Adaptive lighting, also called responsive lighting, automatically adjusts light levels based on whether a space is occupied, how much daylight is available and the time of day.
In a parking garage, much of the floor is empty most of the night. Adaptive systems dim fixtures in unoccupied zones and bring them back to full output when sensors detect a person or vehicle. Combined with LED fixtures, they can cut lighting energy dramatically. Energy codes based on ASHRAE 90.1 and the IECC now require automatic light reduction in parking garages. See ASHRAE.
How it works
- Occupancy sensors in or near each fixture detect motion and raise output.
- Daylight sensors dim fixtures near open sides and the roof when daylight is enough.
- Networked controls let zones respond together, report energy use and flag failed fixtures.
- Schedules set different behavior for busy and quiet hours.
Design points
- Dim, never switch off, so people never enter a dark zone.
- Sensor coverage at stairs, elevators and pedestrian paths.
- Fast response so lights rise ahead of people, not after them.
- Coordination with cameras, which need adequate light. See ambient lighting.
The Parkonomics view
Adaptive lighting is one of the clearest wins in garage sustainability: lower bills, longer fixture life and a light that visibly responds to the people using the space.
Related terms: LED Lighting, Lighting Power Density, Ambient Lighting, Parksmart Certification, Ballast, Demand-Controlled Ventilation