While networked lighting controls can deliver significant value in both energy and non-energy benefits, a challenge remains in translating these capabilities to one’s applications. What could be done with greater lighting control in my building? How is the system operated to save energy while deriving other benefits specific to my applications? How could the data be used to benefit my stakeholders? To answer this question, let’s look at three theoretical applications.
Connected Lighting: The Decision-Making Process
Adoption of the most robust connected lighting systems has been slower than expected. Training, education, field validation, greater interoperability, and greater standardization of utility rebate programs are strong opportunities to meet the challenges. These are some of the conclusions of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Connected Lighting Systems Stakeholders Research Study, published in September 2021.
DOE Profiles National Building Stock
Commercial buildings in the United States are getting larger and more commonly include energy-saving features like LED lighting and occupancy sensors, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), published in September 2021.
Lighting and Grid-Interactive Buildings
In A National Roadmap for Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings, DOE outlines its national goal to triple the energy efficiency and demand flexibility of buildings by 2030. A subsequent report, published in December 2019, specifically evaluates the potential for lighting and electronics (primarily consumer plus IT equipment) to optimize energy efficiency and comfort while providing services back to the grid. This article examines lighting’s potential to support grid interactivity, primarily in the form of networked lighting controls and automated demand response.
The IoT and Lighting Design
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recently published ANSI/IES LP-12-21, IoT Connected Lighting. This 43-page Lighting Practice and American National Standard provides guidance for lighting professionals to consider and evaluate connected lighting and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and applications.
Outcome-Based: The Future of Energy Codes?
Outcome-based commercial-building energy codes are an idea gaining new interest among policymakers in the United States. This type of energy code prescribes building energy budgets instead of a complex list of requirements. The first efforts started 10 years ago, and we are still years away from a model sure to gain significant adoption. Due to the concept’s potential benefits, however, it is possible, if not likely, that outcome-based codes will be a tool in future energy regulation.
A Look at DC Microgrids
Direct current (DC) is emerging as a competitive or complementary power distribution option at the grid, community, and building level. Among the advantages for building owners is potential efficiencies in operating DC-based LED lighting and controls as well as plug-and-play sensor and controls installation, including networking that can unlock Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
MaxLite Launches LED Flat Panels with Field-Installable Controls
MaxLite recently introduced the next generation of FlatMax LED Flat Panels with field-selectable CCTs, wattages and field-installable controls as a flexible and future ready lighting solution for offices, schools, health care facilities, and other commercial spaces.
NEEA Report: Luminaire-Level Lighting Control Costs Decline
Historically, an inhibitor to adoption of LLLC has been initial cost. An encouraging new study by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) reveals that average costs have been undergoing a steep decline, making advanced controls more attractive for lighting upgrades and new construction.
2021 Rebate Outlook
Rebates remain a strong incentive for investing in energy-efficient lighting and controls. In 2021, significant opportunities are widely available for LED lighting and controls, including continuing availability of rebates for networked controls.
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