Feb 7 2019
A research team at the Higher Technical School of Architecture at the University of Seville has created a predictive approach which involves computing the potential energy and economic saving brought about by smart lighting control systems via simulations of new dynamic metrics.
These smart systems are extremely effective for saving energy, and can also be set up easily. Except for very specific circumstances, such as in rooms with very less natural light or in very small rooms, the installation cost of smart systems compensates for itself within three years.
To support this idea, we can look at the example, thinking of a conventional premises or office of 80 square metres—in the context of the climate conditions in Spain and that country's energy costs -of a smart system, made up of a lighting voltage regulator controlled by a photosensitive cell pays for itself in less than a year and can generate a saving in electricity costs of more than €4000 over 10 years. Also, this example supposes that the office uses very efficient LED lighting. If the office had halogen or fluorescent lighting, the saving in electricity costs would be even higher, between three and ten times so.
Ignacio J. Acosta, Teacher, University of Seville
For this research, the scientists based their work on “daily performance metrics” with which they handled the measurement of lighting conditions throughout the year, by considering hours of activity and climatic conditions.
This study has been funded by the project Dynalight, from the competitive bidding process Retos 2017, promoted by the Spanish Ministry of Education.