Phisically-based modelling of induction lamps: Application to the improvement of energy efficiency in the lighting system of a university building

To manage efforts in energy efficiency, the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) decided in 2003 to develop an ambitious project to reduce energy use intensity and costs during the period 2003–2008. To accomplish this objective in lighting end-use demand -one of the two main electrical uses together with space cooling/heating-, the UPCT joins, in July 2002, the U.E. GreenLight program as a partner. This paper describes the University experience in the second year (2003/04) of partnership in this UE initiative. The objectives were: to manage the demand, to improve the quality of lighting, working and environmental conditions, and reduce significantly energy and O&M expenses. Basically, the work developed in this year is focused in the change of conventional High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting systems in classrooms (2000 m²) through the evaluation of advantages and drawbacks of different alternatives. The most promising one, the change to a new technology −165W induction lamps-, will be analyzed in detail in the paper.