Design an indoor parking project

This topic is intended to support the specification and design of an indoor parking project with PRF/PRA.

Before designing a parking project with PRF/PRA, see the System overview to better understand the concepts used and how it works.

To design an indoor parking project with PRF/PRA, use the following steps:

  • Plan the location of the lights and Wireless Gateways (only applicable for Advanced and Enterprise tiers)

  • Define the routes of traffic cars and individuals

  • Define the lighting groups and/or groups

  • Plan the sensor placement for each group and/or group

Plan the lights and Wireless Gateways

Luminaires and sensors must be placed at the correct position, to enable the communication with other luminaires. Use the following guidelines when planning the amount of lights and Wireless Gateways:

Maximum number of components

See the maximum number of components for:

Distance between luminaires

  • The maximum distance in a corridor (D1) is 5 m (16.4 ft).
    The maximum distance to the next luminaire (D2) is 10 m (32.8 ft), offering an extra communication possibility.

    distance luminaires corridor new

  • The maximum between luminaires in an open plan is 10 m (32.8 ft)

    distance luminaires openplan
Distance to the wall

The minimum distance of a luminaire from the wall is 0.3 m (0.98 ft)

distance luminaires wall

Blocking objects

The following recommendations are made regarding blocking objects:

Uneven ceilings

If the blocking object is between two groups and there is a different communication path to the Wireless Gateway(s), then the luminaires can be installed.

distance luminaires uneven ceiling 2

Do not install the luminaires close to concrete or metal constructions

distance luminaires uneven ceiling
concrete construction wall blocking
Concrete construction wall

Lights B and C can communicate with each other if the distance between B - A and C - A is less than 10 m (32.8 ft) and there is no blockage present.

concrete construction wall metal beam
Concrete construction ceiling

A concrete beam can block the communication of the luminaire.

concrete construction wall metal door
Metal door

A metal door can block the communication of the luminaire.

Map the traffic

map traffic
For people walking:

  • Start by mapping the formal routes people use

  • include alternative routes that are frequently used

For cars:

  • Start by mapping the formal routes cars use

Define the lighting groups

define lighting areas

  • At the entry of a lighting group sufficiently illuminate all directions (> 10 m).

  • Lighting groups follow the official routes in the garage, priority on cars.

  • Lighting groups follow logical interior shapes, such as isles, walls, etc.

  • group length can be between 20 m (65.6 ft) and 40 m (131 ft) length.

  • Lighting group width should include the aisle and bordering parking spaces.

Define the sensor plan for each group

Project the routings on the groups. For each group identify the points of entry for cars and people.

There are different spaces on a parking garage depending on the intended use:

  • routing corridors for cars

  • parking spots

  • routing of people including entrance and exit routes

Smaller groups can provide higher energy savings, while larger groups can provide the conform of light.

Determine the group size based on the environmental conditions and customer preference.

Place battery-powered motion sensors

Place a sensor at each point of entry for people:

  • when entering the car park at the edge of the group

  • the detection group should overlap the adjacent group by 1-3 m

Place a sensor at each point of entry for cars:

  • the detection group should overlap the adjacent group by 2-5 m

Optimizing sensors for cars

In case cars approach an group from more than one direction, different strategies can be applied:

  1. Place a sensor right at the entrance of the lighting group

    • late response to presence

    • low coverage

      optimizing sensors cars

  2. Place sensors at each route

    • in time response

    • more costly

    • good coverage

      optimizing sensors cars 2
Optimizing sensors for people

Place sensors above each route as shown below:

optimizing sensors people
In case an group can only be entered from one direction, the light can dim before people have left the group. This can be prevented by placing supporting sensors.

Daylight harvesting

When daylight harvesting is used, place the sensors as instructed in the specification sheet. See more:

Only one daylight harvesting ZGP sensor can be used for per group. Choose the best position for this sensor which represents a good average for the full group.
daylight harvesting

Guidelines for external battery powered motion sensor

Secure contact between sensors and luminaires

The following practices must be applied to secure contact between sensors and luminaires:

  • Every sensor must be capable of establishing a connection with at least two luminaires

  • Every luminaire must be capable of establishing a connection with at least two other luminaires

By implementing the above practices, the sensor can relay data to an alternative luminaire when it is unable to contact one.

Depending on the size and nature of present obstacles, each location must be individually verified.
contact sensors luminaires

Position motion sensors

positioning motion sensors

Add a ceiling sensor at every entrance/exit rout, both for people and cars.

field of view

Sensor detection group

sensor detection area

For example, ceiling sensors are installed at the entrance of the parking lot. The luminaires connected to it, switch on to task level as soon as the sensor detects a car or pedestrian entering the field of view. Now the driver or pedestrian has a clear view ahead.

General rules for external battery-powered sensors

ZGP battery-powered sensors do not report the battery level or when it is depleted.
It is only possible to check if the sensor fails by verifying the LED indicators on the device.
Replace the ZGP sensor’s battery before the end of life.

  • Place the sensors at the entrances of the parking lot and groups, based on the defined routes for cars and pedestrians.

  • Place supporting sensors only when needed, such as large zones with only one entry or exit point

  • It is not required to cover the complete group with sensors

  • Take into account that cars and objects can block the sensor’s field of view

  • Install the sensors away from sources of heat

See more information about PRF/PRA sensors

System configuration

Light behavior

See more information about light behavior and parameters:

The recommended template to be used is Auto On Auto Off.

Light behavior parameters for parking projects

Hold Time

The hold time configuration is a balance between visual comfort and energy savings, when increasing the hold time, it is less possible an group will turn off while there is someone still on the space, but this will result in the lights being turned On for longer periods of time, this balance can also be affected by the density of sensors designed, with a higher density of sensors a lower hold time can be used. For ZGP sensors the minimum supported hold time is 5 minutes, this is good enough for most situations, but when designing for a low density of sensors make sure the hold time is increased to 10 or 15 minutes.

Vacant level

For special situations where visual comfort is important, vacant level can be configured to a low dim level, for example 20%, this will prevent the lights turning off even when there is no presence, it can be combined with schedules to set it back to 0% when off working hours.

Others

Parameters like task level is usually set to 100% unless a lower light level is required than the one installed, the background level and prolong time are optional, but usually not commonly used for parking applications.