Smart light system
Lighting in a smart home system includes not only lighting devices, but also electronic systems responsible for their monitoring and control. Various new generation fluorescent, LED and xenon lamps are usually used as light sources. The control equipment includes sensors, microcontrollers, on and off relays, as well as other elements responsible for regulating the light in the premises.
It is worth noting that all functions for “smart” lighting do not work on their own, but are combined into certain lighting scenarios. Such layouts can be specified in the settings of the central smart home application. This is achieved by combining several groups of lamps, each of which has individual power. For example, the “Rest” mode involves replacing bright lighting with dimmed soft light. When integrating smart light with other smart systems, additional options for relaxation appear: close the curtains, turn on your favorite music and much more.
These modes can be switched with just one button in the application installed on the homeowner's mobile device or computer. You can control it remotely from anywhere in the world using wireless technology. It is noteworthy that with the help of automatic analysis of the system of the daily schedule of household members, it is possible to ensure completely autonomous operation of lighting without any participation from the smart home operator.
What it is
How does a smart light bulb work, what is it, what capabilities does it have, what are the advantages of autonomous lighting, where is the best place to place it? It is precisely this series of questions that arises for those who encounter such a household appliance for the first time. Let's look at them in detail below.
Operating principle
A smart light bulb is a lamp connected into a single housing with a control unit. Thanks to this, its operation becomes more functional, economical, safe and convenient. Let's look at how a smart light bulb works:
- A sensor (for example, a motion sensor) records changes in the viewing sector.
- A signal is sent to the control module via an electrical circuit.
- An electric current passes through a luminous element (usually LED).
- The lamp lights up.
- The device operates in accordance with the set parameters, and then goes out until the next event or command from the block according to the program.
The technical equipment of a smart light bulb is represented by the following components:
- Base type E27 or E14.
- Glass flask.
- Cooling radiator made of aluminum with fins on the base.
- LEDs.
- Transformer block.
- Microcontroller.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS sensors.
- Audio and video recording devices.
- Motion, sound, light sensor.
- Security and fire sensors.
Smart lighting systems can operate without human intervention. This means that every time you enter a room you do not need to specifically turn on the lamp. It is self-initiated by a motion sensor, sound, and also depending on the level of natural light. This allows not only to reduce energy consumption, but also to extend the service life of the device.
The capabilities of modern smart light bulbs
Smart light systems have wide technological capabilities:
- Automatic activation on motion, sound or at dusk.
- Adjusts brightness depending on external light.
- Simulation of the presence of the owner - the device remembers the algorithm of ignition cycles and their duration, and then, in the absence of the owner, repeats the given combination. A useful feature to scare away intruders from your home.
- Various interior design - by type, power, dynamics, color, etc.
- Use as an alarm clock - in the form of turning on the lighting with increasing brightness.
- Setting up operation in different modes for different situations - breakfast, dinner, library, cinema, etc.
- Combination with other smart home devices and sensors - smoke, security, video surveillance, intercom, etc. In addition, you can connect a smart light bulb to Alice.
- Turning on musical accompaniment - in the nursery, in the relaxation room, in the kitchen, during training, during holidays.
- Control via the Internet and wirelessly using a Wi-Fi module.
- Strengthening Wi-Fi Internet coverage in the territory of a house or apartment using built-in antennas.
You can configure the control unit of a smart light bulb remotely from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer. For this, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules and special software are used. An example is the popular Xiaomi Yeelight model, programmed using Android 4.4 or iOS 8. In addition, the user of devices based on LED elements is given the opportunity to adjust and set parameters for brightness, color, rhythm and dynamics.
Advantages in automatic lighting
Smart light bulbs as part of an automatic lighting system have a number of advantages:
- Adjustment of operating parameters to the individual goals of the consumer.
- Automated lighting adjustment process.
- Saving energy consumption.
- Wide range of operating modes.
- Possibility of configuration and management remotely via the Internet or locally via a Wi-Fi port.
- Interaction with other smart home systems - security, video monitoring, smoke detector.
While listing the advantages, one cannot help but recall some of the disadvantages of smart lamps. This is primarily a higher cost compared to conventional lighting devices. In addition, meticulous attackers can hack the access system to the device and associated security elements. However, such a scenario is unlikely. Since many components of modern smart systems have multi-stage effective protection. We also must not forget that if the control gadget fails, the Internet connection is lost, or the application freezes, the device will remain without control.
Placements
Traditionally, smart light bulbs are used to equip chandeliers, lampshades, lanterns and any other lighting devices in everyday life - in an apartment, entrance, or in the local area. However, their scope of application is not limited to this. Thanks to a wide range of capabilities, they can be equipped with any objects with fire and security alarms. They are also installed in factories, workshops, and equipment rooms. They are often used in public places - airports, train stations, hospitals, theaters. Moreover, models with changes in dynamics over a wide range can be combined with modern musical equipment and used as elements of light music.
Smart lighting functionality
The functions of a lighting system connected to a smart home may vary depending on the configuration. Most often, the list of the most common functions includes:
- regulation of brightness and power of lamps; • independent turning on of light when the user enters the room; • turning off the light in the absence of the user; • message about an incoming call or doorbell; • use of lighting as an alarm clock; • energy-saving mode.
Rating of the best models
The range of high-tech lighting products is regularly expanding. Manufacturers are constantly improving their design, adding new features and making their products more interesting and easier to use.
Choosing the right smart device from so many models is quite difficult. To do this, let’s highlight five that really deserve attention.
The secret to success of Insteon LED Bulb
If you need a simple and not too expensive smart product, then you should pay attention to the Insteon LED Bulb. The model allows you to change the brightness level, as well as combine several pieces into a single system.
You can control Insteon LED Bulb using a smartphone or tablet running Android or iOS. A special application provides flexible settings. At the same time, the software has an intuitive interface, so there will definitely be no problems with adjusting the lighting
Among the advantages of the model, one should highlight its durability. It will shine for more than 52,000 hours. That's about 17 years of working 8 hours a day, which is absolutely amazing.
The power of Insteon LED Bulb is 8 W. It is analogous to a 60 W incandescent lamp. The price is quite low and stopped at 2,500 rubles.
Cheapness and functionality of Luminous BT Smart Bulb
The reason for the popularity of Luminous BT Smart Bulb is its extensive functionality. First of all, it provides the ability to adjust the brightness level, set the color temperature, and also connect several devices into a single system.
A mode that deserves attention is the synchronization of music and lamp luminosity. Therefore, organizing a real disco will not be difficult. Even if the lamp is installed in a large house, it can still be controlled from absolutely any room. After all, the “range” of the radio signal reaches 40 meters.
Luminous BT Smart Bulb is controlled using software for iOS and Android. In it you can specify all the characteristics, from color to setting the operating time of the lighting device. An interesting solution on the part of the manufacturer was to implement the function of gradually increasing and decreasing brightness when the lamp is turned on and off, respectively.
The model has an impressive power of 12 W, as for LED devices. The cost of Luminous BT Smart Bulb is affordable and in most stores does not exceed 2,000 rubles. Therefore, we can say that the lamp has an ideal price-quality ratio
Simplicity and elegance of Drift
The first thing that catches your eye when examining the Drift model is its original design. The lamp body is black with bluish inserts. It will fit perfectly into absolutely any interior, be it luxurious classic or strict modern.
As for the functionality, it is not rich. But a small number of three modes greatly simplifies control. Operation is controlled by pressing the most common switch.
If you press three times in a row, the light will gradually go out over 37 minutes. According to the manufacturer, this mode simulates a natural sunset. This has a beneficial effect on a person’s well-being and allows him to fall asleep faster.
Drift's power is only 7 watts. According to customer reviews, its price is a little overpriced. So, the price of this smart LED lamp is 2,900 rubles, which is quite a lot for such modest functionality.
The night light mode will be useful. In this case, the lighting device shines quite weakly and, accordingly, consumes a minimal amount of electricity. You can leave it on overnight to navigate in the dark when you want to drink
Luminous alarm clock Holi SleepCompanion
If you need to restore and establish your sleep pattern, then purchasing Holi SleepCompanion will come in handy more than ever. This smart alarm clock will turn on slowly at the time specified by the user.
Moreover, it can be connected to a large number of fitness devices. For example, the smart lamp works great with FitBit, Withings and JawnoneUP bracelets.
Thanks to a special algorithm, the lighting device analyzes data from fitness devices and adjusts the lighting in such a way as to ensure quality sleep, and the user wakes up completely rested. Initially, this solution was used at NASA. Subsequently, the product went on sale and became available to ordinary customers.
To control Holi SleepCompanion, you can use any device running the iOS or Android operating system. The connection is made using a Bluetooth module. The price of this light bulb is quite high and is about 8,000 rubles.
Durability and practicality LIFX
When maximum functionality is needed, the LIFX model is the ideal choice. It is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, which allows you to control work using a tablet or smartphone. The design of the lighting fixture deserves attention. According to the manufacturer, LIFX will last for a quarter of a century.
The smart lamp is configured using a special application. The user can specify how the color and brightness should change throughout the day. The application also allows you to activate automatic switching on/off of the lamp when a person enters/exits the room
The model allows you to quickly organize a party right at home. After all, the manufacturer has built in a light-music mode into it. LIFX power reaches 17 W. At the same time, its price is rather high and reaches 6,000 rubles.
Installing a smart lighting system
Of course, the ideal option is when the installation of the entire lighting system for a “smart home” is designed and carried out at the stage of renovation or construction of the building. This development of the scenario allows you to avoid unnecessary wires and carry out high-quality installation for smart equipment.
Do not forget that you can install a “smart” lighting system without laying cables in the premises. Smart lamps, table lamps and ceiling lights most often work wirelessly using Bluetooth and wi-fi.
The intelligent lighting system is presented in two versions: centralized or decentralized types of control of the smart home system. The first of them involves control using a general controller, which receives data from sensors and issues commands. In the second case, each lighting device has its own microcontroller and memory.
The optimal choice for a standard apartment is a decentralized control system. Thus, for “smart” lighting you only need to purchase smart lamps, the necessary sensors, download and activate the application on your phone.
Self-installation rules
Local and centralized remote control systems are integrated into the existing electrical wiring on site. In this case, powering the circuits with working resources from lines supplying electricity to lighting devices is permitted.
The role of current circuit breakers is played by switches that react to the receipt of a signal.
“Sophisticated” control modules have expanded functionality and have the ability to change internal network parameters, turn off certain zones from lighting and leave lighting at the optimal level only in those rooms where it is appropriate at a particular moment.
All the elements necessary for independently setting up a lighting control system at a distance can be purchased in specialized stores or ordered online
Self-installation of the remote control complex at home is acceptable.
But for this you need to follow the basic fire safety rules and take the following steps in the specified sequence:
- De-energize the wiring in the room through the panel and install a sign warning about the work in progress.
- Carefully remove outdated push-button switches using a profile tool.
- In the vacant spaces, place multifunctional electronic devices equipped with a receiver, signal decoder and disconnector.
- Securely insulate the contact area between the network wires and the working board of the remote control unit.
- Activate the electrical current supply and carefully test all elements of the control system for serviceability and functionality.
- If no problems are identified, proceed to operation.
If you do not have practical experience working with electrical devices, you should not take on the task yourself. It is better to use the services of professionals and entrust them with the installation of control equipment.
