The Integration of Microcomputers and Controllable Output Ballasts-A New Dimension in Lighting Control

With the introduction of controllable output solid-state ballasts for lighting, it was desirable to utilize small computers to take full advantage of these devices in the built environment. Lighting use accounts for over 50 percent of the energy consumption in most high rise office buildings and therefore represents a significant opportunity for energy and power reduction through the application of efficient hardware and effective control strategies. In one such application in a New York City high rise office building, energy demand for lighting dropped from 2.3 W/ft² to an average 0.7 W/ft², while the lighting levels increased. Peak power dgmand was reduced to 1.1 W utilizing the hardware and strategies discussed. The increased component costs for these systems pay for themselves in reduced energy costs in well under three years and in most cases under two years. Additionally, these systems provide a better, more human-oriented working environment which is thought to be more productive.