Dynamic Exterior Lighting for Energy and Cost Savings in DoD Installations
EW-201141
Objective
The objective of this project is to quantify the energy, environmental, and economic benefits of deploying advanced exterior lighting control technologies at a representative U.S. Army installation (Fort Sill, Oklahoma). Three complementary systems based on scalable control and communication technologies will be demonstrated, each targeting different exterior lighting applications (e.g., street lighting, parking lots, and vehicle maintenance areas) and offering different levels of functionality, energy, and maintenance cost savings. The system solutions deployed will be tailored to suit the unique characteristics of the target Department of Defense (DoD) applications. Evidence will be gathered to substantiate energy savings, payback time, performance, and reliability of these systems, and the results will be used to estimate broad DoD benefits.
Technology Description
Advanced exterior lighting control technologies will be applied in combination with energy-efficient light sources and luminaires (i.e., fixtures) as three complementary system solutions: Dynadimmer, Light on Demand (LOD), and Starsense. These systems address a range of exterior applications, offer unique cost-benefit advantages, and feature distinct control functionalities. Dynadimmer is a stand-alone solution that allows sites to control the amount of light delivered based on customized time schedules. LOD consists of sensing and radio frequency (RF) modules that can be integrated with exterior luminaires to sense movement local to the luminaire and adjust light levels to provide light when and where needed. Starsense is a fully networked system supporting remote management, monitoring, diagnostics, and adaptive light level control. Each Starsense luminaire has an RF module and controller and is linked to a segment controller that provides wireless connectivity to a remote management station.
While all three systems are designed to optimize lighting energy consumption, the exact amount of energy savings will depend on the specific application. The degree of success will be determined by the energy and economic performance, combining energy and maintenance savings and payback time, as well as the lighting performance as compared to applicable standards for the target applications. This project is targeting a minimum of 50% reduction in estimated annual energy savings by deploying the three systems at appropriate locations.
Benefits
The potential DoD energy savings from widespread deployment of these exterior lighting systems is 1.8 billion kWh per year based on a 50% reduction in energy use and the current energy expense of 3.6 billion kWh per year for exterior lighting. Cost savings to DoD for these technologies is estimated at $127 million per year, assuming the cost of $0.071 per kWh. The estimated 1.8 billion kWh annual energy savings would reduce DoD's carbon footprint by about 0.29 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents (MMTCE) annually. Furthermore, the new luminaires in combination with the three control technologies will reduce maintenance costs by at least 40%, improve visibility, and reduce light pollution. The array of advanced exterior lighting solutions can be deployed regardless of existing infrastructure, configuration, or location. This project will provide DoD the energy monitoring and reporting capabilities to manage energy consumption and the institutional knowledge base necessary for successful technology deployment at most DoD installations. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2013)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr. Satyen Mukherjee
Philips Research North America
Phone: 914-945-6320
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.