ALC tailors lighting controls for sixth-form college
ALC Lighting Controls has created a bespoke lighting management system for Aquinas College in Stockport to achieve high energy efficiency and the flexibility to accommodate different activities in the space through the day. This Catholic sixth-form college accommodates some 1800 students. A key element of the lighting-control specification by consulting engineers Gifford Manchester was the ability to adapt to variable occupancy, such as facilities being used by the local community in the evenings, while optimising efficiency.
The installation comprises a range of lighting-control modules (LCMs) and universal sensors for light level and occupancy. The LCMs are linked to a PC. All luminaires use Tridonic DALI control gear and emergency modules.
Lighting in teaching spaces is activated by an on/off switch near each door. Absence and daylight control dims lighting row by row and turns off lights when rooms are empty.
There is a ‘projection’ scene switch on each teaching wall to provide an easy transition to a customised lighting scene that prevents shadows and minimises contrast. This requires certain luminaires to be dimmed to a specified level when using the interactive whiteboard or overhead projector.
In the evenings, corridors next to occupied spaces remain lit at 50% of full output to ensure safe movement. Lighting in corridors where rooms are unoccupied is switched off.
