IBRB, University of Warwick

Warwick, United Kingdom

The new Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building (IBRB) includes state-of-the-art laboratory space where researchers investigate how cells and tissues perform mechanical functions. The facility also houses world-class research in neuroscience, microbiology and infection, cell biology, and disease models, supporting and facilitating interdisciplinary biomedical research of the highest quality. The IBRB is the university’s most environmentally sustainable space on campus so far. It demonstrates real progress towards the university’s aim of reaching net zero carbon from direct emissions and the energy it buys by 2030.

Applications Covered:

Education

The Challenge

As an established supplier, Thorlux Lighting was asked to design an installation that would complement the architecture of the building while providing a low energy and low maintenance lighting solution.

The Solution

High-performance LED luminaires combined with the SmartScan wireless management system were selected for all areas within the IBRB. Integral Smart sensors within the luminaires monitor ambient light and presence, control output to the correct level, dim and switch when there is sufficient daylight and illuminate the area only when occupied. Lighting controls that combine maintained illuminance, daylight dimming and presence detection will maximise energy savings, in some instances above 70%. Information is displayed on the SmartScan website, accessible from anywhere using a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The graphical user interface provides an overview of the whole site through to the performance and operation of an individual luminaire.

The SmartScan system also can provide occupancy profiling information. The data collected from the SmartScan Sensor, incorporated into the luminaire, can monitor room occupancy even when the light is off. SmartScan interactive drawings provide a simple and effective method of viewing system information. The occupancy profile for each sensor is displayed in a range of colours, from grey (no occupancy) to red (occupied continuously throughout the selected hour).

Colour Active luminaires are now installed in the laboratory areas. The daily ColourActive cycle is configured via the SmartScan website. Preset regimes follow the natural daylight rhythm, or specific settings can be set and tailored as required. This feature gives the user complete freedom to set a colour temperature regime that suits the building’s usage pattern. Colour temperatures are set at hourly intervals on the website, where they are processed and transmitted to the building’s ColourActive Gateway. Colour changes are gradual between settings.

As one of the university’s approved suppliers, Thorlux was set the challenge of creating an energy-efficient, smart building lighting solution which complements the building’s architecture whilst also being low maintenance. I believe Thorlux has excelled in this and also brought innovation in the form of smart lighting controls and circadian rhythm simulation to meet user requirements.

Paul Holland

Electrical Design Engineer at the University of Warwick