IoT-Upgradeable Lighting Challenge features D4i drivers and Zhaga Book 20 connectors

August 24, 2020

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is challenging the lighting industry to develop commercial lighting technologies that can be quickly and easily upgraded after installation by adding advanced controls and/or IoT sensors.

The performance requirements for the “IoT-Upgradeable Lighting Challenge” include the use of D4i LED drivers, as well as Zhaga Book 20 sockets. The focus in on interior lighting.

Manufacturers are encouraged to register their interest in the Challenge by the end of September.

The Challenge, run by the DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), promotes future-proofing, IoT connectivity and availability of data, all of which are enabled by the D4i and Zhaga-D4i specifications and certification programs.

IoT-enabled luminaires can provide many benefits for buildings. One example is improved energy savings that arise when accurate occupancy-sensor data enables the modulation of energy usage for lighting, heating and cooling.

Compliant luminaires submitted for the Challenge will increase energy efficiency, while also offering solutions that:

• can support and power the IoT sensor or device, which can send data to be stored and analysed by another building system. These requirements are supported by the use of D4i drivers.
• can be upgraded at a future date with an IoT sensor or device that is easily installed from below the luminaire. A Zhaga Book 20 enables this level of future-proofing. 
• are priced competitively with comparable systems that are not upgradeable or connected.

PNNL held an open webinar on July 30 and is currently finalizing the performance requirements for the challenge. The provisional timetable is shown below:

More information

>> PNNL website

>> US DOE Better Buildings website

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