Guest post by C. Webster Marsh, Penumbra Controls
With the growing strain on the electric utilities driven by electric vehicle charging, electrification of heating, and energy-intensive technologies like AI and cryptocurrency mining, managing energy efficiently has never been more critical. Automated Demand Response (ADR) paired with advanced lighting controls offers a proactive solution to this challenge. By leveraging lighting control devices to reduce lighting at certain times, organizations can facilitate dynamic adjustments to energy consumption, helping to ensure utility grid stability while optimizing building performance.
What is Automated Demand Response?
ADR automates reducing or shifting electricity consumption during peak demand periods when the utility grid is most strained. Unlike internally driven ADR (oftentimes referred to as just Demand Response), which is implemented to minimize energy and peak demand costs, utility-driven ADR involves gaining favorable incentives by agreeing to reduce lighting in response to a utility signal during a utility grid emergency (emergency ADR).
Unlike traditional demand response, ADR integrates advanced communication protocols such as OpenADR 2.0, allowing seamless, real-time adjustments triggered directly by utilities. This automation minimizes manual interventions and accelerates response times. There are many different programs, some of which have discretionary opt in or opt out options for ADR. It’s prudent to become familiar with the project’s local requirements to find out if ADR is optional, mandatory, or has additional incentives.
Lighting systems, which consume about 10 percent of commercial building total site energy on average and up to 19 percent in certain sectors (according to EIA’s 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey), are ideal candidates for ADR integration. Advanced lighting controls that leverage networked communications for occupancy sensors, daylight dimming, and programmable schedules oftentimes can connect to an ADR interface enabling the system to dynamically adjust power usage, enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Code Requirements
Most ADR applications are driven by code requirements, which are constantly evolving. Below are two examples of code language requiring ADR compliance, but it should be stated that some codes require ADR (such as with Title 24) but other codes (such as IECC 2024) offer it as an optional compliance path. Please review the code’s full language to understand their requirements in addition to what is referenced.
Title 24 requirements for ADR:
All demand responsive controls shall be either:
A certified OpenADR 2.0a or OpenADR 2.0b Virtual End Node (VEN), as specified under Clause 11, Conformance, in the applicable OpenADR 2.0 Specification; or
Certified by the manufacturer as being capable of responding to a demand response signal from a certified OpenADR 2.0b Virtual End Node by automatically implementing the control functions requested by the Virtual End Node for the equipment it controls.
All demand responsive controls shall be capable of communicating with the VEN using a wired or wireless bi-directional communication pathway.
Buildings with nonresidential lighting systems having a total installed lighting power of 4,000 watts or greater that is subject to the requirements of Section 130.1(b) shall install controls that are capable of automatically reducing lighting power in response to a Demand Response Signal.
For compliance testing, the lighting controls shall demonstrate a 15 percent or greater reduction in lighting power as described in NA7.6.3. The controls may provide additional demand responsive functions or abilities.
For buildings where demand response controls are required, demand responsive controls shall control the general lighting that is subject to the requirements of Section 130.1(b) and may control additional lighting.
General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with the uniform level of illumination requirements in TABLE 130.1-A.
IECC 2024 requirements for ADR:
The demand-responsive lighting controls shall automatically reduce the light output or power of controlled lighting to not more than 80 percent of full output, or 80 percent of the high-end trim setpoint, whichever is less.
Energy credits can be earned where demand-responsive lighting controls are installed for the following:
- Not less than 10 percent of the interior floor area in Group R or I occupancies.
- Not less than 50 percent of the interior floor area in all other occupancies.
Demand responsive controls for lighting shall be capable of the following:
Automatically reducing the output of controlled lighting to 80 percent or less of full power or light output upon receipt of a demand response signal.
Where high-end trim has been set, automatically reducing the output of controlled lighting to 80 percent or less of the high-end trim setpoint upon receipt of a demand response signal .
Dimming controlled lights gradually and continuously over a period of not longer than 15 minutes to achieve their demand response setpoint.
Returning controlled lighting to its normal operational settings at the end of the demand response period.
The following example will explore IECC’s requirements, in which ADR needs to be installed in at least 50 percent of the interior floor area in buildings that are not classified as Residential or Institutional. For example, an office floorplan made up of 50 percent offices, 30 percent circulation, 10 percent restrooms, and 10 percent other areas is required, at minimum, to have ADR installed and programmed in either the offices. (50% of total area) or in all other spaces. Ideally, all lighting in the project would include ADR where practical.
Additionally, the lighting controlled by ADR needs to be reduced by at least 20 percent of full power or full light output. For example, a 10W luminaire is required to be dimmed to 8W of power to meet this requirement.
Furthermore, this 20 percent reduction needs to consider high-end trim. If that 10W luminaire is trimmed to 9.5W at 90 percent intensity, then it needs to dim to 7.6W of power during an ADR event.
Finally, the reduction requirement does not need to impact all luminaires uniformly. If there are ten 10W luminaires in a space, (with no high-end trim), turning off two luminaires during an ADR event would meet the requirement. This allows the designer to prioritize different luminaires so that task-essential lighting can remain on. In cases for which lighting use is variable, occupancy sensors can provide the control system with information to determine which luminaires should remain on during an ADR event.
Benefits of ADR and Advanced Lighting Controls
Cost Savings: By reducing peak period energy consumption, businesses benefit from lower utility bills, potentially peak demand penalties, and robust financial incentives from utilities. Another potential benefit from a lighting controls system that can dynamically reduce the lighting load is the ability to reduce consumption to avoid critical peak pricing, and/or time of use penalties. These penalties can be substantial. So, it is twofold; 1) use ADM to gain incentives from your utility. 2) reduce the risk of reaching peak consumption during non-ADR utility response times.
Energy Efficiency: Advanced lighting control systems ensure that energy is used where and when it’s needed. Occupancy sensors, daylight dimming, and programmable controls dynamically adjust the lighting to actual conditions. When ADR is layered on top of this, the lighting load is further reduced therefore increasing energy savings beyond what is saved from the dynamic controls of the system.
Utility Grid Reliability: Buildings with ADR contribute to stabilizing the utility grid, reducing the risk of blackouts during high-demand periods.
Sustainability Goals: ADR participation reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with corporate and governmental sustainability initiatives.
How Advanced Lighting Controls Support ADR
Advanced lighting controls are instrumental in ADR, ensuring seamless participation of lighting systems while maintaining building functionality.
Dynamic Dimming Capabilities: Lighting systems with ADR integration must be capable of reducing the lighting load by 20 percent or more of total output in response to an ADR signal.
Continuous dimming over a longer timeline (such as 15 minutes), rather than immediate dimming, prevents sudden changes in lighting, which may be disruptive to occupants.
Zone-Based Reductions: The lighting control system can prioritize reducing the load in unoccupied or low use spaces over occupied or high use spaces. For example, advanced controls can target non-essential lighting such as decorative lighting, lighting for break rooms, and lighting for storage spaces for more significant dimming or complete shutoff, preserving essential lighting in active zones.
Compliance and Performance Testing: Functional testing of daylight-responsive and occupancy-based controls help achieve and document compliance with energy codes and the sequence of operations.
To ensure system performance during an ADR event, it’s important to test the system’s response after installation. Tests like illuminance and electrical current measurements are conducted during an ADR event to verify there is a reduction in lighting power that meets the code requirements and control intent. Testing also gives end-users an opportunity to evaluate if the ADR negatively impacts the occupant’s experience of the space.
Building Automation Integration: By integrating the lighting control system with a building automation system (BAS), the lighting devices can provide essential data to other systems that are also required to reduce load during an ADR event. Occupancy and daylight sensor data can be shared from the lighting control system to the BAS for advanced programming capabilities with systems such as HVAC.
Implementing ADR with Advanced Lighting Controls
Ensure the lighting control systems support ADR capabilities by identifying systems that are certified to communicate with a code compliant protocol, such as OpenADR 2.0, virtual end nodes, use sensors and dimmers capable of networked communication, and define lighting zones so that specific zones can be programmed to respond to an ADR event.
Additionally, work with building management staff to define a Control Intent Narrative (CIN) and Sequence of Operations (SOO), focusing on which areas and zones can be targeted for reduction during an ADR event, and the extent of the reduction. Also, discuss the requirements for integrations with other systems such as BAS to seamlessly integrate ADR-enabled lighting controls.
Furthermore, start up the lighting control system as though it is not connected to ADR. It’s important that the system function normally before connecting to any outside systems. This should include testing all sensors and keypads to ensure that the requirements outlined in the Sequence of Operations are met. Then, connect the system to the ADR communication source and ensure correct communication. This may require coordination with the utility.
Finally, conduct acceptance tests to validate system readiness during an ADR event. Measured metrics, such as illuminance reduction and current draw, confirm compliance with standards like Title 24 Section 110.12. Use historical data and real-time analytics to fine-tune responses to ADR events. Implement machine learning algorithms to predict demand and optimize performance.
Real-World Opportunities and Challenges
Commercial and Industrial Spaces: By identifying low-priority lighting, ADR-enabled lighting systems can dim or shut off non-critical zones during demand events without impacting occupant comfort and productivity.
Residential Buildings: Advanced lighting solutions empower homeowners to participate in ADR programs conveniently and efficiently.
Challenges: Despite its benefits, ADR with lighting controls has seen limited adoption in real-world applications. Addressing barriers such as system cost, complexity, and enterprise security concerns is crucial for broader implementation.
Perception: There is resistance to adopt ADR control for lighting as it is highly visible to the occupants, unlike HVAC systems which aren’t as visible. While lighting is more noticeable to the occupants, a 15-minute fade to 80 percent is not easily perceived by typical occupants. Additionally, lighting is more responsive to restoring from an ADR event, quickly returning to its original brightness. HVAC systems, however, may take significantly longer to return to their original setpoints which may become more noticeable than a slight dip in the illumination.
Security: Cyber security touches everything nowadays and ADR is no exception. As this is oftentimes a networked connection it is important to ensure that proper network hygiene is followed. Make sure the ADR communicates using a dedicated air-gapped connection and keep the lighting controls network isolated from other building networks. When in doubt, always consult with an IT specialist and coordinate with the building’s IT team to ensure that your system meets the latest
Labor: Outside of California, there are few groups in the lighting industry that fully understand how ADR works, which makes it hard to find good labor to design, install, and test these systems. When doing an ADR system, make sure to find the right people for the job as early as possible, which may require a few interviews. Labor to provide ADR will add to the cost of the project, but the cost will oftentimes be quickly returned once the system is properly implemented.
The Road Ahead
As ADR technology evolves, governments and utilities are increasing incentives for ADR adoption, making it an attractive option for businesses and other organizations to reduce costs and enhance sustainability.
Lighting controls are a critical aspect of this transformation, offering many benefits including energy savings and improved occupant comfort, as well as additional data for building-wide automation systems to leverage.
With effective planning and adoption, ADR and advanced lighting controls represent a cornerstone of forward thinking energy management strategies, ensuring both economic and environmental benefits. By embracing advanced lighting controls and ADR, organizations can lead the way in creating smarter, greener, and more resilient energy infrastructures.
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