Virtual smart metering in automation and simulation of energy-efficient lighting system

Building Automation and Control System (BACS) is a promising contributor for conserving building energy consumption. This paper proposes a virtual smart metering approach as an integral part of BACS for the demand control of building services. It can assist consumers to monitor the energy consumption and take measures to rationalize their energy efficiency at a finer granularity. This virtual smart metering enables the simulation-based energy efficiency evaluation of different automation and control strategies. It also establishes the load controlling infrastructure for further Demand Side Management at building side. A prototype lighting control system using virtual smart metering has been developed, where different control strategies can be simulated. It has been demonstrated that how intelligent lighting control taking daylight luminance and occupant presence into account can achieve better energy efficiency.