Direct Current Suspended Ceilings
Direct Current suspended ceiling systems distribute safe, low voltage Direct Current power to lighting fixtures, sensors, and other devices.
A Direct Current (DC) ceiling grid is an innovative way to distribute power. Amatis Controls engineers and manufactures lighting and daylighting control technology for commercial spaces with a DC grid. The reason to switch to DC is clear: most power electronics and LED lights need DC electricity. Most distributed renewable energies produce DC power. All electricity entering today’s buildings — from the electric grid or on-site renewable generation — is transformed from DC to AC. This conversion wastes energy. At a small scale, the losses aren’t expensive. At a building scale, the inefficiencies of multiple transformations add up. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that 15% of electricity is lost through inefficient or redundant conversions. However, with a DC ceiling grid, conversion losses are saved. On-site renewable generation is maximized. Building cooling loads are reduced. Occupants get greater flexibility in lighting design and space configuration. The combined result? Better financial performance.
The EMerge Alliance® is an industry association formed to drive the adoption of DC ceilings, and develop standards for DC power distribution in commercial buildings. Amatis is a member of this Alliance. Direct Current ceiling products have been installed at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College, the Michigan Energy Authority’s Next Energy Center in Detroit, Optima Engineering in Charlotte, NC, and other sites.