ICT Today

60 I ICT TODAY Another factor to consider is that PoE lighting solutions typically come paired with analytics software. Not only does this software provide insights around energy optimization, it also sets the state for the layering in of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to find opportunities to improve efficiencies in a real-time, prescriptive fashion (Table 1). GLOBAL STANDARDS, EASE OF INSTALLATION ACCELERATE IMPLEMENTATION Codisa ultimately chose to integrate a U.S.-based PoE lighting solution proposed in partnership by a Costa Rican IoT solutions installer and an IoT consulting and integration company that has offices in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Even though the manufacturer and the installer operate in different countries, implementation was straightforward and the entire installation, including technology commissioning, took only three months. This is largely because PoE operates on a global standard. The general safety and ease of installation are additional components that minimize restrictions, both on a global and local level. PoE is direct current (dc) based and all connections are less than 60 volts DC (VDC) and 100 Volt-ampere (VA), which puts the system under National Electric Code (NEC) Class 2 regulations that are recognized across most of the world, including Costa Rica. This means equipment does not have to run in conduit, nor does an associated device need to be inside an electrical box. In most jurisdictions, PoE devices can be put directly into plenum spaces without shielded wires/cables. Luminaire Quantity Consumption per Luminaire Total Consumption 21 30 630 6 54 324 1 40 40 9 12 108 8 6 48 Total Luminaires 1150 Total Nodes 198 Total Power 1348 TABLE 1: Total fixture and power demand proposed for the Codisa data center project. A pure PoE lighting installation throughout a building will have the greatest impact on long-term maintenance, cost, and energy savings, as well as extensibility, control, and data insight.

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