Is PoE lighting cost effective?
PoE or Power over Ethernet is a technology that lets network cables carry electrical power. Traditionally this has been used for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems which allow the delivery of voice communications and multimedia information over Internet Protocol networks, such as the Internet. For example, it has long been used to power desk phones in offices.
Today, many technologies are using PoE to power devices. The process is simple - plug the device into an RJ45 jack, and not only do you have power but also the ability to transfer data. This makes PoE perfect for powering PCs, security cameras, HVAC systems, and now it is widely used to power lighting in commercial buildings. Retrofitting is simple as historic cabling can be utilised, plugged into, and extended, allowing for an efficient install. Back up, battery power is also used in the event of a power outage.
Recently businesses have transitioned from incandescent and fluorescent lighting to LEDs. LED lights require much less power and have a much longer life span; prices have also decreased dramatically, leading to the rapid adoption of LEDs. Other benefits include their vast energy-saving potential and maintenance cost savings. However, they have also created wider potential with their ability to produce different wavelengths (colour temperatures). This has led to the development of circadian lighting systems that support building occupant’s circadian health, improving their health and wellbeing.
Each LED lighting fixture has its own individually addressable IP address meaning individual lights can be easily controlled. PoE cables can now deliver 90W of power for cable lengths of up to 100m. This allows for daisy-chaining of several luminaires, which can simplify the installation process.
At pretty much the same time as LEDs were widely adopted, the capability of PoE was being discovered in the lighting world. Powering lights with PoE instead of traditional power allows them to enter the world of IoT (Internet of things), receiving and sending data – allowing the lighting to react to external cues.
With this new potential, lighting systems can be the centralised hub of a digitally connected building. It can easily integrate with other devices and systems such as sensors, building management systems, HVAC, security systems etc. – therefore allowing lighting to become a smart platform. Lighting control can be software-based; users can view data, change settings, and control the lighting in a user interface. This can also be easily integrated with smart wall switches.
Some benefits of a PoE network are:
• Powers devices on the same network used for data communications
• Easier installation
• Cost-effective installation
• Easier network management
• Uses smart power technologies
• Uses DC power
• Higher reliability
• Higher power transfer efficiency
• Ability to perform power/energy management
To learn more about poe lighting system, check out our case study of Powerhouse Trondheim in Norway. It now creates more energy than it uses and has just won the sustainability category in the 2020 Innovation by Design Awards - this highly efficient building is paving the way for future builds. All data collected about light levels, lighting settings, and occupancy is fully available and used to control and analyse energy efficiency. The building has received the BREEAM Outstanding accreditation, the highest possible ranking by the world’s leading sustainability assessment method. This was awarded for environmental, social, and economic sustainability performance.
The Edge building is Deloitte’s office in Amsterdam. A recent case study published by Philips shows a 33% cost saving per employee by utilising PoE and LEDs. You can read more here.
In summary, it is clear that PoE lowers the cost of installing IP-enabled devices such as sensors or LED lamps. Cabling costs are also lower because data and power share the same cable. In addition, an electrician is not required for the installation; therefore, costs are saved - the process is also safer due to the lower voltages of PoE DC. Having a more energy-efficient building and the ability to gain additional insights that have not been available until now also saves costs as facility managers understand more about how their building is being used.