The California Lighting Technology Center is evaluating the energy savings, economic story, and market potential for energy-efficient smart corridor and stairwell lighting systems.

The projects involve implementing dimmable and demand-response (DR) capabilities in commercial, institutional, and government market sectors. Step-dimming or full-dimming ballasts are combined with occupancy sensors and DR controls in retrofit applications. When sensors detect that the corridor or stairwell is unoccupied, they trigger the luminaires to operate at a predetermined low power level. DR capabilities allow the controlled fixtures to be lowered an additional predetermined amount.

The results of the studies will provide data to better understand the potential energy savings in corridor and stairwell lighting over typical incumbent lighting. Incumbent lighting systems in corridors and stairwells usually are equipped with the building's standard, non-dimmable ballast and operated with wall switches or from the panel box. Recent CLTC studies have shown bi-level corridor and stairwell lighting systems to possess an energy savings opportunity of 40-50%.

Smart corridor and stairwell products are available in today's market for retrofit or new construction applications. Manufacturers with bi-level luminaires on the market include Columbia Lighting, H.E. Williams, LaMar Lighting, Lithonia Lighting, Lutron Electronics, Philips Day-Brite, and Philips Lightolier.

research highlights:

• A CLTC study at UC Davis found areas with no occupant ownership (e.g., corridors, bathrooms, storage areas) represent a significant DR and energy-saving opportunity. Many stairwells and corridors are illuminated continuously regardless of occupancy or activity requirements.
• California utilities recognize this innovative approach to demand response. Southern California Edison, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, and San Diego Gas & Electric Co. have awarded CLTC funds to explore the potential energy savings and peak demand reduction in commercial corridor spaces.
• CLTC has engaged multiple industry partners on development and demonstration tasks of a next-generation corridor lighting system with advanced controls.
• Proof-of-concept systems have been designed and demonstrated at CLTC, in partnership with Adura Technologies, LED Era, and Lithonia Lighting.
• The demonstration phase will be used as a platform to build momentum toward a bi-level corridor statewide initiative, in the same model as the successful bi-level exterior statewide initiative.
• The initiative will feed utility rebate and incentive programs for Smart Interior Lighting in secondary commercial spaces. 
  

demonstrations:

CLTC has installed, evaluated, and/or planned corridor and stairwell demonstrations for several institutions:

• Sacramento Municipal Utility District
• San Diego Gas & Electric Co.
• Southern California Edison
• University of California, Davis
• UC Davis Medical Center

for more information:

CLTC is seeking new demonstration locations and partners for energy-efficient bi-level stairwell and corridor lighting systems. Contact Senior Development Engineer This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.