Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1414667
October/November/December 2021 I 45 FIGURE 5: PoE gateway and temperature sensor. Temperature and Humidity Control The ability to deploy a granular array of self-powered, wireless temperature and humidity sensors leveraging the connectivity already in place is accomplished via connected lighting PoE nodes. This allows for more accurate temperature and humidity sensing capability in each space at a fraction of the cost of a traditional standalone HVAC solution. Sensors measure temperature and humidity and then pass the collected data to the building automation system or HVAC controls. Safety and Security Network-connected lighting can be integrated with a building's fire alarm and other safety systems. In the event of a fire or other emergency that triggers a system alarm, building lights and multi-colored indicators can simultaneously react to illuminate pathways for occu- pants to follow while alerting them to an emergency situation, such as a fire, tornado, security breach, and other dangerous events. Network-connected lighting also can be integrated into a building's digital signage and voice alarm platform, AV systems, and security system. When triggered by a security event, the lighting system can react accordingly, providing a pathway while the paging system informs building occupants with important information. Window shades also can also be set to automatically default to a predefined state, as in a lockdown scenario. or room in use becomes available, an indicator LED can change status/color, so others will know that the space is open. In an education application, this capability can help students and teachers during tests. For example, a teacher can start a test and set the lights at high bright- ness to enhance alertness. When the test-taking time is almost over, the lights can notify students that it is time to wrap up. People Counting and Space Activities As part of a sensory network, a PoE lighting system can act as host for advanced sensors that enable people counting, thereby gaining a better understanding of how and when space is utilized. This permits space manage- ment to be optimized, along with supporting building safety, by ensuring more people are not occupying a space than legally allowed. SMART BUILDINGS 3.0: LIKELY NEW ROLES FOR SMART SENSORS AND CONNECTED INFRASTRUCTURES Seemingly for every aspect of our work and personal lives, the role and configuration of buildings and offices will change as a result of the pandemic. With the current shift in workspace environments, the ability to configure and reconfigure spaces digitally without making any physical changes will soon be in demand, as will further smart technology innovations. PoE lighting is ideally suited to support new smart, connected deployments that will likely be on the horizon. For example, while ceiling lighting is ubiquitous and convenient to deploy, the need for sensors that can record specific interactions closer to ground level has been on the rise—especially pertaining to smart office furniture. In fact, according to recent research, the smart office furniture marketis expected to grow by $266.6 million during 2020-2024. 6 PoE lighting sensors can be used to create a con- nected furniture/desk sensory network to ascertain Booking and Scheduling Smart reservations let employees reserve meeting rooms. If people are no-shows based on occupancy data from lighting sensors, the room can be "released" so other users can reserve the space. In addition, as soon as a space whether specific desks are occupied. This will be impor- tant as businesses slowly migrate workers back to the office, most likely at half capacity or in shifts. Desks will be spaced farther apart and, possibly, not assigned to just one person anymore.