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The Importance of IoT in Industrial & Commercial Lighting

The benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT) in LED lighting are well-documented regarding consumer usage.

But what about commercial and industrial use?

Over the past decade, the rise of smart lighting has allowed entire industries to revolutionize their usage of LED lighting, and it also doesn’t show any signs of stopping either. In fact, by 2026, the smart lighting market size is projected to reach a staggering total of 27.7 billion USD.

So, what makes smart lighting and the IoT such attractive options on the rise for commercial and industrial use?

Benefits of IoT & Smart Lighting in Commercial and Industrial Applications

There are several benefits to IoT and smart lighting usage for all kinds of industries. Some of which are less obvious than others.

Let’s dive into some of those.

Energy Conservation

IoT technology allows for easy and fast monitoring of power and energy consumption.

We’re already seeing much of this with streetlights, which make up a sizable portion of a city’s energy usage. With the introduction of passive infrared sensors to detect people, cities can reduce their energy consumption by automatically turning off lights that aren’t useful without anyone around.

This principle can be applied to just about any other industry as well. IoT usage makes it possible for any facilities manager to monitor the power consumption of every light fixture closely and act accordingly with real-time data.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Managing light fixture maintenance is much easier using IoT technology. Facility managers can easily check on light fixtures using various software to check for flaws, predict power outages, and much more. It’s the easiest and most efficient way to check on the operational status of light fixtures.

Convenience

The level of convenience provided by smart lighting systems for industrial companies can’t be understated. With IoT technology, operators can control everything anywhere they want—no need to move from fixture to fixture, and it’s available in one convenient location.

Interior Design Flexibility

IoT technology and smart lighting allow building and facilities managers to change the decor and appearance of spaces on the fly. While this benefit may not apply to everyone, it’s a must-have for multi-use spaces that consistently change the look and feel of their space depending on what’s going on in the building.

With IoT technology, changing up the look of your space with lighting is easier than ever.

How LED Lights Integrate into a Smart Building

A smart building is any infrastructure that automates various operations and processes with the help of information technology—this includes ventilation, heating, security, and much more.

Of course, lighting is also an essential component of a smart building.

IoT integration gives smart building managers incredible flexibility with their LED lighting.

For starters, it allows third-party devices, such as motion and sound sensors, to work alongside light sources. This allows light fixtures to be controlled automatically to enhance the working environment for employees while also keeping power consumption to a minimum.

It also lets facility managers control the light source depending on the time of day. This helps mitigate the effects of eye strain, migraines, and other light-related issues for workers and students, depending on the building.

Building managers can also monitor every lighting fixture from one convenient place, making maintenance much easier and more efficient.

The Role of an LED Driver in IoT Solutions

No smart LED luminaire can function without a proper LED driver. When you add IoT functionality to the mix, you’ll need an LED driver to support the proper smart lighting technology you plan to use. Some LED drivers support specific wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth Low Energy or Zigbee.

Back in 2020, Zigbee announced the formation of a team dedicated to commercial IoT development.

When looking for an LED driver, you’ll want to check for compatibility with your wireless protocol of choice. For example, the Zigbee Wireless Constant Voltage Dimming Module allows full control of lighting fixtures through Zigbee smart lighting networks, including dimming features and smartphone control.

Bluetooth lighting control is a popular option. GRE Alpha's BLE dimming modules work with the latest in Bluetooth mesh technology and are available for Casambi and Xicato configurations.

For EnOcean protocols, the EnOcean Wireless Dimming LED Module from GRE Alpha allows seamless integration into either existing LED lighting systems or brand-new projects.

Find More Smart Lighting Drivers & Dimming Modules from GRE Alpha

As we continue to move forward with smart lighting and IoT solutions, GRE Alpha continues to innovate and come out with new products to support these lighting solutions in the future. Learn more about our innovative products today.

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Lighting Asia LED + Lighting Technology Show - A Recap

With the recent Lighting Asia LED + Lighting Technology show in the rearview, we’re happy to say that the event was a success.

Below, we’ll reflect on how great it was to showcase our innovative products, network with other industry professionals, and, most importantly: Meet and connect with our valued customers.

Networking With Industry Professionals

With nearly 100 lighting designers and 1200 professional exhibitors, the Lighting Asia LED + Lighting Technology Show is the ideal opportunity for those in the LED lighting industry to connect with other professionals.

The show hones in on six key sectors:

• Architectural Lighting
• Green Lighting
• Lighting Management & Control
• Outdoor Lighting
• Smart Lighting Solutions
• Specialty Lighting

 Within these sectors, the GRE Alpha team got the opportunity to connect with all different kinds of professionals, from architects and building owners to lighting engineers and urban planners. We look forward to potential collaborations in the future with some of these innovative professionals in the LED lighting field.

The GRE Alpha Booth

The GRE Alpha team showcased some of our most innovative LED lighting control solutions and products, including:

• BLE
• ZigBee
• Dali
• EnOcean

 We demonstrated their abilities and highlighted some advantages of our valued partnerships with these companies.

However, the best part of our booth was connecting and meeting face-to-face with our valued customers. We got the chance to discuss pain points, solutions, and connect with them individually.

Looking Toward the Future

The team at GRE Alpha always appreciates the opportunity to participate in these networking events. From showcasing new and old products to networking with professionals and customers, the Singapore Lighting Asia LED + Lighting Technology Show was a success.

We look forward to future collaborations with the professionals we met in Singapore and seeing our valued customers at future events.

Follow us on LinkedIn or check out the news at grealpha.com to see where we’ll be next.

GRE Alpha Returning to the 2022 Light + Building Trade Show

GRE Alpha is excited to announce that we’ll be participating in the Light + Building Autumn Edition 2022 in Frankfurt, Germany, from October 2nd to 6th. This year, we’ll be a part of the EnOcean Alliance booth alongside some of their other partners in the lighting space. You can find the booth here: Hall 9.0, D10

As a leading international trade fair for lighting and building technology, Light + Building is the ideal meeting place for manufacturers spanning the lighting, electrical engineering, home & building automation, and connected security technology sectors.

This year, the focus is on intelligent, connected solutions, forward-thinking technologies, sustainability, and existing design trends. Manufacturers will showcase various innovative solutions for reducing a building’s energy consumption and increasing overall comfort with these themes in mind.

The trade show features six product segments:

1. Technical Lighting
2. Decorative Lighting, Full Range
3. Intersec Building: Connected Security Technology
4. Components for Lighting Industry
5. Electrical Engineering
6. Home and Building Automation

As a part of the EnOcean booth, GRE Alpha will showcase products born from the EnOcean-GRE Alpha partnership and other smart dimming units.

Showcase Products:

Model ENO-DIM-EU - Designed with 6 individual lighting segments, the ENO-DIM-EU wireless LED dimming module allows for smooth, flicker-free dimming of lighting fixtures using any of EnOcean's certified energy harvesting wireless switches. The dimming module is also compatible with any constant voltage LED driver and easily integrates seamlessly into existing LED lighting systems or new building projects.

The EnOcean Wireless LED Dimming Module is designed with 6 individual lighting segments and flicker-free dimming, opening worlds of new usage scenarios in intelligent building applications.

Model SLD-DIM–CB2-UL - This is a 2-channel, multi-function Casambi BLE-based dimming module which can be set for tunable white, dim to warm, and 100% dimming via the Casambi app. The SLD-DIM-CB2-UL is also fully compatible with EnOcean protocols.

Model SLD-DIM-CB5 - A 5-channel, RGBWW Casambi BLE dimming module for use in RGB and tunable white strip lighting applications. Our SLD-DIM-CB5 features full compatibility with EnOcean as well.

GRE Alpha will have other products on display and invite attendees to stop by and see how our dimming solutions can improve efficiency and performance.

Light + Building is centered around innovation, and it’s where professionals can see products in action, exchange ideas and share best practices. GRE Alpha will have product experts ready to work through LED dimming solutions and demo innovative products.

For more information about the 2022 Light + Building Trade Show, check out this link.

GRE Alpha: A Leading LED Driver Manufacturer  

As one of the top LED driver manufacturers in the market, our success is driven by our core values: Innovation, service, and partnership.

Manufacturing Capabilities 

GRE Alpha designs solid-state lighting power supplies and lighting control accessories for both indoor and outdoor LED lighting applications. We’ve got over two decades of experience and a commitment to creating innovative products, such as our AC/DC LED drivers and LED dimming modules. 

We create industry-leading products designed to support various wired lighting protocols such as DALI, PWM, and DMX, and robust wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, EnOcean, Wi-Fi (Tuya), and Zigbee.  

All of this within an industry that is constantly shifting and changing around us.  

GRE Alpha manufactures LED solutions for a wide range of applications. Some of these include: 

• Architectural signage & LED strips 
• Horticultural lighting 
• Professional lighting
• Street lighting
• Custom solutions
• Dim control 

Our passion for innovation within the LED lighting industry is matched by our ability to rapidly scale LED driver production to any project.   

GRE Manufacturing 

Manufacturing supply chains worldwide are changing—permanently.    

Our affiliation with GRE Manufacturing  a global OEM/ODM contract manufacturer providing turnkey design and manufacturing services, has allowed us to maintain supply chain stability during unprecedented volatility in the industry. Their innovative products and services, backed by our global manufacturing network, provides exceptional value that helps our customers meet project deadlines and reduce costly delays. 

 GRE Alpha customers have an advantage because our company had the foresight to establish manufacturing in multiple facilities, including an expansion of the Vietnam facility. 

 The response of our U.S. customers to our Vietnam facility has been overwhelmingly positive. Buying LED drivers manufactured in Vietnam adds a layer of protection from current and potential U.S. tariffs and sanctions placed on Chinese goods. 

 Richard Fong, GRE Alpha’s Manufacturing executive director, noted that “Vietnam is a very natural and advantageous location for us to increase our manufacturing capabilities.” Because of our affiliation with GRE Manufacturing, our LED drivers bound for the U.S. to be shipped directly from Vietnam, avoiding excessive tariffs while providing cost-effective solutions for our customers. GRE Alpha produces some of the world's most advanced and reliable LED lighting components within those factory walls with some of the world’s most talented workforce. Learn more about GRE Manufacturing here. 

Project Showcase  

Want to see GRE Alpha products in action?  

We’ve provided innovative lighting solutions to several projects spanning various industries in our portfolio.  

Jewel Changi Airport Terminal 

The Jewel Changi Airport Terminal is so much more than a simple airport terminal. This terminal is home to the Rain Vortex—the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. 

When evening comes, GRE’s XLD200 plug-and-play LED driver brings the Rain Vortex to life with LED lighting accompanying a world-class light and sound show. The XLD200 also allowed for a quick and easy installation without requiring additional junction boxes.  

Read more about the Jewel Changi Airport terminal here.  

Gateway Apartments  

The Gateway Apartments experience is all about being unique, luxurious, and convenient. LED lighting plays an important role in bringing these aspects to life and creating a unique ambiance. GRE Alpha’s XLA65 provides reliable, flicker-free lighting to the Gateway Apartments while giving them dimmable lighting systems.  

For more information about Gateway Apartments, check out the case study here.   

BP Gas Station 

With over 18,700 service stations worldwide, BP is one of the world's largest publicly traded oil companies. Their canopy and signage lighting has become iconic as they've grown over the years. With the help of the GRE Alpha , BP can up its curb appeal and save on both cost and installation time. 

Check out the BP Gas Station case study here. 

Partnerships 

Innovation never exists in a vacuum. This is why GRE Alpha partners with other like-minded companies to break down barriers and produce cutting-edge solutions. Our partnerships form a network of knowledge and expertise that makes a serious difference in the challenging LED lighting industry.  

We currently have partnerships with the following LED lighting companies: 

• Casambi 
• Xicato
• Lumileds
• IALD
• Bridgelux
• Future Lighting Solutions
• DiiA
• EnOcean Alliance
• ZIGEN
• Tuya Smart 

If you want to become a GRE Alpha partner, send us an enquiry here. 

Locations 

GRE Alpha has three primary locations on two different continents:

Asia Pacific 

GRE Alpha, Global Headquarters 

Unit 501, 5/F., 16 Science Park West Avenue, 
Phase 3, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, Hong Kong 
Tel: (852) 2423-3332
Fax: (852) 2423-3626  

North America 

GRE Alpha, Gainesville, GA 

3030 McEver Rd. Bldg 1, Suite 140 
Gainesville, GA 30504 
Tel: (770) 538-0630 
Fax: (770) 538-0640

Japan 

GRE Alpha, Tokyo 

 Level 21, Shiodome Shibarikyu Building
1-2-3 Kaigan Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0022 Japan 
Tel: (81)-3-5403-6364 

Website: https://grealpha.com/jp 

Questions About Us or Our Products?  

For more information about our LED driver manufacturing capabilities, our products, or any other inquiries, feel free to contact us. You can leave us an enquiry here. 

Choosing the Right LED Driver Power Supply - Fundamental Guide 

From business-oriented projects to city-wide street lighting, there’s no shortage of appropriate applications for LED lighting technology. 

When compared to more traditional lighting systems, LED lighting lasts longer and is more efficient.  

However, LED lighting can’t operate on its own. It requires a power source—an LED power supply. 

Choosing the right LED power supply depends on multiple factors. Let’s look at some considerations along with a few different types of LED power supplies.  

What Is an LED Power Supply? 

For an LED system to function properly, it requires three different elements: 

1. The LED chip (manufactured with various brightness levels, voltages, and wavelengths) 

1. The heat sink for cooling the unit 

1. A driver to regulate the power to the light source 

That last element is an LED power supply. LED drivers and LED power supplies are nearly interchangeable terms. To put it simply, the LED driver is like the brain behind an LED lighting system and contains a power supply composed of a power source and control circuitry.  LED power supplies are designed to drive the LEDs and promote stability. LED drivers can be viewed as a self-contained power supply comprised of a power source and LED control circuitry. The LED power supply allows the LED to generate light by converting power within the driver. 

LED drivers are highly efficient power management systems. In fact, a 100W LED bulb with an integrated LED driver can easily replace a 400W metal halide bulb, drastically reducing power consumption.  

Types of LED Power Supplies 

One of the primary differences between different types of LED power supplies is whether they’re constant current drivers or constant voltage drivers. 

Here’s the difference between the two. 

Constant Voltage 

Constant voltage drivers supply a fixed voltage with a designated or maximum current range. In general, these drivers are suitable for any LED lighting application with an unknown number of LED strings and an unknown current draw. Current control is handled by components within the LED itself. 

Constant Current 

Contrary to constant voltage, constant current drivers supply a fixed current to the LED. They’re best used for any application where the LED must be connected to a constant current supply. Constant current drivers operate using a limited voltage range, making it even more important to choose an appropriate driver based on the voltage rating.  

What to Look for When Selecting an LED Power Supply 

Choosing the correct LED power supply depends on a variety of factors and potential features. Depending on your use case, you’ll want to consider all of these when picking up a driver for your LED lighting application. 

Wattage 

Wattage is the single most important factor when choosing your LED driver. Figure out the wattage of your LED application and choose a large enough LED driver based on that number. 

If you’re only running one light, be concerned with that light’s wattage. However, in some cases, you’ll want to have more than one LED fixture hooked up to a power supply. To do this effectively, you’ll have to add the total wattage of each LED light and choose a power supply that gives you an additional 20% over the total wattage, just in case. The easiest way to accomplish this is to multiply your total wattage by a factor of 1.2.  

Environment  

Another crucial factor to consider when choosing an LED driver is the environment in which the driver will be used. By environment, we mean temperature and weather conditions.  

Most LED drivers should come with a spec sheet that includes temperature parameters for optimal performance. To avoid issues, you’ll need to abide by these parameters and avoid using an LED power supply in an area where temperatures will exceed these limits. If not, the heat can build up to a point where the driver ends up being damaged.  

Indoor or outdoor usage is another important environmental consideration. When choosing an LED driver for the outdoors, it should carry an IP67 rating. IP67 means that the LED driver is suited for outdoor applications, with protection from dust and the ability to withstand water submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.  

Efficiency 

As the world continues moving forward with greener initiatives, power consumption levels are a strong consideration when selecting LED drivers. High-efficiency drivers increase energy savings and dissipate less heat, meaning that the driver itself will have an improved product lifetime. LED lighting systems tend to have a much longer lifespan than more traditional lighting systems, meaning that an energy-efficient power supply should be used to match the life expectancy.  

Size 

It seems obvious, but the size of an LED driver is often overlooked. Depending on your LED project and where you’re installing the driver, you’ll need to make sure that it fits into the desired area. It shouldn’t be a problem to find one that is the appropriate size since LED drivers come in a variety of sizes, but it’s something you’ll need to consider before installation.  

Wired Protocols 

There are certain wired lighting control protocols that are desirable for specific lighting applications. If you want to take advantage of these, you’ll need an LED driver with that capability. 

Some of these wired protocols include: 

• DALI 
• 0-10V/1-10V 
• PWM 
• DMX (RGBW) 

 DALI is a big one for lighting systems, providing easier installation and use of ballasts and relay switches that allow for customization and dimming features. 

Wireless Capability 

With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), many lighting control systems have gone fully wireless. If your desired LED lighting system requires wireless connectivity, you’ll need an LED driver that supports wireless systems. 

Connecting devices wirelessly like this helps designers plan out intuitive, efficient lighting systems. 

Dimming Capability  

Many lighting designs benefit from the ability to be dimmed, meaning that an LED driver with dimming capability will be necessary. Not only is dimming important but choosing a flicker-free LED driver is crucial as well.  

Many of today’s modern wireless LED drivers use robust wireless protocols, including: 

• Bluetooth Low Energy 
• EnOcean (Energy harvesting) 
• Wi-Fi (Tuya) 
• Zigbee 

 These protocols have certain strengths and weaknesses when it comes to dimming and flicker-free capability. Designers will need to weigh these pros and cons before selecting a driver for a particular use case.  

There are also dimming modules that target certain special ambient lighting features. For example, dim to warm lets users adjust the color temperature by lowering the brightness of the luminaire. Taking it one step further is tunable white, with the ability adjust both the brightness and the color temperature separately. 

GRE Alpha Is Your Source for Versatile LED Drivers 

No matter the use case, GRE Alpha has LED drivers to fit the scale of any project, including basic drivers, easy installation drivers, and more. 

Our LED drivers have been used across multiple industries to power innovative LED solutions, from street lighting to horticulture. Explore our collection of LED power supplies today to find the cutting-edge lighting solutions you need. 

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