Following on from the immense success of the Sentido range, Basalte announce a new room controller to match. The product features a full menu driven oled display and is essentially capable of controlling any function in a room via the touch sensitive surfaces. In common with all Basalte products the finish is without equal.
After stumbling across a discussion thread on AV Forum that discussed the merits of various lighting/smart home control solutions, in response to a question on who’s the best in terms of cost a technical features/benefits, I thought I should look into this a little deeper.
OK, at Ivory Egg we could be viewed as a little KNX or DALI biased, so I promise to be as objective as possible and open to feedback here. At the end of the day we are independent, simply want to deliver the best solutions to our clients and I would hope this article, at the very least, will stimulate some form of debate. You can view the complete thread at AV Forums.
So, in terms of the players (at least who I perceive to be the market ‘leaders’ in this field), and again you may disagree with my selection, I have decided to look at the following solutions. This selection is based purely on the names I come across on a weekly basis:
Not everybody active in this field, but a good starting point? Unfortunatley though, we have a bit of a problem when trying to compare these so-called competitors, as basically what we’re dealing with is a mix of different standards, manufactures and solutions that are all competing against each other. I would love to be in position to just compare like for like and publish the pros and cons of each, answer the questions in places such as AV Forum, but that would not provide a true representation of each solution (I hope I’m not stating the obvious here)…
For example, it makes sense on some projects to have a mix of KNX and DALI. As DALI is an open protocol for lighting control mainly in commercial buildings, while the growth area in KNX is for residential and LED. Take Heathrow Terminal 5, which has a KNX backbone with switches/PIRs etc and a gateway to DALI for the lighting. KNX can’t compete with DALI, as the DALI is fitted to the ballasts that control the lighting and sit in the actual light fitting. They are complimentary systems and we approach it from that point of view as we sell KNX/EIB DALI gateways at Ivory Egg.
In terms of KNX vs. some of the other systems, well Lutron is bar far the market leader in terms of pure lighting control. Rako on the other hand sell purely wireless lighting controls and they are great for DIY/retro-fit. As for INSTEON, which is again a wireless control technology, they currently have no European devices so it doesn’t really complete with KNX and is more of a competitor to the likes of Z-wave and EnOcean (which is another blog altogether). And finally we have Crestron, who supply more AV & generic device control solutions.
It is worth pointing out that Crestron do provide a complete AV, lighting and control solution. It does it by controlling different devices from multiple manufactures and a wide range of different protocols via a central controller. From a consumer point of view Crestron is “Interface Centric” via tablet and in wall touch screens. This hides the complexity of using Lutron for lighting, X manufacturer for heating and Z for multi room audio. It is an expensive route to take, but on the positive side it is highly configurable.
KNX is standard based and developed from a consumer point of view. It is switch centric, in other words it is a compact and stylish intelligent switch on the wall that can easily control the ‘functions’ in a room (HVAC, lighting, blinds etc). KNX has 1,000s of products that are certified to work together, but this is not the case with Creston. That said most consumers wouldn’t know the difference, as most simply go on look and feel, and that is where market leaders such as Basalte and Gira score highly. Their products are innovative, look fantastic on the wall and at Ivory Egg we can supply a whole host of fittings for 13amp sockets that will coordinate with the wall switches. And to be fair, this is what the architects are demanding!
So difficult to draw conclusions really. I guess the big question I’ve not really answered is what are they main differences between Lutron and KNX? As Lutron is a central processor based with proprietary technology and KNX is a component/manufacturer open standard, does that mean the KNX open standard is the lowest common denominator (as claimed by Lutron) or does that mean you get vastly increased flexibility (as claimed by KNX)? Is Lutron only lighting control – on/off/dim or is it full integration. If KNX gives you full integration, then why would you even consider Lutron? All very valid questions…
Yes, KNX provides a holistic approach to efficient energy usage. It is not limited to lighting or heating or metering or appliances or AV or any other specific function for that matter. The KNX platform has been adopted by many highly respected major manufacturers with their vast choice of products covering all these product lines. In the longer term, this is also important to building owners, as any installation is future proofed for any changes/upgrades that could be needed. As KNX covers such a diversity of applications using one standard, it means cabling networks can be much more simplistic and single twisted pair cabling can often suffice, with multiple elements all operating together on a single network. As I’ve already mentioned briefly with DALI, a number of the KNX manufacturers have also developed ‘gateways’ to other control protocols. These simple devices are used to expand the capability of KNX control systems to provide the complete solution for a building.
KNX has also worked closely with management-level protocols such as BACnet to enable a close co-operation between these two standards when the project requires additional integration. Every KNX-compliant piece of equipment is fully tested and certified to this highly stringent standard by an independent regulatory body – It is only at this point that it can carry the KNX logo, as controlled by the international KNX Association of Brussels. Therefore there is total confidence in reliability and interoperability, whatever KNX devices are chosen. In the UK we have a growing network of integrators who have joined KNX UK to share their experiences and to help promote the standard. They can also assist consultants as well as building owners in achieving the optimum solution for their building and with KNX also accepted throughout the world (and with partnership agreements with more than 30.000 partners in more than 75 countries worldwide) from China to the United States as well as Australia and the Middle East, it truly is a worldwide standard.
Lutron on the other hand is recognised as the leading brand in terms of pure lighting control, and rightly so… It has many advantages and is easy to install, retrofitable and extremely reliable. Their systems are a proven, extensively implemented technology that offers 2-way communication, is scene capable and can dim any type of dimmable lighting. All this is backed by an industry leading company with a very long history and their systems are available in a large number of styles and finishes, all backed with a 7 year warrantee. Plus they too can integrate window/shade controls and offer relatively easy intregration with Crestron and other control systems. However, while I find it hard to criticize KNX (and again, I can hold my hands up and say yes we’re a little biased), to me there are some obvious disadvantages to Lutron. For one it only controls up to 32 lights (expandable to 64). Then there is the fact it has no dedicated processor, so it relies on an automation processor. In other words if this processor fails, then I’m afraid you have to manually override or you have no lights at all. However, the ‘biggie’ (in my experience anyway) is that expansion always seems more complicated than it needs to be and is certainly more expensive than with KNX products.
The choice of lighting control is a wide one one I’m afraid, the above is only our humble opinion. To be honest, what you really need to do is decide what functionality you want and then see what systems can support your needs. Its important you select an installer that can advise you on the systems that you’re interested in. Price is always important, but do not make it the main point, and you need to always be thinking about upgrades/adding to the system in the future. Also think about who can you get to do changes and tweaks to the lighting control system (these things are never right first time and commercial clients and their staff especially can be very demanding)?Does the control system intergrate with other manurfacturers you may be using and don’t be afraid to ask for them to show you existing installations they’ve completed that are using the products you’re interested in. KNX is certainly the logical choice to me in terms of flexibility and meeting demand, especially if you need to integrate other systems such as heating, blinds, AV etc, but always keep an open mind and one eye on what each of these systems can deliver.
Their fully bi-directional script allows easy control of each individual zones or dynamic group control with up to five user programmable group scenarios. Each zone has individual sound control (Bass/Treble, Loudness On/Off, Start/Max. Volume and Balance) which is stored within the Adagio® system and remains stored even after a loss of power. Furthermore, iPhone/iPod touch integration is also already built in and works with the free Crestron App available in the Apple App-Store.
There’s no need to program the Crestron system in any way since a pre-programmed macro is installed on the Crestron Adagio® system and ALL of the programming can be done in real-time on any Pronto. Estimated set-up time for a standard 6-zone system is less than 1 hour, which is quite remarkable! A 36 zone system can be programmed within 2-3 hours! That’s why they call it Easy and Fast then! All of their communication is solely via Ethernet and allows multiple users to access the Adagio® system simultaneously, with full bi-directional feed-back on ALL devices (even the iPhone/iPod touch!).
Full KNX/EIB integration is also included (although additional hardware is needed)… All you need is the empure KNiX-Port or iKNiX-Port and you can control each zone bi-directionally with any KNX/EIB switch. Supported controls are: Zone On/Off, Volume Up/Down, Source Selection. If the KNX/EIB switch has a display, real-time messages can also be displayed.
About Crestron Adagio®
Adagio® is a simple to use, easy to install and affordable home entertainment system. Imagine the entire family’s media – CDs, MP3s, satellite radio, DVDs – all brought together in a single system. Adagio is a stand-alone Crestron solution that can be set up in just minutes. Simply take Adagio out of the box, plug it in, and turn your living room into a state-of-the-art home theater-or listen to music throughout the house. Adagio is priced to fit every budget and can easily grow with any family. Need more rooms? Easy. Adagio automatically adds the new rooms for you. Remember when listening to music and watching TV was simple? It can be with Adagio. To find out more, please visit Crestron.com.
Now included in the family of Gira flush-mounted actuators are switching actuators, a universal dimming actuator and in terms of ‘recently launched’ products; a window actuator, a blind actuator and a heating actuator.
Flush-mounted actuators are used with decentral KNX/EIB installations or in KNX/EIB compound installations (DRA, flush-mounted). They are allotted space in flush-mounted boxes or in cable conduits and utilise the existing power cables. In this way cable material is saved and fire load in buildings is significantly reduced.
Existing installations can be expanded more simply to KNX/EIB with flush-mounted actuators – in addition to the existing 230 V supply – only a bus line is required for operation of the actuators.
Zero-voltage contacts can be connected to the binary inputs and they can carry out various functions independently of one another or as a ‘block’. The functions of the binary inputs are identical for all actuators, other attributes however are configured at the factory in order to make the operation possible without the need for programming.
The flush-mounted actuator is connected to the 230 V supply via a flexible cable, approx. 20 cm in length. The connection of the binary inputs and the KNX/EIB is made via a 6-wire connection cable, approx. 30 cm in length. This can be extended to a maximum of 5 m.
Two auxiliary unit inputs (or three inputs with window actuators, blind actuators and heating actuators) are for on-site operation via conventional switches or buttons, or can be freely used as binary inputs for zero-voltage contacts (with applied bus voltage).
The window actuator combines a blind actuator with a heating actuator. It has three binary inputs with which in delivery state the connected blind or shutter can be controlled.
Functions of inputs
Functions of switching inputs: two independent switching objects for each input present and can be enabled individually, command for rising or falling edge can be set independently (ON, OFF, CHANGE, no reaction).
Dimming: Single and double-surface operation, time between dimming and switching and dim-step size can be set, telegram repetition and stop-telegram transmission possible blind: Command can be set with rising edge (no function, UP, DOWN, CHANGE), operating concept can be configured (Step – Move – Step or Move – Step), time between step and moving mode can be set, slat adjustment time can be set.
Value transmitter and light scene auxiliary unit: Edge (push button as NO contact, push button as NC contact, switch) and value with edge can be configured, value adjustment with push button by pressing and holding button for value transmitters possible, light scene auxiliary unit with memory function and saving of the scene without previously calling up is possible.
Blind output
Heating output
Technical data
Installation
The actuators are installed flush-mounted in a wall box (electronics box from Kaiser recommended). Sufficient insulation must be provided between the 230 V cable and the bus or auxiliary units. The minimal distance between bus/auxiliary unit wires and 230 V wires is 4 mm.
The heating actuator is used for switching electrothermic valve drives for heating systems. It has two binary inputs to which zero-voltage contacts can be connected for monitoring of a window contact for example.
Functions of inputs
Functions of switching inputs: two independent switching objects for each input present and can be enabled individually, command for rising or falling edge can be set independently (ON, OFF, CHANGE, no reaction).
Dimming: Single and double-surface operation, time between dimming and switching and dim-step size can be set, telegram repetition and stop-telegram transmission possible blind: Command can be set with rising edge (no function, UP, DOWN, CHANGE), operating concept can be configured (Step – Move – Step or Move – Step), time between step and moving mode can be set, slat adjustment time can be set.
Value transmitter and light scene auxiliary unit: Edge (push button as NO contact, push button as NC contact, switch) and value with edge can be configured, value adjustment with push button by pressing and holding button for value transmitters possible, light scene auxiliary unit with memory function and saving of the scene without previously calling up is possible.
Heating output
Technical data
Installation
The actuators are installed flush-mounted in a wall box (electronics box from Kaiser recommended). Sufficient insulation must be provided between the 230 V cable and the bus or auxiliary units. The minimal distance between bus/auxiliary unit wires and 230 V wires is 4 mm.
The blind actuator controls blinds, shutters and awnings and has two inputs factory-assigned to the blind actuator.
Functions of inputs
Functions of switching inputs: two independent switching objects for each input present and can be enabled individually, command for rising or falling edge can be set independently (ON, OFF, CHANGE, no reaction).
Dimming: Single and double-surface operation, time between dimming and switching and dim-step size can be set, telegram repetition and stop-telegram transmission possible blind: Command can be set with rising edge (no function, UP, DOWN, CHANGE), operating concept can be configured (Step – Move – Step or Move – Step), time between step and moving mode can be set, slat adjustment time can be set.
Value transmitter and light scene auxiliary unit: Edge (push button as NO contact, push button as NC contact, switch) and value with edge can be configured, value adjustment with push button by pressing and holding button for value transmitters possible, light scene auxiliary unit with memory function and saving of the scene without previously calling up is possible.
Output functions
Technical data
Installation
The actuators are installed flush-mounted in a wall box (electronics box from Kaiser recommended). Sufficient insulation must be provided between the 230 V cable and the bus or auxiliary units. The minimal distance between bus/auxiliary unit wires and 230 V wires is 4 mm.
Gira places great value on product design. Through intensive cooperation with external and in-house design teams, Gira develop products, which are repeatedly recognized for their exceptional and simple design.
The modern electrical installation from Gira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology for convenience and security. Devices for networking home technology, music control for all rooms and comprehensive switch ranges, plus numerous functions for door communication, energy and light outdoors – and it all fits together. All functions and devices can be easily combined, and the uniform design lines always offer the right cover frame for every purpose.
The GiraShop.co.uk supplies the complete range of products that are currently available in the English language catalogue.
IntesisBox® is a small and robust device that functions as an intelligent gateway and is capable of intercommunication with KNX, BACnet, Modbus, LON, DMX, M-Bus and many other proprietary systems (BMS, HVAC, Lighting, Fire, Intrusion, Energy Management etc). Microcontrolled and easy to install via DIN rail mounting, it features RS232, RS485, Ethernet and Konnex TP1 (EIB) interfaces that are dessigned specifically to offer a range of integrations in a robust and small device with null maintenance.
With this autonomous device it is possible to interconnect directly the internal system (building automation, industrial automation, BACnet, ModBus, Konnex…) to the external system (fire system, access control system, security system, HVAC, cold/warm generation, energy generation & measurement, lighting, hotel management, home automation…). A console RS232 port is also available to connect a laptop PC for programming and monitoring the device. IntesisBox® also offers the possibility to be connected to Ethernet/LAN/WAN networks expanding thus its possibilities with connection to ethernet/IP based protocol systems, remote monitoring, networks interconnection, web server, internet/e-mail alarm sending, SNMP…
Inside its internal structure, the IntesisBox® incorporates a high performance and reliability microcontroller with flash (non volatile) memory where the operating system and integration code (firmware) are saved. This internal structure, along with a watchdog system, ensures a suitable operation of the device every time, even when faced with power irregularities such as micro-cuts or longer power failures. It has no mechanical mobile components (fans, hard discs…), therefore reducing potential malfunctions and maintenance to almost zero, making this ideal device for industrial environments. It allows (depending on the model) the generation and register of datalogs associated to internal variables, useful for example to register historical data for temperature, relative humidity, etc. Thanks to an internal interchangeable lithium battery (with approx. 10 years life time), the internal historical data is stored in case of power failure. The firmware can be also updated via the console port.
IntesisBox® allows DIN rail mounting for easy installation inside an industrial cabinet and allows a wide range of input supply voltage, from 9 to 30VDC and also 24VAC, with a low power consumption of 1.4 watts. The operating temperature range is from -40°C to +70°C and the relative humidity from 5% to 95% (non condensing). It is not necessary to have any external RS232/RS485 converter, because IntesisBox® has RS485 port and can be directly connected to a RS485 bus. IntesisBox® can be also equipped with a Konnex TP1 (KNX/EIB) optocoupled port allowing to be directly connected to any KNX/EIB bus. All available IntesisBox® hardware versions are compliant with RoHS directive (2002/95/CE).
Along with the device, it also comes supplied (free of charge) with the LinkBox software, the software tool that’s needed for configuring and monitoring the IntesisBox®. LinkBox software runs on MS Windows® operating systems and uses a serial port to communicate to the IntesisBox®. It is possible to use LinkBox Software off-line (not connected to IntesisBox®) to configure the IntesisBox® more comfortably in the office and later download the configuration to the device using the serial connection in the field. Also supplied (again, free of charge) is a console cable that’s needed in order to configure the device. This is a standard DB9 male to DB9 female cable. Intesis can also supplied (on demand) an external plug-in power supply (european plug) 230VAC/12VDC 300mA to power the IntesisBox® if required.
The IntesisBox® is available to order now from KNXshop.co.uk in the Communication > Gateways/Convertors section.
Intesis Software design and develop interfacing solutions for building automation systems under its own brand and OEM. Since their formation in 2000, the products have been available in more than 10 countries and 3 continents. Their success is due to the reliability and performance of the products and the quality of service provided. To find out more about Intesis and their products, please vist Intesis.com.
UMPNVB82SBGBIndustrial sites consume huge amounts of energy with non dwellings thought to be responsible for around 20% of the UK’s total energy usage. New building regulations implemented in April 2006 have gone some to way to encouraging building owners who are refurbishing to install energy efficient technology. However, there are still greater savings to be made, but surprisingly little awareness of how to achieve them. Managers and Engineers in industrial spaces are now turning away from traditional building management systems and instead looking towards intelligent building control technologies to provide the solution to energy management challenges.
But what is an ‘intelligent building’?
Today it is widely accepted as a space where all elements lighting, heating, security, access control, ventilation are able to respond in real time to the users’ needs and building occupancy patterns. The potential benefits and return on investment from an integrated building are highly tangible lower energy costs, security and enhanced facilities management. To achieve this level of ‘intelligence’ an international building control standard called KNX has been developed. Agreed by the leading manufacturers in Europe, it allows the integration of a range of products from a range of manufacturers using a simple software tool, essentially allowing them to ‘talk’ to one another and work together. The system has been designed for ease of installation with just a simple twin-core ‘highway’ cable needed (installed in addition to the mains cabling); none of the layers of cables associated with conventionally cabled systems.
Significant energy savings provide building managers and owners with a highly cost-effective way of ensuring energy is conserved. Once installed, it allows users to automatically carry out energy management and building control tasks such as the control, monitoring and optimisation of building services and load management. Using features such as room temperature management and zoned temperature control which allows separate heating settings for different areas of the building, KNX delivers a reduction in a building’s energy consumption of up to 40%.
One of the key benefits of KNX is its ability to deliver significant energy savings through lighting control. A lighting control system can be simply configured so that lights are only ‘on’ when someone is present in a room, or in a zone of a large industrial space. Russell Downing, specification manager at Siemens, explains:
“A KNX system can also monitor natural daylight levels to dim or turn the lights off when enough ambient light is present. In large industrial spaces where there may be several thousand luminaires turned on 24/7, the ability to automatically make use of natural daylight while still providing the level of light needed results in substantial energy savings. By employing these simple measures, effective use of lighting control alone can result in energy savings of up to 30-40%.”
Breaking down the barriers Mr Downing believes that KNX is not comparable to many other control systems:
“Many conventional control systems stop short of delivering the full functionality of an ‘intelligent building’: A significant human element is required for optimal effective operation even if control systems are correctly specified and installed.Understanding the concept of KNX is vital, in order to appreciate the true benefit of the available functionality and the impacts of being able to control all aspects of a building from a central point.”
According to Siemens, it does not cost the earth to integrate an Intelligent Building Control system. With consideration paid to the ever rising cost of energy prices, investment in an open control standard like KNX is a reasonable one. As Russell Downing says,
“This is all about future proofing a building. If all buildings had KNX installed as standard,the UK would be well on the way to achieving its energy reduction targets and businesses would benefit from saving money on the bottom line.The concept of an energy efficient building is not only desirable, but for regulators, purchasers and industrial managers it is also essential.”
Visit Siemens.co.uk to find out more about their building technology product range.
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Light+Building, held in Frankfurt from April 11-16 2010, will attract more than 167,000 visitors and around 2,200 exhibitors. The international KNX Association will once again be fully supporting the event – indeed it is the biggest exhibition where the organization has a stand. Highlights at the 2010 exhibition from KNX will include the presentation of the international KNX Awards and the launch of the new ETS4 programming tool.
Light+Building is the world’s leading trade fair for Architecture and Technology. It is used by manufacturers from over 50 countries, including all market leaders, to launch trends and innovations from the fields of lighting, electrical engineering and building automation. You can see the unique range of products and services for yourself at the next Light+Building in Frankfurt am Main from 11 to 16 April 2010! To find our more visit Light+Building.
There will come a time (if you’ve not had one already) when a control system is a pre-requisite on a project and you will not have the option of conventional control. Surely you don’t want to walk away? So when this happens, there is likely to be a vast choice of systems, all pertaining to provide the perfect solution. In reality, over time, some will and some will not. KNX can, and in fact already does, control all electrical and environmental elements in a building. And as the building evolves, so too can the KNX system. You would be a fool to ignore KNX and with this article, I hope I can give you enough information to get your attention, push you to find out more.
What is KNX?
KNX is the worldwide standard for home and building automation. In order to transfer control data to all building management components, a system is required that does away with the problems of isolated devices, by ensuring that all components communicate via one common language – in other words, a system such as the manufacturer and application domains independent KNX Bus.
The KNX standard is based upon more than 15 years of experience in the market, amongst others with its predecessor systems EIB, EHS and BatiBUS. Via the KNX medium to which all bus devices are connected (twisted pair, radio frequency, power line or IP/Ethernet), they are able to exchange information/data. Bus devices can either be sensors or actuators needed for the control of building management equipment such as: lighting, blinds/shutters, security systems, energy management, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, signaling and monitoring systems, interfaces to service and building control systems, remote control, metering, audio/video control, white goods, etc. All these functions can be controlled, monitored and signaled via a uniformed system without the need for any extra control centers.
Why should you choose KNX?
By choosing the KNX standard as the backbone for your control solution, you open up a world of opportunities. Some of the most highly respected electrical manufacturers in the world are involved with the international KNX standard, meaning the choice and quality of products that the KNX portfolio offers is unmatched. And by becoming skilled in one standard, you are able to offer your clients a whole spectrum of control solutions exceeding their expectations.
The KNX standard can be used across a range of control applications including:
Because KNX covers such a diversity of applications using one standard, it means your cabling network can be much simpler. A single twisted pair cable can often suffice, with multiple elements operating together on a single network. KNX controlled devices are generally based around the standard green KNX/EIB bus cable (i.e. twisted pair) but can be run across the following media:
A number of manufacturers have also developed ‘gateways’ to other control protocols, such as DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Intelligence). These simple devices are used to expand the capability of KNX control systems to provide the complete solution for your building. KNX has also worked closely with management-level protocols such as BACnet to enable a close cooperation between these two standards when the project requires additional integration.
Specifiers and end users are increasingly heralding KNX as the open solution for any building control application. The drawbacks of proprietary solutions or various hardware-based controls are being increasingly recognized. What maintains KNX’s superiority is that every KNX-compliant piece of equipment has been fully tested and certified to this highly stringent standard by an independent regulatory body. It is only at this point that it can carry the KNX logo, as controlled by the international KNX Association of Brussels. So you can have total confidence in reliability and interoperability, whatever KNX devices or system you choose
Advantages of KNX
KNX Projects in 80 Countries World Wide
What’s the next step?
With Ivory Egg there’s a few ways of getting yourself and your business in a position to benefit from the growing KNX market. We can offer a selection of training courses and books that will help set you on your way.
Training Courses
Ivory Egg can provide 3 levels of training to suit the needs of you and/or your business:
1. Introduction to KNX
A 2-day course that’s intended to be a starting point for those not able to commit to the full KNX Certification course and for any additional staff involved in selling/specifying of KNX. The course includes some practical programming.
2. KNX Certification
This course certifies the individual and the business and gets you listed as an official KNX ‘partner’ on the www.knx.org website. The aim is to give engineers who will be commissioning systems practical knowledge of the commissioning tool, it gives a thorough grounding on the principals with a lot of practical work included.
3. Customised
We can also provide direct one to one or customised training via the KNX Consultants.
Books
The best and only book we would recommend has been written by the KNX association themselves. The KNX Silver Bible is the definitive handbook, providing an introducing to the KNX system and common applications. It addresses beginners as well as professionals who already have a basic knowledge of home and building control based on KNX, and is available to order from the KNXShop.co.uk.
Forum
If you have a specific KNX query, then the Ivory Egg forum is also a good source of support, as all the key manufacturers’ and integrators’ keep a close eye on this.
Mentoring
If you’re not too keen to jump in yourself and do it all on your first project, then an alternative may be to employ a certified engineer to help you. They could do all the design work and commissioning or just help you as and when you need it. There are a number of consultants who can help you with this depending on your needs and where you’re based. Please contact us on 01243 572 700 and we’ll put you in touch with the most appropriate person for you and the specific project.
Further Information
If you still want to find out more about KNX, then there’s a growing network of integrators who have joined KNX UK to share their experiences, help promote the KNX standard within the UK and to benefit from the networking and promotional output of the organization. Read more about this proactive UK-based organization at knxuk.org.
To find out more technical detail on the standard itself, visit the pages of the international KNX Association of Brussels web site at knx.org.
There are now over 150 manufacturers of KNX products, all of the key ones are supplied via knxshop.co.uk. Here are a few links to some of the key manufacturers websites where you’ll find specific information about their KNX certified product ranges:
There are a number of reasons why you would want to incorporate dimming lights into your home or business premises. For a start they help to create the perfect ambiance, provide flexibility to any room and help you achieve the right lighting. Dimming helps you create the right visual experience, but most importantly it helps to reduce electricity usage and maintains the life of your lamps/ballasts. For example, dimming fluorescent lighting control in an office building instead of repeated switching helps to increase lamp life and gives employees much greater personal control to set preferred light levels for specific tasks or times of the day/year.
You can utilise lighting control strategies to significantly improve the performance of any building. By simply designing room absence/presence detectors, daylight sensors and/or automated time-based controls with fluorescent dimming you can carefully control the lighting in an entire building and further reduce electricity usage. This can result in not only saving energy, but also costs, especially in a large commercial building. However, the dimming methodology required is always entirely dependent on the lamp or the ballast used. The key dimming methods are detailed below and all of them can be easily achieved with KNX dimmers:
1. Mains dimming involves decreasing and increasing the voltage to the lamp and is the traditional form of dimming associated historically with a rotary dimmer. A KNX universal dimmer performs this kind of dimming and is capable of sensing the type of load (trailing edge or leading edge). It is now possible to mains dim some LED and CFL lamps, though it would always be recommended to use a proper dimming control method as below.
2. 0-10V is one of the earliest and simplest electronic lighting control systems; simply put, the control signal is a DC voltage that varies between zero and ten volts. The controlled lighting should scale its output so that at 10V, the controlled light should be at 100% of its potential output, and at 0V it should at 0% output (i.e. “Off”). Dimming devices may be designed to respond in various patterns to the intermediate voltages, giving output curves that are linear for: voltage output, actual light output, power output, or perceived light output. For dimmable Fluorescent lamps (where it operates instead at 1-10v, where 1v is minimum and 0v is off) the system is being replaced by DSI, which itself is in the process of being replaced by DALI. For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/0-10v.
3. DSI – Digital Signal Interface is a protocol for lighting control in buildings (initially electrical ballasts). It was created in 1991 by Austrian company Tridonic ATCO and is based on Manchester-coded 8-bit protocol, data rate of 1200 baud, 1 start bit, 8 data bits (dimming value), 4 stop bits, and is the basis of the more sophisticated protocol Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI). The technology uses a single byte to communicate the lighting level ( 0- 255 or 0×00-0xFF). DSI was the start of digital communication technology and was the precursor to DALI. For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Signal_Interface.
4. DALI – The Digital Addressable Lighting Interface is a digital protocol for lighting control in buildings, such as electrical ballasts and dimmers. DALI was established as a successor for the still market dominating 1-10v and an open standard rival to Digital Signal Interface (DSI), on which it is based. DALI is standardized in accordance with International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 60929, standard for fluorescent lamp ballasts. Each piece of operating equipment with a DALI interface can be communicated with over DALI individually. Using a bi-directional data exchange, a DALI controller can query and set the status of each light. As a standalone system, DALI can be operated with a maximum of 64 devices. Alternatively, DALI can be used as a subsystem via DALI gateways. For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Addressable_Lighting_Interface.
5. DMX – DMX512-A is an EIA-485 based communications protocol that is most commonly used for stage lighting control and effects. Developed by the Engineering Commission of USITT, the standard started in 1986, with subsequent revisions in 1990 leading to USITT DMX512/1990. In 1998 ESTA began a revision process to develop the standard as an ANSI standard, including a Public Review process. The revised standard, known officially as “Entertainment Technology – USITT DMX512–A – Asynchronous Serial Digital Data Transmission Standard for Controlling Lighting Equipment and Accessories”, was approved by ANSI in November 2004. This current standard is also known as “E1.11, USITT DMX512–A”, or just “DMX512-A”, and is maintained by ESTA. DMX512 was originally intended as a ‘lowest common denominator’ protocol for use between interfaces supporting proprietary protocols. However, it soon became the primary method for linking not only controllers and dimmers, but also more advanced fixtures and special effects devices such as fog machines and moving lights. DMX512 is unidirectional and does not include automatic error checking and correction, so it is not safe to use for applications involving life safety, such as controlling pyrotechnics or laser lighting display where audience or performer safety is involved. MIDI is sometimes used for this task. For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMX_(lighting).
Alongside increased energy generation from renewable sources, energy efficiency is one of the two key strategies that the government is promoting to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The UN sees efficiency improvements as quicker and cheaper to implement than green energy, and such speed will be crucial to avoid ‘tipping points’ – where dangerous runaway climate change occurs – that (and this is the scary part) scientists believe may be less than 10 years away.
Energy efficiency has a crucial role to play in cutting CO2 and other greenhouse gases. The International Energy Agency (IEA) believes that improvements in efficiency alone could be responsible for around 65% of the reduction in emissions from developing countries over the next 20 years, while the UK’s Committee on Climate Change has placed energy efficiency at the centre of its proposal for meeting the UK target of an 80% reduction in emissions by the year 2050.
Climate change and our ever-depleting energy resources mean that efficient energy use is a major social issue. And because they account for around 40% of total energy consumption, our buildings represent a significant opportunity for us to save a significant amount of energy. KNX meets the requirements of the top Energy Performance Class for building automation as per EN 15232. This basically means that KNX is ideally suited to fulfilling the tightened energy consumption requirements for buildings and can allow up to 50% energy savings across a building.
Table 1: Energy Savings with KNX
Source: Energy Efficiency with KNX
Buildings that are energy efficiently designed and operated are no longer unique. Even the description ‘an intelligent building’ is beginning to lose its press appeal. However, both trends are currently revolutionizing increasingly ambitious architecture and setting a course in the worldwide fight against climate change. In reality, energy conservation in the building sector has, to a degree, become a trend and has slowly become an everyday concept for architects as well as for building contractors. Due to the recently recurring annual natural disasters, both large and small, we can see the impact of increasing climate change. We are, therefore, forced to look to the future and take responsibility for the actions of our society today.
During the construction of a building, as well as during its operation, large amounts of energy are used and for this reason, targeted usage in this area is highly effective. This does not necessarily mean the ultimate goal should be a ‘zero-energy buulding’. On its own the intelligent networking of all devices to a decentralized complete system can deliver unforeseen savings. The networking of all electrical functions in a single installation bus system provides the opportunity for optimal coordinated control. The operation of heating, air-conditioning, lights and blinds for example can be aligned with external climate conditions and be controlled from an interface. Energy consumption is thereby kept to a minimum.
Since all electrical driven equipment and installations can be flexibly combined with one another and can be controlled by touch panels or by public networks (telephone, internet), in terms of design and comfort, this opens up unlimited possibilities – from efficient building management through to intelligent security control, the storage of different light, noise and air quality requirements, which can all be realized without great effort.
The creativity of the designer is now called upon, thereby bringing closer the goal of creating expressive and exciting architecture, which is both ecologically sound and profitable. One thing is crystal clear – we control climate change and with KNX we can make a significant contribution to improving energy efficiency!
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