Given the properties of Magnetic Induction Lamps as well as the technology within MHT’s Electronic Ballast (generator), MHT’s Induction Lighting is ideally suited for Dimming and “Smart” Controls. MHT has been a pioneer in developing innovative solutions designed to help customers reduce their overall energy costs as well as minimizing labor/maintenance expenses associated with maintaining their lights.
There are 2 primary methods for controlling Induction Lights
- Dimming via Switch (Wall Switch or Occupancy/Photoelectric Sensor)
- 2-way Communications Protocol via Power Line Carrier (PLC) or Wireless
Dimming via Switch
The Dimming feature of Induction Lighting is a function that can be controlled using a 0-10V analog signal that is provided to the Ballast by an external “switch” mechanism. The same switch can also be used to take advantage of “instant-on” capability and turn the lights on/off.
Applications that are a good fit for Dimming:
- Outdoor – Parking Lots, Parking Garages, Security/Area Lighting
- Indoor – Warehouses, Food Processing/Storage
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The types of switches that can be used are:
- Occupancy Sensor
- Photelectric Sensor (Photocell)
- Wall Switch
- Remote Control
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How it works
For on/off functionality, the switch merely interrupts the power signal to turn the lights from an off to on status, or vice versa. The dimming feature, however requires a separate low-voltage (0-10V) analog DC signal which, when applied to the ballast, will reduce the energy and light output to a pre-programmed level. The DC signal can be provided directly by the switch or on a separate dedicated low voltage circuit, which can control multiple lights via a single switch.
![Dimming controls wiring diagram Dimming controls wiring diagram](wiring-diagram.gif)
2-way Communications Protocol
Controls via 2-way Communications Protocol can be achieved through a variety of methods, including Power Line Carrier (PLC) and Wireless. The same low-voltage circuit that manages the dimmability of the Electronic Ballast also carries the 2-way communication from a control device to the ballast. 2-way Communications not only allow the user to control the lights remotely (on/off, dim) via PC-based applications, but can also provide the below advanced functions:
- Change settings and implement new designs as conditions and requirements evolve.
- Fixtures (ballasts) can communicate proactively back to the application administrator, or maintenance contact with light status and other diagnostic information, cutting down on maintenance costs and un-necessary electrical service costs.
- Customers have saved up to 85% in Total Energy Costs by implementing Intelligent Controls solutions.
There are several 3rd Party solutions and options available designed and priced to meet a variety of applications including Street Lighting, Parking Lots/Garages, Warehouses and Office Lighting. MHT works closely with best-of-breed technology companies who have developed solutions that integrate with our Electronic Ballast. Below is an example of a Street Lighting application with MHT strategic partner – Echelon.
![MHT Preferred Partner for an integrated controls solutions MHT Preferred Partner for an integrated controls solutions](echelon-logo.jpg)
MHT Preferred Partner for an integrated controls solutions
Managed Street Lighting Networks
Lighten Your Streetlights’ Energy Load and Lower Your Costs
Many cities are upgrading their streetlight technologies to Induction and LED lights, however, between the initial investment of LED lights and controls, the paybacks are up to 3 times that of induction lights. MHT Lighting is the first fully controllable induction light that has full two-way communication. It’s a great, green way to further lower energy costs — especially when switching from older HID technology. Adding an intelligent network to control those lights is even smarter, letting you reduce energy costs by 60 percent or more. And the extra benefits of this network — streamlined operations, lower maintenance costs, improved safety, less light pollution, and enhanced urban environments — may end up being even greater than the energy savings.
Start with the i.LON SmartServer segment controller
The SmartServer, combined with MHT electronic ballasts powered by LonWorks technology, is the cornerstone of intelligent street lighting systems around the world —and it’s already the leading segment controller in the European market.
![SMART Streetlights embedded with LonWorks technology SMART Streetlights embedded with LonWorks technology](smart-streetlights.jpg)
Add SMART streetlights embedded with LonWorks technology
Each MHT induction luminaire in the street lighting network includes a ballast that’s been integrated with one of our power line smart transceivers. This lets it automatically detect lamp failures, dim the light in % increments, and report vital statistics such as consumed energy, lamp-burning hours, voltage, current, and ballast temperature. It also lets each luminaire act as its own energy submeter. For example, our MHT induction lights can flash in a predetermined sequence to help route emergency traffic or help emergency response personnel locate an accident scene more quickly.
Manage with Web-based host software.
Control your entire network with easy-to-use host software. These Web-based applications, provided by several manufacturers, offer a highly visual graphical environment to help city personnel manage WAN communications, track failures, check system health, automatically install new SmartServers, and collect, organize, and store data. They also extend to higher-level applications, for use with service databases, billing, notification, energy management, and other existing systems.
Benefits
- Greatly reduce energy use. Our smart street lighting network adapts light levels to meet real-time requirements. Dim or brighten lights according to a preset schedule or in response to weather events, like an increase in cloud cover.
- Lower maintenance costs. Maintenance companies can track and monitor individual lamps, and replace components based on actual performance history — often before they fail. If they do fail, automatic alarms notify the system, so there’s no need for roving inspections. The result: safer cities that cost less to operate.
- Install quickly and affordably. The SmartServer’s automatic discovery and commissioning feature means new devices can be bought and installed online in minutes instead of hours, and with minimal training. The host software gives you an overall view of the entire system, so you can make smart decisions, fast.
- Future-proof your investment. The SmartServer works with any WAN your city deploys — now and in the future — ensuring a safe, future-proof investment for your community. But that’s not all. Since the SmartServer is designed to work with any LonWorks based sensor or control device, as well as other industry-standard control protocols, it offers unparalleled flexibility:
- Add new technologies as they become available, without changing your network or retraining personnel.
- Add new services, such as traffic and environmental sensors, flashing LEDs for emergencies, or on-demand lighting for special events — without touching your infrastructure.
- Mix and match luminaire types — using Induction in one sector, for instance, and HID or HPS in another.
- Add new devices to your street lighting network by simply plugging them in.
- Provide high reliability, even in the face of urban growth. The LonWorks approach supports urban growth, because new buildings, road construction, and other developments won’t affect the power line communications technology.
MHT Lighting partners with ROAM® wireless controls to save up to 85% in Energy Costs over existing HPS streetlights.
ROAM® is an award‐winning streetlight monitoring system that minimizes the total life‐cycle cost of your streetlight network while enhancing the safety, sustainability and service levels that your citizens expect. ROAM® represents a complete transformation in the way street lighting maintenance is performed – enabling proactive and efficient resolution of streetlight issues before citizen complaints can be initiated. Never before has streetlight monitoring been so easy, yet so effective for municipalities and utilities.
- Streetlight operating information is wirelessly communicated from all streetlights to the ROAM Network Operations Center.
- The Network Operations Center provides immediate and proactive alerts of and identified malfunction.
- ROAM® diagnoses the problem and dispatches a maintenance crew to a specific location, utilizing GPS technology.
In addition, ROAM® continuously collects operating data on your MHT Induction streetlight system which, when accessed through a secure internet portal, provides critical data for budgeting, maintenance schedules and asset management.
![](roam-wireless-controls.jpg)
Photo Control – Communications Node
- Compatible with any NEMA twist lock receptacle
- Self registering, self‐hearing mesh network
- Patented diagnostics
Communications Gateway
![](communications-gateway.jpg)
- Manages up to 5,000 nodes
- Flexible, wireless communication to the NOC
Secure Web Portal
![](secure-web-portal.jpg)
- Password protected access to system information
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