8 May 2012

Cree and Lutron launch embedded LED lighting control and delivery system

The growing demand for energy-efficient LED lighting solutions combined with increasingly stringent energy and building codes require an advanced level of lighting and control integration, says LED chip, lamp and lighting fixture maker Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA. In response, the firm has announced what it claims is a first-of-a-kind agreement with Lutron Electronics Co Inc of Coopersburg, PA (which designs and manufactures energy-saving light controls, automated window treatments and appliance modules for both residential and commercial applications) to embed Lutron EcoSystem technology on a chip in Cree luminaires in order to accelerate LED adoption and increase energy efficiency for building designers, contractors and owners.

The combination of LED technology from Cree with proven energy control strategies from Lutron yields what is claimed to be the world’s most energy-efficient commercial troffer lighting control and delivery system. The solution introduces digital intelligence to the control of Cree LED luminaires and delivers integrated, pre-tested system compatibility that is backed by the Lutron Services Company to ensure performance of the system as a whole.

“With this alliance, we set out to fix a problem. It breaks new ground for LED fixtures and control systems - turning compatibility into a feature, not a challenge,” says Gary Trott, VP of market development, Cree lighting. “An integrated system can increase performance across the board - efficiency, lifetime and payback,” he adds.

By using Lutron energy management solutions, Cree LED lighting can reduce building owners operating costs and continue to deliver the fastest payback in the industry, the firm claims. Cree reckons that its LED fixtures suit embedded Lutron EcoSystem technology because digital control and dimming of LED fixtures can significantly extend LED lifetime, and also allow flexibility to reconfigure and improve occupant experience in any space.

“Working with Cree, we are able to expand our system networks by combining their innovation and leadership in the LED arena with our 50-year history as a leader in light control and total building solutions,” says Eric Lind, Lutron’s VP of global specifications. “This capability of enabling Lutron EcoSystem technology by embedding a chip into the driver of an LED luminaire eliminates concerns about system compatibility, brings digital intelligence to the control of LEDs, and showcases Lutron’s open networks,” he adds. “Lutron EcoSystem controls have the ability to directly connect to Lutron’s complete line of wired and wireless systems as well as other building protocols, such as BACnet, to allow seamless control and energy saving capability for our customers,” Lind continues.

According to Cree’s analysis, its CR Troffers equipped with Lutron EcoSystem technology can increase luminaire lifetime up to 50% and substantially increase lumen maintenance factors. This calculation is for typical buildings with Lutron lighting control systems, where the average output level of troffers is about 70% when typical lighting efficiency strategies such as daylight harvesting, personal control and high-end trim are used.

The first products to feature embedded Lutron EcoSystem technology are the Cree CR Series of LED troffers, with other products to follow. Cree LED fixtures embedded with Lutron EcoSystem technology are scheduled for specification and shipment this summer.

Tags: Cree LEDs

Visit: www.cree.com/controls

Visit: www.lutron.com