What is the best way to reduce the amount of electrical energy used for residential lighting? The answer is to use more efficient light sources so the light can be provided with fewer watts.
A 100 watt incandescent household bulb rated for 1,700 lumens, for example, can be replaced by a 29 watt compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) rated for the same 1,700 lumens for an energy savings of 71percent, assuming that both are burned for the same number of hours.
ENERGY = (Power) x (Time)
Reducing the power draw (watts) of a luminaire by 50 percent certainly reduces the energy used by that luminaire by 50 percent; but so does leaving the power the same and reducing the operating time by 50 percent instead.
Why, then, are lighting regulations so focused on the "Power" part of the equation rather than the "Time" part? The answer is that, so far, it is relatively easy to do, and we have not figured out a way to control - or even reliably estimate - how long a luminaire is turned on every day.
We've also been fortunate that lamp manufacturers have been able to develop ever more efficient lamps - CFLs and, now, LEDs - which can replace less-efficient incandescent bulbs.
There's also the question of certification and verification. If an electric utility is paid by regulators for reducing lighting energy use, how does that utility prove its claims?
Utilities do that now by counting the CFLs or other energy-efficient products that their customers put into service via a rebate or incentive process.
One way a portable luminaire can be certified to be energy efficient is by inspection - simply look to see if the portable luminaire has a GU-24 socket.
In California, GU-24 sockets are designated for use only with energy-efficient CFL and LED lamps. Adapters which convert the GU-24 socket to accept another type of lamp base are illegal.
New Generation of Lighting Controls
However, suppose that we could verify that a luminaire was operated for a given length of time. We know the rated wattage of the luminaire, and if we also know the time, we would know the energy used. That's the concept behind a new generation of lighting controls. Not only can they control the lighting, but they are also smart enough to know which luminaires are on and for how long.
The idea is being experimentally applied now to roadway lighting. Each luminaire is equipped with a "smart chip" and assigned an Internet address so a computer control can switch the luminaire, change its output, query the luminaire to find out if it is on or off, monitor energy use, track lamp burning hours for maintenance purposes and even report a lamp failure should the luminaire be switched on but not draw power.
Would the idea benefit the residential lighting industry? It might offer alternatives to the ever-more-stringent regulations being applied to lamps and luminaires. For example, energy savings due to dimming could be quantified since a "smart" luminaire could report the actual power draw of a dimmed lamp.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Elan's New "g" Control System
11 devices, 1 interface...an affordable solution.
LiteSync is excited about the new line called "g". It is history in the making and a blend of Elan and Home Logic. In the new g line, the graphics are consistent across a variety of interfaces, including an OLED display, IPhone, PC, new touchscreens and two firsts for Elan" an on-screen display for controlling the system via the television, and a two-way hand held remote.
The system is more scalable in design making it suitable for a range of installations, from single-room to large-scale mansion level.
LiteSync is excited about the new line called "g". It is history in the making and a blend of Elan and Home Logic. In the new g line, the graphics are consistent across a variety of interfaces, including an OLED display, IPhone, PC, new touchscreens and two firsts for Elan" an on-screen display for controlling the system via the television, and a two-way hand held remote.
The system is more scalable in design making it suitable for a range of installations, from single-room to large-scale mansion level.
Monday, January 11, 2010
LiteSync and Elan.
LiteSync is proud to be a Elan "g" system installer. "g" formerly Home Logic is coming out with a new touchscreen interface that mimics the one it designed for the iphone. The company is applying iphone-like flick technology to the HomeLogic's own touchscreens which gives people the features that they enjoy the most in the iphone.
Users can flip through thermostats, music lists, rooms, A/V options and more. Devices now sync up with each other with lighting speed. The new graphical user interface (GUI) will be standard with the "g" new controller and touchscreen platforms that are expected to be available in Q2 in 2010.
Users can flip through thermostats, music lists, rooms, A/V options and more. Devices now sync up with each other with lighting speed. The new graphical user interface (GUI) will be standard with the "g" new controller and touchscreen platforms that are expected to be available in Q2 in 2010.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Chose your automation product carefully
At the LiteSync/about us/David Rishor web site, we wrote a paper about "The Evolution of an Industry". In that we state how today there is a bumper crop of low voltage only contractors with the flavor of the month automation manufacturer that may or may not be in business tomorrow. Such is the case with one vendor Colorado vNet whom supplied varying types of home automation integration products.
This rather recent entry into the market closed it's doors in September 2009. In 2008 LiteSync was approached by a developer whom was in the process of building a LEED certified home. They desired to utilize this new start up Automation vendor and while we could have helped them, our advise was to stick with manufactures that can survive tough economic climates and whom have proven track records related to themselves and their products.
We also advised them to avoid utilizing a low voltage only contractor as they do not have the license to connect high voltage wires into their automation products nor do they have the credentials to properly configure lighting control.
This rather recent entry into the market closed it's doors in September 2009. In 2008 LiteSync was approached by a developer whom was in the process of building a LEED certified home. They desired to utilize this new start up Automation vendor and while we could have helped them, our advise was to stick with manufactures that can survive tough economic climates and whom have proven track records related to themselves and their products.
We also advised them to avoid utilizing a low voltage only contractor as they do not have the license to connect high voltage wires into their automation products nor do they have the credentials to properly configure lighting control.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
ASU Installs LED Lighting
Arizona State University retrofitted six parking structures on the Tempe Campus with new light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. Changing the existing fixtures to LED low-bay solution will give ASU an annual savings of up to 127,000 in energy and maintenance costs for the six structures that were retrofit.
As part of the Phase II energy conservation and sustainability project underway throughout the campus, ASU replaced more than 2,000 150 -watt metal halide fixtures. By replacing existing metal halide fixtures and lamps, ASU will reduce it's energy consumption by 1.5 million kilowatt-hours.
Money in the bank for ASU, hats off to them!
As part of the Phase II energy conservation and sustainability project underway throughout the campus, ASU replaced more than 2,000 150 -watt metal halide fixtures. By replacing existing metal halide fixtures and lamps, ASU will reduce it's energy consumption by 1.5 million kilowatt-hours.
Money in the bank for ASU, hats off to them!
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005)
Energy efficient lighting and controls can pay for itself in energy savings. For at least the next two years it may pay for itself initially as well as over time. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was signed into law on August 8th, 2005. It includes a significant tax deduction to encourage the use of energy efficient products. Lighting and controls is emphasized and encouraged because of the ease of upgrading and the dramatic energy savings from readily available new technology. The HVAC/hot water systems and building envelope designs can also qualify for additional tax deductions totaling up to 60 cents per square foot for each system with a possible $1.80 per square foot maximum. A 100,000 square foot building could generate up to a $180,000 deduction just for using progressive energy saving products to exceed ASHRAE 90.1-2001 requirements.
September is CEDIA EXPO 2009
Every thing is new about the CEDIA Expo in Atlanta this year. It's a very exciting atmosphere and the industry is ready to move in a positive direction again with the economy gaining strength. LyteSnyc enjoys attending events such as this and the CES Show as it allows us to see first hand the latest industry tends and new products.
Building/home automation and audio/video has erupted into a flood of manufactures and installers offering new products. At LiteSync we have been watching this evolve over the past 30 years and within the last 10 years is when we have seen the most growth. Everywhere the consumer looks there is new product choices and vendors offering this industry credential or that industry credential...it becomes a daunting task to know what is the right choice for ones budget and needs.
LiteSync's approach is to align themselves with manufactures that have been been in the industry for decades like ourselves. We all will be here years from now for the support you need. Our best advice to consumers is...do your homework! Ask the vendor you are considering the tough questions. If their automation is controlling your lighting, what education, what credentials do they have in the lighting discipline? It's much more than just turning some lights on and off rest assured and we have witnessed their failings in the most expensive of projects. Do they have the electrical contractors license to execute all phases of your work or do they have to hire others to support them? While many vendors put on a very good facade, there are big holes in their service and these holes can affect you and the cost of your project.
Building/home automation and audio/video has erupted into a flood of manufactures and installers offering new products. At LiteSync we have been watching this evolve over the past 30 years and within the last 10 years is when we have seen the most growth. Everywhere the consumer looks there is new product choices and vendors offering this industry credential or that industry credential...it becomes a daunting task to know what is the right choice for ones budget and needs.
LiteSync's approach is to align themselves with manufactures that have been been in the industry for decades like ourselves. We all will be here years from now for the support you need. Our best advice to consumers is...do your homework! Ask the vendor you are considering the tough questions. If their automation is controlling your lighting, what education, what credentials do they have in the lighting discipline? It's much more than just turning some lights on and off rest assured and we have witnessed their failings in the most expensive of projects. Do they have the electrical contractors license to execute all phases of your work or do they have to hire others to support them? While many vendors put on a very good facade, there are big holes in their service and these holes can affect you and the cost of your project.
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