Emerging Lighting Technologies and Applications: Combining the New with the Tried and True

Karl Johnson, California Institute for Energy Efficiency
Don Aumann, California Energy Commission
Judie Porter, Architectural Energy Corporation

Keywords

Abstract

With lighting consuming roughly 30 percent of commercial sector electricity use, this technology area continues to be a key energy savings target, which recent research is demonstrating. Advanced lighting technologies such as LEDs and 96 percent reflectivity plastic material are being combined with established products such as occupancy controls and directindirect luminaires to deliver increased control and user satisfaction, flexible lighting levels, reduced peak demand, and lower energy bills. Research funded by the California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research Program is developing innovative technologies to better meet commercial and residential lighting needs. This paper highlights five projects that use unique combinations of both new and tried and true technologies:

Integrating direct-indirect fluorescent lighting with occupancy sensors, photosensors, and controls into easy-to-install systems for classrooms − cutting costs while improving lighting quality.
Using compact fluorescent lamps in a unique plug-and-play system for retrofit downlight applications − cutting installation costs while delivering higher-quality lighting.
Combining a bi-level step down ballast with energy efficient lamps and motion sensors − reducing wasted energy in stairwells.
Coupling LED technology with occupancy sensors for entryways − providing low-cost lighting and higher illumination when needed.
Evaluating the effectiveness of combining LEDs with occupancy sensors in hotel bathrooms − offering low-cost night lighting while cutting electricity use.

The authors will describe how these projects have combined the strengths of various organizations and manufacturers, leveraged public and private funds, provided valuable performance results, and focused on rapid market introduction of these lighting products.