DELMATIC is supplying an advanced lighting management system for the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) project in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to provide networked control of lighting. The system combines the technologies of IP (internet protocol), Lon (local operating network) and Dali (digital addressable lighting interface), resulting in high-speed, energy-efficient control with comprehensive, real-time management and monitoring via active graphical software.

The UK-based company says its system, which was selected in the face of stiff international competition, optimises energy efficiency throughout the offices using the company’s innovative Dali Zero Power system. 

“Delmatic technology was preferred as its innovative Dali Zero Power modules eliminate the standby power of digital lighting – achieving substantial reductions in overnight power consumption – and, therefore, achieve greater energy savings than other systems on the market,” says a spokesman for the company.

Also the Delmatic system used a single network for the connection of all devices, thereby reducing the extent of cabling and minimising the use of scarce resources including copper.

The company’s system controls lighting throughout the campus including study areas, laboratories, offices, as well as within student accommodation, the spokesman says. The Delmatic system installed within the first phase (Phase 1A) is now being expanded into the second phase of the project, known as Phase 1B.

“This second phase complements the facilities already on site by adding more residential accommodation, laboratory space and technical facilities, as well as an iconic multi-use hall with indoor recreational activities, sports facilities and a flexible conference facility. Once again, the Delmatic system controls lighting throughout the extended campus,” says the spokesman.

“Sustainability is top of the agenda and the Delmatic system considers every watt of power, optimising energy efficiency to reduce the demands on sustainable energy and assists in the achievement of a carbon-free environment,” he adds.

The Shard in London ... site-wide lighting by Delmatic.

The Delmatic system provides networked control of lighting throughout the MIST project, combines the technologies of IP, Lon and Dali for high-speed, energy-efficient control, and provides comprehensive real-time management and monitoring via active graphical software. It optimises energy and operational efficiency and provides digital dimming within the majority of areas: Dali digital control enables lighting levels to be finely controlled through dimming and substantial energy savings to be subtly achieved. To maximise efficiency, lighting is related to presence and absence within precise areas of the project while lighting levels continually adjust to take account of daylight levels.

To enhance overall sustainability, the Delmatic system logs the number of hours each lamp has been in operation and compares this with the manufacturers’ lamp life data to create recommended relamping schedules. “These avoid the premature replacement of luminaires (with the associated environmental and disposal issues) and ensure that luminaires are retired at the optimum point. The system also monitors individual lamp operation and highlights lamp and ballast failure in real time,” the spokesman explains.

The use of open protocols enables seamless integration with other energy-consuming building services including heating, ventilation and cooling, so that both lighting and air-conditioning can be linked to occupation. To further optimise energy efficiency, temperature bands may be related to occupancy with unoccupied areas operating under a wider (and higher) temperature band.

The system is fully dynamic and receives signals from the power generation system to initiate load-shedding routines and scenarios: these match demand for power with the finite renewable energy available and selectively dim lighting across the site to reduce power demand, he says.

Located at the heart of Masdar City, MIST is the world’s first university focused on future energy. The 1,100-place university, developed in cooperation with MIT, will create a nucleus of scientific research in advanced energy and sustainability technologies, offering Masters and PhD programmes in such disciplines. The campus, delivered in association with architect RW Armstrong, boasts 43,000 sq m of research facilities and 11,000 sq ft of laboratory space.

The MIST buildings will receive power from rooftop photovoltaics as well as remote solar energy arrays and windmills. Wind towers will cool outside air before delivering it to residential units and the facilities inside, while a green spine running through the campus will help control building temperatures. The campus residences use about 54 per cent less water and consume over 50 per cent less energy compared to business-as-usual practice, with 75 per cent of hot water heated by the sun.

Masdar City is a low-carbon, low-waste sustainable urban development launched in 2006 that uses half the power of business-as-usual, less than half the water and makes extensive use of recycled materials. It not only embodies Abu Dhabi’s commitment to a sustainable future, but is also pioneering best practices in sustainable urban planning, design, development and operation.

The Shard reception.

This city is fundamentally defined by its walkability and a dependence on public transportation like electric vehicles (EVs) and the personal rapid transit (PRTs) to move around the city. The shaded walkways and narrow streets create a pedestrian-friendly environment and articulate the tightly planned, compact nature of walled cities. Another key aspect of the city is that it is designed with a focus on public spaces and creating a public environment where people interact, thereby fostering creativity and innovation. Once complete, by 2025-2030, the city will have 40,000 residents and 50,000 commuters.

Delmatic is a leading international supplier of advanced lighting and energy management systems, and has equipped many iconic buildings in London including the Gherkin and Tower 42 (originally the tallest building in London) as well as on the international scene including the Emirates Towers, Princess Tower, Dubai Festival City and Burj Views in Dubai; Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) headquarters, Abu Dhabi Mall and Abu Dhabi Trade Centre in Abu Dhabi; Qatar Science and Technology Park in Doha, Qatar; and Arcapita bank headquarters Manama, Bahrain. Its systems are currently being installed at the Haramain railway stations and King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

It recently equipped the Shard in London with a site-wide lighting control system. The Shard is the tallest building in Europe rising more than 310 m high and comprising 60,000 sq m of office space, mid-level restaurants, five-star luxury hotel and private apartments, and a public viewing gallery offering 60 km panoramic views across the City of London and beyond.