Controls

Lighting controls are more than switches and dimmers. An increasing number of new buildings are incorporating occupancy sensors, photosensors, and automatic systems that reduce electric load demand. These controls provide an easy means for cost savings and energy efficiency, while meeting present demands for environmental responsibility and sustainability.

The LRC investigates the implementation and market acceptance of these controls, and has developed some solutions to the barriers created by this technology. New research focuses on the development of lighting components that enable lighting systems to reduce electrical use during times of peak demand while maintaining productivity levels.

Publications

Field Test DELTA: T5 Fluorescent High-Bay Luminaires and Wireless Lighting Controls - The DELTA research team field-tested T5 fluorescent luminaires and wireless motion-sensor lighting controls at a distribution center warehouse in Albany, N.Y.

NLPIP Specifier Reports: Occupancy Sensors - Report highlights occupancy sensors for industrial and commercial use and provides guidance for equipment selection and successful installation.

A Practical Guide to Self-Commissioning Photosensors - The LRC has developed a new system for photosensing. This tutorial shares general insight on photosensors and the LRC's contribution to the technology.

Photosensor Tutorial - A guide to photosensor technology, system components, and commissioning. - Photosensor Tutorial - A guide to photosensor technology, system components, and commissioning.

The Potential of Simplified Concepts for Daylight Harvesting - Predictions of energy savings for two proposed daylighting technologies, a daylight-sensing switch and an automatic blinds system, which employ simple, inexpensive components and designs.

Field Test DELTA: Integrated Skylight Luminaire - Documents the field performance of a prototype skylight for warehouses that incorporates fluorescent lighting and an automatic control system.

Related Programs

Capturing the Daylight Dividend - Using daylighting
DELTA - Energy efficiency case studies
NLPIP - Product testing

Projects

Reducing Barriers to the Use of High-Efficiency Lighting Systems - The LRC conducted a three-year project exploring the problems, questions and potential solutions associated with the use of lighting controls and systems designed to reduce energy demand.

DaySwitch Demonstration Project - Demonstration and evaluation of the DaySwitch, a new lighting control technology that turns light fixtures off when sufficient daylight is available in a space.

Shade Control Demonstration Project - Demonstration and evaluation of a mechanical shade control device used in conjunction with the DaySwitch.

Lamp/Ballast Combination Testing for Dimming Impact - A long-term project to understand the effects of dimming on fluorescent lighting systems.

Load-shedding Ballast: Reducing Peak Electric Demand Cost Effectively - A new ballast designed by the LRC that reduces current supplied to a lighting system via an electronic signal.

Understanding Light Levels for Load-shedding - A study exploring people’s response to and acceptance of dimmed light levels.