Energy-efficient controllers for EcoLED lights?

[moo_oose]

Hi,

I'm trying to design a lighting system for an ecohome. I've noticed that you can buy dimmable MR16 LEDs (http://www.ecoledlighting.com/mr16_g2.asp), which is great, but I'm looking for a way to automate all of the lighting in the house to provide a bit of extra security.

I've looked at some of the existing home automation kit, such as X10 receivers and Lutron Grafik Eyes but they seem to consume a lot of power in standby (I've read one X10 receiver can be as much as 11W!). I'd also prefer to use low-voltage DC lighting to prevent losses from upconverting/downconverting to AC mains from any solar PV systems.

Is anyone aware of any energy-efficient (and preferably cheap!) lighting control systems? The ecoleds need 'trailing-edge' dimming, if that helps.

Many thanks,


Paul

[hornydragon]

Try looking at Rako you may find th time clock offers some interesting option: http://www.rakocontrols.com/products...id=27&cat_id=9 TRailing edge dimming is the least common i think but there are solutions

[neilball]

Helvar Digidim 452 dimmer modules are universal, can be set leading or trailing edge. They also have 1-10v modules that could also be used. Don't know what their parasitic energy consumption is though and their datasheets do not state this. I could speak to their technical support team to see if they can provide any info.

I guess the problem just now is that the dimming technologies currently available are designed with standard loads in mind, for example some units require a minimum load to operate which may be above that provided by LED lamps. Dimmable LED and CFL is pretty new so the lighting control manufacturers will need time to decide whether to invest in new dimming modules specifically for these new lamp types that are optimised for minimum energy consumption.

So depending on the timescales for your project you may have to compromise on the controls for now and accept they may not be as efficient as you would like. Otherwise you have to wait for something that may never actually become available.