Automation, efficiency and modular designs drive hospitality and retail LED lighting

March 10, 2015: With the fast pace of technological advancements, LED lighting is proving to be efficient, reliable and durable for both the retail and hospitality sectors. Both industries are poised for expansion in India, and will be increasingly relying on LEDs to enhance the user experience

By Gunjan Piplani

Lighting plays a crucial role in hospitality and retail applications as the products used must meet two key needs—aesthetics and efficiency. Both needs are being fulfilled adequately by LED lighting today.

Retail and hospitality are two sectors that are growing dramatically, and an increasing number of properties across the globe are adopting LED-based lighting applications. The Indian hospitality industry contributes around 2.2 per cent of India’s GDP. The industry is expected to reach US$ 5.2 billion by 2015, according to a report by ICRA, an independent Indian professional investment information and credit rating agency. On the other hand, according to a report by Ernst & Young LLP and the Retailers Association of India (RAI), India is among the top 10 retail markets in the world. In 2013, the Indian retail sector was estimated to be worth US$ 520 billion and by 2018, the sector is likely to grow at a CAGR of 13 per cent to reach a turnover of US$ 950 billion.

What’s new?

With the changing patterns and new developments in the LED lighting segment, there is a strong preference for products that are modular, can be automated and that offer a higher efficiency rate, thus ensuring durability.

Increasing automation: With lighting technology becoming smart, the retail and hospitality sectors have seen the emergence of automated lighting systems with modern switches and solutions. According to Manjul Trehan, country head and sales director, Lutron Electronics, India and SAARC, “Automation can be labelled as the ‘second wave’ in the field of lighting, after LEDs, as it utilises the intelligence of software technology and sensors to make our lives simpler.”

As an example, Opple’s Shining Moon lamp comes with an intelligent linear dimming design that can be regulated with a remote control in radio frequency mode. It can connect up to 10 luminaires and incorporates Opple’s patented driver technology for flicker-free lighting.

Ambient lighting: Opple’s Shining Moon, which features a certain level of automation in its controls, also scores high on aesthetics. It is an ultra-thin, suspended luminaire that is transparent and hence non-obstructive. It provides users the option of changing the ambience of a space by switching colour temperatures between warm white and cool white.

Optimised light spectrum for retail: Amidst the stiff competition in the retail space, a store needs to stand out and make a strong first impression while creating a unique experience for its customers. Supermarkets around the world look for lighting solutions that enhance the shopping experience. In fact, Opple LED products enhance the store experience through optimised light spectrum offering natural fresh colours that improve product visibility and appeal.

Light measurement index: Panasonic has launched a light measurement index that measures the human sense of brightness, which is known as Feu. It is an innovation that turns the focus in lighting design from the conventional illuminance (the amount of light striking a surface), to luminance (the human sense of brightness). This is the index that comes closest to measuring light as perceived by the human eye. The right Feu level can help optimise the lighting of a space.

Making a purchase decision

Reliability and durability are key when purchasing LED lights, as these are products that one invests in for the long term.

Certifications: LED lighting generally conforms to standards set by IEC or the International Electrotechnical Commission, which is the international conformity assessment body for all fields of electrotechnology. Ashok Gangar, vice president, sales and marketing, Anchor Electricals Pvt Ltd, says, “Panasonic LEDs offer a range of environment friendly features such as lead free welding, cadmium-free contacts and hexavalant chromium-free plating.”

Automation is the way forward: “With the increasing usage of smartphones and tablets, smart technologies are becoming easier to adopt, and have become more prevalent and affordable. Technologically advanced and cost-effective organisations, which use LEDs, have the best prospects for growth and development. Miniaturisation, better electronic circuitry, the use of new chemicals, and better luminaires are all providing consumers with products of higher light output at lower cost, thus contributing to energy conservation,” informs Manjul Trehan. It is, therefore, important to invest in products that have automation capabilities in order to be ready for the future.

Lutron’s Energi TriPak

• Comprises wireless sensors, wireless keypads and load controllers

• Can be installed quickly (in about 15 minutes)

• Centralised controls for scheduling, reporting and trends, and daylight control

• Temperature control: 10-30 per cent reduction in solar heat gain

Opple’s Shining Moon

• Colour temperature changes from warm white to cool white

• Remote controlled with intuitive user interface

• Connects up to 10 luminaires

• Opple-patented driver technology for true flicker-free lighting

The do’s and don’ts during installation

Naveen Saxena, country head, Opple Lighting India, suggests:

• All installations should be done by professionally-qualified electricians

• Always follow the installation manual supplied with the product

• Do not use a power supply that exceeds the scope of the rated voltage

• Do not install on loosely plastered and unstable walls

The hospitality sector switches to LEDs

Here are some leading hotels in India that use LEDs extensively

• Taj Palace, New Delhi

• Cafe Ludus, New Delhi

• Lemon Tree Hotels (across India)

• The Lalit, New Delhi

• The Manor, New Delhi

• The Fern Hotel (various locations)

• Kempinski Ambience, Gurgaon

Panasonic LED’s Glareless WallWasher

• Built-in LED, built-in power supply unit

• AC 100-242V

• Reflector: Plastic and aluminium-deposition mirrored surface

• Lifetime: 40,000 hours

• Weight: 1 kg

Global retail chains that have turned to LEDs

• Ikea

• Carrefour

• Marks & Spencer

• Walmart

• Adidas

Indian retailers that have jumped onto the LED bandwagon

• Spencer Retail, Vizag

• UniverCell, Chennai

• Ratnadeep Supermarket, Hyderabad

• Brown Tree, Chennai

• McDonald’s (Mumbai and New Delhi)