May 13 2010
Redwood Systems, a manufacturer of network-based lighting power and control systems, has officially launched its pioneering lighting system that fuses intelligent control, communications, sensors, and power delivery into a single, networked system.
This solution transforms the way businesses power and control lighting to reduce energy costs and improve building performance. The platform, which can operate with both groundbreaking LED technology and traditional fluorescent and halogen technology, can save up to 75 percent of energy used to light a typical building.
The company’s founders, who commercialized networking technologies for Cisco Systems, leveraged their knowledge of computer networking to develop this network-based energy efficiency solution. Several key techniques and aspects of internetworking that made it successful in businesses large and small — simplicity, speed, reliability, scalability, and robust data communications — can now be applied to a building’s lights to make them energy optimized, easier to manage and maintain, and vastly more flexible than lights on electric wiring.
“LEDs change the way we think about light bulbs, but we also think they offer an entirely new way to think about a lighting system,” said Dave Leonard, co-founder and chief executive officer of Redwood Systems. “Redwood has taken a ‘clean-slate’ approach with this architecture. By applying network technology to lighting, we realized that we could solve several of the most difficult challenges in building-systems management at once. We provide energy savings — which pay for our system — but we go further by providing true insight into the key ways a commercial space is being used. That insight helps customers make better decisions in all aspects of building operations and management.”
Redwood’s unique approach is to remove the AC-DC driver normally attached to each LED fixture, and centralize this driver function in a larger, integrated engine capable of powering and communicating with up to 64 lights. The system is connected with standard Category 5 or 6 or other low-voltage wiring, which removes the need for traditional electrical wiring for LED fixtures. Taking advantage of this new wiring approach, the Redwood architecture can be installed more quickly and at vastly lower costs than traditional power-and-control overlays. At the same time, it provides users with flexibility to move and change their lighting to match the needs of today’s dynamic workplaces, schools, and public buildings.
The Redwood architecture also includes a multi-sensor grid, deployed at each fixture, that is capable of measuring light levels, motion, occupancy, and temperature, providing a real-time view into the way a space is being lit, heated, cooled, and occupied. This architecture further extends the already impressive lifespan of LEDs and dramatically reduces building maintenance.
“Acuity Brands has engaged in early field trials with Redwood Systems because we believe their expertise in digital communication over low-voltage power cable can help support holistic solutions that incorporate Acuity's luminaires and digital controls in a fully integrated system. This system can save energy while providing the data needed for truly smart buildings,” said Rick Earlywine, senior vice president of innovation and technology for Acuity Brands Lighting.
Redwood’s simpler and more cost-effective integrated power-and-control platform is comprised of three key products: the Redwood Engine, the core of the Redwood platform, which provides centralized power, communications, processing, and policy control for up to 64 LED light fixtures; the Redwood Adapter, which profiles and powers the LED fixtures, and includes sensors for light, temperature, power, and occupancy; and the Redwood Wall Switch, an intelligent dimmer switch that fits into any standard wall box.
“To meet our goals for energy-efficiency, lighting quality, and footprint reduction, we must rethink our lighting systems,” said Derry Berrigan, principal of Derry Berrigan Lighting Design. “Redwood Systems’ innovative application of LED lighting for power and control is essential to getting there."
The system supports a variety of light fixtures from numerous manufacturers, including Acuity Brands Lighting, Cree LED Lighting, Intense Lighting, Lunera Lighting, GE Lighting, and Philips Lightolier. Redwood Systems will showcase its new platform and demonstrate several integrated fixture designs at the LightFair conference, which is taking place May 12-14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Source: http://www.redwoodsystems.com/