A Breakthrough in Daylighting Technology

LMLS - 600 A Breakthrough in Daylight Harvesting, April 17, 2013
Published: Wed, 03/13/2013

After intensive R&D efforts in the lab at CLTC, a dual-loop photosensor is now commercially available. The LMLS-600 is the first lighting control device to combine open-loop and closed-loop photosensor technologies and the latest addition to WattStopper's Digital Lighting Management (DLM) system. The result makes daylight harvesting significantly more reliable, energy efficient and cost effective.

Made for commercial spaces with skylights, the dual-loop technology employs an advanced control algorithm to monitor input from an open-loop and a closed-loop photosensor. This allows it to differentiate between changes in daylight contribution and space changes, so it can adjust electric lighting with more accuracy, maintaining a more consistent light level.

A year-long demonstration at the 24-hour West Sacramento Walmart store showed the dual-loop system achieved an additional 50 percent of the energy savings achieved by the store's incumbent open-loop system. The innovation has the potential to popularize skylights and daylight harvesting strategies on a whole new scale, cutting annual electricity costs for businesses and public entities, reducing peak loads on utilities and moving states closer to their efficiency and climate goals.

CLTC will host an event to celebrate the launch of the LMLS-600 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 17. Those attending will be able to hear a seminar on the technology and its development, see a demonstration of the dual-loop photosensor, enjoy a luncheon, and take tours of CLTC's new daylighting and LED laboratories.

Staff Researchers

Konstantinos Papamichael, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus, Department of Design