Technology beneficial for lighting sector

Technological advancements have become prominent in commercial and industrial lighting applications, which has created additional benefits for the sector, says lighting manufacturer Regent Lighting Solutions MD Randal Wahl and technical sales manager Chris Gijzelaar.

Technological trends include high-tech control systems, Bluetooth applications, near-field communication (NFC), emergency lighting, flexible lighting systems, light control using lenses to project light where required, tuneable white and circadian-rhythm lighting (human-centric lighting, or HCL), as well as dark light for low glare application.

HCL is a control methodology aimed at manipulating artificial lighting used in indoor applications to best mimic natural daylight. The light intensity and colour temperature of the light source is changed through the course of the day. This improves productivity, energy levels, well-being and comfort and reinforces circadian rhythm.

The implementation of newer and more efficient technologies is also driven by local standards and requirements around the reduction of energy consumption. Often using higher specifications we are able to achieve additional benefits such as wireless control, autonomous and manual control, easier maintenance and fault-finding capabilities through NFC and control system reporting as well as emergency backup where required.

“Sensors and actuators that control the lights based on presence and light detection are becoming increasingly popular,” they add.

They note that sensors and controls throughout an office space can significantly reduce energy consumption of the company’s lighting loads.

Further, Regent Lighting Solutions implements technology in its design solutions through the collaboration of its special controls and lighting design departments to allow for seamless integration from standard lighting to complex lighting control systems.

“With the collaboration of the two departments, we can independently work around lead times, budget requirements or even building readiness. With the implementation of higher-quality luminaires, fewer are required, to achieve required lighting levels,” they explain.

Moreover, the company’s design and technical departments continuously conduct research by attending lighting exhibitions and following international market trends – to ensure that the best technologies can be implemented on its products – and the departments use various media platforms to gain knowledge from suppliers on the latest technology.

Despite the benefits, technology can be costly and electronic shortages and supply chain issues require forward planning, which can prove challenging.

Sustainability Initiatives

Regent Lighting Solutions emphasises the sustainability of its lighting solutions by embarking on sustainability initiatives.

These initiatives include implementing lighting control systems with sensors and the installation of 300 kW solar systems installed on the rooftop of its factory, which has resulted in more than 2.5 MW of savings since its installation in 2015.

The company also embarks on recycling initiatives, which includes using aluminium housings and recyclable packaging and sending obsolete drivers and electronic components to the manufacturer to harvest components for recycling.

The company designs its products with sustainability in mind, thus making it easier to strip down products to their primary components which, in turn, makes for easier recycling. Regent’s aluminium products can be remelted and remade into new products.

Regent Lighting Solutions supplies locally designed and manufactured light fittings, which allows for reduced shipping costs and local suppliers to be supported, as well as more local employment.

“We believe light-emitting diode products should be able to be serviced and upgraded as it avoids becoming redundant, which can increase its life span and, in turn, cause less strain on the sustainability life cycle.

“We aim to continuously research for the latest technological developments to keep up with the best available components and have the most technologically advanced solution at any time,” conclude Wahl and Gijlezzar.