The SGA Solutions® department of our Inelbo subsidiary has developed an innovative and effective DALI gateway for lighting control in industrial environments. The gateways are designed in the Management and Automation Systems (SGA) department and manufactured by Eiffage Énergie Électronique. They work via open protocols, allowing the luminaires to be controlled from any Building Management System (BMS).
The idea of creating the gateways allows our Inelbo subsidiary to compete with major national and international producers of lighting management systems
Background
Gateways arise as a solution to one of the most important projects in which the SGA department is involved. The client, a leading retail company in Spain, decided to make a radical change in its business by incorporating a new control system with multiple functionalities and centralising everything on the same platform. Inelbo wanted to find an effective solution. A solution that met all the specifications requested in the project in a simple and optimal way. It opted for a specific design for that reason. A design that satisfied the market’s most complete requirements, to achieve the needed solution.
The gateways combine two types of open protocols: Modbus and DALI
The new device is based on the combination of two types of open protocols. These are Modbus, a communications protocol for buildings and industry, and DALI, a lighting control protocol, both of which are present in all newly built installations.
DALI
DALI is the protocol responsible for monitoring, controlling and configuring lighting with a form of digital communication that is present in all new installations. DALI devices are programmable and provide great flexibility when it comes to systems reprogramming. There is no need to change the wiring. This type of protocol allows different customised lighting functions to be configured. Functions differentiated by rooms or areas of the building, with user-friendly adjustment control.
Modbus language
Modbus is an industrial protocol that allows control of a device network and is present in all types of buildings and industrial facilities. It is the standard communication system, as it is easily implemented and allows greater availability for connecting different electronic devices.
Characteristics of the gateways
The main features of the devices are:
- Robust gateways
- Use of open communication protocols
- Built-in digital inputs
- Proprietary application for configuration
- Local control and manual emergency configuration
The gateways are distributed through the website Eenergie-Shop, which specialises in the sale of equipment and materials for the industrial sector, control devices, automation, etc.
Result
Gateways are the perfect solution for lighting control in both buildings and all types of industrial facilities. They have a fully optimised design and are compatible with any type of Building Management System. This idea enabled Inelbo to compete with the leading national and international producers offering management and control solutions for companies and industries, giving it a advantageous position in the market. SGA is currently working with the client on a project spanning over six years involving a total revamp of the business, in which more than 16,000 devices are expected to be installed throughout Spain.
