Technology Literacy: Sensors in Smart Lighting

Smart lighting does more than just illuminate rooms like conventional types. The smart technology behind them, such as sensors, makes them more energy efficient.

Sensors in smart lighting have a long history of enabling automation of movement and lighting. The goal is to support safety, comfort, and practicality.

This article will inform you about the sensors in smart lighting that impact energy efficiency.

Sensors in Smart Lighting

Sensors are the technology behind smart lighting that detects movement and light in the surrounding area. Smart lights can turn on or off automatically when they detect movement or presence in a room.

Light sensors measure the intensity of light in the surrounding environment. Lights can dim during the day and turn on automatically at night. This technology plays a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency.

Motion sensors

Motion sensors detect movement or the presence of humans in a room. When the sensor detects movement, a signal is sent to the smart lighting system, which then turns on the lights. It will turn off again when it no longer detects movement, generally used for indoor areas, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or corridors.

Light sensors

Light sensors measure the amount of light in the surrounding environment and automatically control the light circuit. When the sensor detects sufficient natural light, the lights will turn off. Conversely, the lights will turn on when natural light decreases, such as on cloudy days or at night.

A Brief History

This system initially utilized basic mechanical switches and raw sensors to activate lights. However, over time, the system became unreliable. Sensors in smart lighting was first introduced for commercial and security purposes in the 1950s.

After several tests and successes, smart sensors in smart lighting was finally patented in 1970. Motion sensor technology then began to be applied more widely in the 1980s. By the mid-to-late 1990s, digital lighting control protocols began to be modified, giving rise to the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI).

The 2000s saw the combination of motion sensors with light sensors that detect natural light. This further promoted energy efficiency. Since the 2010s, with the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the widespread adoption of LED lights, sensors have become increasingly sophisticated. They can even be controlled remotely via a smartphone.

Even today, research continues to support the use of advanced sensors that can detect a wider range of environmental conditions, such as ultrasonic sensors. This is intended to detect objects approaching street lighting systems. 

The Functions

Sensors in smart lighting function to detect environmental conditions such as movement or light. This enables the system to control whether to turn the lights on or off automatically. The main focus is on supporting energy savings, comfort, and practicality.

• Energy savings: Lights will only turn on when needed, thereby reducing electricity consumption.
• Comfort and practicality: The use of sensors reduces the need for manual control, enhancing both comfort and practicality.
• Increased security: Sensor automation keeps the house lit even when no one is home, giving the impression that the house is not empty and reducing the potential for crime.

These sensors in smart lights, providing comfort and security. By understanding this sensor technology, you not only gain knowledge but also gain insight into its role. Additionally, this helps consumers reduce their lighting costs.