Ashmolean Museum has extensive KNX intelligent lighting control
Lighting in the world-famous Ashmolean Museum, now reopened after a major redevelopment, is controlled by KNX intelligent building technology installed by KNX UK member Andromeda Telematics. The system will save energy and provide flexibility for future changes. It also provided the automatic testing out of hours required for a public building.
The graphical head-end display shows the real-time status of all lighting in the museum, maximising energy-saving potential and the use of daylight.
The building includes 39 new galleries, staircases, entrances, bridges, walkways, and a cafe — in which the lighting is controlled via KNX. Lighting in back-of-house areas, including offices, laboratories, toilets and the boardroom, is also managed with KNX.
Across the six levels in the public areas are 18 lighting-control panels matching the electrical distribution zones.
The galleries mainly consist of about 500 switched circuits for ceiling-mounted track lighting, feature lighting and display cases. Switching is by 16 A C-load actuators. Track circuits are monitored for mains failure so emergency lighting can be activated when required.
LED emergency lighting controlled by DALI enabled the capacity of the static to be considerably reduced, while achieving light levels in excess of regulations.
The galleries have local switches for use outside of time schedules. In some areas, occupancy detectors reduce lighting use.
The two main public staircases have concealed cold-cathode lighting controlled via scene selection and daylight linking to make the most of the considerable natural light gains. Direct sunlight has to be restricted, so blinds are closed when external lighting levels are high and the position of the Sun makes direct sunlight an issue.
Non-public areas have occupancy detection and dimming control for the DALI lighting.
An internal lux sensor provides accurate measurement for the dimmer units.
KSLD was the lighting designer for the project, and the control system was specified by Atelier Ten.
