During experiments to determine how far light can be dimmed before occupants notice a difference, researchers in the study conclude perceptions of lighting quality aren’t detected by most occupants until light output is cut by 30 percent if lights are dimmed slowly.
Titled “Intelligent Commercial Lighting: Demand-Responsive Conditioning and Increased User Satisfaction,” the research is aimed at finding ways facility executives can set policy to take part in demand-response opportunity programs offered by electric utilities. Alice Agogino, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of California at Berkeley, is the lead researcher on the project.
The research results come as the importance of energy efficiency come to the forefront of energy debates. Lighting is responsible for approximately 40 percent of commercial building energy use. While efficient lighting controls that can save up to 45 percent in electricity consumption are commercially available, the systems are poorly received and greatly under-leveraged, resulting in a missed opportunity for impressive energy savings, according to the researchers.
A full copy of the research report can be found at http//www.ucei.berkeley.edu/PDF/EDT_007.html
