting control

Introduction

Efficient lights is critical for parking masses. It guides humans from their vehicles to shops and lower back again, while also selling safety and security. Aim for an average illuminance of 10 to 50 lux for well-lit parking masses and sidewalks.

However, poorly designed lighting fixtures structures waste power and contribute to skyglow – the brightening of the night sky. This is specially as a result of immoderate mild degrees and mild pollution, wherein mild shines upwards instead of down. Satellite photographs at night time frequently display brightly lit parking lots as main contributors to skyglow.

Therefore, smarter control strategies are wished for automobile parking space lighting. We'll discover traditional controls, microwave sensors, time-based scheduling, and even wi-fi smart controls. We'll talk the blessings and downsides of each approach to present you a deeper information of car parking zone lighting fixtures and the advantages of intelligent manipulate structures.

Benefits of parking lot lighting control

Role of parking lot lighting

Well-lit parking lots deter crime and protect your property.  Without proper lighting, your lot becomes an easy target for theft and vandalism.  Bright lights discourage criminals who operate under the cover of darkness.

Safety extends to pedestrians too.  Good lighting makes it easier for customers and employees to navigate the parking lot, reducing the risk of accidents and making them feel more secure.  This is especially important for those leaving late or arriving early.

Functions of the smart parking lot lighting control

Save Money, Save Energy: Smart controls adjust lighting output based on need, slashing energy consumption by up to 80%. This translates to significant cost savings on your electricity bill.

Light When You Need It:  Smart controls ensure the right amount of light, meeting safety and visibility requirements while saving energy.  They can also automatically increase light levels when needed.

Longer Lamp Life:  Reduced power usage means less heat buildup in the lights, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. LEDs naturally handle heat well, further enhancing their longevity.

Smart Features, Smarter Lighting:  Smart controls offer a range of functionalities beyond simple on/off.  You can schedule lighting based on time, dim lights for added efficiency, or even monitor energy usage through an app.  This allows for complete customization and control over your parking lot lighting.

Parking lot lighting with wireless control

How do parking lot lights with motion sensor work

Here's the resumed paragraph on wireless parking lot control systems:

Wireless control systems offer the most advanced and flexible solution for managing parking lot lighting. Unlike traditional wired systems, they require no complex wiring installations, saving time and money during setup. However, the initial cost of wireless systems can be higher due to the additional hardware needed.

Here's how they work:

Special wireless devices are installed on each light fixture. These devices communicate with a central control unit.

The system offers basic functions like turning lights on/off and dimming, but goes beyond that.

The central unit collects data on each light, allowing administrators to remotely monitor the system and receive alerts for outages. This eliminates the need for manual inspections.

Additionally, the system allows for creating different lighting "scenes." For example, you can program brighter lights for peak hours and dimmed lights for nighttime, all controlled wirelessly.

Smart parking lot lighting control

Parking lot lighting with photocell

How do parking lot lights with photocell work

Photocells, like tiny light switches, control parking lot lights based on brightness. They use a built-in light sensor (photoresistor) that detects ambient light. When it gets dark enough (below a set level), the sensor's resistance drops, triggering a switch (relay) to turn on the lights. Conversely, when it's bright enough, the lights turn off. There are two ways to use photocells: placing one on each light fixture, similar to streetlights, or using a single remote photocell to control all the lights together.

Parking lot lighting with photocell and timer

How do parking lot lights with photocell and timer work

Photocells and timers are a simple and effective combination for managing LED parking lot lights. Modern LED drivers often have built-in timers, offering more control than traditional clocks. Here's how this system works :

The photocell automatically turns the lights on at dusk (around 4:00 pm in this example) and off at dawn (around 7:00 am).

During peak usage hours (4:00 pm to 10:00 pm), the lights operate at full brightness (100%).

To save energy during lower-traffic times (10:00 pm to 6:00 am), the timer reduces light output to 50%.

As dawn approaches (6:00 am to 7:00 am), the lights return to full brightness for better visibility.

This approach balances energy savings with safety regulations. Photocells ensure lights turn on when needed, while the timer adjusts brightness based on typical usage patterns. This combination helps comply with stricter lighting regulations and reduces energy consumption.

Parking lot lighting with motion sensor

How do parking lot lights with motion sensor work

Motion sensors, a type of occupancy sensor, take lighting control a step further. They detect movement and automatically turn on lights when someone enters the parking lot. The lights stay on for a pre-set time after the person leaves, ensuring safe passage.

Advanced motion sensors offer even more control. They can dim the lights to a specific level (like 50% brightness) when no one is around, providing a balance between safety and energy savings.  These programmable sensors allow you to customize both the dimming percentage and the time the lights stay on after detecting motion.

Smart parking lot lighting control

Conclusion

While parking lot lighting is crucial, it's important to strike a balance between illumination and energy efficiency. Excessive lighting wastes resources and contributes to light pollution.

The good news is, there's a control method to fit your needs and budget. Here's a breakdown of the options we discussed:

Cost-effective and energy-saving: For a balance of affordability and savings,  we recommend  parking lot lights with photocell and timer. This system automatically adjusts lights based on daylight and can be programmed for specific on/off times.

Budget-conscious option: If budget is a top priority, a simple timer-based control system might be sufficient. This turns lights on and off at pre-set times.

Motion sensors for specific needs:  Motion sensor lighting is ideal for areas with lower foot traffic, like squares with occasional use. It offers both security and energy savings by turning on only when someone is present.

Advanced control and flexibility: For those with the budget and desire for ultimate control, wireless control systems are the way to go. These systems allow for remote monitoring, customized lighting scenes, and data collection for informed decision-making.

Tags :

Smart Street Lighting, Smart Street Lighting System Project Report Pdf, Smart Street Lighting System Project, Smart Street Lighting System Using Iot, Smart Street Lighting Companies