Cree and Lutron Introduce World's Most Efficient Lighting Control
DURHAM, N.C.--The growing demand for energy-efficient LED lighting
solutions combined with increasingly stringent energy and building
codes require an advanced level of lighting and control integration.
Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE) announces a first-of-its-kind agreement with
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. to embed Lutron EcoSystem® technology on
a chip in Cree® luminaires to accelerate LED adoption and increase
energy efficiency for building designers, contractors and owners.
The combination of industry-leading LED technology from Cree with
proven energy control strategies from Lutron yields the world’s most
energy-efficient commercial troffer lighting control and delivery
system. The solution introduces digital intelligence to the control of
Cree LED luminaires and delivers integrated, pre-tested system
compatibility that is backed by the Lutron Services Company to ensure
performance of the system as a whole.
“With this alliance, we set out to fix a problem. It breaks new ground
for LED fixtures and control systems—turning compatibility into a
feature, not a challenge,” said Gary Trott, vice president of market
development, Cree lighting. “An integrated system can increase
performance across the board – efficiency, lifetime and payback – it
just works.”
By using Lutron energy management solutions, Cree LED lighting can
significantly reduce building owners operating costs and continue to
deliver the fastest payback in the industry. Cree LED fixtures are an
ideal match for embedded Lutron EcoSystem technology because digital
control and dimming of LED fixtures can significantly extend LED
lifetime, and also allow flexibility to reconfigure and improve
occupant experience in any space.
Working with Cree, we’re able to expand our system networks by
combining their innovation and leadership in the LED arena with our
50-year history as a leader in light control and total building
solutions,” said Eric Lind, vice president of global specifications at
Lutron. “This capability of enabling Lutron EcoSystem technology by
embedding a chip into the driver of an LED luminaire eliminates
concerns about system compatibility, brings digital intelligence to
the control of LEDs, and showcases Lutron’s open networks. Lutron
EcoSystem controls have the ability to directly connect to Lutron’s
complete line of wired and wireless systems as well as other building
protocols, such as BACnet, to allow seamless control and energy saving
capability for our customers.”
“Cree's ability to work seamlessly with our installed Lutron EcoSystem
controls was instrumental in our choice of LED lighting,” said Dr.
Mitchel Rosen, chief technology officer, School of Engineering and
Applied Science, University of Virginia.
According to Cree analysis, Cree CR Troffers equipped with Lutron
EcoSystem technology can increase luminaire lifetime up to 50 percent
and substantially increase lumen maintenance factors. This calculation
is for typical buildings with Lutron lighting control systems, where
the average output level of troffers is around 70 percent when typical
lighting efficiency strategies such as daylight harvesting, personal
control and high-end trim are used.
The first products to feature embedded Lutron EcoSystem technology are
the Cree CR Series of LED troffers with other products to follow. Cree
LED fixtures embedded with Lutron EcoSystem technology are scheduled
for specification and shipment in summer 2012. For additional
information, please visit www.cree.com/controls.
About Cree
Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution and making energy-wasting
traditional lighting technologies obsolete through the use of
energy-efficient, mercury-free LED lighting. Cree is a market-leading
innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting, and semiconductor
products for power and radio-frequency (RF) applications.
Cree's product families include LED fixtures and bulbs, blue and green
LED chips, high-brightness LEDs, lighting-class power LEDs,
power-switching devices and RF devices. Cree products are driving
improvements in applications such as general illumination, electronic
signs and signals, power supplies and solar inverters.
For additional product and company information, please refer to
www.CreeLEDLighting.com. To learn more about the LED Lighting
Revolution, please visit www.creeledrevolution.com.
About Lutron Electronics (www.lutron.com)
Lutron Electronics, headquartered in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania,
designs and manufactures energy-saving light controls, automated
window treatments and appliance modules for both residential and
commercial applications. Its innovative, intuitive products can be
used to control everything from a single light, to every light, shade
and even stand-by power in a home or commercial building. Lutron
products make any space more versatile, while enhancing ambiance,
comfort and productivity. They also save energy and make light bulbs
last longer, making them an eco-friendly addition to the home and
workplace. Founded in 1961, Lutron estimates that the installed base
of its products saves the nation nearly 10 billion kWh of electricity,
or approximately $1 billion in utility costs per year. Lutron
manufactures more than 16,000 energy-saving products, sold in more
than 100 countries around the world.
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