Smart Grid Solutions from lighting control manufacturer Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. were recently displayed at the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) open house on January 20, 2010. Located at the University of California, Davis (UC-Davis), the CLTC is a research and education facility that focuses on the application of energy-efficient lighting and “daylighting” technologies through research, development, demonstration, outreach, and education in partnership with utilities, manufacturers, end users, builders, designers, and governmental agencies.
CLTC attendees check out a Smart Grid Solutions Display at the CLTC Open house.
Lutron Smart Grid Solutions enable either automated or manual demand response capabilities for both commercial buildings and residential spaces. Commercially, Lutron Quantum total light management system and Q-Manager with IntelliDemand enable automated or manual demand response capability. Residentially, the Lutron RadioRA2 retrofittable, whole-home lighting control system, can serve as the backbone for demand response, according to Lutron.
Lutron is working with utilities nationwide to connect lighting within commercial buildings and residences to the electrical grid through smart meters and Smart Grid infrastructure.
“It is important to have a system where an end user or consumer can easily program customized protocols and a hierarchy for curtailing energy consumption within their respective spaces when a request or demand calls for it,” said Dr. Ian Rowbottom, principal engineer for Smart Grid Products at Lutron. “Although everyone wants to conserve energy, some may curtail lighting first, others may curtail heating and air conditioning first; we want to give people choices on how they can do it.”
In addition to the Smart Grid Solutions on display during the open house, several Lutron products are installed throughout the CLTC.
• The Quantum total light management system, with automated shades and EcoSystem ballasts, is installed in an office and conference room
• Maestro Wireless lighting controls and Radio Powr Savr Occupancy/Vacancy Sensors take advantage of daylight harvesting, most commonly in conference rooms
• Individual Lutron lighting controls are installed in other locations throughout the space
Lutron Smart Grid Solutions Demand Response demonstration display.
The event at the CLTC was open to the public and included opening remarks from leadership representing UC-Davis, the California Energy Commission, the North American Electrical Manufacturing Association, and the California Public Utilities Commission. Guests had the opportunity to tour the new facility and see demonstrations of leading-edge lighting technologies. These demonstrations include bi-level exterior lighting, office lighting solutions, LED down lights, next generation dimmable metal halide systems, wireless controls, and more.
The CLTC moved into its new, 14,000-square-foot facility in 2009. The Center boasts an affiliate partnership program representing more than half of the total sales of the U.S. lighting industry and more than 30 employees consisting of professors, full-time staff, graduate student researchers, and student interns.
