flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Sensors used in tunable lighting systems found to have high reliability

Codes and Standards

Sensors used in tunable lighting systems found to have high reliability

DOE study investigated items used to control lumen depreciation, chromaticity shifts, and changes in drivers.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | April 8, 2021

Courtesy Pixabay

The U.S. Department of Energy recently released a report on the initial performance and reliability of chromaticity sensors used for tunable LED lighting systems.

This study found that a chromaticity sensor used in the control system of a tunable lighting installation has high reliability, even under relatively harsh test conditions. The study examined the initial performance and aging characteristics of a sensor consisting of a series of six photodiodes that respond to different wavelengths to adjust illuminance, correlated color temperature (CCT), and chromaticity.

The sensor devices were exposed to a 5,000-hour accelerated stress test: one group at a continuous room temperature operating life, a second at a continuous but elevated ambient temperature of 75°C, and a third in a temperature-humidity environment of 75°C and 75% relative humidity (also known as a 7575 environment).

No abrupt failure of the sensor was found after 5,000 hours of testing, even in the relatively harsh 7575 environment. Just one parametric failure after 5,000 hours of 7575 testing was observed. Such a failure produces a change in a tunable device that would be noticeable to an observer. Light from the tunable fixture would likely be blue-shifted.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2023

New rule mandates annual parapet inspections for New York City buildings

In November 2021, New York City enacted Local Law 126 of 2021, which is well-known in the building industry for establishing new requirements for periodic parking garage inspections. At the same time, the legislation added a section to the NYC Administrative Code mandating periodic observation of building parapets. To allow owners time to prepare, the City set the start date for the new parapet observations for January 1, 2024.

Resiliency | Sep 11, 2023

FEMA names first communities for targeted assistance on hazards resilience

FEMA recently unveiled the initial designation of 483 census tracts that will be eligible for increased federal support to boost resilience to natural hazards and extreme weather. The action was the result of bipartisan legislation, the Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act of 2022. The law aims to help localities most at risk from the impacts of climate change to build resilience to natural hazards.

Metals | Sep 11, 2023

Best practices guide for air leakage testing for metal building systems released

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) released a new guidebook, Metal Building Systems - Best Practices to Comply with Whole-Building Air Leakage Testing Requirements.

Contractors | Sep 11, 2023

Construction industry skills shortage is contributing to project delays

Relatively few candidates looking for work in the construction industry have the necessary skills to do the job well, according to a survey of construction industry managers by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk.

K-12 Schools | Sep 5, 2023

CHPS launches program to develop best practices for K-12 school modernizations

The non-profit Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) recently launched an effort to develop industry-backed best practices for school modernization projects. The Minor Renovations Program aims to fill a void of guiding criteria for school districts to use to ensure improvements meet a high-performance threshold. 

Windows and Doors | Aug 31, 2023

Updated specification rates ability of windows, doors, skylights, sliding glass doors to withstand impacts from windborne debris

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) updated a specification providing a system for rating the ability of windows, doors, skylights and sliding glass doors to withstand impact and pressure cycling generally associated with hurricane conditions.

Office Buildings | Aug 31, 2023

About 11% of U.S. office buildings could be suitable for green office-to-residential conversions

A National Bureau of Economic Research working paper from researchers at New York University and Columbia Business School indicates that about 11% of U.S. office buildings may be suitable for conversion to green multifamily properties.

Adaptive Reuse | Aug 31, 2023

New York City creates team to accelerate office-to-residential conversions

New York City has a new Office Conversion Accelerator Team that provides a single point of contact within city government to help speed adaptive reuse projects. Projects that create 50 or more housing units from office buildings are eligible for this new program. 

Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2023

Community-led effort aims to prevent flooding in Chicago metro region

RainReady Calumet Corridor project favors solutions that use natural and low-impact projects such as rain gardens, bioswales, natural detention basins, green alleys, and permeable pavers, to reduce the risk of damaging floods.

Multifamily Housing | Aug 23, 2023

Constructing multifamily housing buildings to Passive House standards can be done at cost parity

All-electric multi-family Passive House projects can be built at the same cost or close to the same cost as conventionally designed buildings, according to a report by the Passive House Network. The report included a survey of 45 multi-family Passive House buildings in New York and Massachusetts in recent years.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021