by Shane Henson — December 17, 2012—AEG Power Solutions (AEG PS), a global provider of power electronics systems and solutions, has announced the release of its ZigBee-Control Module (ZCM) series of wireless controller modules.
ZCM controllers provide substantial energy savings by allowing light fixtures to only supply the amount of light actually required at any instant, making them ideal for facilities managers seeking new ways to reduce lighting-related energy costs. According to AEG PS, they can be used in indoor or outdoor applications where they can offer incremental savings of up to 60 percent or higher, further enhancing the attractiveness of an LED-based lighting solution.
The same ZCM controller can also be used to retrofit existing lighting based on fluorescent, high-intensity discharge or other legacy technologies. Wireless mesh networking allows operation over a wide area, while minimizing power consumption, says AEG PS. This completely eliminates the need for control wiring, which can be a barrier to installations in existing buildings. The ZCM interfaces to the driver or lighting ballast via an industry-standard 0-10V dimming signal and includes a switched output to allow full control of the AC power to the light fixture. The modules are self-powered from wide range AC input and provide a low voltage auxiliary output for use with motion sensors, light sensors or other accessories.
Another key benefit of the ZCM is its flexibility of operation; while it can operate as a standalone network in small installations, it is also capable of interfacing with centralized control systems to provide comprehensive control and monitoring, says AEG PS. All functions are programmable through a dedicated graphical user interface, which not only simplifies initial setup, but also allows changes to be made very easily when required.
