The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published a new white paper that includes a framework used to gauge the effectiveness of different lighting control methods.
The paper, NEMA LSD 79-2018 Predicted Energy Savings from Lighting Systems, sets out to provide utilities with a way to estimate the energy savings that are certain to be achieved by using various lighting energy savings technologies and techniques.
“To be successful utilities must have a method of capturing the portion of those savings that are certain to be achieved,” the papers authors say in their introductory Statement of Purpose. “We identify these certain savings by first selecting the proper assumptions up front which will then be used to estimate the potential energy savings associated with a retrofit or new construction project. These potential savings are then further refined based on the specific efficiency measures chosen for the project, which in turn determines the portion of savings that are certain to occur.”
With sections devoted to presenting the calculations on which the paper’s assumptions are based, the paper summarizes the reduction in energy consumption that can be expected using various control strategies and the impact of integrations with other building systems such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and automated shades. It then explores factors affecting payback on the systems and several approaches to measuring performance.
“While the potential to save energy short term is very clear, a method is necessary to determine the long-term average savings that can be captured based on the specific efficiency measures selected by a building owner,” said Dr. Robert Nachtrieb, Lead Scientist, Lutron Electronics Company, and chair of the LSD 79 ad hoc committee. “This paper describes the complexity of this determination and suggests a potential path forward.”
NEMA LSD 79-2018 is available as an electronic download at no cost on the NEMA website.
