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Photo sensors operate by sensing the quantity of light in an area and switching or adjusting the output of light fixtures accordingly. The
Photo Control |
most familiar application of this technology is the simple photo control that turns outdoor lighting on and off in response to the amount of sunlight. These are simple and cost-effective control devices. More sophisticated applications include day lighting controls that adjust indoor light fixture output levels in perimeter areas next to windows or under skylights in response to natural outdoor light entering the building. Day lighting controls are available in simple on/off, stepped light output reduction and continuous dimming models. Lighting energy cost savings can be substantial with day lighting controls as shown in the table below. They have the additional distinct advantages of reducing loads on air conditioning equipment at times when that load is at its highest, and of reducing peak demand on the APS system when it is at its highest. The latter benefit helps APS avoid the need for building expensive new power plants, and helps our customers reduce load when the cost of electricity can be at its highest. Since direct sunlight can cause glare and also increase cooling loads, photosensors can also be used to control automated blinds that limit those negative effects.
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Potential Annual Lighting Energy Cost Savings with Day lighting Controls
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Day lighting
Strategy
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Control
Type
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Potential Annual
Energy Savings
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Window sidelighting
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On/off
Stepped
Continuous dimming
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32%
44%
56%
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Skylighting
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On/off
Stepped
Continuous dimming
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52%
57%
62%
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Source: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
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