Natural Lighting Control System for Energy Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems fail to efficiently manage energy consumption during peak daylight periods, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure and high utility bills, as they lack effective mechanisms to harness natural light and adjust electric lighting accordingly.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising light pipes and sensors that measure natural light levels, coupled with a control system to turn off or dim electric lighting when sufficient natural light is present, and a financial model that calculates and invoices energy savings as 'negawatt hours' to finance energy-efficient equipment, allowing for cost-free adoption of new lighting technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If electric lighting fixtures are used continuously to illuminate building environments, then adequate lighting is ensured, but energy consumption increases during peak daylight periods
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts between natural and artificial light sources based on real-time environmental conditions. Sensors continuously monitor natural light levels and automatically control electric lighting fixtures to turn on or off, creating a dynamic hybrid lighting system that adapts to changing daylight conditions throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses naturally available sunlight to illuminate building environments during peak daylight periods, eliminating the need for artificial lighting during these times. The control system autonomously manages the transition between natural and artificial lighting based on sensor input, allowing the environment to self-regulate lighting needs without continuous human intervention.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy efficient lighting technology is installed to reduce energy consumption, then utility bills decrease, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on natural light levels to the control system, which automatically adjusts electric lighting operation. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal energy savings while maintaining adequate illumination, maximizing the return on investment for the energy-efficient lighting technology installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it monitors natural light levels, controls electric lighting fixtures, and manages the transition between lighting sources. This multi-functional approach consolidates control operations and reduces the need for separate systems, helping to offset installation and maintenance costs through system integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces energy consumption by leveraging natural light, lowers utility bills, and provides a financial mechanism to pay for energy-efficient equipment using the saved energy credits, thereby reducing costs and promoting sustainable energy practices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light pipes and at least one sensor configured to measure the light provided to a building environment by at least one of the plurality of light pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for displacing energy is provided. The lighting system includes a light sensor to measure an amount of light provided from the natural lighting fixture to a building environment. The lighting system further includes processing electronics to receive information from the light sensor and to use the received information to determine when the amount of light provided from the natural lighting fixture is sufficient to allow one or more electric lighting fixtures to be turned off or dimmed, the processing electronics causing the one or more electric lighting fixtures to turn off or dim in response to the determination. The processing electronics are further configured to calculate the energy saved from turning off or dimming the one or more lighting fixtures. The lighting system further includes a communications interface configured to transmit the results of the calculation of energy saved from the processing electronics to a second party.