The chosen control system should be flexible and scalable, allowing the researchers to run multiple experiments simultaneously across different tanks. It should also be easily adjusted to enable the alignment of the fish’s breeding cycles with the academic calendar. The researchers required full control over the lighting schedules, and the ability to make adjustments on their own, without an installing contractor. Therefore, the control platform would require a convenient and intuitive user interface capable of providing the necessary control elements and security features to prevent disruptive changes from being made accidentally by cleaners or students.

Nilsen Networks worked with UWA’s facilities engineers to deliver an appropriate lighting control solution for UWA that would address the challenges above. They selected a Philips Dynalite control system for this project, known industry wide for its strengths in high-quality circadian lighting, inherent flexibility and scalability, and intuitive controls.

Emulating nature

Nilsen Networks provided UWA with a Dynalite-DALI system capable of replicating very specific lighting conditions to create a natural environment for the fish to thrive. DT8 was leveraged to program the lighting levels, so the tuneable white LEDs transition from low-level warm white light in the mornings, high-level cool white light during the day, and back down to low-level warm light in the evenings.

The timing of these schedules can be easily adjusted by researchers to accelerate or decelerate the breeding cycles as required. The appearance of natural daylight conditions reduces stress for the fish and enables the fish to breed outside of their natural seasonal breeding window, giving more freedom to the researchers.

Easily modifiable

The digitally addressable DALI system selected by Nilsen Networks allows the researchers to conduct multiple experiments simultaneously. This provides the fishery facility with built-in flexibility and scalability – so that the different tanks can be individually controlled or synced for convenience.

It also allows the researchers to meticulously control the lighting variables that may influence their study, down to the individual luminaire, to ensure optimal research outcomes.

Intuitive and accessible

The Philips Dynalite Touch Screen (PDTS) was installed to give the researchers intuitive control over the lighting system. Nilsen Networks set up the PDTS to have individual log ins with varying levels of access permission for each user.

For example, students and cleaners have their own access levels, allowing them to access lighting controls in other parts of the facility, whilst the researchers have access to more control features. This way, there is no risk of an unauthorised user compromising the research.

Nilsen Networks were skilful in their deployment of the Dynalite system, and as such, UWA will continue to benefit from the enhanced control over their research variables for years to come.